It can be difficult to get your hiking fix as much as you'd like at the end of the fall when the days are at their shortest. It's the time of year where we're in danger of succumbing to the temptation of the couch and abandoning something exciting in the great outdoors – at least on weeknights. But, with a little forethought and planning, going out camping after dark might be just the adventure you need to shake off the winter blues.

If you are new to hiking, it is important that you take all of the usual safety measures that you would on a day hike. Preparation is important, and these winter hiking tips can easily be extended to night hiking. Be sure you go for a few walks in the daytime before doing something that involves the loss of one of your senses.

Night hiking is not only a unique way to get outdoors, but it is also an excellent chance to spy on the nighttime nature and to enjoy the favorite trail without the noise and distractions of other people. So, instead of putting your hiking boots away for the winter, go out and explore the nocturnal landscape.

Hiking clothes and gear for night hikes

Here are a few essentials to carry and wear on a night hike (in addition to the regular hiking gear):

Headlamp and spare batteries

Having a flashlight is essential for night hiking. However, using a headlamp is preferable. It will sit on your head for the remainder of the climb, even when not in use, which frees up your hands for more essential activities, such as maintaining balance. Bring extra batteries, and try to turn the light off or away while interacting with someone – no one enjoys being dazzled by a flashing spotlight!

Make use of a GPS.

Finding your way after being disoriented while hiking can be challenging at the best of times. However, in the dark, it could be unlikely. Learning to hike without landmarks or obvious way-markers is a difficult specialized hiking experience that can take a long time to learn. Using a GPS will reduce the risk of being lost in the first place and will significantly assist you in getting back on track if you do get off track.

Dress accordingly.

Needless to mention, the temperatures at night would be cooler than you are accustomed to hiking in, so bring extra clothes in your pack and wear in layers that can be quickly tailored to the weather.

Consume hot beverages and high-energy foods.

If it's cold outside, hot chocolate or soup to spice you up would be very welcome when you take a break. Additionally, eating is a perfect way to stay warm when hiking, so keep snacking on high-energy foods.

Wear boots with good ankle support

And with a strong flashlight, you won't be able to see everything under your feet all of the time. So make sure your hiking boots have sufficient ankle protection to keep you safe if you ever happen to walk down the secret rabbit hole! It's quite probable that you'll accidentally step in the dirt, a puddle, or a swamp. Waterproof boots are needed to protect your toes from getting wet and cold.

Wear reflective clothing

Carry a sweater with metallic stripes if you have one. If you get separated from your party, it will make you much easier to find with a flashlight. A pair of reflective wrist and ankle bands, on the other hand, are highly efficient, compact, and inexpensive.

 

Making a plan for a night hike

When hiking at night, the possibility of being disoriented is much higher than when hiking during the day. So, when preparing the first few paths, try to make it as simple as possible for yourself. When preparing your way, keep the following in mind:

Select a well-known trail.

This will reduce the risk of being lost, because if you ever get lost, you will be much more familiar with the trail's subtle landmarks. It would also provide you with a clearer estimate of how long the hike will take. All moves more slowly in the dark, so a quick familiar path would suffice.

Keep away from rugged terrain.

If you are an accomplished hiker, you can avoid river crossings, cliff faces, ridges, and other dangerous hiking features. While very entertaining and enjoyable, the possibility of something going wrong is greatly increased in the dark. It's best to stick to easier trails.

Select a path with visible landmarks.

Choose the road with the most visible landmarks out of all the ones you take on a daily basis. Such as distinct hill forms, peculiar rock structures, isolated houses, bridges, incredibly tall trees, cliff faces, and so on. Then, before you leave, try to mark any of them on your map so you have a point of reference.

Hike up a hill.

If the worst happens and you get hopelessly lost, hiking a path that begins at the bottom of a hill can be beneficial. It will provide you with an instant frame of reference for the general route you need to take to get back to where you began – downhill!

Avoid densely forested areas.

If you like the creepy feeling of being in the woods at night, it is best not to waste too much time hiking in the trees. Being among the trees would also block the moon's natural light from guiding you.

Select a trail near a city.

The reward of great views and vast vistas as you cross the top is a big part of the charm of hiking. Obviously, this would not be present on your night hike. So, if this is important to you, go for a hike near a town or city and enjoy the twinkling lights from afar, smug in the knowledge that you are far away from its madness!

Choose a path where wildlife is known to be seen.

When it comes to spotting wildlife at night, the wilder you go, the better. A little research into the best places to go to see nocturnal activity, on the other hand, can increase the odds of spotting a special wildlife treat.

Look for any wildlife warnings.

Avoid places where there are warnings for dangerous animals. They will be busy at night, and you will be in their domain. So, at all times, avoid trespassing. If you are hiking in a protected area, there could be nighttime limits for nesting or breeding, among other things. Check in before you go.

Make the most of your night hike.

It is critical to plan an exciting and appropriate route if you choose to enjoy hiking in the dark. But there are a few other things you can do to make the most of your nighttime adventure:

Make plans to go on a bright night.

As all hikers are aware, the weather is a rule unto itself and can alter at any time – be prepared! It's a smart idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast before you leave, and then pick a time when the odds of it remaining fine are high. This will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the night sky with all its splendor. Even better, schedule your walk for a full moon and you won't have to use your torch batteries.

Hike with a group.

Making a night of it with a group of your friends. There will be parts of the walk that there won't be much to look at, but finding a group of people to talk with along the way can be a great distraction. Furthermore, keeping people present will put the more anxious members of the party at peace in the dark.

Stay together

If you want to hike as a group, keep everyone together at all times. If there are a lot of you, it may be a smart idea to implement a buddy scheme so that everyone is responsible for at least one other user.

Start at sunset.

Not only will you have beautiful lighting to enjoy for the first part of the hike, but starting at sunset will also allow you to become more accustomed to the dark as the sunsets.

Take a moment to reflect and listen to nature.

One of the great things about hiking at night is that you don't have to share the desert with hordes of other people. It's your chance to really understand the subtle sounds of your natural surroundings, so don't forget to rest and enjoy it. Put on any layers, lie down, be still, and as still as you can. Who knows what you might see or hear!

 

There's no excuse why hiking at night can't be as interesting and exciting as hiking during the day, and it's a perfect way to exercise outdoors once the dark evenings arrive. Take the kids on a short hike and do a nighttime scavenger hunt, or go out on Halloween with some friends to 'enjoy' what the forest has in store for you.

However, you like to hike at night, make sure you do so responsibly and sensibly, and that you have a great time doing it.