I do not need a headlamp, eyes get accustomed to the dark and can run without it, can be heard from the ranks of some runners. However, they do not realize that they are no longer seen.

 

Seeing an “invisible” runner only when we pass it can at best cause scare, but worse a collision, especially if only one of the participants is moving at a higher speed (run, collision with a cyclist). “Being seen” is not only a matter of moving around the roadside and at pedestrian crossings. We should take care of lighting and reflective material elements at any time in poor visibility and anywhere. If we go to the extreme – even a lighted lost runner is looking better than that drowned in the dark. But we should think of extreme situations. They do not happen often, but they can be a life in them.

 

We should also keep in mind that although we are lighting, we are seen depending on how illuminated our environment is. In the light of the street lamps and between the drops of rain, even a faint “wanderer” on our head is not enough.

 

Reflective elements are now standard. We see them on almost every piece of running clothing and they also appear on shoes or accessories (backpack, kidney) and that’s good. It’s part of the clothes, so we don’t have to think about them at home, they’re not permanent, they’re permanent and they’re pretty easy to see. However, we must not forget that the reflective color depends on the external light source. Without lighting (headlamp of the second runner, the headlight of the car) is useless.

 

So how to be seen? You will best excel in garish yellow clothing. However, it is ideal to directly emit light, using headlamps that not only take note of your presence but also illuminate the path you are running. However, the flashlight only points in front of you. In the deep forest, the person behind you will see you, but in the light smog of the city night or the strong spotlight, you can already disappear. For these cases, there are various flashing lights and illuminated strips. Let’s taste what today’s wide market has to offer.

 

Reflective elements and collection

In addition to almost all brands applying reflective elements directly to the running track, some manufacturers have gone on to produce collections designed to run in the dark, which are liberally interspersed with them. These include Craft with their Brilliant collection, ASICS Lite-Show, Nike Flash, Puma NightCat and others.

 

Also in the running shoe industry, we find models in the dark, ASICS Gel Cumulus we previously wrote this review, but the highly reflective response can also be found in the tempo shoes Salming Speed ​​6, Puma Ignite Dual NightCat and others.

 

In addition to the already notorious reflective strips or reflective vests, you can also use the reflective color that is applied directly to the skin in the still-warm autumn months. Or buy iron-on transfers and add pieces of clothing that lack the reflective color.

 

But even kidneys, backpacks, caps or tunnels should be chosen about reflective elements. There is a wide range on the market.

Lights and headlamps

In addition to passive reflective elements, you should think first of all to “shine”. Just a simple blinker (strap) on the hand will alert you. But a car or a cyclist should see you from a distance. Worse weather can also play a role, even in this case you should add to the lumens. The headlamp is a great choice. This month we tested great headlamps Silva Trail Runner or Petzl React. However, the market is so wide that you will choose one that fits your requirements. Here is a clear article on how to choose it correctly.