Fitness Gear Apparel The Best Reflective Running Gear, According to a Running Coach Noxgear Tracer360's Illuminated Reflective Vest offers 360-degree illumination By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT LinkedIn Twitter Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 01, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by John Honerkamp Reviewed by John Honerkamp LinkedIn Twitter John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr LinkedIn Twitter Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell / Chloe Jeong If you like running at night or in low-light conditions, being seen should be your top priority. When on the road, it's best to carry a flashlight or put on reflective gear to ensure oncoming traffic can spot you. High-visibility athletic gear usually features bright and neon colors, reflective material, and LED lights. Reviewed & Approved Noxgear Tracer360's Illuminated Reflective Vest has 360-degree illumination and illuminates fluorescent lights. We recommend Nathan Streak's Reflective Vest as a lightweight and budget-friendly option "Staying safe while running in the dark is about two things—being able to see, and being seen,” says RRCA-certified running coach Heather Jergensen. “If we want to be seen, then the brighter the better." When looking for reflective running gear, consider reflective material throughout all garments, light or bright colors, and 360-degree visibility. We researched dozens of reflective running gear and evaluated them for reflective material, ease of use, and degree of visibility. Here is the best reflective running gear on the market, according to a running coach. Our Top Picks Best Vest: Noxgear Tracer360 Illuminated, Reflective Vest at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget Vest: Nathan Streak Reflective Vest at Amazon Jump to Review Best Headlamp: BioLite Lumen Headlamp 330 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Clip-on Lights: Whole Human LED Safety Lights – 2 Pack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Phone Armband: Tribe Reflective Phone Armband at Amazon Jump to Review Best Winter Running Hat: Tough Headwear Skull Cap Running Beanie at Amazon Jump to Review Best Visor: Headsweats Reflective Visor at Amazon Jump to Review Best Reflective Bands: HiVisible Reflective Bands at Amazon Jump to Review Best Jacket: BALEAF Men’s Windbreaker at Amazon Jump to Review Best Reflective Tape: Gear Aid Reflective Tape at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQs Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Vest: Noxgear Tracer360 Illuminated, Reflective Vest 4.8 Courtesy of Noxgear View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Noxgear.com Pros Very high visibility 360-degree illumination Adjustable Sweat- and water-resistant Cons Expensive Not easy to clean We selected Tracer360's vest as our top pick because it offers a combination of 360-degree illumination, reflectivity, and fluorescence. Its unique LED light illumination can switch between multiple high-visibility color options and flashing modes with the touch of a button. The unique X shape of the lights provides visibility from over a quarter-mile in all directions. Made of a lightweight and breathable mesh, this vest allows for a full range of motion and is also designed to be sweat- and water-resistant. The straps are adjustable, so the vest can be shared among people of different sizes and can fit over bulky clothing. Best Budget Vest: Nathan Streak Reflective Vest Nathan View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Runningwarehouse.com Pros Lightweight and breathable Affordable 360-degree visibility Adjustable Cons Fits small Reflective area is small With 360-degree visibility at distances of up to 1,200 feet, the Nathan Streak Reflective Vest offers excellent visibility at a low price. Featuring a neon yellow exterior, it has reflective strips on the shoulder and reflective patches on the chest, back, and waist. It's crafted with a lightweight, breathable mesh fabric to keep you comfortable during your workout. The vest can be adjusted for an optimal fit, and because it's light and compact, it can be stashed in a small backpack or running belt during your run and put on when you need it. Best Headlamp: BioLite Lumen Headlamp 330 BioLite View On Amazon View On Bioliteenergy.com View On REI Pros Very bright Doesn’t bounce or slip Moisture-wicking Good battery life Cons Small power button Not easy to wash A must-have item if you run in the dark, a headlamp keeps you visible to oncoming traffic and also helps you see what’s in front of you. The BioLite HeadLamp 330 lumens bulb is extremely powerful, with a max output of 330 lumens, and also includes red night vision. Made with an ultra-thin band, it has a slim profile and sits on your forehead without bouncing or slipping. The band is also made with moisture-wicking Lyrica to keep your head dry and comfortable. Easy-adjust clips offer a perfect fit every time, and runners appreciate the tilting front panel, lightweight feel, and rechargeable, 40-hour battery. The Best Running Safety Gear, According to a Running Coach Best Clip-on Lights: Whole Human LED Safety Lights – 2 Pack Courtesy: Amazon View On Amazon Pros Extremely bright Lightweight Secure hold Three lighting modes Cons Not easy to change batteries May not clip to very thick material These lightweight, super-bright lights will help you stay safe and visible when you’re running after dark. They come with five high-powered LEDs per light and feature three different lighting modes—steady, slow flash, or fast flash. With the strong, no-slip clip, you can securely attach them to your belt, shoelaces, bike, running gear, helmet, dog collar, or clothes. You can also use the included elastic Velcro straps to fasten them around your arms or ankles. They come with two sets of high-capacity batteries and a mini-screwdriver for easy battery replacement. Best Phone Armband: Tribe Reflective Phone Armband Courtesy: Amazon View On Amazon View On Tribefitnessusa.com Pros Comfortable phone storage Adjustable Breathable Water- and sweat-resistant Cons Not easy to remove phone May not work for large phones In the case of an emergency, it’s always a smart idea to carry your phone when you’re running, especially at night or early in the morning. This phone armband serves a dual purpose, giving you a place to comfortably store your phone while making you more visible to oncoming traffic. It’s coated with a patented nano-sheen, reflective material that increases your visibility in low-light conditions. Made with a premium blend of Lycra and neoprene, the armband is comfortable, breathable, and adjustable, so you get a perfect fit. The 9 Best Cellphone Holders for Running of 2020 Best Winter Running Hat: Tough Headwear Skull Cap Running Beanie Amazon View On Amazon Pros 360-degree reflectivity Soft and comfortable Fits a wide range of head sizes Breathable Cons Not good for extreme conditions With a ring of reflective lines around it, this beanie hat will help you stay visible at night, while also keeping your head warm. It has a brushed thermal lining that retains heat and a breathable outer layer that wicks away sweat. Made with a blend of stretchy polyester and spandex, it comfortably fits all head sizes—making it suitable for men and women. The 9 Best Running Hats of 2022 for Comfort and Performance Best Visor: Headsweats Reflective Visor Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Moisture-wicking Machine washable Keeps sweat out of eyes Durable Cons May not work for very large heads Not adjustable When the weather doesn't hold up like you expected, a visor can come in handy. It will keep the rain off your face during rainy runs without making your head too hot. This bright neon yellow option from Headsweats will also make sure that you’re seen when the weather is cloudy and wet. It features reflective piping around the bill for nighttime visibility. The Coolmax polyester shell and terry sweatband help keep you dry and comfortable. Best Reflective Bands: HiVisible Reflective Bands Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Affordable No limit on range of motion Adjustable 360-degree reflectivity Cons Not very durable Fit may not work for all sizes If you’re looking for an affordable, low-tech way to improve your visibility (without worrying about replacing batteries), these reflective bands are an excellent option. The lightweight, comfortable bands offer 360-degree reflectivity and high visibility. Versatile and fully adjustable, they can be strapped on your arms, ankles, or wrists. You can easily tuck them in your pocket or running belt so you have them when you need them. Each set comes with four bands and a breathable mesh bag for storage. Best Jacket: BALEAF Men’s Windbreaker Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Breathable Good storage Bright and reflective Windproof Cons Not waterproof Runs small With its bright fluorescent yellow color, this jacket already stands out, but the reflective elements on its front and back enhance your visibility even more. It’s also windproof, breathable, and features a ventilation system in the back so you stay dry and comfortable. The large back pocket and two hand pockets are convenient for stashing essentials such as your phone. The sleeves are also removable, so you can turn it into a vest with a couple of pulls of the zippers. The 11 Best Running Jackets of 2022 for Any Weather Best Reflective Tape: Gear Aid Reflective Tape Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Walmart Pros Affordable Easy to cut Washable Doesn’t peel off Cons No pre-cut shapes Works better for gear than clothing Reflective tape is a simple, cost-effective way to add more reflectivity to running clothes and gear. This peel-and-stick tape features high-visibility, glass bead technology to help you be seen in low-light conditions. It’s washable, will stick to almost anything, and won’t peel off over time. Though it comes in a convenient roll, it isn't pre-cut—meaning you'll have to use a pair of scissors to cut it into the shape you need for your next run. Best Belt: Level Terrain FlipBelt Reflective Running Belt Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Flipbelt.com Pros Moisture-wicking Secure and comfortable fit Machine washable Great storage Cons May run big Not waterproof This super popular running belt is not only a comfortable and convenient way to carry essentials on the run, but it also helps you be seen by oncoming cars in the early morning and at night. Made with moisture-wicking, stretchy fabric and ultra-reflective 3M materials, the belt fits securely and comfortably around your waist without bouncing and fits over clothing for maximum reflectiveness. Best Socks: Balega Enduro Reflective V-Tech Quarter Socks Courtesy: Amazon View On Amazon View On Implus.com View On Jackrabbit.com Pros No limit on range of motion Breathable Comfortable Moisture-wicking fabric Cons Expensive Must air dry Wearing socks when running will help keep your feet comfortable and blister-free, but these Balega quarter socks offer the added benefit of safety. They’re made of material with glass refractive beads to help provide high visibility reflection when running in low light conditions. Plus, they feature Balega’s proprietary Drynamix moisture-wicking fibers to keep your feet cool and dry. Like all Balega socks, they have a hand-linked seamless toe that eliminates friction and prevents blister across the top of the foot. The V-Tech Arch Support System provides a comfortable, snug fit along the arch, while extra cushioning on the heel helps with impact resistance. These socks are perfect for runners who want to add more visibility without sacrificing comfort and performance. Best Laces: Nathan Reflective Run Laces Courtesy: Dick's Sporting Goods View On Amazon View On Dick's Pros Inexpensive Convenient Durable Easy to use Cons Small amount of reflectivity Can’t quickly swap When it comes to reflective gear, even small areas of visibility can make a big difference. These durable, reflective laces from Nathan are one more way that you can make yourself seen to oncoming cars. Drivers will notice you as the light reflects off your laces while you’re moving. The unique no-tie fastening system allows you to easily adjust your laces and keeps them secure, so you don’t have to worry about stopping to tie your shoes during a nighttime run. Available in five different colors, the Reflective Run Laces are ideal for runners who want to add more visibility, from head to toe, to keep themselves as safe as possible in low-light conditions. Final Verdict Extremely versatile, functional, and comfortable, the Noxgear Tracer360 vest (view at Amazon) is an ideal choice for staying visible and safe during runs in low-light conditions. The LED light illumination is extremely bright and has plenty of settings, including flashing ones, to make sure runners are seen. It also allows for a full range of motion and fits over all types of clothes, so it can be used in warm, cold, or rainy conditions. What to Look for in Reflective Running Gear Reflectivity When it comes to reflective apparel, you’ll want to choose items that prioritize the largest parts of your body. “Your upper body specifically is the most important because it's the biggest, most visible surface,” says Matt Scarfo, a NASM-certified personal trainer, and running coach. “This is where reflective running shirts, jackets, and hoodies come into play.” Once that's covered, however, it's crucial to make other parts of your body reflective, as well. If you’re running in low-light conditions, try to have at least a small amount of reflective material on every body part. Runners should wear reflectivity on all sides of their bodies so that cars can see them from every direction. “Shoes, socks, shorts, pants or leggings, gloves, and hats or headbands with reflectivity are all relatively easy pieces of gear to acquire,” says Scarfo. “While it may seem like going overboard, it's always safer to be as visible as possible to passing cars or bikes when running in low light.” Lights Wearing or carrying lights, whether steady or flashing, will help you be visible and can also light the way for you. Unlike reflective material, lights will be seen even when headlights aren’t pointed at them. “A good headlamp will help you avoid obstacles in front of you,” Jergensen says. “Adding additional lights to parts of your body that are moving will help identify you as a moving object instead of an inanimate object.” Look for lights that are easy to securely attach to a body part or clothing, or are comfortable to hold. A good battery life is also important because you don’t want to be constantly recharging or worrying about your light shutting off in the middle of a run. FAQs Frequently Asked Questions Is it safe to run at night? Running at night can be safe, as long as you follow certain precautions such as running in well-populated, well-lit areas and doing your best to make sure oncoming cars can see you.“When running at night or in low light conditions, just assume that no one can see you, regardless of the reflective gear you may have on, and be aware at all times,” says Steve Stonehouse, a USATF certified running coach and director of education for STRIDE, an indoor running studio franchise. “I also suggest no headphones. It’s just too important to be able to hear what’s going on around you.” What are the three classes of high-visibility clothing? The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) defines three types of high visibility clothing including Type O (off-road), Type R (roadway), and Type P (public safety).Type O provides the lowest amount of visibility and may be used in off-road situations where there is still moving equipment. Type R garments are for occupational workers exposed to roadway traffic. Personnel working with other potential hazards—like police, EMS, and firefighters—should wear Type P clothing, which offers the highest level of visibility.These three types of clothing help users and employers choose proper garments for the work environment and tasks conducted while on the job. Is it better to run at night or in the morning? Running at night or in the morning both have their pros and cons, and the case can be made for either time being optimal for working out. Research has pointed to the optimal time for exercise to be late afternoon to early evening, so some runners may find they prefer better when running in the evening. However, you may find that you’ll be more motivated to run and keep up a running habit if you run in the a.m. Why Trust Verywell Fit As a marathon runner and running coach, Christine Luff has researched and recommended lots of reflective gear, as well as personally tested them during her early morning and evening runs. 2 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 3M. ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 Made Easier: A quick reference to the high-visibility safety apparel standard. 3M Technical Bulletin. 2020. Chtourou H, Souissi N. The effect of training at a specific time of day: a review. J Strength Cond Res. 2012;26(7):1984-2005. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e31825770a7 Editorial Process Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? 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