With winter fast approaching and the clocks going back at the weekend; running in the evening just became a dark prospect. Sportsister selects the best high visibility gear to keep you safe and seen this winter.
Many brands now have special ranges geared specifically towards keeping you visible at night. Others incorporate high-visibility details in to their regular collections to ensure you are seen. We’ve picked our favourite buys to suit all budgets.
Reflective Vests
One of the cheapest ways to make your existing running gear suitable for dark nights is to add a reflective vest over your usual gear. And if you are a cyclist too there is no reason why it can’t double up for when you are on your bike.
Top end: We like Craft’s Active Run Safety Vest (£15, XS, S, M, L, XL) with wide reflectors front, side and back as well as reflective logos. The mesh back stops you from over heating too. Or try Brooks Nightlife Vest (£15, S/M and L/XL) with its 3M Scotchlite retro reflectivity detail. Available online at www.sweatshop.co.uk.
Pictured: Craft Active Run Safety Vest, Brooks Nightlife Vest, Sweaty Betty vest.
Budget: For a cheaper alternative check out Sweaty Betty’s vest (£10, one size) with elasticated straps on each side and Velcro on the left hand side straps to improve the fit. Buy online at www.sweatybetty.co.uk.
Jackets
While it is a more expensive option than the reflective vest buying a hi-vis jacket does not mean you are limited to only wearing it on dark nights, particularly if you opt for one with reflective detailing rather than an all over hi-vis colour.
Pictured: Ronhill Epic Jacket, Brooks Nightlife Jacket
Top end: The Ronhill Epic Jacket (£69.99 S, M, L, XL) is wind and water resistant meaning you have got no excuses to brave the elements. It has 360° reflectivity, MP3 pocket and comes with a Ronhill Vizion LED (see accessories below). Buy online at www.sheactive.co.uk
Mid price: Brooks Nightlife range has been specifically designed to heighten visibility when cars are approaching. High-performance technical fabrics in high-visibility contrasting colours are accented with 360 degrees of 3M Scotchlite retro-reflective detail. The Nightlife Jacket (£60, S, M, L, XL) is weather resistant and breathable and has a zippered Napolean pocket plus two secure zippered side pockets and is MP3 compatible. You can choose from Black with Nightlife accents for a more subtle look or Nightlife with Black for maximum visbility. Available online at www.sweatshop.co.uk.
Pictured: Sugoi Zap Jacket in Marine Blue and Supernova
Budget: Sugoi Zap Jacket (£56, XS, S, M, L, XL) For the ultimate visibility choose the Supernova colourway or for a more subtle, and versatile, option go for the Marine Blue or Matador Red with 360 degree reflective detailing. Features mesh ventilation for improved breathability, full separating zip with guard, two front zip pockets and a dual adjustable shockcord. Buy online at www.girlsruntoo.co.uk
Tees
Top end: The Gore Mythos Lady Thermo Shirt (£59.99, Sizes 34-42) has reflective prints on the sleeves, the front and back and a reflective logo ensuring 360 degrees of visibility. We love that it not only offers thermal protection but also high ventilation through partial mesh inserts. Take your pick from Light red with black and silver trim, Dawn pink with black and silver trim, Light blue with black and silver trim and Black with white and silver trim. Visit www.gorerunningwear.co.uk or call Gore Customer Services for nearest stockist details on 0800 833357
Mid price: Asics jewel winter jersey performance top (£40.00, XS, S, M, L, XL) High performance running tee that has air loops within the fabric act to create an insulating layer to protect against colder conditions. Reflective piping and printing on the sleeve ensure safety when running in the dark. Buy online at www.wiggle.co.uk.
Pictured: Gore Mythos Lady Thermo Shirt, Asics Jewel Winter Jersey Performance Top, Craft Active Run Logo Tee,
Budget: The Craft Active Run Logo Tee (£10 S, M, L, XL) has a big reflective CRAFT logo print on the chest and is in a wicking and breathable fabric.
Tights
Top end: The Gore Mythos Lady Thermo Tights (£59.99 Sizes 34-42) have been designed with a special cut and fit for women with shifted seams for less chafing and flatlock seams for comfort. Reflective prints and logos help you be visible in the dark. Handy features include a small zip key pocket and pre shaped knees. Choose from black with light blue and silver trim, black with light red and silver trim, black with white and silver trim and black with dawn pink and silver trim. Visit www.gorerunningwear.co.uk or call Gore Customer Services for nearest stockist details: 0800 833357
Pictured: Gore Mythos Lady Thermo Tights, Sugoi MidZero Zap Tight, Brooks Nightlife Vapor Dry 3-D splice tights.
Mid price: Sugoi MidZero Zap Tight (£56, XS, S, M, L, XL) High visibility reflective details will keep you seen in this high performance, full length, midweight thermal tight. Buy online at www.girlsruntoo.co.uk
Budget: Brooks Nightlife Vapor Dry 3-D splice tights (£35, S, M, L, XL) Full length running tight in a flattering fit and heightened visibility thanks to the bold lower leg Nightlife colour flashes and reflective trims. Available online at www.sweatshop.co.uk.
Accessories
Top end: Nathan LED Arm and Ankle Band (£12.99) Providing more than 1200 ft of visibility with around 150 hours of illuminations (replaceable battery), the band has a zippered pocket for small essentials, a soft terry cloth backing and a velcro closure. Buy online at www.sheactive.co.uk
Pictured: Nathan LED Arm and Ankle Band, Ronhill Vizion LED.
Mid price: Craft thermal running glove and hat (£8.99 each) Essential accessories for the colder days in a functional fleece material, softly brushed on the inside for additional warmth and with reflective prints for visbility. Buy online at www.sheactive.co.uk
Pictured: Craft thermal running glove and hat
Budget: Ronhill Vizion LED (£5) The Vizion LED fits onto all Ronhill’s jackets and a selection of its tops too. The LED is extremely lightweight and has two settings – flashing or static. Buy online at www.sheactive.co.uk
Louise Hudson, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
