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Sometimes the only time of day you can get out for a run is… well, not even during the “day” at all. Especially in winter, when daylight hours are short as it is, squeezing in a run after dark or before the sun comes up might be your best (aka only) options, whether your days are full of work, kid-raising responsibilities, or both. Running at dawn or dusk has its benefits (no need for sunscreen, cooler temps, fewer pedestrians to dodge), but the lack of visibility can also be a safety hazard. Luckily, it’s one you can take care of — with the proper gear, of course.
If you’re running before the sun comes up or after it’s gone down, you have two main visibility concerns. First, you need to make sure you can see where you’re going; second, you need to make sure other pedestrians, cars, and cyclists can see you. The first problem can be solved with a well-lit route or a headlamp (or both); for the second, reflective running gear or gear that glows in the dark (yep, that’s a thing) will do the trick.
Reflective gear is an especially popular choice, as you’ll see, because just a few accents will make you pop when car headlights hit your clothes. Those accents can be as subtle or as bright and neon-ic as you like, and you have a ton of options for their placement, from leggings and hoodies for cold winter runs to headbands, shorts, and glowing vests for all weather. Check out our favorites ahead and grab them for your next nighttime or pre-dawn run.
Tracer2 LED Safety Vest
For a lightweight, all-weather option you can wear over literally anything, the Tracer2 is the way to go. This LED vest promises visibility 360-degree visibility for up to a quarter of a mile, plus it’s waterproof and rechargeable with a battery that lasts 20 hours — definitely enough for your long runs. You can also choose from 8 different colors and flash settings to suit your mood (or your outfit).
Brooks Run Visible Insulated Vest
Slip this vest on over your base longsleeve tee for lightweight, reflective warmth on chilly winter runs. Besides the neon color scheme, this vest comes with reflective ribbons and insulated fabric to keep your core toasty warm and your arms free for mobility.
Lululemon Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short
For warmer runs, these super-breathable reflective shorts from Lululemon are a good choice. With a built-in liner, a zipper pocket for your keys and phone, and discreet reflective details on the side panels, you’ll stay cool, comfy, and visible your whole run. (PS: if white shorts aren’t your thing, check out the black or blue options.)
Brooks Run Visible Tight
Neon accents plus reflective striping ensure you won’t be missed in these Brooks leggings that were designed to be worn in the dark. They’re also breathable and contain plenty of pocket space for your essentials.
Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp
For a visibility device that also lights up your route, try this simple (and affordable) headlamp. It’s rechargeable and adjustable to fit your head, and you can set it to full-strength, dimming, or strobe settings to maximize your sightline or visibility.
Brooks Run Visible Convertible Jacket
This ultra-versatile jacket doesn’t just provide visibility; it’s also warm and water-repellant for wet, windy runs. But if the weather clears up in the middle of your route, never fear — the jacket folds up into a built-in pack you can wear like a vest.
Athleta Winthrop Reflective Headband
Keep your ears warm and your body visible during chilly, dark runs with this cute, reflective headband from Athleta. It’s soft, durable, and water-repellant, covering your entire ear in a way beanies and hats can’t.
Brooks Run Visible Thermal Hoodie
If warmth and visibility are your priorities, you can’t go wrong with this cozy thermal hoodie. With reflective accents on the arms and torso and soft, moisture-wicking fabric to keep warmth in and sweat out, it’s a cold-weather runner’s dream.
Lululemon Women’s Fast and Free Rulu Running Gloves
These cozy Lululemon running gloves can truly do it all. Covered in a cool reflective pattern, they’re also lightweight, sweat-wicking, grippy, and tech-friendly, so you can change songs mid-run without having to peel them off your fingers.
Brooks Ghost 15 Running Shoes
Most running shoes have some reflective details, but this fan-favorite pair from Brooks (in a limited edition colorway!) is designed for maximum visibility, featuring both reflective accents and neon colors. They’re also just solid shoes in their own right, with plushy cushioning and a comfortable fit.
Athleta Rainier 7/8 Tight
If you want reflective elements paired with the classic style of black leggings, look no further than this comfy pair from Athleta. Featuring subtle accents on the thighs and back of the calves, these leggings are also designed to provide compressive support, a super-soft feel, and plenty of storage in the roomy back pocket.
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