Night hiking has become one of my favorite ways to reset after long days. The cool air, the quietness, the stars there’s something special about being on a trail when the world goes dark. But night hiking also demands more preparation than daytime hikes.
Here’s the gear I always bring with me on every night hike, and the things I’ve learned the hard way over the years.
1. A Reliable, High-Output Flashlight
Your flashlight is your lifeline on a night hike. A good one makes all the difference between a peaceful walk and a stressful stumble in the dark.
I usually carry the Fenix PD35 V3.0 because it’s bright, durable, and compact. A proper night-hiking flashlight should have:
- 1000+ lumens
- 250m+ beam distance
- IP68 waterproofing
- A good tail switch
- 18650 or 21700 battery support
If you want specifics, check out my full
Fenix PD35 V3.0 review — it’s the light I trust most on night trails.
2. A Hands-Free Headlamp
Even with a flashlight, a headlamp is essential. Anytime you need both hands climbing, reading a map, digging into your pack a headlamp becomes your best friend.
Look for a model with:
- 400–700 lumens
- a comfortable band
- a red-light mode (preserves night vision)
3. Spare Batteries
Nighttime drains batteries quicker, especially in the cold. I always bring:
- one spare 18650 or 21700
- two CR123A if needed
4. Navigation: Offline GPS or Paper Map
Even familiar trails look different in the dark. Download maps beforehand or bring a paper backup.
5. Layered Clothing
Nights get cold fast. My system:
- moisture-wicking base
- light fleece
- windproof shell
6. A Minimal First Aid Kit
Just enough to treat cuts, scrapes, and blisters. Nothing overkill.
Get the first aid kit and emergency essentials here
7. Water + Snacks
Keeping energy up at night is important. I bring nuts, an energy bar, and a hydration flask.
8. Emergency Whistle & Small Knife
These weigh almost nothing and have been useful more times than expected.
9. Reflective Tabs or Glow Markers
Great for marking your pack or campsite, and for retracing steps.
10. A Small Power Bank
A 5,000 mAh bank is enough to keep your phone alive for navigation or emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Night hiking is incredible when you’re prepared. With the right lighting and a few essentials, a dark trail becomes peaceful and exciting instead of risky.
If you want a great example of a dependable night-hiking flashlight, check out my
full Fenix PD35 V3.0 review — it’s the light I bring on nearly every after-dark adventure.