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Running early in the morning and after dark requires increased visibility.
As the days get shorter, the most important thing you can do while running in the dark is to be seen. You don't need to wear head-to-toe reflective gear (although this will definitely make you stand out); any type of reflective or high-visibility clothing or details will help the driver see you on the road. Reflective running jackets have a dual role, keeping warm and conspicuous. The following is what you need to know when choosing a jacket, please follow our main recommendations.
As with any running gear, it may take some time to find a jacket that suits you. Here are some important considerations when choosing a reflective jacket.
Fit: Just like your running shoes, you want your jacket to fit and feel comfortable. Maybe you prefer a slim fit or a looser style to accommodate multiple base layers. Most product descriptions will tell you how well you fit, but sometimes it takes trial and error to know what you like to wear while running, so your clothes and equipment will not hinder your workouts.
Breathability: Most running jackets advertise breathability to prevent you from overheating. But once you start choosing a waterproof, waterproof or waterproof jacket (yes, these are different), the properties of this material will quickly heat up. If you live in a place with severe winters — hello, New England — it may be worth investing in a warm jacket with moisture management.
Reflective details: If your goal is to be seen, the higher the reflectivity, the better. We found that many jackets, tops, bottoms, and hats call themselves "reflective", but there is only a small reflective strip, which is of little use on a dark road. That's because reflective materials only work when light (such as car headlights) shines. The company also uses high-visibility materials—think ultra-bright fluorescent clothing—because it is easier to find the effect of glowing in the dark under ambient light. Some of the jackets we chose have reflective details on high-visibility materials-a double whammy.
Based on the information obtained from my interview with Brooks product manager, I used my experience to carefully select promising reflective running jackets. I also considered price, style, fit, materials, and passed thousands of product reviews from other runners to bring you the best reflective running jacket. Read the following nine models.
If you are looking for the best reflective running jacket, Brooks Carbonite is the cake after the game. Yes, it is a bit expensive, but you get what you pay for, Carbonite will not disappoint.
It is semi-fitting and can be placed comfortably on the base layer. The sleeve has a long slanted cut to cover the back of your hand. You will find zippered storage pockets on the outside and inside of the jacket to ensure that your belongings are safe and hardly bounce. The hood is folded and can be cut off on dry days.
As for reflectivity and visibility? The white fabric itself will help you stand out in the dark. Most importantly, the jacket is covered with 3M Scotchlite Carbon Black strips, which have been carefully arranged to mimic the sporty shape of a car from a runner 600 feet away to a car running at 35 miles per hour.
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Few outdoor brands can match the quality, durability and comfort of LL Bean. This semi-fitting jacket is designed for activities such as running and cycling. It is equipped with vents, wind and moisture-proof materials, two zipper pockets and two internal pockets, one of which has a Velcro closure to ensure the safety of your phone. The bright yellow fabric and 14-point reflectance on the chest, back and shoulders make you stand out from the crowd and on the dark road.
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If you prefer a craft jacket with high visibility, try Hydro Lumen. It is designed for cycling, but we also wore cycling jackets before, and we usually don't have any complaints-both are light and have a sporty cut, so you won't get in the way during the journey. Hydro Lumen has reflective details on the top of the highly visible yellow fabric. In addition, this jacket is made of windproof and waterproof fabric, with vents on the underarms and back.
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This jacket, especially the color scheme, is reminiscent of the track coat of the 90s. But the operating technology has made considerable progress. The lightweight jacket is made of waterproof material and ventilates under the arms. It also has reflective accents to improve visibility. The front pocket provides ample storage space, and the hood keeps you dry in rainy days.
For a thicker but still reflective Asics running jacket, try the Lite-Show Jacket ($110) that critics like. Heavier materials are perfect for cold days.
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This versatile windproof and waterproof jacket keeps you warm and dry. Yellow is a highly reflective jacket. The entire jacket has reflective details, including the hood. Since there are six pockets, including a storage bag dedicated to your mobile phone, you don’t have to leave your belongings behind you. Like many high-performance jackets, this jacket fits into the back pocket for easy storage.
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This Under Armour loves to use the company's Storm waterproof technology to keep it warm, dry and visible. This is a lightweight jacket-one critic described it as a trench coat-with reflective details suitable for low-light conditions. The four-way stretch material can help the jacket move with you to increase mobility, and its zippered pocket can keep your belongings safe. Compared with other jackets, there are few reflective details, so it is best to match headlights, clip-on lights or other reflective clothing to improve visibility.
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Runners like this lightweight thermal jacket, suitable for winter running, because it keeps warm and not bloated. Reflective details create a unique design without sacrificing functionality. Men's models are jackets, while women's models are full-zip jackets. Both are made with Puma’s DryCell technology, a moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you dry, and has two zippered pockets for storing valuables.
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Lululemon running equipment is a combination of fashion and function. Cross Chill has small but obvious reflective details that provide 360-degree visibility. It also has a thumb hole, a retractable hood, a storage bag, and a hidden phone case so you can carry your essentials for miles. This ladies-only jacket uses Lululemon's waterproof RepelShell fabric to keep you dry, and its fleece interior keeps you warm even when the temperature drops.
We know, we know. The vest is not a jacket. But after putting on this unisex vest, our testers (who still wear it after the test period) were shocked by its fit, comfort and visibility. They said that running on dark country roads has never been so comfortable . It's ultra-light, adjustable fit (very suitable for stacking on any top or jacket) and 360-degree reflectivity, allowing you to see it from 1,200 feet away.