How to Hike at Night

Hike during the day and you are sure to have a good time. However, sometimes life calls for a little more excitement. For those more adventurous and looking for a new experience with nature, you can follow these steps to hike at night.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Backpack
• Gloves
• Food
• Water
• Flashlight
• Hat
• Compass
• Map

1. Start your hike by making a checklist of the items you will need to bring. Dutiful preparation is key to a successful night hike.
2. Make a plan, locate your route on a map and follow it to your best ability. Knowing where you are going will save you a lot of time and give you a goal to achieve.
3. Take breaks. Slow down or stop if feeling winded or if getting cold. Use this time to drink some water, or if a cold night, warm your body with hot chocolate from a thermos, put on some gloves and warm your hands or put a hat on your head and warm up.
4. Use your breaks to refuel. Hike at night and you will likely be hungrier, so you will need to eat and drink as necessary.
5. Follow your route and estimate the time it will take you to get from point A to point B. Your hike should include a destination point where you will have transportation waiting.
6. Use your flashlight as much as possible. The landscape will appear completely different under the cover of darkness so even if you are familiar with the terrain or trail, never go out without a flashlight or head lantern.
7. Hike slowly. Here, it will be easier to get lost or to trip, stumble or completely fall from an unseen obstacle or hole.
8. Let others know where you are going and when you expect to return. Should you get lost, you will want to know that those looking for you will have a general idea of where you are and how long you have been gone.