As we transition into the darker, rainier months, visibility and awareness become essential parts of any runner’s toolbag. Equipping yourself with reliable light and audio gear both enhances your safety and ensures you can continue enjoying your runs with confidence, no matter the conditions.
During these dark evenings, I’m always amazed (and a little alarmed) by how many people I see dressed head-to-toe in black with no reflective gear or light. That's where the NiteVest Safety vest is a lifesaver.
NiteVest Safety Vest
While young me would cringe about standing out, I now never leave on my runs in the dark without my trusty, bright, and flashy Nitevest. I feel much safer running and crossing streets in the dark because I know people can see me.
It has several modes: one color, changing colors, and strobe. It lights me up from all sides and has a headlight on the torso that I can point down to the ground to see where I’m running and not sprain my ankle (again), or point straight ahead for increased visibility.
Headlamps
Not only do you want to be seen while running at night, but you want to be able to see what's in front of you. Relying solely on streetlights can leave you stranded in dark places where lighting is minimal.
We recommend a bright headlamp that’ll allow you to direct light and boost night vision to avoid hazards during the dark. One of our favourite is the Nathan Fire Headlamp— lightweight, secure and provides 115-lumen spotlight for added visibility. However, if you're looking for a bit more visibility we'd recommend Nathan's Neutron Fire RX. The Neutron Fire RX has 200 lumens and and is USB rechargeable!
Of course, visibility is only half the equation.
Being aware of your surroundings is just as important. My dad always told me to drive as if everyone else on the road was trying to hit me, and I’ve extended that mindset to running. That’s why I never wear noise-cancelling headphones on my runs.
Shokz Headphones
A fantastic option for those who like to listen to music while running or walking, but want to stay completely aware of their surroundings, are the Shokz headphones. They use bone conduction to transfer music vibrations to your ear bones so you don’t have to have plugs in your ears and can hear your surroundings completely while you jam to your running playlist!
The most popular models are the OpenRun Pro and the Open Run Pro 2s. For those of us with smaller noggins, they also have a mini size in the OpenRun Pro 2s. If you prefer a smaller headphone size, the OPENFIT Air Shokz would be a great fit.
From high-visibility vests to dependable headlamps and open-ear headphones, the right equipment helps you see, be seen, and stay aware of your surroundings. This season, make your eyes and ears your best running gear and keep moving safely through every kilometer ahead. See you out there!