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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
running darkpinterest icon
Jonathan Pushnik

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.
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1

Brooks Canopy Jacket

illuminated running gear
Jonathan Pushnik

Lightweight and breathable, this water-resistant jacket (featuring a chin-covering hood and runner-favorite thumbholes) shields without overheating. $120, rei.com

2

Tory Sport Hi-Vis Mesh Tank

running darkness gear
Jonathan Pushnik

Quick-drying mesh helps short runs feel cool, and reflective taping keeps you in sight $98, torysport.com

3

Onzie Stunning Bra

running darkness gear
Jonathan Pushnik

Layer it under the tank for a double hit of visibility. $49, dickssportinggoods.com

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4

Nike Power Flash Epic Lux Tights

running darkness gear
Jonathan Pushnik

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

5

361 Degrees 361-Stratomic

running darkness gear
Jonathan Pushnik

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

6

Adidas Supernova Storm Jacket

running in the dark
Jonathan Pushnik

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

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7

GapFit Men's Camo Baselayer Tights

running in the dark
Jonathan Pushnik

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

8

Nathan Sports Zephyr Fire 300 Hand Torch

running in the dark
Jonathan Pushnik

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

9

Mountain Hardwear AlpenGlo Dome

running dark gear
Jonathan Pushnik

Luminescent yarn lines this cozy beanie, so traffic sees you coming in both directions. $30, moosejaw.com

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10

Noxgear Tracer360

running dark gear
Jonathan Pushnik

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

11

Asics Lite-Show Favorite Long-Sleeve

running dark gear
Jonathan Pushnik

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

12

Rabbit Men's Tightz

running dark gear
Jonathan Pushnik

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

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13

Nathan Neutron Fire RX Runner's Headlamp

running in the dark
Jonathan Pushnik

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

14

GapFit Reflective Headband

running in the dark
Jonathan Pushnik

Reflective, sweat-wicking, and fleece-lined, this headband stays put through sprints and long runs. $13, gap.com

15

Oiselle Firecracker Long-Sleeve

running in the dark
Jonathan Pushnik

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

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16

Outdoor Research Pentane Tights

running in the dark
Jonathan Pushnik

A soft, brushed interior makes these undercover camo tights a cozy pick for when temperatures dip. $90, zappos.com

17

New Balance Fresh Foam Boracay v3

running in the dark
Jonathan Pushnik

It's the plush, cushioned neutral shoe you love, with a metallic silver overlay to kick night style up a notch.$120, zappos.com

18

Oiselle You Glow GRRL Reflective Bra

jogging dark
Jonathan Pushnik

A comfy gray-by-day racerback bra goes white-by-night, with removable cups to provide shape and coverage. $58, oiselle.com

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19

Beauty 360 Stay-Put Performance Reflective Ponytailers

jogging dark
Jonathan Pushnik

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

20

Lululemon Surge Warm ½ Zip Reflective

jogging dark
Jonathan Pushnik

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

Headshot of Lisa Jhung
Lisa Jhung
Lisa Jhung writes about all things adventure and is the author of Running That Doesn't Suck: How To Love Running (Even If You Think You Hate It) and Trailhead: The Dirt on All Things Trail Running.
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