What Is a Zero in Backpacking?

By Anna Duncan

Backpacking is an outdoor activity that involves a lot of gear and equipment. A zero is a term used to describe the amount of gear a backpacker has in their pack. It’s an important concept for backpackers, as it helps them understand the weight of their gear and how much they need to carry.

A zero describes the total weight of the items you are carrying in your pack, not including food, water, or fuel. It excludes items such as tent poles, stakes, sleeping pads, and other items that don’t weigh anything but still take up space in your pack. Your zero should also include any clothing you are wearing or carrying in a waist belt or pockets.

The purpose of having a zero is to help you plan for how much weight you can carry on your backpacking trips. It also allows you to compare different packs and see which one will best suit your needs. When looking at packs, pay attention to the volume capacity as well as the weight capacity; this will give you an idea of how much gear you can bring on your adventures.

It’s important to keep track of your zero weight so that you know if you need to add more gear or if it’s time to shed some weight. You should also keep track of what each piece of gear weighs so that you can adjust your total load accordingly if needed. This will help ensure that your backpacking trips are comfortable and enjoyable without being too heavy or too light.

Conclusion:

What Is a Zero in Backpacking? A zero is a term used by backpackers to describe the total weight of all their gear excluding food, water, and fuel.

This helps them plan for how much they can carry on their backpacking trips and allows them to compare different packs for suitability. It’s important for backpackers to keep track of their zero weight so they know when it’s time to either add more gear or shed some weight.