Outdoors after dark- gear?

brightsideofpink

It won't be long before the only hours of daylight are during my work day. I'd like to try out walking or running after dark. Most likely a nearby rec path which is fairly high traffic and generally safe. But getting to and from the path from my house requires a little bit of distance in my neighborhood without sidewalks or paths. Any recommendations for gear? Reflective vest? There seem to be so many types. Flashy lights? Ankle bands? I'm a bit overwhelmed and would love tips.

euronorris

Admittedly, I haven't done much exercising outside after dark. But....coming from a drivers point of view...anything that makes you more visible is a brilliant idea! I live in a coastal, tourist town and the amount of tourists that just step out into the road, in dark clothing each evening is astounding. There have been so many near misses lately as sometimes I can barely even see them.

So, light, reflective clothing is definitely a good idea!

JTick

I have this vest:

http://www.amazon.com/Neiko-Visibility-Yellow-Zipper-Reflective/dp/B0030AA3YK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411485779&sr=8-1&keywords=construction+vest

And this hat:

http://www.amazon.com/GloWear-8930-Headwear-Hi-Vis-Baseball/dp/B001DCT3KW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411485841&sr=8-1&keywords=reflective+hat

Very happy with both of them. I would recommend some kind of flashy light or something as well. I don't run at night though, so can't help you there.

brightsideofpink

Thanks! Do you find the vest chafes or interferes with your arms when you run?

Pirate_chick

Here is a flasher.

http://www.amazon.com/Personal-Flashing-Safety-Light-Belt/dp/B001JPS5BQ/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1411486999&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=RUNNING+FLASHER

JTick

Thanks! Do you find the vest chafes or interferes with your arms when you run?

I haven't had any problems with it and I frequently run in tank tops. It's lightweight and cool even in the summer. I would order a size bigger than normal, especially if you're wearing it in winter so that it will fit over coats and such.

Pirate_chick

LED Arm Band http://www.amazon.com/Silicone-Lightweight-Safety-Flashing-Armband/dp/B00BT0DTW6/ref=pd_sim_sg_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=18T1FD8J0Z560WF2TFPT

lvchi1055

I run really early in the morning and I just bought these reflective bracelets.You can use them on your arms or legs and they're little so they don't really get in the way.

http://www.amazon.com/Nathan-Reflex-Reflective-Slap-2-Pack/dp/B001IV69I2

SueInAz

I have a snap band that is both reflective and has a flashing light you can turn on or off. It was a gift from my husband when I started running right at dawn a few years ago. Really, anything that's a bright color, reflective or lit is going to help a lot. Most running gear has little bits and pieces that are reflective: shoes, tops and shorts and hats. The most important factor is going to be your own awareness that drivers will have a hard time seeing you until they are almost on top of you, regardless of what you're wearing.

ETA: With respect to my last sentence, be sure to leave the earphones at home. I personally never run with them. I have a speaker on my phone and I'll play music that way so I can still hear what is going on around me.

iplayoutside19

When I know I'll be in a situation I want to be seen. I wear a headlamp, and one of those reflective vests. You can both at Wally for right around $20 total ($13 for the lamp, $7 for the vest)

But most of the time, I go without either and just keep my ears and eyes open because I'm more comfortable that way.