Everyone needs a hobby. It’s good to have something to keep you occupied. An activity to pass the time, after work or on the weekend. For some, board games or video games are the way to go. For others, having a jam and making some music ticks the box. Others still enjoy working on their car or motorcycle. And some love to get into the great outdoors – go camping and hiking and other outdoor activities. For those that love hiking, some of you may wonder how you could enjoy this activity at night. Well, in this useful aport we’ll explain how.
Be Prepared
The key to surviving hiking at night is preparation. Make sure your group has some high-quality LED torches on hand. The brighter, the better. During the day, you can easily spot tripping hazards and other obstacles in your path. At night, you need to rely on your torch for this. A head torch is an excellent idea because it keeps your hands free for a hiking pole. Make sure that you pack spare batteries, or if your flashlight is rechargeable, ensure you charge it before your night hike.
Pack Extra Layers
Depending on where you go, and during what season, it could get quite chilly at night. Even though you’ll be hiking, it is worth packing some extra layers. Look for specialised outdoor vests, jumpers, and other warm clothes. Don’t forget the bottom layers either – your trousers and socks. In unusually cold environments, you may wish to wear thermal underwear too. Finally, a warm hat like a beanie is a great idea as well.
Pick a Well Known Trail
Night hikes are not the time to try that brand new trail you’ve been eyeing up for months. This is a recipe for disaster. You want to pick a path that you, or someone in your group, knows like the back of their hand. This is to ensure everyone’s safety. Embarking on an unknown trail, at night, even if you’re well-prepared, could mean that you run the risk of getting lost.
Let Someone Know Where You Are
As with any outdoor exploring or adventure, it is a great idea to let a friend or family member know where you are. Tell them where you will begin your trek, the route you will take and where and when you expect to finish up. Contact them once you’ve finished. This way, if they don’t hear from you by the scheduled time, they can raise the alarm. Consider other safety tips too.
Pick a Good Forecast
At night, your visibility is reduced anyway, even with a great torch. Check the forecast before you leave, to ensure a clear night with no rain. You want to have as much visibility as you can get to ensure safety. And besides, hiking at night during a downpour isn’t much fun anyway.
Summing it Up
A hike at night can be a thrilling adventure, but you need to be prepared to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Have a strong LED torch, preferably a head torch, to light your way. Pack some extra layers to stay warm and don’t forget thermal underwear and a beanie if it is going to be chilly. Pick a trail, you know well. Nighttime is not the time to choose an unknown path to explore. Always let someone know where you are and when you expect to return. Finally, check the forecast ahead of time to make sure that your hike occurs on a dry, clear night. And don’t forget the most important tip of all – have fun!
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