Hiking at Night: The Most Important Things to Carry in Your Backpack

Do you find you don’t have time to squeeze in a hike during the day? Or perhaps you’re searching for a new kind of adrenaline rush? Or training for a long-distance hike? Or you want to take advantage of evening’s cooler temperatures? If so, then you may have already toyed with the idea of hiking at night, and for those who don’t know how to get started or what you should bring we’ve put together a few tips to help you dive right in and discover a new way of hiking!

Precautions to take before you strike out on your first night hike

Even if you’re an experienced day hiker, there are a few precautions you should take before setting out on your first night hike.This first thing is to not go alone. Not only is the presence of someone by your side really reassuring, if anything should happen to you your hiking buddy will be there to lend a hand.

Having fun and staying safe while hiking at night

Another tip is to choose a trail that’s neither too strenuous nor too long. Ideally, it will be a familiar route you’ve already taken in full daylight. When hiking at night it doesn’t take long to realize that everything feels different including distances and the passage of time. It's also a good idea to tell a friend which route you plan to take before you set off as well as give an approximate departure and return time. Don't overestimate your abilities: everything takes longer at night, especially route finding.Finally, keep a close eye on the weather before you head out. Good weather and clear skies are valuable allies. You can even target nights with a full moon to take advantage of the better visibility!

Essential equipment for a successful night hike

The first step is to find a good hiking backpack that meets all your needs. When it’s time to load your pack for a night hike, use the same system as when you organize your gear for a day hike. Keep in mind though, limited visibility and colder temperatures mean you need to always stay alert and there are certain things that become even more necessary.

The importance of a great headlamp

First and foremost, you need to see and be seen, so clearly you’re going to need a good headlamp. Find a model with a strong beam and that lasts a long time. Make sure it’s fully charged before you leave the house and take extra batteries (or emergency battery pack) with you. In addition, if the start of your hike is in an urban area it’s also a good idea to wear reflective and/or brightly colored clothing. If your headlamp has a ‘flashing’ mode don't hesitate to use it in town to catch drivers' eyes. A final tip on using your headlamp: avoid looking directly into the eyes of your fellow hikers. For one thing it's not a very pleasant experience for them and secondly, they'll lose their night vision and it will take several minutes for their eyes to adapt to the dark again.

What to wear for hiking at night

One thing is certain, it’s colder at night than during the day so pack several layers of clothing so that you’ll be ready when temperatures drop. A t-shirt, a fleece (and/or down jacket) and a jacket to protect you from the elements are a minimum. For bottoms, we recommend hiking in pants. Make sure your extremities are well covered because most heat is lost through the hands and head which makes gloves and a hat a couple of invaluable assets.

Hydration and food when hiking at night

Hiking at night can sometimes be tricky because it's easy to forget to eat and drink when the sun isn't shining and our senses are alert. So remember to add cereal bars and snacks as well as plenty of water to your pack. And don’t hesitate to bring a thermos if temperatures are cool.

Preparing for (and managing) the unexpected

Route finding can be challenging at night since you can’t rely on your eyesight as much as you can in broad daylight. A mobile phone or GPS with backlit screens are the most practical tools (as long as they're charged and you know how to use them!), but a good old map coupled with a headlamp will also do the trick.We’ve already mentioned the importance of starting out with a fully charged headlamp and mobile phone when venturing out at night. For your own safety we also strongly recommend packing an external battery and cables for charging your devices, as well as a survival blanket because after all, they only weigh a few grams. And last but not least, in order to leave with total peace of mind, don’t forget a first aid kit.

Now that you know what to pack for your first night hike, it’s time to organize it all in your pack. This is all the more important at night when visibility is limited. For example, will you be able to remember where you stored those darn gloves when the cold starts to set in?

Once you’re out on the trails enjoying the wonderful experience of night hiking, remember that most animals are more active at night. So respect wildlife by keeping your distance, staying on the trails and making as little noise as possible. By doing so, your senses will be heightened and you may find yourself fortunate enough to have some remarkable encounters!

Checklist for hiking at night

• Hiking shoes
• Backpack
• Appropriate clothing (multiple layers, reflective if possible)
• Gloves, beanie, neck gaiter
• Headlamp, fully charged
• Mobile phone, fully charged
• Extra batteries and charging cables
• First aid kit
• Water and snacks
• GPS or topographic map