A Guide to Hi Vis Waterproof Jackets

High visibility waterproof running jackets are essential pieces of kit for runners looking to stay safe and be seen on roads and trails. Constructed using specialised fabrics and featuring 360 degree reflective trims, hi vis running jackets allow you to remain clearly visible even in low light conditions.

Who Are Hi Vis Running Jackets For?

Hi vis running jackets cater towards all types of runners who train or race near vehicle traffic. This includes road runners, trail runners crossing access roads to reach paths, fell runners on country lanes in early hours and ultra marathon competitors running through the night. Basically any runner logging miles in or around traffic should consider wearing high visibility outerwear.

When Should You Wear a Hi Vis Running Jacket?

Ideally high visibility waterproof running jackets should be worn whenever training schedules overlap with periods of lower visibility. This includes early morning runs before sunrise, evenings after sundown as well as inclement weather like fog, rain showers and winter weather with shorter daylight hours. Even in broad daylight, the added visibility helps vehicles spot you sooner to improve reaction times. Hi vis jackets truly provide 365 day usefulness.

How Do Hi Vis Running Jackets Boost Safety?

High visibility running jackets use bright neon fabric colours like yellow, orange and pink combined with strategically placed reflective strips and detailing that shine brightly under vehicle headlights and street lamps. This dual approach grabs the attention of drivers both consciously and peripherally even in their periphery to recognise a human form is present requiring heightened alertness and slower speeds. The result is greatly reduced risks of tragic impacts.

Outside of the obvious safety enhancements, high visibility waterproof running jackets provide a range of additional benefits that make them invaluable for dedicated runners training through all seasons and weather conditions.

Weather Protection

Waterproof fabric technologies like GoreTex and Pertex Shield ensure run sessions won't get cut short by the elements. Sealed seams prevent wind gusts and rainfall from penetrating while specially designed vents with water-resistant zippers prevent overheating by letting built up heat and humidity escape. Thanks to modern textile engineering, running jacket now provide impressive breathability without sacrificing water protection.

Temperature Regulation

The best high visibility running jackets feature mesh lined pockets to allow rapid heat exchange along with underarm vents to prevent overheating. For colder conditions, the athletic fit design allows for easy layering underneath whether you opt for base layers or insulating running tops to stay toasty when temps drop.

Convenience

Compare to vests, hi vis running jackets provide full coverage of both upper and lower body while packing down smaller for easy storage and transport. Compressible synthetic fill and lightweight yet durable ripstop fabrics mean jackets often fold down small enough to stash inside their own pockets or integrated running belts. They take up less space than traditional outerwear when stored or travelling.

Confidence on Trails

For those hitting less travelled trails, high visibility jackets provide an added sense of security should anything go wrong mileage from an access road. The bright colours stand out sharply against natural surroundings so search teams can spot you quicker whether injured trailside or caught out overnight if a sudden storm rolls in.

When evaluating high visibility waterproof running jackets, focus on models offering these ideal features:

Reflective Detailing

The raison d'être behind hi vis jackets lies with optimised reflective detailing to maximise conspicuity in any lighting. Ideal jackets feature 3MTM or ScotchliteTM reflective trim strips that fully encompass the torso, arms and sides in a 360 degree visibility design. This ensures you shine brightly when illuminated head-on as well as peripherally. When woven into actual fabric itself, small glass beads capture and cast back light too.

Breathable Water Protection

The highest rated waterproof running jackets sport an impressive 20K/20K rating signifying resistance against 20,000mm of rainwater pressure whilst still remaining breathable enough for 20,000gm of interior sweat vapour to escape per square meter over 24 hours. This level of water protection paired with breathability ensures you stay comfortable mile after mile. Key brands to provide both include Gore-Tex Paclite and Pertex Shield styles.

Climate Control Features

Top models regulate temperatures via handy venting provisions like underarm zip panels that allow rapid heat dispersal to prevent overheating whilst still blocking wind and water ingress. Rear shoulder vents, mesh lined pockets and back flaps provide climate control as well. For colder climes, adjustable Velcro wrist straps seal out icy gusts.

Performance Tailoring and Mobility

An articulated patterning approach creates jackets that move with the body without ride up or restriction during the dynamics motions of running. Added stretch fabrics ensure further flexibility and mobility. Thumb loops secure sleeves firmly in place whilst elasticised, partially ribbed hems maintain balanced coverage front to rear during stride extension and contraction without sagging uncomfortably.

Packability and Practicality

Leading models compress down small enough to disappear into integrated rear stuff pockets for easy carry. Inner hanging clips allow soaked jackets to be conveniently hung for drying in changing rooms. Some feature wire peak visors that can be manually shaped to shield vision distracting rainfall when competition rules prohibit hats. Several integrate handy napoleon chest pockets sized perfectly for energy gels that won't impede arm drive.

Within the premium outdoor apparel realm, certain brands lead the industry when it comes to manufacturing exceptional high visibility waterproof running jackets. These top tier labels produce recommended models like:

Raidlight Responsiv HiVis Ultralight Jacket

Trusted by elite adventure racers, the Responsiv utilises a lightweight 4-way stretch fabric with DWR coating for weather protection paired with microscopic glass bead enhancement reflecting back vehicle lights from all angles. Packs away into rear zip pouch after runs.

Berghaus RG Alpha Fluoro 3in1 Jacket

Already a revered three-in-one mountain shell, the RG Alpha Fluoro gets updated with zone mapped high visibility fabric placements where visibility matters most without reducing breathability. Fully waterproof and seam sealed for extreme wet weather usage.

Montane Dyno Stretch Neo Jacket

Exceptional Polartec NeoShell provides remarkable breathability and weather protection thanks to air permeable fabric that doesn’t rely on fabric pores that leak when saturated. Micro grid backer adds airflow channels. Removable stuffsac doubles as emergency bivvy shelter.

Inov-8 AT/C Stormshell Hi-Vis Jacket

Siliconised 6 denier mini ripstop fabric proves water repellent whilst specially mapped mesh panels vent heat. Anatomical 3D patterning prevents excess material without impairing high velocity arm/shoulder movements. Folds into external back pocket.

Achieving an optimal fit proves essential to maximise both safety enhancements and running performance from your hi vis waterproof running jacket. Use these fitting tips:

Try Before You Buy

The best way to confirm adequate fit remains physically trying on jackets in your local Runners Need store prior to purchase. Move through your full range of motion including arm circles, torso twists, squat jumps and lifts to assess how the garment facilitates movement. Ensure no areas pull tightly that may restrict performance. Trying multiple sizes often proves necessary even when referencing size charts.

Room for Layers

Even slim fitting designs should allow some space underneath to accommodate baselayers and running tops without bunching uncomfortably, especially if purchasing a shell intended for colder weather running. Trying your chosen second skin layers underneath when fitting in-store gives the best representation of how components work collectively.

Sufficient Sleeve Length

When fitting jackets, focus particularly on adequate sleeve length that fully covers wrists without impeding hand movements. Raise your arms vertically overhead whilst wearing the jacket and have a second person visually confirm fabric extends a few centimetres beyond wrists bones to sufficiently seal out elements.

Anchored Hems

Elasticised sleeve cuffs, partially ribbed waist hems and inflexible press stud side adjusters all minimise back ride up that exposes lower torsos to rainfall. Cinch cords provide additional anchor points. These features work to keep coverage static during the lifting, extension and contraction occurring within the running stride.

Chafing Reduction

Carefully check areas prone to repetitive friction like underarm sleeves, necklines and waist hems lie flat without compressing too firmly that may lead to rubbing discomfort over distance. Preference styles shaped to avoid irritation over going a size too small in standard jackets.

With attentive care and maintenance, a hi vis waterproof running jacket delivers many seasons of quality performance. Follow these steps:

Limit UV Exposure

To preserve integrity of jacket fabrics and reflective trims, avoid leaving garments long term in direct sunlight when not in use. Place inside a pack or hang indoors rather than draping over a car seat where UV plus heat degrades materials quicker. Translucent storage sacks help.

Rinse Salt Deposits

After marine environment or salty road running, rinse jackets under a gentle shower to remove salt crystals and briny residue that draws moisture compromising future DWR effectiveness if allowed to accumulate long term without cleansing.

Periodic Reproofing

While factory DWR treatments initially assist water beading, general usage wears down effectiveness over time. Rather than wait for leakage, restore hydrophobicity every season or two using wash friendly DWR reproofing sprays widely available from outdoor retailers. Target areas prone to early saturation like shoulders and hoods.

Gentle Detergents

When washing becomes necessary to eliminate odours, stains or stickiness, use gentle liquid detergents without aggressive brightening chemicals that degrade jacket treatments and fabrics. Turn inside out, select a cold delicate cycle and line dry away from direct heat that disadvantages membranes.

Avoid Overstuffing

Jamming jackets inside cramped packs or drying pods stresses fabric durability long term leading to pinhole tears in the protective membrane more rapidly than light packing into breathable mesh zones. Roll tightly rather than wadding to minimise creases around reflective logos too.

While high visibility waterproof running jackets drastically improve safety, you'll also want to utilise these additional precautions:

Limit Distractions

Eliminate audio, visual or mental distractions that compromise awareness of surroundings. Stow personal electronics and avoid stressful conversations prior to sessions. Remain tuned in to environmental cues and hazards.

Stay Predictable

Run in consistent, predictable straight lines rather than darting randomly which bewilders motorists attempting to gauge runner trajectory and pass safely. Hold lines even when fatigued rather than weaving. Signal turns well in advance.

Use Caution at Intersections

Watch for turning vehicles at junctions and driveways who may still fail to spot you despite high contrast apparel. Make eye contact with drivers whenever possible and avoid assuming right of way even when legally crossing with priority.

Run Against Traffic

When paths run out requiring road running, face oncoming vehicles on left verges to gain maximum visual reaction time for all parties rather than relying on vehicles approaching from behind.

Pair with Rear LEDs

Supplement reflectivity with rear facing LED indicator strips adhered to belts, hats or directly onto jackets providing indication of directionality, improving ability of vehicles to correctly judge required passing distances.

Mind Night Blindness

Be aware many elderly motorists suffer diminished night vision and slow glare recovery response times. Enhanced front visions proves less effective with these groups versus healthy younger retinas.

Q: Are high visibility running jackets regulated for safety standard?

A: Yes, to ensure gear provides adequate conspicuity for risk protection and accident prevention, high visibility garments must meet certain government standards for brightness and precise placement of reflective detailing. Brands will indicate relevant safety certifications.

Q: Should the jacket be loose fitting or tighter cut?

A: It depends on personal preference, but both styles allow for running motions as long as the fit allows full arm circling without pull. Try each to see what feels best. Loose fitting jackets can be layered over other tops more easily while tighter fits ward off cold better.

Q: Is it advisable to layer a hi vis vest over my running jacket?

A: A vest over a jacket amplifies brightness but can constrict movement if too tight when worn together. A smarter strategy is choosing a jacket with 360 degree reflectivity rather than limited front/back trim. Full circumferential reflective stripes provide visibility from all sides without the bulk and discomfort of double layering.

Q: How do I make the reflectivity last longer and stay brighter?

A: Avoid excessive abrasion that wears down reflective coatings. Don't leave jackets directly on car seats where friction occurs. Wash in gentle cold cycle only when dirty and air dry. Dirt build up also diminishes reflectivity so clean routinely. Reapplying reflective transfer films or iron on patches can also refresh faded areas.

Q: Are these jackets fine for summer running or only cold weather?

A: Hi vis waterproof running jackets work year-round. Choose lightweight breathable styles for warmer training. Use venting features to prevent overheating. If high humidity, pick jackets allowing greater air permeability - review fabric specs when comparing options. For cold conditions in fall and winter, wear insulating mid or base layers underneath.

Q: Should I remove the jacket when entering warm buildings to prevent moisture accumulation?

A: Yes, entering heated buildings from cold outside temperatures can lead to interior fogging and moisture build up. Remove the jacket until exiting again into cooler air to allow moisture to dissipate. Frequent wet-dry cycles will necessitate more frequent DWR replenishment spray applications as well over time.