What Is A Zero Day Hiking Adventure?

What is the difference between a Zero day and a Nero day in hiking? In the world of hiking, a Zero day, often referred to as “taking a zero,” involves taking a complete day off from hiking to rest and recuperate. When embarking on a lengthy trail journey, it’s common practice to schedule a Zero day approximately every 7-8 days to provide your body with the essential recovery time it needs to perform optimally.

On the other hand, a Nero day is a bit different. During a Nero day, hikers do engage in some hiking, but they cover a significantly shorter distance compared to their typical daily mileage. This type of day allows hikers to maintain their trail rhythm while reducing the physical demands on their bodies, making it a useful strategy for easing into or out of more strenuous sections of the trail or simply taking it easy for a day. Both Zero and Nero days are essential components of a hiker’s toolkit for managing the challenges of long-distance hiking.

Zero day resupply, often referred to as “ZDR,” is a valuable resource for hikers along long-distance trails. This service, typically run by experienced hikers, provides a comprehensive solution for resupplying essential items during their journey. Zero day resupply websites or services offer a wide range of hiker-specific supplies, including instant meals, trail snacks, storage bags, duct tape (available by the inch), and much more. These resourceful providers also have a deep understanding of how to navigate the postal service and general mail delivery systems in trail towns. This ensures that hikers can efficiently receive their resupplies while on the trail, allowing them to enjoy their “zero days” without worrying about restocking their supplies. Whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker or a newcomer to long-distance hiking, zero day resupply services can be a game-changer for maintaining a successful and enjoyable trek. [Updated to September 2023]

What is meant by “taking a zero” in the context of hiking? Taking a zero, often referred to as “zeroing,” involves the practice of taking a break from hiking during a long-distance trek. On a zero day, hikers intentionally refrain from covering any mileage towards their destination, effectively putting 0 miles (or kilometers) behind them. It’s important to note that a zero day doesn’t necessarily mean spending the entire day motionless like a yogi; rather, it’s a day dedicated to rest and recovery from the physical demands of hiking. This practice allows hikers to rejuvenate their bodies and minds, reducing the risk of exhaustion and enhancing their overall hiking experience.