The Best Running Lights According to Outdoor Gear Specialists
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Foxes are crepuscular. So are bobcats and wolves. Also, some runners. They come out in the half-dark or the evening or the early morning. They avoid the warmth of the day and embrace the solitude of darker hours. It’s an excellent way to be alone. It’s also an excellent way to get hit by a car. That’s why running lights are so important. Even alone in the gloaming, it’s best to see and be seen.
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Running lights are nothing new, but good running lights – slim, lightweight, comfortable, bright – are a relatively recent phenomenon. Battery life has improved. Long-distance runners can now find products suited to their needs. Good thing too. As cars get bigger, pedestrian strikes have become more common.
According to the CDC, one in six people who died in vehicle crashes in 2020 were pedestrians, and most of those pedestrian deaths happened at night. The Governors Highway Safety Association reported that the 2021 nationwide average for pedestrian deaths per billion vehicle miles traveled (VMT) was 2.32, well above the historic average of 1.9.
What The Experts Say
“The best lights have multiple color options and strobe functions,” says Ben Drew of The Wired Runner, a site entirely dedicated to running gear reviews. “They should be worn where you move, such as wrists, ankles, or knees. The extra movement will help attract a driver’s attention.”
Clip-on lights are a great option for this reason, since they move with the wearer and establish to a passing viewer that the light is not stagnant, but a moving person to be avoided. Bicycle deaths in motor vehicle crashes have also increased recently, up 50% from their lowest point in 2010. Although their death rates are lower, the utility of running lights in mitigating risk is the same for both groups.
Rohan Kadam of Biking Know How says that sometimes casual runners feel put off by lights because they seem like serious equipment. He urges them to reconsider for the sake of safety while also taking other steps.
“Always run on well-lit paths or wear lights and reflective gear to make yourself visible to others. Stick to familiar routes, avoid wearing headphones, and carry a phone for emergencies,” said Kadam.
The best running lights are just another layer of protection and safety, but no amount of illumination can protect anyone from less-than-stellar decision-making. Better to be clever like a fox.
BEST OVERALL
Apace Vision LED Safety Lights
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This two-pack of clip-on lights are slim, incredibly lightweight, and very easy to use. Each one has three powerful lights for easy visibility, and three different modes to make sure the user is eye-catching too. They have a battery life of up to 100 hours, and can be secured via the clip or a velcro strap with ease. These are SPY’s top pick because of the perfect balance of versatility and cost.
RUNNER UP
Illumiseen LED Reflective Belt
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This belt comes in three different colors and has two different modes, but the main benefit is that it’s so easy to use. The belt can be worn in a multitude of ways, is comfortable, weatherproof, and USB rechargeable. The only issue is for those who don’t want to feel that bit of extra pressure when running.
ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT
Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight
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Headlamps offer one of the most logical light sources, and this one only weighs 3.2 ounces, making it very comfortable. The on/off button is easy to locate even while wearing it, and it has multiple lighting modes as well. The light direction can even be adjusted to better fit whatever terrain the user is on.
ATTACHES SECURELY
BSEEN LED Flashing Reflective Armband
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Armbands offer an easy way to be seen, and this one comes in a nice mix of colors to suit the user’s preference. They’re easy to adjust, so they’ll fit just about everyone, and are incredibly secure. They also have a battery life of up to 70 hours, and can even be used on pets.
BEST VEST
Noxgear Tracer360 Illuminated Vest
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This illuminated vest has several colors of light built-in, and has different modes, making it one of the best options for those who want to prioritize being seen rather than seeing themselves. The reflective bands also make any user nearly impossible to miss.
BEST HEADLAMP
Black Diamond Spring 225 Headlamp
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Black Diamond’s extensive array of outdoor gear includes a headlamp that can serve as an easy running light for those who don’t want to clip anything on. It’s surprisingly compact and can easily be slipped into a pocket when not in use, and the light weight makes it comfortable to wear as well. The battery has six settings, is easy to recharge, and has three different modes as well.
BEST ARMBAND
Nathan Lightbender RX Arm Band
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The battery life on this thing is absurd. It lasts up to 8 hours when left on steady, and makes the user really easy to see. It’s also waterproof, sweatproof, and designed to be chafe-free — making it a great option for longer-distance runners and those worried about comfort.
HANDS-FREE
Amphipod Swift-Clip Luminator USB Cap Headlamp
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Some runners love a cap when hitting their stride, and this clip-on headlamp is specially designed to fit onto hat brims. Thanks to the weight being distributed around the cap itself, this is easily one of the most comfortable options on the list, and it has three different brightness settings too.
MOST COMFORTABLE
AVANTO Chest Running Lights
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This chest running light has a strong front-facing beam to make the user’s visibility top-tier, and has a red backlight to make sure they can be seen from the rear as well. There are also a few reflective elements too, making it a great pick for just about everyone.
BEST LIGHTING MODES
Amphipod Clip-On Running Light
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This running light actually contains a mix of different LED lights including red and white light and several lighting modes. This gives the runner options when out on the trail without sacrificing size. The water-resistant, compact design also includes an impressive rechargeable battery.
BEST FOR OFF-ROADING
Knuckle Lights LED Running Lights
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These handheld lights come with a charging dock, provide 280 lumens of light, have an ergonomic design to make them more comfortable, and they’re waterproof. Being able to hold them also makes them a little easier to guide, so they’re good for non-standard terrain where excessive bouncing might make a clip-on light uncomfortable.
FEATURED ON SHARK TANK
Night Runner 270 Shoe Lights
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These lights were very popular after their feature on ABC’s Shark Tank, and it’s easy to see why. These lights clip onto shoe laces for incredibly secure, floor-level lighting that can shoot out in multiple directions. They’re durable, waterproof, and have up to five hours of use on a single charge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Running Lights
What Are Running Lights For?
Running lights serve a dual purpose. They’re so the runner can see and be seen, making them obvious to cars and other humans while also making it easier for them to see the path in front of them.
What Other Equipment Should A Night Runner Have?
Aside from the lights themselves, it’s also worth carrying items like a water bottle and GPS tracker, since it’s much easier to get lost at night. Reflective clothing can also improve the effectiveness of a running light and improve visibility without adding any extra bulk.
What Other Safety Precautions Are Good to Take At Night?
It’s always a good idea to carry a self-defense weapon with you of some sort, especially if you’re running in a new place you’re not as familiar with. Make sure your cellphone has plenty of battery in case you get lost and need navigation. Also, stick to sidewalks and paths reserved for pedestrians and stay off roads and out of traffic as much as possible.
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