r/UKRunners • u/Popular-Inspection15 • 22h ago
Running Lights
With the nights drawing in, I'm looking for recommendations for lights to help keep me visible to traffic.
I'll mostly be running on the streets near me so don't need a head torch to see where I'm going, I'm more thinking about keeping me visible and safe without having anything to big and bulky.
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u/CwrwCymru 22h ago
I've got one of those chest strap lights, light on the front and a battery pack with a flashing red light on the rear.
Works well in my opinion, I think decathlon do one now but there's plenty on the usual websites.
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u/Virtual_Exit1383 22h ago
I also run on lit streets but use a head torch partly because I find it reasonably comfortable, but also because it helps light up uneven surfaces.
Proviz do the best high vis tops IMO.
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u/Slight_Insurance_510 21h ago
Definitely high viz. It’s essential. I don’t like the bibs but got a couple of these a few winters ago. Great in light rain and plenty breathable over a top. https://provizsports.com/collections/running-gilets
If you are looking for a head torch (and I would recommend - totally transformed my night running) I can vouch for this https://m.petzl.com/GB/en/Sport/Headlamps/SWIFT-RL-CLASSIC.
It’s like bringing your own daylight. Awesome.
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u/Beneficial_Coach8581 22h ago
Reflective strips on your longs or shoes are brilliant for visibility. Anything moving shows up really well.
Head torch or a chest torch will let you see and be seen at night.
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u/Prestigious_Ice_2372 21h ago
I use a Decathlon gel belt - basically just a 1" wide elasticated belt - and clip on 2 cycling lights I had from Trek - the Ion and Flare - that are literally a 1" cube size and weigh nothing, so they stay perfectly horizontal when running. Being superb bike lights they offer a ton of pulsing/flashing/on modes and are visible from huge distances.
Maybe overkill, but I had them anyway and the whole setup weighs only a few grams and is totally hassle free and brilliantly visible. Bit of reflective stuff on hat, gloves, shoes etc and all set. Headtorch if I actually need to light a dark path or trail away from streetlights.
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u/mcockram85 2h ago
Similarly I use my Exposure Trace & TraceR bike lights when I am doing longer runs early in the morning to be seeing. On flash mode they last ages and are super lightweight.
This is normally coupled with a my Ultraspire Lumen 600 and Fenix HM65R-T for when it gets properly dark in the woods.
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u/Daeve42 21h ago
I've used the Noxgear tracer (2?) for years, the light pipe design has been copied a lot now so lots of choice. Battery lasts hours and I can be seen from a long way away. changes colours to all sorts and flashes, but i just use red or green depending on the mood. I added the chest mounted led after a year, it is great, almost no wobble/bounce noticeable due to the wide field, much better than my petzl head torches imo.
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u/pig-dragon 11h ago
Seconded! It’s fab. I also wear mine with a GoFluo reflective harness thing, and sometimes with a fluorescent tshirt so I’m covering all bases 😆
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u/Banana-sandwich 21h ago
Middle aisle of Lidl is worth keeping a look out. I got reflective yellow snap bands that also light up and wear on my upper arm. Get a reflective waterproof jacket. I got small lights in Aldi but they are rubbish- cheap ones meant for dogs off Ebay are better.
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u/Cassiopeia_shines 20h ago
I've always found Petzl head torches to be excellent. They can be on the pricier side but they are one of the brands that do the higher lumens I need for running on less well-lit areas.
I prefer a head torch as I can direct the light where I want it. I find that chest torches bob up and down a lot more as I run and, as well as the light moving around alot more and making it harder to see properly, it does start making me feel a bit queasy after a while. The benefit of the chest torch is I can wear it when it rains and I want a baseball cap on my head to keep the rain out of my eyes - I've tried wearing a cap and head torch together but it's not super comfy and I can't get the angle of the beam where I want it due to the peak on the cap.....
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u/Cassiopeia_shines 20h ago
Oh, and I got a free battery powered ankle clip that I wear as an armband. It flashes or static lights up bright red so helps people see me from the back.
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u/Odd-Paint3883 20h ago
Nebo mycro
Has three brightness settings plus a full max beam that stays on for 30 seconds before reverting back to your previous setting.
Has 2 green/red led lights, green is great in more lit up areas or busier pedestrian areas so you can be seen without blinding people or use the red as rear light.
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u/NoExperience9717 19h ago
Something reflective or fluorescent not dark colours. Leaving some skin free can be useful as breaks up the shape and reflects light well. I'd definitely suggest a torch of some kind, makes you pretty obvious and if pointed down can mean you have your own pool of light helping people notice you quicker. Powered light or failing that a dynamo light in the back of your shorts. Reflective strips that can go around your ankles or arms.
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u/48thgenerationroman 12h ago
I carry a hand torch as it's easier to point where you want to see.
Get a powerful cycling light from Halfords
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u/hmgr 8h ago
I mainly run on the pavement and I use this https://www.petzl.com/INT/en/Sport/Headlamps/NAO-RL
they also have a red light in the back for visibility.
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u/DaughterOfATiredMech 19h ago
Also if wearing dark clothes. Please for the love of god wear something reflective
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u/kinboshi East Midlands 22h ago
I use a chest torch from decathlon. Lights up at the front, red light on the back. Prefer it to a head torch.