Best Reflective Running Gear of 2025

The best reflective running gear is important for staying seen at night, especially on roads with traffic. Whether you’re running in the dark because you love the feeling of moving through the night or need to fit a workout in because there simply aren’t enough hours of daylight in a day, the right reflective gear can make your run much safer.

Visibility is key when choosing gear for night running, and most runners opt for a strong light source and reflective clothing. When considering gear for pre-dawn or post-dusk adventures, runners should choose items that maximize their visibility for motorists, cyclists, and other runners. There are many options for adding reflectivity from head to toe but making your torso and legs as reflective as possible is important. You’ll also want a good headlamp to see where you’re going.

In this guide, we’ve included many options for you to consider. For maximum visibility, our team loved the Noxgear Tracer2 reflective vest, the Proviz Reflective Short Sleeve Training Top for warm runs in the dark, and the Amphipod Micro-Light Flashing Arm and Ankle Bands for easy additional light to help others see you.

For more background information, please see our buying advice, testing methodology, safety tips, and frequently asked questions below the picks.

Best Reflective Running Gear

• Best Reflective Vest With Included Light: Noxgear Tracer2
• Best Reflective Minimalist Vest: Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Vest
• Best Reflective Pack: Nathan QuickStart 2.0 6 Liter Hydration Pack
• Best Reflective Jacket: L.L. Bean Bean Bright Multisport Jacket
• Best Reflective Short-Sleeve Shirt: Proviz Reflective Short Sleeve Training Top
• Best Reflective Long-Sleeve Shirt: Illuminite Long-Sleeve Reflective Men’s Warm-Up Tee
• Best Reflective Gloves: Reflectoes Reflective Running Gloves
• Best Reflective Tights: CEP Reflective Tights
• Best Reflective Hat: Nathan Reflective Quick Stash Run Hat
• Best Headlamp: Black Diamond Sprinter 500 Headlamp
• Best Waistlight: UltrAspire Lumen 600 5.0 Waist Light
• Best Strobe Light: Avanto Pro Magnetic Running Light
• Best Reflective Bands: Amphipod Micro-Light Flashing Arm and Ankle Bands

Best Reflective Vest With Included Light: Noxgear Tracer2

Pros:

• Comfortable and lightweight
• Multiple options for illumination
• A good option for cyclists
• Long battery life

Cons:

• Can’t wear a pack

The Noxgear Tracer2 is an exceptional option for ensuring others see you in the dark. Weighing only seven ounces, it provides outstanding visibility at a very reasonable weight and is comfortable to wear. It offers various illumination options, including changing between eight colors while flashing or remaining solid. All options are very visible. We found that the device sits comfortably on the torso, and its bright light made us feel very visible to passing motorists or cyclists.

While this vest is excellent for runners, we also see it as a solid option when runners get on their bikes for an early-morning or late-night cross-training ride. The impossible-to-miss lights on your back are an excellent safety measure for traffic approaching behind you.

The battery lasts up to 20 hours, and you can recharge it with the included USB-C charging cable.

Shop the Noxgear Tracer2

Best Reflective Minimalist Vest: Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Vest ($35)

Pros:

• Easy on, easy off
• Lightweight
• Adapts to a T-shirt or multiple layers seamlessly
• Great value

Cons:

• Would need another light source to see the road ahead

The Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Vest is a good solution for runners looking for an inexpensive option for being seen during nighttime runs. The vest is easily adjustable to fit any size runner and fits easily over a single shirt or multiple layers. All straps are adjustable, so you can snug the vest around your body, preventing it from flopping around.

The front clips make it easy to put on or take off, making it stand out from a few other options in this guide. It comes in three reflective colors that provide visibility from all directions and has extra reflective material on the front and back. The weight and compactness of this vest make it easy to pack after the sun has come up and you no longer need it.

Shop the Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Vest

Best Reflective Pack: Nathan QuickStart 2.0 6 Liter Hydration Pack ($100)

Pros:

• Good reflectivity
• Plenty of storage space
• Multiple options for hydration

Cons:

• Cumbersome to clean inside bladder

The Nathan QuickStart 2.0 6 Liter Hydration Pack fits the bill precisely for runners’ needs during longer pre-dawn or post-dusk runs. It is reflective without being an eyesore, with reflective material placed strategically around the pack to keep you visible from all directions.

Several different hydration options and a variety of pockets make it easy to carry whatever you need for your run. Two back storage pockets are ideal for extra clothing layers or nutrition, and a separate zippered pocket securely stores a phone. The pack has a 1.5-liter water bladder and front pockets for soft flasks to accommodate any hydration system.

The moisture-wicking fabric and breathable mesh shoulder straps make it comfortable in all conditions. Runners who select this vest for their night runs might find it so useful that it becomes their go-to vest for any time of day.

Shop the Nathan QuickStart 2.0 6 Liter Hydration Pack

Best Reflective Jacket: L.L.Bean Bean Bright Multisport Jacket ($100)

Pros:

• Highly visible
• Suitable for cooler weather
• Plenty of pockets, including one for a phone

 Cons:

• Sleeves are long

While many reflective jacket options are available, the L.L.Bean Bean Bright Multisport Jacket stood out from the rest we tested for this guide with its exceptional visibility and reflectivity, day or night. The jacket lives up to its name and will maximize your chances of being seen, whether running at dawn, dusk, night, or even in broad daylight.

While most comparable jackets just use reflective trim or highlights to increase their visibility, this one goes all in with its completely yellow reflective shell and 14 points of reflective trim strategically placed around the jacket for maximum visibility. The combination of the two optimizes the overall low-light visibility of the jacket.

This wind and moisture-resistant jacket can keep you warm on chilly morning and evening runs. A back vent allows for airflow and can help manage sweat and body temperature. With plenty of pockets, including a zippered one for your phone, this jacket covers all the bases and more.

Our only gripe was that since this is a cycling jacket, the sleeves are slightly longer than we’d like as runners. But it’s a small price to pay for a jacket that ticks so many other boxes. Plus, many runners are also cyclists, so this jacket can do double duty for both sports.

Shop the Men's L.L.Bean Bean Bright Multisport JacketShop the Women's L.L.Bean Bean Bright Multisport Jacket

Best Reflective Short-Sleeve Shirt: Proviz Reflective Short Sleeve Training Top ($40)

Pros:

• Well-placed striping for reflectivity
• Comfortable
• Good value for the price

Cons:

• Lots of color options

The Proviz Reflective Short Sleeve Training Top comes in an array of color options, all with reflective striping to keep you safe and visible in low light.

The reflective striping on the shirt’s arms, collar, and chest maximizes its ability to catch a car’s headlamp rays. The material has multidirectional reflectivity and shines when highlighted by headlights, street lamps, or another runner’s light source.

The fabric is highly wicking and quick drying, making this top a comfortable option for running in the dark during the hotter months of the year.

Best Reflective Long-Sleeve Shirt: Illuminite Long Sleeve Reflective Men’s Warm-Up Tee ($59)

Pros:

• Competitive price point
• Colorful options
• Thumbhole keeps sleeves in place

Cons:

• Depending on the climate, shirts won’t be an option for parts of the year
• It only comes in a men’s version

The Illuminite Long-Sleeve Reflective Men’s Warm-Up Tee is a great long-sleeve tee for a very reasonable price. We only wish that it came in a comparable women’s cut. The shirt comes in three different color options, including bright neon yellow. It is breathable and wicking to help you manage your sweat during a run. The sleeves have large reflective stripes from the neck to the wrist for optimal visibility. Since the human eye is drawn to movement, highlighting the movement of the arms of a runner can allow a relatively small amount of reflective material to make a big difference in visibility.

Like Illuminite’s short-sleeve version of this shirt, which we tested but did not include in this guide, the long-sleeve shirt’s reflective arms can be seen well from the front, back, and sides. In testing, we found the short-sleeve shirt to be uncomfortable around the shoulders, while the long-sleeve shirt had a good fit and was comfortable, which earned it a spot in this guide.

Designed for running in cooler temperatures, the shirt has an extended sleeve and thumb hole. We found that the polyester-spandex blend wicks sweat well.

Shop the Men's Illuminite Long Sleeve Reflective Men's Warm Up Tee

Best Reflective Tights: CEP Reflective Tights ($120)

Pros:

• High visibility
• Warm and weather-resistant

Cons:

• It might be too compressive for some
• Expensive

One of the best ways to ensure that passing motorists see you is to illuminate your moving legs, and the CEP Reflective Tights do just that. The brand’s Smart Reflective technology puts reflective material on all of these tights to ensure visibility from any direction. Your legs’ movement clearly signals to drivers that you are a human, increasing the chances that they’ll notice you and give you plenty of space.

These tights are perfect for chilly evening and morning runs. They provide some compression, though not nearly as much as the brand’s true compression tights. The material, a blend of 90% polyester and 10% spandex, is windproof and water-repellent, so it works in a variety of weather conditions. It is fairly warm, so you wouldn’t want to wear these tights on summer night runs.

A small pocket on the back makes it easy to carry small items, and we didn’t have any issues with these tights slipping down while running.

We also put these tights in our best women’s running tights guide.

Best Reflective Gloves: Reflectoes Reflective Running Gloves ($25)

Pros:

• Brightness
• Very affordable
• Comfortable

Cons:

• It will not work in sub-freezing temperatures

The Reflectoes Reflective Running Gloves are an excellent option for those on a tight budget or who do not want to break the bank for reflective running gloves. While these gloves aren’t as warm as some of the others we tested, their visibility in the dark was second to none. Their bright color will keep a runner visible in low-light conditions, and the reflective material will light up brightly in a car’s or oncoming runner’s headlights.

These running gloves slide off and on easily and have capacitive-touch technology, so you can use your phone without taking them off. The reinforced lining is perfect for warding off chilly temperatures, but they weren’t warm enough when temperatures dropped below freezing.

These gloves’ high reflectivity has earned them a spot in our best running gloves guide.

Best Reflective Hat: Nathan Reflective Quick Stash Run Hat ($30)

Pros:

• Fun, reflective styling
• Stylish
• Stash pockets

Cons:

• The brim is too short to block the sun

The Nathan Reflective Quick Stash Run Hat is an excellent option for runners who may shy away from wearing obviously reflective gear in daylight because of its questionable appearance. This hat is made of plain black material with stylish reflective outlines and doesn’t stand out as anything unusual during the daytime beyond its fun design. Runners can certainly look good in the hat during dark or well-lit runs. But before dawn or after dusk, it provides a decent reflective cast to warn others of your presence.

Another hidden gem of the hat is the stash pocket on each side. These can hold essentials such as keys, cards, I.D.s, or gels. And when it’s hot out, the lightweight wicking material protects from the sun. Additionally, the mesh sides of this hat will keep you cool. This running hat is so comfortable that it barely feels like wearing a hat, even after hours out on the trails. The brim is quite short, and it didn’t do a great job blocking the sun, but this is probably a non-issue for a hat designed for mostly low-light conditions.

Best Headlamp: Black Diamond Sprinter 500 Headlamp ($80)

Pros:

• 500 lumens light up the trail or road
• Super comfortable
• A flashing red light in the back signals presence to those behind you

Cons:

• It doesn’t work on a bike helmet

Headlamps are an important piece of equipment for running in low light or total darkness, and the Black Diamond Sprinter 500 Headlamp provides light both in the front and the back.

This headlamp stood out with its unique design, with a regular light source in the front and a flashing red light on the back. The dual lights help a runner be seen from multiple directions, keeping them visible to both oncoming traffic and cars coming from the rear.

The headlamp is comfortable, easy to adjust, and provides increased security while running early morning miles on trails or roads. With 500 lumens, you can see far with it in the darkest conditions. This headlamp can run on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or regular AAA batteries. You can check out other headlamp options in our best running headlamps guide.

Shop the Black Diamond Sprinter 500 Headlamp

Best Waistlight: UltrAspire Lumen 600 5.0 Waist Light ($140)

Pros:

• Comfortable fit
• Lots of light

Cons:

• Heavy and bulky

Whether you’re looking to maximize your visibility to others, have extra light to see while running in the dark, or don’t like wearing headlamps as a light source, the UltrAspire Lumen 600 5.0 Waist Light can serve multiple purposes. We named the predecessor to this light our top pick for waist lights in the iRunFar best running headlamps guide for good reason, and this new version only improves on the previous. UltrAspire continues to make incremental improvements to this light every year, and it remains our favorite waistlamp.

The 600 lumens are incredibly bright, keeping you visible and illuminating the trail or the road ahead. Waist lights are great for reducing shadows on trails, especially when used in tandem with a headlamp. We found the waistband of this light to be quite comfortable, and it didn’t cause any abdominal distress, even during long night runs. It’s easy to adjust the light’s angle while you run to optimize the beam direction for uphills, downhills, and flats. The powerful battery is easy to swap out and charges with a USB-C cord. It will last between four and 10 hours, depending on the brightness level that you’re using it at. A zipper pocket provides storage for small items.

This waist light won’t be the lightest weight item in your running kit, and it may not appeal to those who count grams obsessively and want the lightest of light options for low-light visibility. But, if you’re trying to make yourself as bright and visible as possible to passing motorists and cyclists while running at night, a waistlight is an excellent option.

You can read our full review of the UltrAspire Lumen 600 3.0 Waist Light.

Best Strobe Light: Avanto Pro Magnetic Running Light ($26)

Pros:

• Easy to transport
• Adaptable, can clip on a wide range of objects
• Charges via standard USB cable

Cons:

• Not a primary light source

The Avanto Pro Magnetic Running Light is a unique option for those who want extra light and visibility in addition to their headlamps. This light uses a magnet to attach to any thin piece of clothing you wear and efficiently works with running shorts, tights, a pack, or even your hat. At just 300 lumens, this light doesn’t provide as much light as most headlamps or waist lights, but it’s a great secondary light source to help others see you. It is USB-chargeable, small, and light enough to throw into a running pack if there’s a chance that the sun will set before you get home.

Shop the Avanto Pro Magnetic Running Light

Best Reflective Bands: Amphipod Micro-Light Flashing Arm and Ankle Bands ($16)

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Easily transportable
• Simple to put on and take off

Cons:

• You will need additional reflective gear and light sources

 

The Amphipod Micro-Light Flashing Arm and Ankle Bands are good supplemental options for runners or cyclists to wear at zero dark thirty. The bands come in three colors and emit enough light to increase a runner’s visibility in low-light conditions. Because they are small and light, they can easily be stowed in a pack for runs that may have gone just a bit long.

These bands aren’t bright enough to be your sole source of reflective gear, but they are a valuable accessory for wearing in high-traffic areas to warn others of your presence.

They are easy and comfortable to strap on an ankle or wrist and are a good value for those who want a little extra safety on a run or bike ride.

Shop the Amphipod Micro-Light Flashing Arm and Ankle Bands

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Reflective Running Gear

Reflective Clothing

You should consider several important factors when choosing the best reflective running gear. Your running locations will help you determine the type of clothing needed to stay seen.

On roads, you will want to ensure that your gear will keep you visible to drivers who might have trouble seeing due to the time of day. On trails, especially during hunting season, you will want gear that makes it 100% clear you are a human and not a deer, elk, or other creature. Focus on reflective garments on your torso, like the Illuminite Long Sleeve Reflective Men’s Warm-Up Tee — this is the best way for the reflective properties of clothing to show you as a human on the move. Having reflective material on your legs, like that provided by the CEP Reflective Tights, can also identify you as human in low-light conditions.

As with any running clothes, consider the temperatures you wish to run in these outfits. A comfortable, moisture-wicking, highly reflective T-shirt, like the Proviz Reflective Short Sleeve Training Top, may be perfect until temperatures plummet. Similarly, a long-sleeve reflective shirt, like the Illuminite Long Sleeve Reflective Men’s Warm-Up Tee, could be the ideal solution during cooler early-morning or late-night runs but would be too warm during some parts of the year. A reflective jacket like the L.L.Bean Bean Bright Multisport Jacket is excellent for cold-weather runs.

Reflective Running Gear You Wear Over Your Regular Running Kit

Plenty of options are available for runners who prefer to strap on a reflective material or a light source rather than rely on their outer garments for safety and visibility. When choosing a light source, consider whether you want it to be battery-powered or rechargeable via a USB port. Some runners may prefer a lightweight vest, like the Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Vest, whose sole purpose is to be reflective. Others may want one with flashing lights, like those on the Noxgear Tracer2, for an extra security measure.

For longer outings, runners may want to consider a vest or pack that is not only reflective but also allows them to carry their nutrition, hydration, and other supplies, such as backup batteries. The iRunFar recommendation for a running vest for longer outings in the dark is the Nathan QuickStart 2.0 6 Liter Hydration Pack. This pack allows a runner to bring all the necessary gear and provides supplemental reflectivity.

Lights

There are several different ways to use lights to aid in night-running safety. A good headlamp will allow you to see where you’re going in the dark and increase your visibility to others. The Black Diamond Sprinter 500 Headlamp is the best we have tested, providing both lighting in front of the runner and a red light in the rear to keep a runner seen by traffic approaching from the rear. Other options to consider include waist lights, like the UltrAspire Lumen 600 5.0 Waist Light, or a handheld flashlight. The Avanto Pro Magnetic Running Light provides a lightweight option for a light designed to increase your ability to be seen by others. It’s a great supplementary option to have in addition to a regular headlamp.

The Right Amount of Reflectivity for Visibility

When determining the proper amount of reflectivity for visibility, iRunFar recommends erring on the side of more is more, especially when running on roads. Things you’ll want to consider when choosing the amount of reflective material to wear on a run include the amount of natural light available, the presence of street lights if running on the road, the amount of projected traffic, and the frequency of which you expect to be crossing paths with potential dangers. The lights of the Noxgear Tracer2 will keep you seen in nearly any situation. A lightweight reflective vest like the Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Vest can provide a high level of safety in a compact and lightweight package and works best when there are streetlights and other light sources around in addition to car lights.

Visibility When Running on Roads

When running on the road, runners should be aware that potential danger can come from a variety of angles and choose the best reflective running gear for visibility from any side. In addition to the challenges associated with driving in the dark, some drivers may also be sleepy, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or distracted by their phones. Whether alert or distracted, human response times can be much slower at night than during normal waking hours.

As runners, the best preventive measure is to be extra cautious and ensure visibility as early as possible. That may include having gear beyond a headlamp and a reflective shirt. A vest with flashing lights, such as our pick for the best reflective vest, the Noxgear Tracer2, will help alert passing motorists to your presence.

Additionally, there are other items, such as the Amphipod Micro-Light Flashing Arm and Ankle Bands, which are simple yet effective in reflecting eye-catching light to signal the runner’s presence to those nearby.

Visibility Gear for the Trails

Trail runners don’t have to worry about motorized vehicles invading their space when out on trails. However, they need to ensure they communicate their presence to others enjoying the area, and the best reflective running gear makes it easy to do so. We recommend a combination of a good light source and reflective materials on your person to do this effectively. The Black Diamond Sprinter 500 Headlamp is the best option to illuminate your path and signal your presence to those around you. While a headlamp will light your way, reflective gear will communicate that you are a human in movement. Effective reflective gear can include a vest, shirt, hat, like the Nathan Reflective Quick Stash Run Hat, ankle and wrist bracelets, and more.

Safety Tips for Running in the Dark

Many runners pound out their miles before sunrise or after sunset, especially during the winter months when days are short. When light is limited, runners face a couple of issues that are more challenging than they would be during the day.

The first is being seen by others. Whether you are a road runner who encounters traffic or a trail runner who shares space with other trail users, it is critically important that your presence does not surprise others. A combination of reflective clothing, like the Illuminite Long Sleeve Reflective Men’s Warm-Up Tee, and lights on the torso, such as the Noxgear Tracer2, can help others see you.

Secondly, and just as importantly, runners need to ensure they can see where they are going. Besides being dark, runners will likely be more tired than usual when running early in the morning or at night. This combination of darkness and fatigue can make navigating more difficult, cause runners to fail to see things in their path, and slow their responses to obstacles. This could lead to falls or getting lost.

Here are some safety tips to consider before going out, whether before dawn or after dusk, on roads, trails, or a combination of both.

1. Bring a buddy, or at least let a loved one know where you will be and when to expect you to return. These are good recommendations to follow at any time.
2. Even when running in a well-lit area, bring your own light source, like the Black Diamond Sprinter 500 Headlamp.
3. For long runs, bring an extra set of batteries for your headlamp, just in case you need a backup.
4. Dress to be seen. This guide outlined many reflective options, including shirts, jackets, and other gear items. Everyone has their own preferences of what to wear to ensure visibility in dark conditions. Choose wisely and prioritize your torso since it has a large surface area and is at eye level for many motorists, making it easier to see. A shirt like the Proviz Reflective Short Sleeve Training Top can significantly increase your overall visibility. For added visibility, ankle or wrist bracelets, a reflective hat, and other supplemental pieces of reflective gear are wise additions.
5. Bring additional nutrition and hydration in case you get lost or are out longer than anticipated. Most people move significantly slower in the dark, especially if you’re running on technical trails or needing to navigate, so a few extra calories and ounces of water can give you a buffer to work with.
6. Bring extra clothing layers. While pre-dawn runners should experience increasing temperatures, those heading out at night are likelier to encounter falling temperatures. And, especially in the mountains, a thunderstorm can emerge at any time. Extra layers, like the L.L.Bean Bean Bright Multisport Jacket,  will protect you against the elements.

Why You Should Trust Us

The iRunFar team is composed of road runners, trail runners, and ultrarunners with a collective 150-plus years of running experience. We run at all times of the day before the sun rises in the morning and after it sets at night, and we know our audience is getting in their workouts around the clock. That’s why we created this reflective running gear guide. We tested dozens of items in low-light and dark conditions, from headlamps to strap-on ankle bracelets to vests to shorts, gloves, and more, to offer advice about the best reflective running gear. We also wore the clothing during the day to see how it performed in full light.

We evaluated each item based, first and foremost, on its ability to keep the runner safe. We continually asked ourselves whether a product’s reflective quality would ensure an approaching motorist, fellow runner, or animal would see the runner.

For gear that illuminates the road ahead, we wanted to determine which items provided the best light. We also considered comfort, ease of use, weight, and price of items to come up with our recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Reflective Running Gear

What should I wear running at night?

When choosing items to use in low-light or dark conditions, focus on wearing reflective gear, like the Proviz Reflective Short Sleeve Training Top, and bringing a reliable light source, like the Black Diamond Sprinter 500 Headlamp. You will want to know how the temperature may change during your run to prepare to shed a layer, add one, or even change into rain gear if there is a storm. A jacket like the L.L.Bean Bean Bright Multisport Jacket is a great outer layer option. The CEP Reflective Tights are windproof and water-resistant, making them a good choice for colder runs where the weather might turn.

If temperatures are cool, the basics are the same as for daylight runs: shorts or tights, shirt, jacket, sneakers, and running socks. What is different, however, is that your clothing should be reflective, ideally focusing the reflectivity around your torso to improve your chances of being seen.

This guide offers detailed suggestions in more than a dozen categories to help you decide what will work best as you navigate the roads and trails in the dark.

How can I be seen running at night?

There are two broad categories in which runners can improve their chances of being seen at night. The first is to have a light source like a headlamp, like the Black Diamond Sprinter 500 Headlamp, or a waist light like the UltrAspire Lumen 600 5.0 Waist Light or flashlight. The second is to wear reflective gear that can identify you as a runner to oncoming traffic, other runners, cyclists, hikers, and even animals on the trails.

How do runners stay safe in the dark?

In addition to reflective gear and having a good light source, there are some measures runners can take to be safe — at any time of day or night. Having a couple of the Amphipod Micro-Light Flashing Arm and Ankle Bands can make a big difference if you get caught out in the dark unexpectedly. A backup light source, like the Avanto Pro Magnetic Running Light, is easy to carry and can be a great safety option for the final miles of your run if it’s gotten dark on you.

Letting someone know where you will be and when to expect you back is always a good idea.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a few extra safety items along when you’re running in the dark. Those include a charged cellphone, whistle, and backup light source. Depending on where and how long you will be running, you also may want bear spray, a water filtration system, an emergency blanket, a lighter, and an extra layer of clothing.

Additionally, knowing your surroundings before you head out is highly advisable. Not only will previous knowledge of the route minimize your chances of getting lost, but it will also help you navigate the trail or road. Regardless of whether a run in the dark is on a familiar route or you’re exploring a place for the first time, adjust your pace accordingly. This is not the time to set a land-speed record. Safety first!

Are reflective items essential if I have a strong light source?

Yes, absolutely. A strong light source is an excellent start. However, even the best light source may lose battery power, have a technical issue, or otherwise fail when you need it the most. A lone headlamp may also not be recognized as a runner by a passing motorist, while a lit or reflective vest, such as the Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Vest, especially when paired with reflective material on your legs, like the CEP Reflective Tights, will convey the human shape.

A light vest or reflective clothing can help others see you from behind. That’s important, as other runners, cyclists, or motorists may be coming from different directions.

How do I choose the best light source for running at night — headlamp, waistlight, or other options?

Light sources come in various options with different levels of light, run times, and extra features. Some use disposable batteries, and others are rechargeable, typically with a standard USB cable. If you tend to go on long excursions, a battery option may be more practical since you can carry extra batteries and replace dead ones if necessary. We appreciated the rear red light of the Black Diamond Sprinter 500 Headlamp for running at night to increase our visibility. You can explore other options in our best running headlamps guide. You’ll want a headlamp that provides at least 300 lumens — more if you’re running on technical trails — and has a battery life that will easily last throughout your run.

What do I need to consider when I run on roads in the dark?

Not only do runners experience slower response times during nighttime hours, but motorists do, too. Cars can create a significant hazard when running on the roads at night. The longer it takes a driver to see a runner in the dark, the less time they have to react to their presence. Even if runners follow proper protocols, such as running against traffic, inattentive drivers can jeopardize your safety. Therefore, doing as much as possible to be seen is important.

In addition to a proper headlamp, a lighted vest to draw attention to yourself will maximize your chances of being seen. Being lit up by the Noxgear Tracer2 can help a driver see you from far away and avoid you, and wearing reflective clothing like CEP Reflective Tights and Proviz Reflective Short Sleeve Training Top can increase your chances of being seen.

I often run on trails in the dark. What special considerations should I make?

Focus your preparations on two key areas: Ensure you can see the trail in front of you with a reliable light source, and wear a lighted vest or reflective gear so others can see you.

A powerful light source is the top priority, and we recommend the Black Diamond Sprinter 500 Headlamp and the UltrAspire Lumen 600 5.0 Waist Light. You will want the device to cast a wide glow to illuminate as much of your surroundings as possible. Be sure to test the device before going on a dark trail for a long run. A short run around your dark neighborhood would be ideal. That way, you can get a feel for the settings and fit in a low-stress environment instead of experimenting as you go deep into the dark woods.

Beyond that, it is still important for others to see you. Other runners, mountain bikers, and hikers may be out there, too. Wear a vest with flashing lights or reflective gear to alert others to your presence. Light vests are preferred because they make you more visible and can serve as a makeshift backup light source in case your primary light source goes out.

Can I wear too much reflective clothing?

There’s no such thing as being too visible when running in the dark, especially in high-traffic areas. While too much light or reflective clothing might be distracting to others if you’re running on trails, don’t worry about overdoing it on streets when there are cars and other motor vehicles around. Wearing a reflective jacket, like the L.L.Bean Bean Bright Multisport Jacket, paired with the Noxgear Tracer2, can increase your visibility. On trails, a reflective vest like the Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Vest paired with a Black Diamond Sprinter 500 Headlamp could be plenty. Having the best reflective gear for running can make a big difference in safety in any condition.

Call for Comments

• Calling all runners who get their miles in well before the sun comes up — or goes down. What are your tricks for making sure others see you?
• Let us know how you approach training when running in the dark. Is this intended training for overnight races? Or is it a matter of fitting in your workout due to family, work, and other obligations?
• Add your favorite reflective and visibility gear to the comments section.