Brooks carbonite hat8/8/2023 HMI: When it comes to running gear, if it’s something you’re going to use or wear over and over, I’d recommend investing in a high-quality piece that will last for years. RW: We all like a deal, but when is it worth spending $150+ on a reflective running jacket? That said, if costs are comparable, I’ll usually opt for a hooded jacket on the off chance the hood will stay on while walking. If I need a hood, chances are it’s raining or windy (or both!), which makes it even more difficult to keep the hood in place. But in all my years of running and testing, I’ve yet to find a jacket with a hood that stays put while I’m on the move. HMI: In theory, a hooded running jacket is superior to a hoodless one. RW: Running jackets with hoods-yay or nay? Although your back doesn’t necessarily move while running, drivers should be alerted to your presence on the road when approaching from behind. When shopping for a reflective running jacket, you’ll want reflective details on the arms, wrists, and hips. HMI: The most effective reflective pieces of gear will showcase moving body parts-head, arms, and legs. ![]() RW: Where should a jacket have reflective elements in order for a runner to be most visible to others? I also factored in price, style, fit, material, and made my way through thousands of product reviews from fellow runners to bring you the best reflective running jackets. How We EvaluatedĪrmed with information from my interview with a Brooks product manager, I used my own experience to carefully select promising reflective running jackets. Some jackets we chose have reflective detailing on top of high-visibility material for a double whammy. Companies also employ high-visibility material-think super bright, fluorescent clothing-because it’s easier to spot in ambient light for a glow-in-the-dark effect. That’s because reflective material only works when light-like from a car’s headlight-hits it. Many jackets, tops, bottoms, and hats call themselves “reflective” but have just a small reflective strip that doesn’t do much on dark roads. Reflective details: If your goal is to be seen, more reflectivity is better. Just know you will be sacrificing some breathability with the weather resistance. If you live in a place with harsh winters-hello New England-it might be worth investing in a warmer jacket with moisture management. But once you start choosing jackets that are waterproof, water-repellant, or water-resistant (yes, those are all different), things can heat up pretty quickly. Most product descriptions will describe the fit, but it can take trial and error to know your true preferences and ensure your clothing and gear doesn’t impede your workout.īreathability: Most running jackets are billed as breathable to keep you from overheating. This applies whether you prefer a slim fit, or something a little looser to allow for multiple base layers. Below are a few important considerations when choosing a reflective jacket.įit: Like your running shoes, you want your jacket to fit right and feel comfortable. ![]() Like with any running gear, it might take some time to find a jacket that works for you. ![]() Recently, I tested many reflective and high-visibility items for Runner’s World, where I used to be an editor, and spoke with a product manager for the Brooks Run Visible line to learn more about how reflective and high-visibility materials actually work. Show more The Expert: As someone who’s raced seven marathons and way more half marathons than I can count, I’m no stranger to running in the dark I prefer the wee hours of the morning.
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