Runner's Gift Guide: High Visibility Gear

Be seen and be heard. Here are the looks that will keep you shining bright this winter.

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It takes motivation to run in the dark, so don't let your clothing be the barrier to getting out the front door. Safety is key for low light, dark mornings, and early nights. Fortunately, there have been many steps forward in technology to help runners see the next curb and for cars to see them. We certainly have some brand favorites here from brands who have invested hard research dollars into making products that help you shine.

If you’re more about chasing the moonlight than the sun, then you’ll appreciate the Petzl IKO Core rechargeable headlamp for its bright light (500 lumens) and adjustable, lightweight design. Pre-dawn and late night runs are made accessible thanks to multiple LEDs that light up in either a flood or mixed beam with three levels of brightness. If you’re a multi-sport athlete, the headband can also fit on helmets, be worn around the neck, or function as a campsite lantern.

This unique and ultralight headlamp weighs in just under 80 grams, and features a no-bounce design, which is great for long, dark winter runs. Hydrophobic design is water and sweat resistant, and the long-lasting battery won't disappoint.

If you’re taking to the trails before the sun comes up or knocking out ultra-mileage through the night, you want a headlamp that will match you stride for stride. The Petzl Swift RL headlamp is our pick for trail runners for three reasons: 1) The 900 lumen light output, 2) The Reactive lighting feature that senses and adjusts the illumination based on your surroundings, and 3) The long battery life (up to 30 hours in Reactive mode).

The Noxgear Tracer 2 is high visibility with a minimalistic feel. The LED safety vest is adjustable with two thin light-up straps that fit over any outfit you’re running in and a simple chest strap that holds it in place. We love the long-lasting battery (we’ve run an entire season with only a single recharge) and variety of color options (16 total combinations) that make running in the dark just a bit more fun.

Unabashedly, we are #teambrooks when it comes to high visibility running apparel. Their Run Visible collection was developed with a 360 view on visibility. If you’re going to invest in low-light running, you need to be seen from all angles and this collection has you covered.

With subtle reflective details near the hips, knees, and ankles, these full-length Run Visible Tights from Brooks look just as good on a run in the light as they do in the dark. The tight fit offers light compression while giving runners full range of motion.

The Brooks Run Visible Convertible Jacket is two great safety gifts in one. Runners have the option to wear it as a high visibility jacket, or partially packed up into a vest on those warm summer night runs. The jacket also works well as a standard windbreaker/rain jacket.

A good running vest is a game changer for keeping your core warm on cold days. The Brooks Run Visible Insulated Vest goes a long way in providing warmth and visibility in the form of 3M Scotchlite reflective strips. The contrasting black, white, and yellow details are not only ideal for low-light visibility, but plays into the flattering cut.

Brooks put a lot of thought into their Run Visible line, even bringing in color experts to best utilize contrasting colors, fluorescence, and reflective strips in high motion areas to be as sure as possible that drivers will see the runner from a far and safe distance. Combine that with a warm, yet sweat-wicking fabric like the Run Visible Thermal Hoodie has and you have a high quality secondary layer for chilly runs.

Consider the Oiselle Firecracker Reflective Jacket your everyday outer layer for all dark winter runs. The entire jacket is made from reflective mesh material, so you’ll be 100 percent visible. Want to light yourself up even brighter? There is a pocket on the backside of the collar to attach an additional safety light.

We’re thinking about stuffing stockings with top-notch shoe accessories like these shoe clip lights. No need to know sizes or style preferences to give a thoughtful gift, as these lights easily attach to the heel of any running shoe and offer visibility from a quarter mile away. The runner in your life will appreciate the merry and bright miles they tackle in these.