The Gear I Use to Keep Running Once Daylight Saving Time Ends

With the clocks rolling back this Sunday, our beloved afternoon daylight hours dwindle, and after-work runs and bike rides turn challenging, even treacherous. The good news is that there’s gear to make them safer. Wearing and using reflective gear and lights can turn the darkness from a hindrance into a playground.

Wearing any kind of lighting or reflectivity is better than moving through the darkness without it, but some options are more effective than others.

A few years ago, I conducted a personal experiment: I had my husband put on a shirt and tights—each with reflective paneling—and then piled a bunch of other gear in the passenger seat of my car. My husband, the good sport that he is, ran in place on a dark street corner in our neighborhood while I drove laps around the block, noting how far away I could spot him in the beam of my headlights. I then handed him new gear to change into—jackets, arm warmers, headlamps—before driving another lap and taking notes on my clipboard. (God bless him.)

What I learned from the experiment is that reflectivity placed on moving body parts, like legs in stride and swinging arms, is more visible to drivers than reflectivity worn on more static body parts, like the torso. I later found that there are actual scientific studies that prove that point.

It’s not as though a driver doesn’t see something static, like a reflective street sign. But the visual movement patterns of a living organism—called biomotion—trigger a driver’s brain to recognize that the reflective item is a person, increasing their awareness and your safety.

This fall, I’ve been testing reflective gear on my own moving limbs (without having my husband drive a car toward me), and I approve all of the following for their comfort and added safety when getting out after dark or before dawn.

Janji 5” Pace Shorts in Warpnet Hi-Vis Atlantis

I’ve long been a fan of Janji’s 5” Pace Shorts for their comfort, fit, pockets, and performance. They’re made from a sleek-feeling, slightly compressive, thin blend of nylon, spandex, and polyester that stays put thanks to gripper elastic dots on the leg hems. The deep pockets comfortably hold gels, gloves, or my phone without bouncing (and I always bring my phone at night).

These great short tights also come in a good-looking Warpnet Hi-Vis Atlantis reflective print that looks like a subtle plaid in the daylight, but lights up effectively under car headlights. A few Janji women’s tights and jackets also come in this reflective print.

ReflecToes Running and Cycling Socks

Citing multiple biomotion studies, ReflecToes makes a strong case for reflective socks’ attention-grabbing ability. ReflecToes running and cycling socks come in two thickness options—sweat-wicking and breathable—and I’ve found both to be comfortable. Seven rows of reflective diamonds around the ankle cuffs ensure drivers spot you on the road, making them a no-brainer for anyone heading out on the streets in the dark. (Note: they run a tad large, so size accordingly.)

Nathan Sports 400 RX Runner’s Hand Torch

This handheld light carries comfortably, thanks to an adjustable polyester hand strap (with a DWR coating) that allows a grip-free hold, and provides plenty of light to see the path ahead on after-dark road runs and dog walks. A rear-facing red light helps runners and walkers also be seen. The light is USB-rechargeable, with a burn time of 26+ hours on low (and 7+ hours on high). I found the low beam adequate on roads with occasional streetlights, and could identify objects in the distance when I put the light on high. On rough terrain, I found it nice to be able to point a light where I needed it, and to have it closer to the ground than when wearing a headlamp.

Rabbit Low Light Tech Gloves

These thin gloves made of a polyester/spandex blend provide just enough warmth on cool to cold runs, day or night, and the reflective patterning—a bird of paradise flower motif—adds welcome style and visibility. An elastic gathering at the wrist keeps them in place, and touchscreen-compatible thumb and index-finger pads let you access your phone mid-run or ride, adding safety.

Birdie Disc

This small, lightweight disc clips to anything—clothing, backpacks, bike handlebars—and provides three light options: solid white, flashing white, or flashing red. Besides its USB-rechargeable light, it adds the safety of a powerful alarm. Holding the center button down for 1.5 seconds activates a loud siren and strobe light. The Birdie Disc’s easy-to-deploy alarm and cute, colorful design make me want to buy one for everyone I know, especially college-aged girls who walk across campuses alone or go for a run at dawn or dusk.