About Live Free MT
Live Free MT was born from a simple idea: life is better when you’re outside.
My name is Brandon Barefield, a lifelong Montanan who spends as much time as possible backpacking, hunting, fishing, skiing, mountain biking, and exploring the wild corners of this incredible state. After years of chasing adventures and testing gear the hard way, I wanted a place to share honest stories, real trip reports, and practical gear reviews without corporate fluff. Just what actually works in the Montana backcountry.
This isn’t a big company or paid review site. It’s a personal project I run in my spare time because I believe in living free and protecting the places that make Montana special.
Whether you’re a seasoned local or planning your first trip to Big Sky Country, you’ll find straightforward advice, trail-tested recommendations, and stories that capture what it really feels like to be out here.
What You'll Find Here
Trip Reports
Detailed, honest accounts from day hikes to multi-day excursions into the Montana backcountry.
Gear Reviews
No-BS testing of packs, tents, boots, rifles, rods, and everything in between.
Montana Guides
Seasonal advice, hidden spots, safety tips, trip planning and preperation, and route recommendations.
Living Free
Stories about why we get outside and how we do it responsibly and ethically.