When it’s hot out, your options are limited. More than likely you’re going to be running in the dark to try and avoid the heat. And unless you have the convenience of running on sidewalks (which can cause knee injuries) you’re going to be dodging traffic. Wearing a reflective running vest will obviously make you more visible to traffic, but what you may not know is that some of these running vests provide some pretty cool additional benefits. So if you have even remotely thought about buying a running vest to wear at night, you’ll want to check out some of these vests below.
LED Running Vests
Sure you could get a fluorescent reflect vest but they’re for highway construction workers. Modern LED running vests provide superior visibility meaning that you’re seen sooner and give the motorist more time to react. Below we’ve reviewed some of the best running vests. Click on the image to get more info including how much each costs.
MAXSA Innovations Reflective Safety Vest with 16 LED light
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When it comes to running vests the gaudier the better. This fluorescent yellow-orange running vest could grab attention all by itself, but when coupled with 16 flashing LEDs you can’ help but notice it. In fact, the manufacturer claims that it can be seen up to 1 mile away ensuring that you can’t be missed. The lights can be toggled between staying on continuously or flashing 150 times a minute for the strobe effect. Being “one size fits all”, it’s a little on the large side to catch all sizes but the adjustable closures on each side allow it to be cinched down to fit just about anyone. This is actually a big deal because a lot of the running vests out there have very awkward fits: either being too small or completely unadjustable. Being made of a lightweight mesh material, it’s about as light as you can get but the battery pack makes wearing the vest noticeable. The best aspect about having the LED feature, is that when you keep them on continuously they serve as a lantern, lighting the way so those pesky potholes don’t sneak up on you.
Grip LED Safety Vest
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The Grip LED safety vest looks just like your typical running vest with the construction orange mesh and fluorescent yellow stripes. However, inside the stripes are 16 LEDs that light you up like a Christmas tree. The one advantage the Grip safety vest offers over the MAXSA vest is that you have your option of having a continuous LED lantern mode, slow flashing and fast flashing (although you need to turn it on before you put on the vest as pushing the button while running can be difficult). Made of a lightweight nylon mesh the vest is comfortable while running. The Velcro sides make putting it on and taking it off extremely easy as well as making on the fly adjustments while running. This is a running vest that will fit just about anyone and fits comfortable. Some users have reported issues with some LEDs not always working, so care should be taken when storing the vest. The Grip-on LED safety vest definitely provides the best bang for your buck when it comes to running vests.
Reflective Running Vests
While not being as effective as the LED vests, reflective running vests are highly visible and often weigh less than the LED variety. Because they rely on the light source of vehicle (or other light sources) they aren’t as noticeable right away, but that being said, they’re much better than nothing.
Nathan Streak Reflective Vest
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The best running vest that is reflective (that we’ve found) are the Nathan Streak vests. They are very made from a soft mesh that’s lightweight and breathable which makes it much more comfortable for use in the summer time. It’s got an adjustable fit that will help keep it from riding up while running and it claims to have visibility up to 1200 feet away which is plenty reflective for most applications. This running vest is best for those who have tried other running vests and have found them uncomfortable and distracting.
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