This article is dedicated to recommending the best running lights that work in different weather conditions so you don’t have to go through the hassle. Battery life is another important feature you need to consider, and you need to ensure the running lights come with lithium batteries as they are more durable than other batteries. Most running lights are rechargeable and you can charge the battery using a USB cable. But, running lights with rechargeable batteries are known to have shorter run times than battery-powered running lights so if you are running longer distances, it’s best to choose the latter. We researched dozens of reflective running gear from popular, trusted brands for running and outdoor apparel and gear. We evaluated them for reflective material, design, ease of use, comfort, price, and degree of visibility. We also sought out recommendations and tips on what to look for when shopping for reflective running gear from these experts:

Wash on the delicate cycle, as reflective patches are not all that durable, plus more vigorous wash cycles can diminish waterproofing capabilities. You also have to consider where you’ll wear the product because wearing the running lights on different parts of the body have advantages and disadvantages. Plus there’s a running light for every part of your body. For example, headlamps make you visible to others but they can cause headaches with prolonged wear. On the other hand, clip-on lights and shoe lights are lightweight but have the tendency of flying off during your run. With an IPX4 rating, these running lights were built to withstand different weather conditions like snow, rain, and ice. First, it's important to note that there are different categories of running lights, including: head lamps, chest lamps, clip-on lights and handheld flashlights. Though you can run with any of these, depending on the time of day, your running location, and running course, one may be better than the another. A good headlamp will help you avoid obstacles in front of you,” Jergensen says. “Adding additional lights to parts of your body that are moving will help identify you as a moving object instead of an inanimate object.”

Cateye Omni 5 LED Rear Bike Light

Lighted Armbands and Wristbands: Armbands and wristbands with built-in LED lights are a popular choice for runners. They are comfortable to wear and provide 360-degree visibility. Many of these bands offer various lighting modes, including steady, flashing, and color-changing options. This is another one I got 4 or 5 years ago that I really like. Maybe because we all hate carrying things or adding more layers, it’s easier to just having something on our shoes. It can run up to 1000 lumens having advanced bright LEDs and a wide beam, with a built-in USB rechargeable battery, taillights, and front lights to ensure safety when running during the night. The belt bag is waterproof and the retractable strap is adjustable, suitable for all kinds of settings. Chest Running Lights This one from Amphipod is a great option and at REI you have a superior return policy if you test and decide it’s not for you.

Staying safe while running in the dark is about two things—being able to see, and being seen,” says RRCA-certified running coach Heather Jergensen. “If we want to be seen, then the brighter, the better." On the other hand, other lights are made for conditions where you simply need to catch the attention of others, even in better-lit environments like a lamplit street. These LED lights usually offer several different settings, like a flashing or strobe mode, and are more set-it-and-forget-it type lights. These products, however, won’t provide the same all-round illumination as more powerful headlamps and dedicated spotlights. Mounting Options Proviz Sports uses REFLECT360, a material embedded with reflective glass beads that make you visible from all angles. There are a number of ways to ensure you have both the visibility to see where you’re going and can be seen by those around you, be they other pedestrians, cyclists, or drivers. Everything from light colored clothing to reflective gear and lights can all make a difference.

Exposure Trace MK2 Daybright Front Light

Plus, you can also place this armband on your ankles and wrists, and it comes with two illumination modes – blinking and a steady glow. 4. Nathan Zephyr Fire 100 Handheld Flashlight When looking for reflective running gear, consider reflective material throughout all garments, light or bright colors, and 360-degree visibility. Focus especially on illuminating your head, arms, and chest, since that’s what drivers will notice. “The eyes of the driver are going to go up, so above the waist is where you want the lights to be,” says Ben Delaney, RRCA-certified running coach, and director of training programs and operations at New York Road Runners. Handheld Lights: Handheld lights are compact, portable lights that you can carry in your hand while running. They are useful for those who prefer to control the direction of the light manually. Handheld lights come in various sizes and may have different beam patterns. Depending on the materials, proper care for your reflective clothing may vary, so always read the care instructions on your garment. That said, I have a few general tips: Look for lights that are easy to securely attach to a body part or clothing or are comfortable to hold. A good battery life is also important because you don’t want to constantly recharge or worry about your light shutting off in the middle of a run.