Headlamp for running at night.

[jgore]

I have an old camping headlamp that I decided to start using last week when running with my clinic group at night. What a difference.

No, it doesn't help much with seeing what the footing is like, unless the lighting is really poor.

Where it does make a big difference is with drivers coming from side streets. It's normally difficult for them to see us because their headlights aren't pointing at us so the reflective material on jackets isn't much help. I usually ran with a blinking red bicycle light, but that didn't make as much a difference as you'd expect. Since I started wearing the headlamp, no problems with cars at all. Most of the drivers who have the nose of the car stuck out into the cross street back up in plenty of time to let me by. On the way home tonight, both a cab driver and a pair of young guys in a souped-up 4x4 backed up for me and even returned my wave of acknowledgment. Unbelievable.

I'll be taking it on all my nighttime runs from now on.

[BJH]

Good for you Jim. I find it makes a huge difference to have any sort of light, exactly because of that - reflective stuff only works if light is shining directly on it.

One thing I've seen a bit around here is a blinkie attached to a shoe. The extra movement catches people's eye and it is visible from a few angles.

[ChrisL]

I run with a yellow reflective vest and also have a large red multi light blinker on my shoulder. It looks dorky but it is effective.

[Size5]

When I run outside in the morning before work I use my headlamp. Sadly I don't really feel safe to do that so I'll only do it when I get to take the dog. The funny thing is, I think she chases my headlamp light.

S5

[Gear Boy]

I hang a couple of these LED blinkers from MEC off my person when running in the dark. Though adding the headlamp is probably a good idea too considering some of the streets I cross.

[runcherylrun]

I bought this Petzl headlamp last fall & LOVE IT.

http://en.petzl.com/petzl/LampesProduits?Produit=606

It's a must when you live where there are no street lamps.

It's light, adjustable, comes with 3 different color lenses & a difuser.

I've worn it for more than running too. Works great when we're feeding the cows in the evenings or when we worked well after dark on our house addition.

[trixiee]

have one similar to this:http://www.thequickstore.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15&zenid=6a0ad9d5ced500dd69bb1b0df94b8f27 Sorry for the long link!

[Strider]

Funny, not in a good way, I have had the exact opposite results. I find the number 1 item are the RED LED blinking lights, number 2 is Reflective Material and number 3 is the Head Lamp (unless it is blinking, but try running with that, makes me dizzy). As I drive around my neighbourhood, I have looked at other runners to get an idea, and what I have found is the Head Lamp gets washed out in the the ambient light from street lights, and other cars. I run mornings so there really isn't a lot of traffic to worry about, but evenings are a death trap unless you have a number of "blinkies"

[runcherylrun]

Funny, not in a good way, I have had the exact opposite results. I find the number 1 item are the RED LED blinking lights, number 2 is Reflective Material and number 3 is the Head Lamp (unless it is blinking, but try running with that, makes me dizzy). As I drive around my neighbourhood, I have looked at other runners to get an idea, and what I have found is the Head Lamp gets washed out in the the ambient light from street lights, and other cars. I run mornings so there really isn't a lot of traffic to worry about, but evenings are a death trap unless you have a number of "blinkies"

I can see how a headlamp hets washed out by streetlamps - living out in the country, I don't have that worry

[Albertatraildog]

Two or three times a week, I take the dog for a run at night, in the dark, in the woods (Riverlot 56 for those who live by St Albert). I used to use an LED only mini lamp, but am now using the Black Diamond Gemini hybrid lamp which I bought last year to use in the Death Race. Hybrid lamps offer the best of both words. The Gemini has both dual LED’s and a higher power xenon light source. The LEDs last much longer, but the Xenon light puts out way more power when you need it. Using the xenon bulb exclusively the batteries will lasts between 4-5 hours. When using only LED lights, batteries last up to 80 hours. The lamp runs on three AA batteries which fit in a compartment attached to the strap on the back of your head. Running in the woods at night is a blast.

[Scott]

I like to wear a headlamp while cycling in the dark as well - along with a headlihgt and tiallight on the bike. Having a headlamp allows me to point the LED at the drivers to ensure I have their attention. Those turtle lights are great for being seen.

We will take one along for dog walks in the dark early morning hours too - while drivers see us crossing the street, its good for finding the poo...