4 Do’s And Don’ts You Must Follow On Night Hiking Expedition
Do you consider yourself as an expert hiker? How many hiking expeditions have you gone to? Do you like hiking in the night? Well, if you haven’t experienced it yet, then you must try it once because the starry-lit sky and the soothing calmness of nature will take your breath away.
Severe precautions are essential to ensure that you have an exciting and safe experience. Read ahead to learn about some do’s and don’ts that will help to enhance your entire night hiking expedition experience significantly:
Do’s
Inform someone before leaving
Isn’t it better if someone knows what your plans are before you head up the cliff or walk deep into the jungles? Telling a friend about your departure time, the route that you are planning to follow, destination and arrival time, etc. will make sure that if you need any help, someone will come to your aid. If no one knows where you are or at what time will you return, then how will they know that you are in danger?
Lights, food and water
It is better to be safe than sorry. Carrying extra lights, food and water supplies on your expedition is essential to keep you hydrated, full of energy and make sure that you don’t wander off your designated path. It is apparent that one must carry lights and battery when they are hiking up a cliff because even though there will be natural light, it is better to have some by your side (just in case).
Double check the weather conditions
Before you leave for your hiking destination, double check the weather conditions to make sure that you don’t face any issues later on. What if the place is expecting heavy rainfall or snowfall? It will spoil your experience entirely. Don’t risk that!
Know your gear thoroughly
One must not use brand new equipment in the night because it is difficult to get used to a new gear. Hiking is an adventure activity, and if you are planning a night hiking trip, then knowing your equipment thoroughly will make sure that you use it to its full potential and avoid any discomfort. Your gear should include the following:
- Poles
- Sleeping pads
- Hiking boots
- Headlamps
- Duffle bags
- Camping tent (check out this website: https://www.globosurfer.com/best-4-person-tents/)
- GPS, two-way radio and conventional compass
- Water-resistant clothes, socks and bags
Note: Not all radios offer two-way communications, and not all knives for camping are suitable for a hiking expedition.
Don’ts
Don’t try a new trail
No matter how much hiking experience that you have, you must not try a new trail at night because hiking adventures can get really dangerous and if you are not familiar with a particular path, then why try it at night and risk your safety?
Don’t hike alone
Yes, solo travelling is a liberating experience; however, hiking alone is not advisable because it is not safe. Not only the wild, but the path may also be full of stones and gravel, and if you get hurt, there will be no one to help you.
Don’t disrupt the wildlife
How would you feel if someone comes knocking at your door at 2 in the night? Frustrated and angry, right? Similarly, you must not disrupt the wildlife and put yourself in danger. It may seem like an amusing thing to do, but still, don’t do it.
Don’t wander off the planned route
You may have planned a specific hiking path for the trip. Wandering off that path at night may seem exciting, but it will only raise the safety concerns because you are not certain about anything related to the new path. Always keep lights, a compass and a map by your side to make sure you stay on the designated route at all times.
The above-mentioned do’s and don’ts are also appropriate for trekking as well. If you follow all of the mentioned tips deliberately, then nothing will be able to hamper your hiking experience.
Don’t forget to get lost in the moment when the pitch-black sky blends perfectly with the little, white spots and the green of the Mother Nature acts as a canvas for the beautiful painting. – Travel Feeder
About The Author
Cecil Lee
The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.
