Chris Mercer

Founder of StepMassive.com, Chris is an avid backpacker with over 120 multi-day trips since 2019. His trail-tested guides focus on practical comfort systems and reliable lightweight gear for real-world use. When not on the trail, he’s likely planning his next trip or brewing a backcountry coffee.

- IMG 7039 - Best Backpacking Gear

Backpacking the Grand Canyon: Hermit Trail + Tonto Shelf Loop (3-Day Itinerary)

Follow my 3-day backpacking adventure through the Grand Canyon, tackling the Hermit Trail, Tonto Shelf, and Boucher Trail. With 23.4 miles of rugged terrain and over 9,000 feet of elevation change, this trip offered epic views, remote campsites, and plenty of challenges.

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- P1040309 HDR - Best Backpacking Gear

4-Day Backpacking Adventure in the Superstition Wilderness

4-Day Backpacking Adventure in the Superstition Wilderness Boulder Canyon + Black Top Mesa + Weaver’s Needle There’s something magical about Arizona’s Superstition Wilderness. Known for its rugged beauty, eerie legends, and endless opportunities for adventure, this place is a backpacker’s dream. I recently embarked on a 4-day solo backpacking trip to explore the desert canyons,

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- IMG 5605 1 - Best Backpacking Gear

Backpacking Yosemite’s North Rim: Stunning Views above the Valley

Backpacking Yosemite’s North Rim: Stunning Views above the Valley El Capitan, Upper Yosemite Falls, and North Dome This was a 4-day backpacking trip on the North Rim of Yosemite National Park in mid-Summer. On this trip, I camped on top of El Capitan, at Upper Yosemite Falls, and on North Dome, with detours to Eagle

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