Most of my running jackets have automatically reflective stripes and I believe most come with some sort of reflective things.

I use the same Amphipod harness that 99cImsntgr linked to. I've run a lot in the dark, and it reflects as well as anything I've seen runners wearing, better than most. Early on, I saw someone with a harness like this that flashed, and thought Way Cool! Turned out the flashing was reflecting my headlamp, which was set on strobe at the time.

The reflective patches on running clothing are better than nothing, but nowhere near as good as a reflective harness or vest. In particular, the reflective patches on shoes are just about worthless. They tend to get covered with dust, and how many drivers are going to be looking at road level anyway?

I used a cheap headlamp for a year and a half, and it was good enough to be seen. When I got mildly interested in trail running, I bought a Black Diamond Revolt on advice from a more experienced trail runner: llbean.com/llb/shop/85509?productId=1418061&attrValue_0=Titanium&pla1=0&mr:trackingCode=33707D6D-F4FD-E311-B7CA-90E2BA285E75&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=plaonline&mr:ad=55725345680&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:tid=kwd-20174692843&mr:ploc=9005674&mr:iloc=&mr:store=&mr:filter=20174692843&mkwid=L3XqBLP0_dc&pcrid=55725345680&qs=3091386_google&product=0PSF712000&cvosrc=cse.google.0PSF712000&cvo_crid=55725345680

If I read the fine print, the 130 lumens only shows up with alkaline batteries. I use the rechargeables that came with it, which top out at 90 lumens; but I'm on 75% power most of the time, so say 67 lumens or so. It's bright enough for me to see very well on the roads, and a head bob will flash my light at oncoming traffic (which isn't always a good idea). And I can see the poorly dressed runners much better with this light than with the wimpy 30 lumen headlamp I used before.

I also wear flashing red lights front and rear, just cheap ones that you can get at any running store. The ones with the easy switch to work use CR2032 batteries that are good for only 60 hours or so; I buy the batteries in bulk online much cheaper than I can buy them in local stores. I try to put one with fresher batteries on my back and one with older batteries on my chest, so I can see when the batteries die on the front light and be sure to replace them before the next run.

Light spurs became popular last Fall/Winter. I don't like them. Too many runners wear them on their upper arms, giving great visibility to the side, but not helping me see them much when I'm behind them or oncoming. They're better on the heels, or configured to have the light facing rear or front; but the cheap flashers do the job just as well.

My best advice: Find a group that runs socially in the dark. See what shows up on other runners, and buy that for yourself. See what is a dud in terms of visibility on other runners, and don't waste your money on it. I became a big fan of lights and reflective gear after I needed to get within 10 feet of some poorly dressed runners to see them in the dark. I'm a much bigger fan of the Amphipod harness after seeing how much better it shows up in my headlight than the patches on running tights and most running tops.

Lots of runners don't wear as many lights as I do, but I'm just a wee bit paranoid. The evidence I've seen while out running the roads indicates that there are a lot of drivers out there who don't notice all the things I would notice while driving. I don't want to be one of those things they don't notice.

My husband has a Black Diamond Storm headlamp, and it is much better than the cheap one I use. There's lots of options for reflective gear, I have seen some nice jackets, hats, etc that have an all-over reflective pattern. I have a small red blinking light that I clip on my back when running in the dark, I think it's made by Nathan and cost about $10, but my husband has commented that he can see it when I'm nearly a mile down the road (very flat, straight roads here).

I found a jacket similar to this at TJ Maxx for $35 and it was the best $$ I ever spent!

https://www.fruugo.us/saucony-sonic-hdx-vizipro-jacket-womens/p-3948336-8948107?gclid=CNm89Y6HvcgCFQQKaQodjO4J8Q

It has LED strips across the front and back that are connected to a rechargeable USB device that hooks in the pocket. It also has reflective trim. It's basically just a shell so I wear it over my base layers in the winter. If it's too warm for a jacket, I just have a few blinking clip lights and a headlamp.

Also, check out NOXGEAR. I don't have any experience with it, but it was invented here locally and there was a night race last year where you got it at a discounted rate and then wore it for the race. It is pretty expensive, but looks to be pretty cool!

I wear a Nathan Streak vest as it provides a good deal of reflective material front and rear. Additionally I use a small blinking led or two from Inova called Nite Ize microlight. As for a lamp, I wear a Wal Mart purchased Energizer 130 lumen headlamp. I have noticed if there are many bugs then wearing it on your head can be a pain as the bugs fly right to it. I actually cut the strap and sewed it into a smaller loop and use it on my water bottles. It brings the light low, keeping the bugs away from my face as well as below the fog when that is an issue.

lporter229 wrote: »

Also, check out NOXGEAR. I don't have any experience with it, but it was invented here locally and there was a night race last year where you got it at a discounted rate and then wore it for the race. It is pretty expensive, but looks to be pretty cool!

I want a Tracer360 SO HARDCORE. I asked for one for my birthday last year, but they were out of stock.

As it is, I wear a top or jacket in a high-vis color (the jackets have reflective tape, too--Brooks Nightlife and Brooks LSD Nightlife), clip a reflector/blinking LED to the front and back hem, sometimes wear a headlamp (Black Diamond Storm), and have reflector stripes for my ankles. I also have an LED blinking armband, but it doesn't stay in place very well over the slippery fabric of a running jacket or a long-sleeved tech tee.

kristinegift wrote: »

I've had my eye on that Saucony jacket for the colder months, but waiting to see if I can find it on sale from any US retailers. It's lovely and I love Saucony, but so pricey!

If you have a TJ Maxx nearby, you might want to pop in from time to time and check for it or something similar. I got mine when it was year out of date, but who cares?? They get a lot of good stuff in after newer versions come along and the prices are usually really good. I get a lot of my gear there.

I limit myself to neon colors when it is dark in the mornings and use my knuckle lights most mornings. They provide enough light for me to run safely and help make me more visible to vehicles as well.

The past few weeks, it's been getting dark as my running club does its workouts on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Tuesdays, there has been traffic; but Thursdays, we have been on recreational trails without motorized vehicles. I've worn lights, but most runners haven't.

I've noticed that the reflective gear does no good at all if no one has lights.

Oh, well. Next week we start running at a track with lights, and it won't be an issue any more.