Get Lit
Running in dark predawn or postdusk hours calls for this season’s vital—lifesaving, actually—apparel and gadgets that will get you noticed.
By Lisa Jhung
More pedestrians are killed during the hours of 6 to 9 p.m. than in any other three-hour period, and its morning counterpart has more fatalities than midday hours, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Couple your highly visible gear (below) with these stay-safe tips:
- Seek out sidewalks. Choosing a car-free route is even more important if you’re running during low-light hours, as vehicles may not see you until it’s too late. Ask friends, running clubs, or local specialty shops for low- or no-car suggestions.
- Leave the headphones at home. Even with the volume low, you could miss the sounds of an oncoming car; the more senses tuned in to your surroundings, the better.
- Shop smart. Running lights list the amount of lumens, which is how bright the bulb can shine. Most are capable of at least 100, which works for smooth roads under streetlights. Ones with higher lumens—think 300 and up—are best for trails or starless nights. The more technical the terrain or darker the sky, the more lumens you need.
- Look both ways. Don’t assume people can see you. Make eye contact with the driver and wave before crossing at crosswalks.
- Run against traffic. If you must log miles on the road, move against car traffic, not with it. That way you have time to see and react to oncoming vehicles.
Brooks Canopy Jacket
Lightweight and breathable, this water-resistant jacket (featuring a chin-covering hood and runner-favorite thumbholes) shields without overheating. $120, rei.com
Tory Sport Hi-Vis Mesh Tank
Quick-drying mesh helps short runs feel cool, and reflective taping keeps you in sight $98, torysport.com
Onzie Stunning Bra
Layer it under the tank for a double hit of visibility. $49, dickssportinggoods.com
Nike Power Flash Epic Lux Tights
Let ‘em see your stripes in luxurious full-length tights. A wide waistband conceals three inner pockets, providing plenty of storage for keys and gels. $120, nordstrom.com
361 Degrees 361-Stratomic
Say hello to the cushy neutral shoe your night run needs. It’s both sturdy and soft, making it perfect for the short or long haul. $150, amazon.com
Adidas Supernova Storm Jacket
The sleeves of this lightweight, water-resistant jacket ensure that nobody misses your miles—all while keeping wind, light rain, and cool temps at bay. $90, backcountry.com
GapFit Men's Camo Baselayer Tights
The camo pattern looks discreet during the day but brings a punch to the party as soon as the lights go down. ($50) $45, gap.com
Nathan Sports Zephyr Fire 300 Hand Torch
LED Light Made with a comfy hand strap, this USB-charged flashlight puts safety first with a rear-facing LED light and a built-in emergency siren. ($60) $55, amazon.com
Mountain Hardwear AlpenGlo Dome
Luminescent yarn lines this cozy beanie, so traffic sees you coming in both directions. $30, moosejaw.com
Noxgear Tracer360
Super lightweight and crazy visible, this slip-on vest is designed for middle-of-the-night miles (the back side is lined with helpful sweat-wicking mesh). Choose between eight different colors and an array of flashing options. $70, amazon.com
Asics Lite-Show Favorite Long-Sleeve
Moisture-wicking fabric, flatlock seams (read: no chafing), and a longer-than-usual cut make this a go-to top for cool-weather running. The reflective details add sleek safety points. $55, zappos.com
Rabbit Men's Tightz
Stay warm in flashy medium-weight tights. Mesh vents at the back of the knee help regulate body temp, while zippered ankles provide a comfy fit. ($100) $105, runinrabbit.com
Nathan Neutron Fire RX Runner's Headlamp
It's small and lightweight enough that it won't slide down your face, yet this headlamp still packs enough light to illuminate hazards. Slip it on with the reflective headband, and charge up via the USB cable when you're done. $55, amazon.com
GapFit Reflective Headband
Reflective, sweat-wicking, and fleece-lined, this headband stays put through sprints and long runs. $13, gap.com
Oiselle Firecracker Long-Sleeve
Whether you wear it as a warmup layer or sport it the entire run, this futuristic crop packs plenty of star power. $72, oiselle.com
Outdoor Research Pentane Tights
A soft, brushed interior makes these undercover camo tights a cozy pick for when temperatures dip. $90, zappos.com
New Balance Fresh Foam Boracay v3
It's the plush, cushioned neutral shoe you love, with a metallic silver overlay to kick night style up a notch.$120, zappos.com
Oiselle You Glow GRRL Reflective Bra
A comfy gray-by-day racerback bra goes white-by-night, with removable cups to provide shape and coverage. $58, oiselle.com
Beauty 360 Stay-Put Performance Reflective Ponytailers
Your hair deserves its own shining moment at all hours of the day. Tie on a few of these reflective hair bands to make it happen. ($3.50) $7, cvs.com
Lululemon Surge Warm ½ Zip Reflective
As soon as dusk hits, this modest-looking top busts out show-stopper appeal. A deep chest zip lets you ventilate without losing movement. $118, amazon.com
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