As the days get shorter, many outdoor enthusiasts are faced with a dilemma: Reduce their time spent in the great outdoors or risk injury in low-light conditions. Fortunately, there are many options available the let people safely participate in their favorite activities as daylight hours dwindle.
Visibility gear focuses on two main areas of safety: helping you see your surroundings and helping you BE seen by those around you. Flashlights/torches and lamps are great for lighting up your surroundings so you can navigate them safely, and strobes and reflective gear are excellent for making you more visible to motorists and other folks sharing the road or trail with you.
Gear that Helps You See
Headgear
If it works for coal miners and deep-water explorers, then it’ll work fine for your evening run. Headlamps illuminate you and the road ahead of you. They also focus wherever your head is pointed, which gives you a better chance at identifying potential hazards.
The Amphipod Swift-Clip Cap Light is a fantastic option if you want a clip-on light that will help you see the road while highlighting your position to passing drivers,. Of course, this requires wearing a hat (sold separately).
If you don't want to mess with a hat, a newer option is the Amphipod Versa-Light Plus Headlamp. What we like about this headlamp is the USB-rechargeable battery. Just plug it in when you aren’t running, and it’ll be good for up to five hours per charge.
Planning an all-nighter? Then the Nathan Neutron Fire RX Headlamp might be your best option. The Neutron Fire offers more than five hours of light on its highest setting, but it can provide up to 25 hours of light. It also features a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery and offers 360 degrees of reflectivity.
Handheld
Are you one of the brave souls who likes to run trails as the day is ending? Serious question: Have you never seen a horror movie? It’s dangerous to go alone, take this: The weather resistant Nathan Zephyr Fire 200 R Trail Hand Torch. Why wouldn’t you want to use something called a “hand torch”? Not only is it a cool name, the Zephyr Fire is designed to illuminate the trail ahead of you at 202 lumen, making it one of the brightest options we offer!
Gear that Helps You be Seen
Clip-Ons
Unlike clip-on ties, clip-on lights are a great idea that's always in style! Attaching a small Nathan StrobeLight to your belt, shirt, or hat will help you grab attention and stay safe. The Nathan StrobeLight is a convenient option featuring a waterproof clip and over 100 hours of illumination.
Vests
Reflective body gear is perhaps the most effective way to be seen in low-light conditions. Similar to the vests you see construction works wear, reflective vests for running cast a large light, but are also designed for maximum comfort. The Amphipod Xinglet Pocket Plus offers 100% more high-end visibility than standard running vests in an ultra-lightweight package. There’s even a secure pouch for your phone!
For fuller coverage and more reflectivity, you can't go wrong with the Amphipod Full Visibility Reflective Vest, which offers a 70% larger reflective area than other vests on the market. Lightweight and breathable, this vest also features a large front pocket for nutrition items or your phone.
Other
If you’re a minimalist who likes to run with very little gear, we have the perfect product for you. Safety Skin Reflective Skin Spread is applied directly to the skin and is easily removed with soap and water. The container does make it look like deodorant, so check twice so you don't accidentally make your armpits super safe!
Similarly, you can keep your gear bright with Ten Seconds Spray Reflective. You just spray it on your apparel or gear to make it reflective in low-light conditions. It’s 100% washable so you don’t have to worry about staining your running vest, backpack, clothing, bike, etc.
Need something else? No worries! We have a full lineup of safety and visibility gear for you to check out!