Moonlight Hikes

I’m off tonight under the full moon. Well, it's as close to a full moon as the mother of a preteen can get. Can't wait for a midnight swim under a waterfall and a naked dip into a moonlit pool or two.

What’s not to leave behind?

My towel.

And thanks to microfiber, I can now afford the weight and bulk of something that will feel cozy and really dry me off for a cool, comfortable descent.

The truly luxurious choice is still the big, honkin’ Tek Towel from Sea to Summit. The photo shows the thick nap that’s got a spa-quality feel. But be warned. These towels soak up a lot of water, and even wrung out they’re slower to dry than the worthy competitor, PackTowel. At night, no way. These towels want full sun to dry in an hour or two.

But tonight I think all I’ll need is my bandana-size, go-to travel and climbing towel, CamPack from N-Rit. It’s the silkiest pack towel made, light and absorbent, and it dries in the breeze. Better yet for midnight hikes, it clips to its pouch. Nothing more irritating than losing the handy pouch for a travel towel.

When’s the last time you went skinnydipping? Maybe I’ll see you out there.

P.S. On midnight hikes, don’t forget your flask, your med kit, an ultralight bivy sack, some insulation in case you need to sit it out till dawn, maybe some pepper spray, and your SPOT tracker. Tell your friends or family where you’re headed. Make sure your car keys are clipped in. Don’t forget to turn off the cabin lights in your car. Know how the land lies. Know your way. And see if you can keep your headlamp in your pocket!