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Guide

Escape the winter blues with these bright beauties

Siri Schubert
29.10.2024
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook

Dark days have arrived. But that doesn’t mean you have to take a break from running or even move your training to the treadmill. On the contrary, running in the dark has a charm all of its own. Provided you have the right clothing and equipment.

Suddenly, it’s here: that dark time of year. I’m enjoying sunny evening runs, but then – accelerated by daylight savings – it suddenly gets dark in the evening. Even if my instincts tell me to just stay at home and snuggle up, I know that running in autumn and winter can be really nice. What’s more, it keeps you fit and prevents you from sinking into the winter doldrums in the first place.

But to be safe on the road in the dark, you’ll need the right clothing and lighting. Here are my top five tips on how to stay visible and safe on autumn and winter runs.

1. Headlamps

A headlamp is an absolute must. It allows you to pick out rocks, roots, kerbs and other obstacles on a path and avoid injuries from tripping or twisting your ankle. My favourite is the Silva Trail Free Run Hybrid, which you can use either with batteries or the USB-C rechargeable battery. The Biolite Headlamp 425 and Petzl Nao, which automatically adjusts to the ambient lighting, are also popular. All three lamps have a red rear light so that you’re also easily recognisable to motorists and cyclists.

Silva Trail Runner Free 2 Hybrid (500 lm)
Headlamps
CHF86.22

Silva Trail Runner Free 2 Hybrid

500 lm

Biolite HeadLamp 425 (425 lm)
Headlamps
−12%
CHF49.– was CHF56.–

Biolite HeadLamp 425

425 lm

Silva Trail Runner Free 2 Hybrid (500 lm)
CHF86.22

Silva Trail Runner Free 2 Hybrid

Biolite HeadLamp 425 (425 lm)
−12%
CHF49.– was CHF56.–

Biolite HeadLamp 425

2. Clothing with reflective elements

In addition to the headlamp, clothing with reflective strips give you extra visibility in the dark. Various brands, including Asics, have added reflective details to their autumn and winter collections so that you can be seen better at dusk and in the dark. Here are my recommendations:

ASICS Performance Lite-Show Pant Men Performance Black (L)
Sweatpants

ASICS Performance Lite-Show Pant Men Performance Black

L

ASICS Performance Lite-Show Pant Men Performance Black (L)

ASICS Performance Lite-Show Pant Men Performance Black

3. Reflective, bright running vests and bands

If you bring a small hydration pack with you on your long runs in winter, it’s worth choosing one with a reflective print such as the UltRun Pack Evo 10 from Compressport. If you’re out and about in a city or on busy roads, a luminous running vest is probably a good choice for you. If, on the other hand, a vest offers you a little too much illumination, you can simply use more discreet reflective bands attached to your arms or legs.

Compressport UltRun Pack Evo 10 (10 l)
Backpacks
CHF138.–

Compressport UltRun Pack Evo 10

10 l

Compressport UltRun Pack Evo 10 (10 l)
CHF138.–

Compressport UltRun Pack Evo 10

4. Hats and headbands

Is it all in your head? Well, maybe on it, since a lit up head will make your run safer. Thanks to reflective yarns or print, you’ll be seen by others during your early morning or evening runs. And these hats, beanies and headbands keep you warm, too.

SafetyMaker Reversible reflective beanie (One size)
Hats
CHF21.96

SafetyMaker Reversible reflective beanie

One size

Bodylite Reflective cap (One size)
Hats
CHF31.88

Bodylite Reflective cap

One size

SafetyMaker Reversible reflective beanie (One size)
CHF21.96

SafetyMaker Reversible reflective beanie

Bodylite Reflective cap (One size)
CHF31.88

Bodylite Reflective cap

5. For your hands and feet

You’ll even find shiny things for your hands and feet. For example, shoelaces with a light or reflective gloves. I wouldn’t rely solely on these small light strips on the outer parts of your body, mind you. However, they do a good job of making you more visible in the dark together with reflective clothing and a headlamp.

Bodylite Unisex Adult Reflective Gloves
Gloves
CHF32.69

Bodylite Unisex Adult Reflective Gloves

Kikkerland Flashing Shoe Lace (125 cm)
Shoelaces
Quantity discount
CHF13.30 per piece for 2 units

Kikkerland Flashing Shoe Lace

125 cm

UCC Shoelaces Running Reflective
Shoelaces
CHF21.88

UCC Shoelaces Running Reflective

Bodylite Unisex Adult Reflective Gloves
CHF32.69

Bodylite Unisex Adult Reflective Gloves

Kikkerland Flashing Shoe Lace (125 cm)
Quantity discount
CHF13.30 per piece for 2 units

Kikkerland Flashing Shoe Lace

UCC Shoelaces Running Reflective
CHF21.88

UCC Shoelaces Running Reflective

Header image: Shutterstock

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