We call them the "Lunatiques" because, let's face it, you need to be pretty crazy to head out on an adventure in the dead of winter at night. We try to schedule them around full moons, but sometimes it doesn't quite line up right and it's just really, really dark.
The trick to having a good nighttime adventure is sevenfold.
Firstly, don't go too far. Yes, the most epic of destinations are sometimes miles and miles from the trailhead, but maybe a dark, winter night isn't the right time to go there. Choose short trips so you can get there and get back without too much trouble.
Secondly, wear warm things. Actually, wear a whole bunch of layers that will combine to keep you warm. Do not wear your biggest, heaviest puffy that will cook you on a short walk. That'll just make you sweaty and in turn, cold. You can bring your puffy for when you get where you're going, but until then: layer. (We're kinda partial to multiple layers of WoolX garments, but we might be a bit biased.) And don't forget your pups! Make sure they're toasty, too, even if they won't wear the booties you bought them.
Thirdly, go with friends. I mean, duh. Adventuring is always better with friends.
Fourthly, go often. The more you go the more comfortable you'll be with being out there in the dark. Don't worry about the lions and tigers and bears. There are hardly any tigers where you're likely to go.
Fifthly, is "fifthly" really a word?
Sixthly, amazingly, spell-check doesn't pick up "sixthly," either.
Seventhly, clearly, the dictionary thinks I have far too many points to make. Since I don't, I'll let it go at these seven.
Seriously, though, adventuring by the moon or the stars or even just headlamps is a ton of fun. Just remember these four or seven or 1024 tips and you'll have a great time.
