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Hiking is a popular activity worldwide, letting you explore the woods in its most natural form. However, some trails are too hot or crowded during the day. Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy the sights and sounds by yourself? If you’re up for the challenge, try night hiking. Here are 12 essentials you’ll need for hiking at night.
1. BioLite HeadLamp 325
You won’t have streetlights to help you, so get a headlamp for night walking. The BioLite HeadLamp 325 combines comfort and practicality with a smooth band around your head and 325 lumens of light. The headlamp only weighs about 2 ounces, so don’t worry about it feeling heavy on your head. BioLite says the average run time for the headlamp is 40 hours on low and three hours on high.
2. Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 Power Bank
Will your night hiking trip take more than three hours? If high-powered lights are necessary, you may run out of battery power before the night ends. Bring a Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 along to ensure you have light the entire time. This device provides 10,000 milliamp hours and fully charges any electronic device using a USB-C port. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to carry in your backpack.
3. Coleman SkinSmart Insect Repellent
Hiking at night is advantageous because the temperatures are cooler and you can worry less about sunburn. However, the darkness is when some bugs come out to play. Night-biting mosquitoes avoid blue light and make their presence known at night. Pack a Coleman SkinSmart Insect Repellent bottle to protect yourself from bugs for up to eight hours. Plus, the repellent is nongreasy and dries fast.
4. REI Co-op Trailmade 20 Sleeping Bag
Night walking could turn into an overnight stay if you become too tired. Sleeping on the ground leaves you vulnerable to dangerous animals or even hypothermia if it’s cold. Cooler temperatures call for warmth, so stay cozy in REI’s mummy bag. This sleeping bag keeps you warm and dry with a synthetic fill and no cold spots. The polyester finish repels water and unwanted stains from the ground.
5. Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoodie
Dressing for a hike can be challenging because you want to stay warm in cool temperatures without overheating. How can you find a middle ground? Consider Patagonia’s Capilene Cool Daily Hoodie because it’s soft and breathable with stretchy fabric. Finding hoodies with sweat protection is critical for comfort’s sake. Luckily, perspiration won’t be an issue because the hoodie dries fast and uses HeiQ odor control. Plus, the deep hood ensures sun coverage if you bring it on a sunrise hike.
6. KUHL Renegade Convertible Pants
Pants are an excellent choice for hikers because they protect your legs from bugs and sharp vegetation. These KUHL pants are ideal for providing cotton-soft comfort and durability while hiking at night. The pants are breathable and dry quickly, thanks to water-repellant fabric. Plus, they come with UPF 50 sun protection, making them versatile for hikes any time of day.
7. HIHEGD 250Pcs Survival Gear First-Aid Kit
Accidents happen while hiking, so it’s best to be prepared. Dark skies reduce your vision, so having the correct tools to care for wounds is even more crucial. HIHEGD’s 250-piece survival kit leaves no stone unturned. The pack has plenty of bandages, tweezers, scissors and other essential first-aid supplies for any circumstance.
8. Morakniv Companion Knife
You’ll need easy-to-reach emergency tools like knives when night hiking. These versatile gadgets serve many purposes, such as preparing food, constructing a shelter and defending yourself from animals. The Morakniv Companion is an excellent all-around knife for your hiking needs. TPE rubber makes it easy to grip and carbon steel provides a sharp tip. It’s stable and manageable for beginners, so always keep it handy.
9. Nalgene 32-Ounce Wide Mouth Sustain Water Bottle
Staying hydrated during hikes is vital. You’ll feel tired and unable to think as clearly as usual if you’re dehydrated. Support your body’s hydration with this 32-ounce water bottle from Nalgene. It contains no bisphenol A (BPA) or S (BPS), making it more environmentally friendly. Nalgene uses 50% waste plastic to create the bottle to improve sustainability. Despite its size, it only weighs 6.25 ounces, making it easy to carry.
10. SE Glow-in-the-Dark Brass Compass
Night walking doesn’t make navigation easier than your sunrise hike, so you’ll need help. Try this glow-in-the-dark brass compass from SE, weighing only 1.6 ounces. This navigational device is your classic rose-style compass with a liquid-filled dial. Just press the button to make it light up with a neon-green screen. It might not be a GPS, but it’ll work in emergencies.
11. Garmin inReach Messenger
It’s essential to let someone know your plans before departing. Find a trusted family member, neighbor or friend on the grid to ensure you have contact with the civilized world. Garmin’s inReach Messenger lets you contact people even when your cellphone has no service. The device pairs with an app on your phone and sends texts through satellites or cellular networks. You can even send an SOS alert to Garmin’s coordination center if you need help.
12. Zippo Mag Strike Fire Starter
Getting stuck while night walking can be a scary situation. One of the things you’ll need to do is start a fire for warmth and a way to cook food and boil water. Plus, flames are a solid emergency signal if you can get a good blaze going. Zippo’s Mag Strike Fire Starter makes starting fires much easier through its magnesium rod and striker blade.
Grabbing the Night Hiking Essentials
Hiking at night is a chance to enhance your adventure by seeing the beautiful night sky and different wildlife walking around the woods. However, it can be tricky if you aren’t careful. Get these 12 night walking essentials before you embark.
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Author
Jack Shaw is a senior writer at Modded. Jack is an avid enthusiast for keeping up with personal health and enjoying nature. He has over five years of experience writing in the men's lifestyle niche, and has written extensively on topics of fitness, exploring the outdoors and men's interests. His writings have been featured in SportsEd TV, Love Inc., and Offroad Xtreme among many more publications.
