My Story:
The Trail Behind the Writing Journey
I grew up about twenty minutes from the nearest paved road, which probably explains a lot about how I ended up here. My father ran a small outfitting business in the Rockies, and by the time I was twelve I could break down a canoe trip itinerary better than most adults could plan a grocery run. That early exposure to the backcountry never left me, and it’s the reason this site exists.
Two Decades on the Trail, Not in a Boardroom
Montgomery Peterson isn’t a brand voice built by committee. I’ve spent the better part of two decades working seasonal guide jobs, writing gear reviews for smaller outdoor publications, and slowly building a library of travel notes from trips across five continents.
A few years ago I turned those notes into my first book, a field guide to backcountry navigation, and I’ve since published a couple more titles covering long-distance hiking prep and budget travel for outdoor lovers. Writing books forced me to get serious about accuracy, and that habit carried over into everything I publish here.
What You’ll Actually Find Here
This site is where I put the material that doesn’t fit neatly into a book: trail breakdowns, packing lists I’ve actually tested in the field, honest gear comparisons, and travel guides built from trips I’ve taken myself rather than research pulled together from other blogs.
If I recommend a tent, it’s because I’ve slept in it during a hailstorm. If I write about a destination, I’ve been there, usually more than once. And hopefully I have a whole lot more to recommend and write about as my journey continues.
No Fluff, Just What You Need to Know
My approach to outdoor writing is simple: assume the reader is smart and just wants straight information. I skip the philosophizing about “finding yourself” in nature and get straight to what you need to know before you leave the driveway. That means real mileage figures, real cost breakdowns, and honest warnings about the parts of a trip that tend to go wrong.
Life Off the Grid, On Purpose
When I’m not writing or traveling, I’m usually somewhere without cell service, which is exactly how I like it. My wife and two kids have gotten used to summers built around road trips and national park itineraries, and more than a few articles on this site started as notes scribbled at a campsite picnic table.
Get in Touch
If you’re planning your own trip and want a second opinion, or you’ve spotted a correction on something I’ve written, reach out through the contact page. I read every message myself. And if you are really interesting in learning more about my talents, you can find my books on Amazon.com — which are more focusing on mindfulness, coloring and activity than actual writing, as I’m no New York Times best selling writer!
Disclaimer: As I continued to write out this blog, I discovered the world of advertising and affiliate marketing. That means you may find affiliate links throughout my content, including recommendations for different camping, hiking and live products or event some links through my Amazon Associate account. The good news is, I earn from qualifying purchases, and it never changes what I recommend or the actual price of the product/services.