Weekly Blog #8 - Zero Days, Hiker Hero Days
Full Blog Archives are here.
posted: Saturday, May 30th, 2026
Zero Days - those indispensable days in which, well, no hiking is done...
Zero is usually not a very desirable number for most people. Have $0 in your checking account. Welcome to being broke. Have zero job experience? Probably also broke (and unemployed). Have zero hair follicles? Your baldness has even Charlie Brown beat.
But “Zero” has a different meaning to hikers – ESPECIALLY when paired with the word “Day”. A “ZERO DAY” is one of the most magical phrases that can be uttered on the trail. When spoken from one backpacker to another, it can instantly bring forth one of the 7 Deadly Sins (be it anger, pride, envy, lust, gluttony or sloth). Which one depends on when the listening hiker had THEIR last Zero Day.
For those not up with proper Trail Lingo – a “Zero Day” is one in which a hiker travels ZERO miles. It usually happens in conjunction with a town visit, often paired with an overnight hotel stay. Most hikers combo this with a re-supply run – where they visit local grocers, outfitters or the post office to grab a bounce box (again, check out the Trail Lingo!)
Most hikers try to schedule a Zero Day every 5-7 days, although it can vary due to logistics (such as town proximity, hiking pace, weather and your budget). There are purists / mildly insane hikers that NEVER take a Zero Day. They are easy to spot, smell and hear…and they are usually super grouchy.
Sponge does not recommend joining their ranks. Instead, he’s a pretty big proponent of “productive” Zero Days. Yes, your overworked body needs time to just vegetate. But your taxed hygiene, calorie-strapped stomach and trail-trodden outfits will need some consideration.
That being said, here is Sponge’s Seven Non-Deadly Zero Day Chores:
1. Sleep in a bed
Whether it’s in a hostel or hotel, it’s important to feel a mattress. Is it necessary? No, there’s a reason why accommodations offer them (instead of a room with sawdust on the floor, like in the 1800s).
2. Eat some high-calorie meals
Even with your dehydrated buffets on the trail, you likely are running a calorie-deficit if you are putting in decent miles. The goal here isn’t to “catch up” – but at least bank a few calories for the miles to come.
3. Eat some fruit and vegetables.
Sponge apologizes for bringing back any bad broccoli flashbacks from your childhood, but your body will begin to miss the health benefits of those fresh foods you simply can’t get on the trail.
4. Do some laundry
Sure, it feels better to have fresh clothes on – but it’s also important to shed anything starting to grow on or within them (mold, bacteria, etc.). Use these sheets for a lightweight option and hang things to dry – it will prevent wear and tear and prevent shrinking.
5. Take inventory and re-supply
A Zero Day is the perfect time to see if you need a new iso-butane cannister for your stove, some additional snacks for your hip belt or more electrolyte powder packets for those super hot climbs.
6. Get in touch with your tech-tendencies
This is the perfect time to re-charge anything and everything that needs a plug-in (power banks, headlamp, music player, etc.) You should also take advantage of a likely Wi-Fi signal to upload pictures, make social media posts or see what’s going on in the world of news and sports.
7. Call friends and family
Yes, you could try to phone them on the trail – but sometimes it’s best not to frighten those you care about with lovely images of swamp feet or the sound of a distant pack of howling wolves. Catch up while laying on your bed (see #1) or charging your electronics (see #6).
While not included on Sponge’s Non-Deadly Chore List, there is one MORE reason to make Zero Days happen. Put simply – it is to support the communities that support the trail. You won’t find booming metropolises in proximity to most trails – but rather small towns that have a symbiotic relationship with hikers. They need the business of hikers just as much as hikers need the services they provide. Do your part and support them.
Sponge has two Zero Days on his upcoming Superior Hiking Trail trip – so you better believe he will be following his own rules when he arrives in Silver Bay and Grand Marais. If you see his black hat at the laundromat or local pub, you’ll know why!
Note: Clicking products in this blog will take you to Amazon product pages. Sponge receives an affiliate commission from purchases made from these clicks.
Double Note: Sponge will NEVER link products he does not stand behind. Also, Sponge has NEVER received free products or special treatment from companies whose products are shown.