PROTECT YOUR DNA WITH QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY
Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by Adpathway
Stay safe this winter with the best high vis running kit to help you remain visible in the dark...
Image: iStock.com / Matt Grehan
Keeping safe while running in winter is all about your high vis running kit. Running in the dark is inevitable for many of us, and it’s so easy to forget that our fave all-black running leggings will render us basically invisible.
Why does that matter? Being seen by cars and bikes helps them to stop in plenty of time for road crossings or give us space if we’re on the road with them. Pedestrians also need to know where we are, so that we can more easily avoid each other on the pavement. There are also elements of personal safety too. While we’re staunch believers that there are plenty of things that men can do to help us feel safer, it’s no bad thing to keep ourselves visible, and equally not alarm others with our sudden arrival as we run past them.
Things have moved on in the world of high vis running kit – it doesn’t even have to be a bright colour these days, although we’re quite partial to the odd bit of neon! Our testers have headed out in the dark to put a load of jackets, leggings and accessories to the test and see what keeps them seen as they run. Read on for their picks, as well as some savvy advice from us about picking your kit.
Want more winter running kit? Check out the best women’s running jackets.
Why do I need reflective running kit?
If you’re going to be running early in the morning or in the evening this winter, you need at least one high vis piece of kit that will make you more obvious to vehicles and other pedestrians in the dark. On the shortest day of the year, the sun rises just after 8am and sets just after 4pm, so it can be tricky to fit your training around daylight hours. Having some visible run kit will improve your confidence in the dark and could potentially be life-saving.
What reflective running kit do I need?
There’s everything from reflective jackets to hair bobbles on the market these days. The most important thing is to make sure that the reflective elements will be visible both from the front and the back, which sounds simple enough – but is easy to forget as it gets colder and you start adding layers! If you’re heading out into very dark areas where you’ll be near traffic, such as country lanes, we’d recommend a fully visible top layer (jacket or top) so that cars will see you from a mile off. Accessories or items with smaller reflective panels are better suited to city running or to add extra reflective elements.
Do I need reflective gear if I’m wearing a head torch?
A head torch definitely helps you to be seen, but we’d recommend also having some reflective elements in your clothing to ensure that it’s instantly obvious that you’re a runner and where your body is in the darkness. Many head torches only have lights on the front, so if you’re using yours for visibility then opt for one that has a light on the back, too. You could also investigate other light-based options, such as chest lights with reflective straps or an LED running vest, if you’d prefer that to reflective clothing.
Read on for our testers’ picks of the best reflective running kit for winter…
Best reflective running jackets
Higher State All Over Reflect Hooded Women’s Running Jacket
Higher State All Over Reflect Hooded Women’s Running Jacket technical details
RRP: £99.99
Weight: 296g
Sizes: XS-XL
Special features: 360-degree reflectivity, water resistant
What our tester said
“I loved wearing this for runs, as it gave me a feeling of security when I set off for my usual 6:30am trots as moved into November. Having the double whammy of water resistance and visibility feels like you’re wearing armour.While it’s heavier and more sturdy than my usual running jacket, what that offered in buckets was reliable windproofing – and as a cold runner, I value this over and above waterproofing in shell garments, as I don’t mind getting wet, but I do mind getting cold. It certainly kept me dry and warm over my mid-week runs.”
Want more info? Read Esther’s full Higher State jacket review.
Proviz Fully Reflective Running Jacket 2.0
Proviz Fully Reflective Running Jacket 2.0 technical details
RRP: £79.99
Weight: 170g
Sizes: UK women’s 8-18
Special features: 100% reflective material comprising millions of tiny glass beads
What our tester said:
“Proviz reflective jackets have a bit of a cult status in our house. We all have one for our various different nighttime sport needs! This is the new and updated version of their iconic reflective running jacket and, as far as I’m concerned, it’s an absolute must-have for anyone who ends up running after dark. It’s made almost entirely from special Proviz REFLECT360 material, which means it shines like a beacon whenever light hits it; very handy for oncoming cars.
This latest version has improved breathability, which was sometimes an issue with the original. Extra mesh panelling down the sides and back have improved that airflow, and also make the jacket feel even lighter to run in. I also think that the fit has been improved, as I found it to have a more flattering design than its predecessor. It doesn’t offer a tonne of warmth, but that’s not really an issue as the style allows for warmer layers to nestle easily underneath. It also means you can wear it during autumn and spring, as the weather gets less chilly. I could bang on about it for ages, but ultimately I think this is just an utterly brilliant buy.”
Best reflective running tops
Soar Windbreaker top
Soar Windbreaker Top technical details
RRP: £170
Weight: 237g
Sizes: XS-XXL
Special features: windproof
What our testers said
“This windbreaker is perfect for when it’s cold, but not wet and for runners who aren’t a fan of running in a jacket. The reflective detailing on the hem and cuffs is just enough to catch streetlights and headlights. I recommend getting it in the orange rather than the black for added visibility in low light levels and foggy runs.
The wind-resistant fabric has a brushed interior so it feels soft and cosy against your skin on blustery days. You can therefore wear it without anything underneath or add an extra layer on colder days. There’s also a clever drawstring in the lower back so you can adjust the fit to keep out the wind. So on those days when you aren’t wearing anything other than a bra underneath, you can fit it a little closer to your body or let it out a bit if you’re doubling down on your layers.”
Proviz Reflect360 long sleeve reflective top
Proviz Long Sleeve Reflective Training Top technical details
Sizes: 8-20
Material: 125gsm Interlock Polyester
RRP: £39.99
What our tester said
“This is a super top for staying visible in the winter months. It’s comfortable, lightweight and the reflective details cover most of the arms, so it’s great for those dark runs that aren’t cold or wet enough to need a jacket. During winter, I will mostly add a gilet so it’s great that my arms will still be reflective. Not having the reflective material on the body means sweat can escape well. I’ve been wearing the teal which is a pleasant colour for daytime running, but still has amazing reflective qualities at night. The top also comes in an impressive array of other colours, too.”
The best reflective running leggings
On Lumos Long Tights
On Lumos Long Tights technical details
RRP: £95
Sizes: XS-XL
Weight: 185.6g
Special features: rear pockets & key loop
What our tester said
“These running tights are made for cold winter runs. And as On is a Swiss brand, you’d better believe they know a thing or two about running in the cold. The interior of the fabric has a slight brushed feel for added warmth. The reflective details are a diagonal stripe across each thigh and a cloud-inspired pattern on the front and back of the lower leg. There are three drop-in pockets on the waistband: two small ones and one that’s big enough to store your phone. They aren’t cheap but they feel lovely on. They’re the kind of leggings that you’ll put on and find yourself stroking your own legs.”
Best reflective running socks
On Elite Run Sock
On Elite Run Sock technical details
RRP: £27
Sizes: XS-XL
Special features: Compression fit
What our tester said
“While these aren’t compression socks in the traditional sense, they do feature targeted compression zones designed to support the foot and ankle. I’ve found the fit particularly supportive around the arch, thanks to the built-in support and ribbed instep, and the socks hug my feet securely without feeling tight.
The lightweight yarn and ventilation panels do an excellent job of keeping my feet cool, and I haven’t experienced any excess sweating or hot spots. Strategic cushioning, including extra protection around the Achilles, adds comfort without making the socks bulky, while reflective yarn on the cuff is a nice touch for low-light conditions. While the gentle compression is comfortable, I find the top of the sock pulls in slightly below my calf, creating a bit of a sock muffin top. Overall, pricey but nicey.”
Best reflective running accessories
Proviz Reflective Hair Scrunchie
Proviz Reflective Hair Scrunchie
RRP: £7.99
What our tester said
“How have I been running for 18 years without coming across a reflective hair scrunchie before now? It’s such a simple idea but effective. Most of us with long hair will tie it back every run so why not make that part of your winter high-vis kit? I’ve had plenty of running buddies asking me where it’s from already. The only downside for me is that I have curly hair and usually wear it in a messy bun so the scrunchie isn’t as visible as it would be on someone with straight hair wearing a ponytail.”
Best reflective running backpacks, vests and belts
SILVA Strive Fly 3L Reflective
SILVA Strive Fly 3L Reflective technical details
RRP: £69.95
Sizes: XS-L
Weight: 123g
What our tester said
“This lightweight vest delivers on comfort and visibility. At just 123g, it feels barely there, with a close-to-body fit that minimises bounce even at faster paces. The reflective pattern is a highlight, adding visibility during early morning or evening sessions. I found that the three-point fastening system allowed me to get a secure fit, although I did find the front fastening a little fiddly to undo, especially mid-run. There are multiple pockets and space for flasks, layers and essentials, and the soft, breathable materials feel comfortable against the skin. A great option for shorter, faster runs.”
English (US) · 
French (CA) ·