TOP TIPS FOR BEING SEEN AND THE BEST VISBILITY ACCESSORIES
It’s that time of year again… dark in the mornings and dark in the evenings. With the New Year right around the corner, if you’ve resolved to hit the streets and trails more frequently as a resolution, it’s important to ensure that you’re seen by cars and other pedestrians on the run. We’ve partnered with our friends at Brooks who’ve put together some do’s and dont’s featuring Bennett Grimes, on the Brooks apparel team, to ensure you’re seen on the run this winter, and we’ve also asked one of our Accessory Experts, Sam, for her personal recommendations for the best visibility accessories.
CANDLEPOWER SOUNDS LIKE A SUPERHERO TRAIT.
Candlepower is how we measure the reflectivity on our apparel and footwear. It’s a measure of radiance reflected back to the light source. So, one piece of our apparel puts out the amount of light of 39.77 candles. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but since very little light is scattered when the light is returned, our retroreflective materials appear brightest to an observer located near the original light source, such as behind the wheel of a car.
Candlepower is how we measure the reflectivity on our apparel and footwear. It’s a measure of radiance reflected back to the light source. So, one piece of our apparel puts out the amount of light of 39.77 candles. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but since very little light is scattered when the light is returned, our retroreflective materials appear brightest to an observer located near the original light source, such as behind the wheel of a car.
HOW DO WE HELP RUNNERS BE RECOGNIZED?
First, our apparel comes in fluorescent yellow, pink and orange. We only use colors that have been tested and meet our standard for fluorescence. Then, we place reflectivity at key motion zones. And we contrast bright and darker colors so you see shape, not just color. A great example of this is when you pair the Nightlife LS and the Utopia Thermal Tight II.
First, our apparel comes in fluorescent yellow, pink and orange. We only use colors that have been tested and meet our standard for fluorescence. Then, we place reflectivity at key motion zones. And we contrast bright and darker colors so you see shape, not just color. A great example of this is when you pair the Nightlife LS and the Utopia Thermal Tight II.
STICK TO BIKE PATHS AND SIDEWALKS.
If you live in an area where this isn’t always possible, try running against traffic so that you’ll always be able to see what is coming directly toward you, and react as quickly as possible. Also, always assume that nobody can see you; you’ll always be able to react timely toward traffic heading your direction and stay out of the way.
If you live in an area where this isn’t always possible, try running against traffic so that you’ll always be able to see what is coming directly toward you, and react as quickly as possible. Also, always assume that nobody can see you; you’ll always be able to react timely toward traffic heading your direction and stay out of the way.
We asked Sam, one of our Accessory Experts, what visibility accessories she loves and recommends for runners who want to continue training in low-light conditions.
First, I always wear my favorite Petzl Headlamp (1). This headlamp stays secure on my head while running and provides just the right amount of light to see where I am going.
My favorite reflective vest is the Nathan Bandolier vest (2). I always feel very safe when running in this vest and it fits great as it does not feel bulky or get in the way. As an added bonus, it has a little pocket that that I store my house key and cash for my morning latte. Another great Nathan item is the Mag Strobe light (3); this light clips anywhere (I usually clip on the back of my leggings) and it flashes to add improved visibility. I love the versatility of this strobe light and how you can attach it anywhere!!
Lastly, for added visibility AND to stay hydrated, I bring my Amphipod Hydrostrobe handheld (4). It fits great in my hand and flashes as well.
First, I always wear my favorite Petzl Headlamp (1). This headlamp stays secure on my head while running and provides just the right amount of light to see where I am going.
My favorite reflective vest is the Nathan Bandolier vest (2). I always feel very safe when running in this vest and it fits great as it does not feel bulky or get in the way. As an added bonus, it has a little pocket that that I store my house key and cash for my morning latte. Another great Nathan item is the Mag Strobe light (3); this light clips anywhere (I usually clip on the back of my leggings) and it flashes to add improved visibility. I love the versatility of this strobe light and how you can attach it anywhere!!
Lastly, for added visibility AND to stay hydrated, I bring my Amphipod Hydrostrobe handheld (4). It fits great in my hand and flashes as well.
