Winter athletic clothing
The concern
We have two big issues in winter. One is visibility. The other is protection from cold or wet conditions.
Visibility tips for winter activities
Visibility can vary by your activity. Walking and cycling is at particular risk of being hit by vehicles. Even if the sky is not dark, winds and rain can distract drivers who may miscalculate your position. Thus safety during winter activities on or near roads need your attention.
We’ll cover these solutions here:
- Reflective leg and arm bands
- Reflective vests and jackets
- Lighted leg and arm bands
- Light sticks
- Lighted vests
Reflective leg and arm bands
Reflective leg bands are available from bicycle stores, and suitable for walkers too. They are great for adding reflection to a moving part of your body.
Reflective vests and jackets
Big reflective areas are great! I have a reflective vest from Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC.ca) which has a yellow zig-zag pattern that is also reflective. I’ve definitely noticed other people wearing these, even in busy traffic and pedestrian areas.
Fully-reflective vests and jackets were new to me in 2024. I’ve seen them only a few times on the road, and most local bike shops and running stores sell some version of it.
Can you imagine driving in the dark, and seeing a whole upper body of a jogger reflect your headlights all of a sudden? It works for me. I haven’t bought one yet, but I’d like to.
I’ve seen vests just under $200 and jackets are a bit over. Well worth the cost if it saves you from a collision.
Lighted leg and arm bands
NiteIze offers an affordable example which is pre-coiled to stay snug on your arm, regardless of whether you are wearing a jacket. I use these safety lights by NiteIze and the included battery lasts a great long time. Sometimes they go on sale at SportChek or London Drugs, but otherwise currently retail around $20 CAD. NiteIze.com is the brand I’ve had good luck with. I have a whole bunch of these
Light sticks
NiteIze also sells these, and you may find quite a selection in a Google search.
Lighted vests
A lighted vest can be expensive but well worth it. At busy intersections, at night or on a dim and stormy day, I definitely notice people walking their dogs in my neighbourhood when they are glowing. Some vests have a vertical lighted strip up the middle of the back, and one or more areas lighted on the front. Check your local running store for these.
Weather protection for winter activities
When I say weather protection, I mean wet and cold which affects both comfort and safety.
How to stay dry
I’ll think of something to say here soon.
How to stay warm
Here too – give me some time to come up with some tips!