As we inch towards those days filled with more sunlight, many runners are ready to toss their reflective gear and lights into the ‘winter’ drawer or bin and say goodbye until next year. However, for others, running before dawn or after dusk all throughout the year is a necessary step in order to get their miles in with their lifestyle. Running in low-light conditions requires more than just bright clothes and shoes- it stresses the commitment to visibility.
Finding the right lights and reflective gear that work for you can be tricky as it can depend on sizing on clothes and availability, or sometimes it means just taking a gamble on the best Amazon deal you can find – but we’re here to help with some of our favorite pieces!
Below, check out Coach Maddie’s top favorite reflective gear and lights she’s loving – which include both pieces she’s had for a few years and some she’s rocking for the first season (with links if applicable)!
Rabbit Low Light Speed Leggy 4” Shorts
Near the end of 2025, at a women’s night hosted by one of our local running stores in the Triangle, I spotted these must-have shorts on my way out. I’d been really looking for a piece of running gear that had reflection on it as it adds that additional safety measure when running at night for me on my post-work runs. Since it typically is a mild winter here in North Carolina (it sure didn’t feel like it this year…) I wear more shorts than leggings. When these were released, they also had a leggings version and I now wish I got those as well!!
These shorts feature 2 side stash pockets and a back reflective zip which fits keys or gels perfectly! I love that these are now the shorts I can wear in the summer as well when I start those pre-dawn long runs to beat the heat of the sun!
When I checked out these on the Rabbit site recently, I noticed they’re on sale but out of a few sizes… I really wish reflective gear wasn’t just considered a winter necessity!
Looking for a great alternative? Oiselle, an incredible, women-owned brand has a Firecracker Line of reflective gear! These ¾ Tights have a wraparound waist pocket and additional reflective mesh at the ankle. There are three color options to choose from, which is exciting!
AVANTO PRO Chest Light
For a few years now, I have loved my AVANTO chest light. It truly feels like I’m not wearing a light at times as it was key for me to feel like I wasn’t putting on an additional vest that would bounce around while running. I don’t like the feeling of a headlamp while I’m running as I often wear head warmers or hats. I was looking for something with a lower price-point just in-case it broke or I wasn’t sold on it. It’s been working for me for 3 years now and has a great battery life! If you’re looking for a lower-cost option, look no further! Mine is a few versions ago, but I might just have to update it!
While I don’t own or wear a noxgear vest, I know they are all the hit, especially their Tracer 2 vest, so I am linking their site here. They are currently having a winter sale, so it’s a great opportunity to save on possibly your next favorite piece of gear!
Oiselle Vigor Vest
If there’s something true about me running in the winter, it’s that I’m a notorious OVERdresser. I always wear too many layers…. But a favorite of mine in the dark is my light outerlayer Oiselle Vigor Vest. It’s all-season, weather-resistant and has a reflective strip at the front chest and center down the back for safety on both sides. Even better, it packs into a zippable pocket! Oiselle has a few stand out reflective pieces, and another of my favorites, which I will admit don’t wear as often as I could or should is their Lightning Tank. I got this in around 2018 and it’s not available anymore but is a great piece if you can find one! I’m wearing it in the second photo featured above, and it is BRIGHT! Like, completely made of flexible reflective mesh that can fit overtop as many layers as you desire. The Vigor Vest is my more subtle hints as being seen!
Nathan Strobe Light LED Clips
If you aren’t convinced yet of the importance of having some reflective areas on you, at the bare minimum I recommend getting yourself clip on lights like the Nathan Strobe Light LED Clips. These can attach to anything you are wearing and are weather resistant, but I suggest getting at least 2 so you are seen from the front and back. It comes with a battery included and 8+ Max Lumens to ensure that you are brightly lit.
It’s not just about you being able to see your next few steps, but it’s equally, if not more important, for oncoming cars, bicyclists, and others runners to spot you. Trust us, your safety and peace of mind about being visible is worth it. While I know there are reflective gloves and even reflective body chalk out there, I wanted to provide you with a few of my favorites to get you started!
Happy Running!
