

Nine Items to Light Up Your Run

Winter’s short days have you running in the dark? Here are our favorite ways to light up the night and stay safe on the road.

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Princeton Tec Vizz ($50)

The Vizz is amazingly versatile. Two bright LEDs can be dimmed, while a "maxbright" LED illuminates objects nearly 100 yards away. The lamp also has two red bulbs, perfect for getting dressed for an early-morning run without waking the family. Three taps of the power button lock the lamp, so it won't accidentally power on in your bag.

Text by Jeff Dengate

Light & Motion Solite 250EX ($180)

While it's bigger and heavier than other options--and is ideally suited for biking--Solite 250EX can't be beat when you need to see where you're going. It features a USB-rechargeable battery pack that gives you four hours of just about the brightest light we've ever seen in a headlamp. The wide, thick headband with a non-slip print prevents bouncing at any pace.

Fenix HL10 ($30)

The Fenix HL10 is at the opposite end of the spectrum from the Solite 250EX. This pint-size lamp runs off just a single AAA battery and has three brightness settings--all are usable for running, which isn't always the case with such small headlamps. Its aluminum shell ensures the lamp will survive any nighttime clumsiness.

Black Diamond Sprinter ($70)

Like the Solite 250EX, the Sprinter features a separate rechargeable battery pack that's situated at the back of the head. To help stabilize the unit, Black Diamond includes a strap that wraps over the top of your head, connecting the back and front of the headband. We found this helps eliminate bouncing on rough terrain and trails. The single white light isn't the brightest in the bunch, but adequately illuminates your path at running speeds. Bonus: A red taillight on the battery pack blinks, ideal for use on roads.

GoMotion Synergy Hydration Lightvest ($95)

Thie one-liter hydration backpack sports an adjustable LED light mounted chest-high. Because of the placement, road and trail hazards cast longer shadows, making them more noticeable. Three AA batteries power the lamp from a compartment on the back of the vest, which also blinks red when powered on.

Nathan Lightspur ($20)

As a responsible runner, you always run against traffic, right? Regardless, it's wise to stay visible from all angles. The Lightspur--a neon-green or cherry-red, U-shaped light that clips around the heel of your shoe--ensures that you're seen from behind. It's unobtrusive, too--the Spur is so small and lightweight that I once forgot to take it off before a race.

Panther Vision Powercap ($30)

Don't like the bounce of a headlamp? You're not alone. Thankfully, companies like Panther Vision have outfitted technical running caps with LED lights. The Powercap features two spotlight LEDs that are angled upward to shine farther out in front of you and two floodlights that illuminate the ground at your feet.

AthLights ($16 for 2)

These little jelly-bean-sized magnetic AthLights don't illuminate your path of travel so much as flash and dance to alert motorists of your presence. The alternating red and white bursts are impossible to miss. The magnetic attachment allows you to affix these to any piece of clothing--they even held strong during a long run on a thick winter jacket.

Sunbrite Systems Candu ($40)

The Candu is well-rounded: It's lightweight, bright, and affordable. Much like the Princeton Tec Vizz, it features a center-mounted "maxbright" LED that cranks out a single beam of blindingly bright light. Two lower-power LEDs flank it to the sides, for a floodlight effect--good for saving battery while still making yourself visible to traffic during low-light runs.

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