As the nights close in and the days are darker, it is more important than ever to be visible at night; whether you’re walking, running or cycling. In London, our streets may be well lit, but it doesn’t always mean that you are seen, so you need to be proactive and make sure that you are visible at night. Some clothes, such as brightly coloured jackets, might make it easier for others to see you during daylight hours, however this may be of little use during darkness if the jacket does not have any reflective properties. Therefore, daytime visibility as well as night-time reflective features, are both important.
I have shared some of my favourite items for being visible at night; I own most, but have included a wish list for items that look awesome, but I don’t own…yet. It is important to note that my top picks may not all be stand alone for full visibility, (to see and be seen), but rather need to be worn with others, to have a full 360° visibility in both daylight and at night-time.
Be Visible At Night – Top Picks
- Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
Features –
Light intensity: 300 lumens
Light bulb: Full power for high beam and close range, dimming function, flashing mode, night vision mode (red) and blocking mode
Light Duration (h): 30-175
Why Do I Like It? I bought this for a location shoot in Sweden in February and I used it all the time there. I now use it regularly in London, when walking at night. I like that you wear it, so you don’t have to carry it. It’s light!
What’s It For? Walking, cycling, running, hiking…
Visibility: You can see clearly in front of you. Others can see you, but only from in front of you. Need to wear something else, to be visible to others that are behind you.
How Much? / Where Can I Buy One? From £14.99 at Bikester.co.uk.
- UP LED Vest
Features –
Bright red LED lights on the front and back of vest have 2 modes – constant and flash. (4 x CR2032 batteries included)
500 Candlepower reflective panels for added visibility.
Comfortable, cutaway styling allows full freedom of movement.
Velcro tabs for easy to put on/take off.
Why Do I Like It? It’s light and easy to wear, or stuff into your pocket when you reach your destination. Makes you visible at night and day.
What’s It For? Walking, cycling, running, hiking…
Visibility: Great for day and night use; bright yellow means you can be seen in the day and the LED lights and reflective strips make you light up at night. However, you will also need strong bike lights, to see ahead, if you’re cycling.
How Much? / Where Can I Buy One? £16.99 at 1000mile.co.uk
LED Armband
Features –
LED Flashing Armband for visibility at night
Length – 35cm, fits from 28cm to 32cm. (Unisex)
Replaceable batteries (CR2023 batteries)
4 Modes: fast flashing, slow flashing, continuous bright and off
Why Do I Like It? Whilst these may look gimmicky, they are bright and you are sure to be seen at night. I like the colour. I bought these for the Sweden trip too and they were a well used accessory to be seen. I use them whilst running or cycling in London. (Plus, I wore them to Glastonbury too!)
What’s It For? Wrap the band to your… wrist, ankle, arm or leg… or to a bike, helmet, schoolbag, backpack.
Visibility: Bright and great for night-time use.
How Much? / Where Can I Buy One? £5.99 at Amazon. Though I have just seen the new rechargeable ones for £19.99 at Amazon.
LED Shoe Clips
Features –
Light Mode: On, Flashing, Off
On Time: 12h / Flashing Time: 20h
Dimension: 3.54” × 2.56” × 1.18”
Weight: 25g
Batteries: 2pcs CR2016
Why Do I Like It? Okay, so these ones might be a little gimmicky, but you are definitely seen in these. I bought mine after seeing a couple of girls running in them in London and I thought they looked fun. I’ve taken these to Glastonbury too!
What’s It For? Clip to your shoes, so you are visible to people behind you.
Visibility: Bright for night-time use.
How Much? / Where Can I Buy One? From £4.99 at Amazon.
- Bike Lights
It would be remiss of me not to mention bike lights. As a cyclist, it seems obvious to say that you need a good set of bike lights to see and be seen. In fact, it is a legal requirement to have them if you are riding after sunset, in the UK. So which ones are the best? There are so many options for bike lights that it’s hard to choose one, and this would need a whole new article about the choice and variety of bike lights (high lumen count, battery life, cost, laser, smartphone compatible, etc…). So instead, I’m going to direct you towards those in the know…. cyclist.co.uk
I currently use a pair from Halfords that are a few years old now, so I need to upgrade! I like the ones that can be charged, as they are better for the environment. The Bikehut 1000 Lumen Front Bike Light looks great, as it’s simple, inexpensive in comparison and does the job well. (I can’t be dealing with all the others and all their gadgets!) Although, in addition to my main lights, I have added spoke lights to my bike as they look so cool when you’re cycling… definitely visible!
Wish List – Items I’ve Seen and I’m Saving For
AGILE 12 NOCTURNE
Features –
Soft flasks included *2 (500ml / 17oz) (Bladder compatible too)
Padded Shoulder straps
One size fits all – adjustable
Hi-visibity reflective detail
Harness construction – disperses load
Easy access pockets
Why Do I Like It? I like the sleek design and the thoughtful, useful details, such as easy access pockets; great for those of us that need an inhaler close to hand.
What’s It For? Walking, cycling, running, hiking…
Visibility: Reflective details for night-time visibility.
How Much? / Where Can I Buy One? £100.00 at Salomon.com
REFLECT360 Women’s Cycling Jacket
Features –
100% reflective outer-shell
Waterproof (5000mm) and Waterproof storm zip
Built in air vents (front, under-arm and shoulder/back)
Fleece-lined comfort collar
Adjustable waistband and velcro cuff
Inside pockets
Why Do I Like It? This looks amazing. The jacket is completely reflective, so you won’t be missed at night, plus it’s lightweight, warm, waterproof and washable! Plus, the grey colour looks quite smart in the day.
What’s It For? Walking, cycling, running, hiking…
Visibility: Nighttime 360° visibility. May need to consider wearing the green or yellow version for better daytime visibility.
How Much? / Where Can I Buy One? £89.99 at provizsports.com
Osprey Ultralight High Vis Raincover
Features –
Volume range 20-35L
Reflective graphic printing
High visibility
Lightweight 0.11kg
Packs into its own carry case
LED light attachment point
Why Do I Like It? I used to own the Hump, but it ripped and it was eventually stolen/lost. This Osprey looks like a great replacement. I like the hi-vis and the reflective features. Plus it’s waterproof.
What’s It For? Your backpack, as a cover.
Visibility: Hi-Vis in the day, with reflective printing for night. Great as an add-on item.
How Much? / Where Can I Buy One? £17.00 at Wiggle.co.uk
GripGrab Hi Viz Cycling Essentials Kit
Features –
Ride Hi-Vis Windproof Gloves
Lightweight Thermal Hi-Vis Skull Cap
Multifunctional Hi-Vis Neck Warmer
Insulating
Breathable
Reflective details, Highly Visible
Why Do I Like It? I think this would be a great add-on kit for extra visibility.
What’s It For? The kit is described as cycling essentials, but I would use this kit for running. Not sure the hat would fit comfortably under a helmet, I don’t know, but the hat would be great to keep your ears warm.
Visibility: Bright yellow for day use and hi-vis reflective for night-time too.
How Much? / Where Can I Buy One? £59.95 at Wiggle.co.uk
I hope you like my top picks to be visible at night and I hope they are useful suggestions and inspiration to help you keep safe during these dark days!
Be seen, be safe.
If you have any suggestions or recommendations, please do let us know in the comments below👇.
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