NIGHT HIKING: PROS, CONS, AND DANGERS [+TIPS] By: The Camotrek Staff

NIGHT HIKING: PROS, CONS, AND DANGERS [+TIPS]

By: The Camotrek Staff

While hiking places specific demands upon the most experienced of hikers, hiking at night presents a completely different experience with a whole new set of challenges. This article by the Staff of Camotrek examines the night hike in great detail, offering insight, experience and expertise to instruct hikers on mastering the skills unique to hiking at night.

From the beginning the article makes it quite clear that night hiking is not for every hiker. It should not be undertaken by novice hikers Even experience hikers must approach night hiking with caution and prepare to adapt their skills to meet the challenges of a new and different experience. It is critical that you do your homework in regard to planning your night hike. When selecting the trail to take on your night hike be sure to consider rough terrain, weather conditions, wildlife or anything else that might present a danger to life or limb. You should pick a trail that is familiar to you. One that you have travelled during the day, preferably one that is fairly easy to traverse. Never overestimate your skill or underestimate the environment or conditions you might confront.

The article places initial emphasis on illuminating the trail as you trek along path. Be sure to bring a reliable flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries. The article even goes so far as to make recommendations for both the optimum flashlight and headlamp. While night hiking alone can be a very rewarding experience, it is suggested that you hike with a friend on you first few hikes. You have the benefit of a shared experience and a friend to help if something happens. Wear reflective clothing or footwear so that you can keep track of each other and minimize that likelihood of being separated. Always make you plans known to someone reliable. Tell them where you will be hiking and when you expect to return. That way, if you do not return by the expected time and a search becomes necessary, the team knows where to begin.

Uneven terrain presents a real risk of injury, especially at night in low light. Consequently, the article recommends the use of trekking poles to negotiate the trail more safely. Besides stabilizing yourself over uneven terrain, the poles relieve stress upon knees and joints and help you to cross streams and creeks. Because weather can always be unpredictable and night hikes occur under cooler temperatures, it is wise to wear a couple of extra layers and bring a waterproof rain jacket in the event of an unexpected downpour. It is optimum to hike on clear nights with a bright moon to illuminate the trail.

The article makes a point to discuss the pros and cons of night hiking. The pros are relief from the summer heat, the solitude of being on the trail alone or with few other hikers and the opportunity to observe the nocturnal activities of wildlife. The cons include the necessity to go slower at night to avoid mishaps such as falling or missing the trail. Hiking during the night is very disruptive to your normal sleep schedule. Sleeping during the heat and brightness of the day is a difficult adjustment and sleeping at night means you are not hiking. Hiking with inadequate sleep is a risky proposition. Thus, if you are unable to sleep well, you must consider whether night hike is for you.

The authors discuss in detail the dangers of night hiking at length. They describe the dangers of getting lost, falling, extreme weather, dehydration, foot problems (blisters and sprained ankles), fording rivers and streams, traversing over snow and ice, and encountering wild animals or hunters. The message of this article is that night hiking is a worthwhile and unique experience that offers an opportunity to enjoy serenity, solitude, adventure and beauty of nature. However, it is not for everyone and if undertaken, it must be well planned and properly equipped. When night hikers follow the advice in this article, they will drastically reduce the risk of injury or hardship thus assuring that their night hiking adventure will be safe, rejuvenating and enjoyable.

We at Wishing Well Outdoors hope that you enjoyed this article by Camotrek.com. You may read the full article by clicking here or on the article’s title below the featured image. If you need any new hiking equipment. apparel or footwear, please browse the hiking section of our storefront