Running safety gear: the essential guide

Best basic reflective vest

As the days get shorter and the nights get longer, more and more of us are out running in the dark, and wearing bright, reflective gear is important for safety. The Nathan Streak Reflective Vest is super lightweight and comfortable, while providing 1,200-foot (366-metre) visibility and 360-degree reflectivity. Not bright enough for you? The vest features attachment points for other LEDs, so drivers and other pedestrians will always be able to see you coming.

Best mid-run medical kit

The Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .3 Medical Kit is a compact first-aid kit for adventurous runners exploring remote trails. Perfect for one- or two-day solo adventures, this kit carries just the essentials to ensure you’re prepared for unexpected incidents. Designed for those who seek the thrill of exploration, this ultralight and watertight medical kit provides peace of mind on the trails, combining portability with practicality. From cuts and scrapes to more serious injuries, this kit allows you to address problems right away, so you can get home safely.

Essential winter running gear

The Kahtoola NANOspikes Footwear Traction is a must-have accessory for runners navigating icy and snow-packed roads. Tungsten carbide spikes allow for seamless transitions on and off dry pavement and provide exceptional wear resistance and traction without affecting your natural foot strike. Featuring a durable elastomer harness with reinforced eyelets and a toe bale for added comfort and security, the dual-compound construction enhances flexibility and snow release. The upward-facing traction plates ensure a secure fit against your footwear, and a raised heel tab allows for effortless removal. If you live in an area that experiences harsh winter conditions, these are the perfect safety solution, ensuring peace of mind and a safe, confident stride.

Best for visibility

To see and be seen–that’s the goal of all runners when they’re out in low-light conditions. The Petzl Actik Headlamp provides up to 450 lumens of brightness with five different modes, providing two hours of light even on its highest setting. The centre-mounted pivot allows you to aim the light up or down, and the reflective strips along the headband make you more visible to others. The dual sliding buckle system makes this lamp quick and easy to slide on, and the dark reflector ring helps you find your lamp more easily when you’re looking for it in the dark–especially important for early risers who are trying not to disturb their housemates by turning on the lights). The lockout mode makes sure that when you no longer need the lamp, the light won’t accidentally turn on in your bag and run down the battery, and the white storage pouch doubles as a diffusing lantern.

Best combo–warmth and visibility

The Craft ADV SubZ Lumen Insulated Running Vest is designed to keep you warm, dry and visible during intense workouts in chilly winter conditions. With its wind-protective Ventair fabric and light insulation at the front, this vest offers optimal protection from the elements, while the brushed jersey at the back efficiently controls moisture and provides extra warmth. The vest’s reflective print at the front shoulders and back enhances visibility in low-light conditions, ensuring safety during early morning or evening runs. Its bonded 3-layer construction, regular fit, taped bottom hem and zippered side pockets make it a comfortable and practical garment for layering, offering the perfect solution for winter workouts in cold and dark settings.

Best for mid-run hydration

Dehydration during a long run is a serious concern for many runners. The Salomon Advantage Skin 12 Running Vest is an absolute must for the runner looking for comfortable, hands-free water storage on the go. Made with stretchy, breathable fabrics and a quick-link sternum strap (so you can easily adjust your pack and manage your load), this vest is ultra-comfortable and won’t restrict your movement. Not only can it carry up to 2.5 litres of water, the vest contains multiple pockets and stretch compartments to ensure you can carry everything else you need–including a trash compartment so you can leave no trace. With durable and reliable zippers, plus extra features like a safety whistle, this pack is ready to go wherever your fall adventures take you.

Easiest phone carriage

While some runners prefer a tech-free run, having access to your phone while running helps keep you safe. The Nathan Super 5K Smartphone Armband allows you to securely strap your smartphone while out for a run, providing easy access to your device for music, maps and emergency calls. With your phone close at hand, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you can quickly reach out for help or stay connected during your workout. The lightweight and adjustable design ensures a comfortable fit, while the sweat-resistant material keeps your phone dry throughout your run.

Best reflective headgear

Stay seen with the Nathan HyperNight Reflective Headband, which features a midweight fleece construction with a soft polyester/spandex techno knit fabric that offers comfort with its shearing back and smooth face. Designed with high-visibility reflective graphics, this headband ensures visibility in low-light conditions, enhancing your safety during evening runs or outdoor adventures.

Best for emergencies

The Fox 40 Classic Safety Whistle provides peace of mind for runners venturing out on their own. With its loud and crisp sound, this whistle is engineered to cut through surrounding noise, helping runners signal their location for potential rescuers up to a mile away. Its powerful, piercing sound ensures that even in busy urban or remote outdoor environments, the Fox 40 Classic Safety Whistle stands out, providing runners with a reliable tool for attracting attention and enhancing their safety. Whether exploring urban trails or venturing into the wilderness, this whistle is a must-have for runners prioritizing safety and preparedness.

Products reviewed in this article: