Escape the winter blues with these bright beauties
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Header image: Shutterstock
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.