Hiking at night at first can seem pointless or possibly dangerous but it need not be either. Here in the Canadian winter the daylight hours are often spent at work and hiking at night becomes the only way to get your walks in during the week. I walk a lot at night through the woods but it got me thinking; there are lots of reasons to walk at night and lots of times when its preferable.
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In tropical countries much of the wildlife is more active at night so as to avoid the heat. Many critters are nocturnal and its simply the only time to see them. Then there are all the phosphorescent life forms that glow at night, the night sky and the city lights. Many don't feel safe or entirely comfortable out at night but if you are prepared and aware, it can be as safe as day. Night hiking is magical, peaceful and rewarding.
Why on earth would you hike at night....
Most of us work during the day - you get up in the dark and come home in the dark. You need to get out and stretch the legs and walk the dog and its simply the only time available.
Its quiet and peaceful at night - in the forest or on the beach there are fewer people out there the traffic has subsided and you have it all to yourself.
The animals on the night shift are out - I lived in Australia for almost 50 years and most critters work the night shift. Possums, wallabies, bats and frogs all prefer the night. In South America the large mammals like capybara and tarantulas come out to play when its cool. Many animals feel safer under the cover of darkness.
Aussie possum
The city looks its best - The city puts its bling on at night with all the neon light a twinkle and darkness hides its grime and blemishes. Of, course most cities require caution at night as the undesirables emerge like vampire bats but stick to well lit, busy streets and don't walk alone and the city can be at its finest.
city with its bling on
Its cool - millions of tropical creatures know that mad dogs and Englishmen hike out in the midday sun. If you are living in or visiting the desert or tropics the evening is the time to be out and about.
The night sky is all a sparkle - The milky way on a moonless night away from light pollution is breathtaking. Or step out to admire the moon, meteorite shower or observe the satellite traffic from a vantage point. There is so much going on above our heads in the pm that most of us miss while channel surfing indoors.
Stuff glows at night -fungi, aquatic creatures, fireflies all do their thing at night. Some flowers only bloom at night, like many cactus. Its like fairyland to walk among glowing fungi and sparkling bugs.
Tiny bio-luminescent organisms glow in the sea to create this amazing affect
Some fungi glow in the dark
Fireflies are actually little beetles. Born show offs.
Safety first
See and be seen -Its not rocket science. There are tons of inexpensive reflective and LED accessories to enable you and your pet to be seen at night. Be sure to take a torch so you can see where you are going. Sometimes it is nice to turn it off and just observe the lights both natural and artificial but take plenty of light. If you live in the city walk on well lit roads and paths. Even so still take light.
This is my little headlamp. Its powerful enough to see on the blackest of nights and it is rechargeable via USB
I made this vest for Lami. The replaceable strips are cheap and applied with Velcro. It is reflective as well. The flashing collar tags can't be seen on really hairy dogs.
Know where you are going -If you are in a new city or just getting started with this night walking lark, make sure you plan your path. Getting lost can be fun at times but not at night. Be sure to plot a path and stick to it. Take a phone, preferably with data, so you can find your way with the help Google maps if you do get turned around.
Stay on busy streets in the city - and travel in a pack where possible. You are much safer in group in the forest and in the city. I'm fortunate to live in a safe forested area. I often walk alone but this is not the norm. When in an urban setting I wouldn't dream of it.
Hike with Poles - they are a deterrent against dogs, unwanted attention from critters and thugs. I regularly wave mine to deter dogs that are hostile to my wee pooch. The pointy end could do some damage to an aggressive dog or others. They also give some peace of mind while walking and add extra stability if you take a misstep in the dark. See Hiking with Poles
In most places animals are not a threat - You are as likely to get attacked by day as night. Snakes are actually less active at night. I'm sure the African savanna is a not the place to walk at night, but unless you are in a big game park or tiger country the beasties are not a problem.
Most nighttime critters don't have people on the menu.
