Finding yourself on a highway after dark when running or walking can be a frightening experience. Knowing that you can’t be seen properly by drivers is unsettling and a situation you want to remedy as soon as possible. The answer is to invest in some high visibility clothing. You can slip it on before heading out on a run or walk or keep it in your backpack for when dusk falls.
Using a luminescent yellow, orange or pink fabric with reflective strips, hi-vis clothing instantly makes the wearer more easily seen in low-light environments. It’s no wonder it's a standard issue in the construction industry and among emergency workers. When worn for running, walking, and hiking, the breathability of your hi-vis garment is important. Pockets to stash small items in are handy too along with an adjustable fit so you can wear it over cold-weather clothing or just a t-shirt when it’s warmer. Here is the reflective gear we would recommend:
BALEAF Men's Cycling Running Jacket
Breathable and waterproof
This jacket is as breathable as it’s highly visible thanks to the waterproof lightweight fabric and a ventilation system in the back to keep you cool and dry. Reflective stripes and logo work in low-light conditions. Six pockets including two inner pockets for items like phones and wallets will keep your kit secure. The big hood keeps the rain out of your eyes.
noxgear Tracer360 - Multicolor Illuminated Reflective Vest
Lights up in multiple colors
This vest has a special illumination mode with six super bright colors and five multicolor flashing modes selectable with a button press. Flexible fiber optic cable and reflector chest belts make it stand out like nothing else, the X shape of lights on both sides of the body make you visible from a quarter of a mile away. It’s lightweight and highly adjustable to fit over even cold-weather clothing.
JKSafety 9 Pockets Class 2 High Visibility Zipper Front Safety Vest
Lots of pockets and reflective strips
This classic high-vis safety vest stands out a mile with two-inch reflective strips on the front and back for 360° protection in low-light environments. Nine multi-function pockets with zipper and Velcro clamshell closure keep phones and flashlights safe and accessible. Meets ANSI/ISEA Standards for construction workers but just as useful when walking or running.
Reflective Vest Running Gear
Zippered pocket and breathable mesh
This ultralight and comfortable vest gives you all-around visibility from 750 feet or more. It has Velcro tabs to adjust the fit and is made from mesh fabric for breathability. The front zippered pocket keeps your keys and phone safe. It comes with two reflective arm, wrist or ankle bands and a mesh bag for storage.
Bottom line
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High visibility clothing is essential for anyone who wants to be out running or walking when it’s darker and they might come into contact with other road and trail users. You owe it to yourself to make sure you can be seen from a good distance to keep everyone safe. The high-vis clothing we would recommend to most people is the BALEAF Men's Cycling Running Jacket. If you are regularly running, cycling, or walking in low-light, you can’t go wrong with this bright, lightweight jacket that will make you stand out and keep you dry if it rains. The level of breathability is impressive and the performance of this jacket generally makes it a good choice for anyone exercising outdoors.
For a more basic vest that you can slip on over other clothes when the light fails, the Reflective Vest Running Gear is a good choice. It does exactly what you expect at a good price and will be worth every cent if it helps drivers spot you in the gloom.
