The best running safety gear you can buy

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• There's nothing better than a good, long run, but running in the dark, on roads, or alone isn't the safest activity. 
• We've rounded up the best running safety gear you can buy, including lights and vests for visibility, open headphones for safety, pepper spray for self-defense, and a medical ID bracelet for emergencies.

Your running sneakers are calling to you, and you need to get your miles in for the day. But maybe it's already getting dark out, your running buddy cancelled, or you know your route will take you along a busy road. Running is great for you in terms of keeping you healthy and fit, but it doesn't come without its risks.

These five products can help to keep runners safer. We've chosen some top-performing gear that increases visibility, allows you to listen to music while still being able to hear the noises around you, provides valuable medical information in case of an emergency, and more.

Put all of the items on this list together, and you'll have a comprehensive set of safety equipment that should be in any runner's gear bag.

But don't worry, this gear won't weigh you down or affect the quality of your run. It isn't bulky or heavy, and we've chosen items that are weather- and sweat-resistant. This gear offers excellent value and durability, and it's ready to accompany you on sprints, quick training sessions, and those epic long runs.

Whether you're a professional runner training for your next marathon or are just pursuing your New Year's resolution to get fit, this safety gear is for you

Here is the best safety gear for runners:

• Best safety light for runners: Knuckle Lights Advanced
• Best safety gear for medical emergencies: Road ID Bracelet
• Best headphones for running safety: AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Open Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best safety gear for road running: JQP Sports Running Vest and 4 LED Safety Light Set
• Best safety gear for self-protection: Sabre 3-in-1 Pepper Spray
  

Read on in the slides below to check out our top picks.

The best safety lights for runners

Why you'll love them: Not only do the Knuckle Lights Advanced warn drivers of your presence at night, but they're positioned to help spot potential tripping hazards to keep you on your feet, too.

Whether you love those nighttime runs or find yourself out on the roads early in the morning, the Knuckle Lights Advanced can increase your visibility as well as improve your vision.

These hand-held lights are just 9.4 ounces and have adjustable straps to fit over your hands. Once positioned on your knuckles, the lights' ultra-wide flood beams can help you to see the ground in front of you and avoid potential hazards. Plus, since the lights move as you run, motorists can see you more easily.

At 280 lumens, these lights offer plenty of power. High, low, and blinking settings allow you to choose the light that's right for your situation. One major benefit of these lights is that they are rechargeable. Just place the lights back on the charging dock after your run, and they'll be ready to go for your next run. Plus, these lights are waterproof, so you don't have to worry about getting caught out in the rain.

Knuckle Lights Advanced have a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Amazon, based on 46 buyer reviews. Jeremy Sanders, author of the Running Dad blog, wrote positively of the Knuckle Lights: "I have full control of where the light is pointed. I don't feel like if I turn my head I will blind my running buddy or shine a light into someone's bedroom window on accident in the wee hours of the morning."

Runner Bri Crawsey also used the Knuckle Lights and found they offered plenty of light for runs in the dark: "I ran with the Knuckle Lights Advanced a few times early in the morning and used them for a walk late at night and found they provide WAY more visibility than your standard flashlight. You also have three different settings of light — bright, brighter and flashing."

These lights are versatile and an excellent option for runners, hikers, and more. They come with a 5-year warranty.

Pros: Multi-purpose lights help you to see and be seen, rechargeable, waterproof for all-weather use

Cons: Straps only offer pre-set adjustments so you can't completely customize the fit

Buy the Knuckle Lights Advanced on Amazon for $59.99

The best safety gear for medical emergencies

Why you'll love it: Lightweight and with a low-profile, this customizable bracelet provides first responders with the information they need — when you can't.

As runners, we're always told how important it is to carry ID on us, but it isn't always practical or convenient to pack your license each time you go for a run. The Road ID Bracelet conveniently solves that issue.

This lightweight and low-profile bracelet can be customized to include valuable information such as your name, address, allergies, and emergency contact information. If you're ever unable to give first responders your information, the Road ID Bracelet will.

I've been using this bracelet for about seven years now, and it's so versatile that I wear it when I run, hike, ride horses, or just go for a walk alone. I love that the silicone band is comfortable and easy to clean, and the customization options allowed me to include the fact that I'm allergic to bees.

I find this bracelet gives me peace of mind when I'm out exercising alone, and my family appreciates that I wear it, too. It's far more convenient than remembering to grab my license. I will say that the clasp is a little difficult to figure out at first, but I haven't had any trouble with it since I got the technique down.

The Road ID Bracelet has a 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon based on 296 customer reviews. Gear Junkie wrote that, "Road ID is worth checking out for any athlete. It will probably give you peace of mind and will definitely do so for your loved ones."

MudRunGuide wrote of the bracelet, "The band is still intact without signs of wear. The metal plate and the badge on my band both still look new. With the amount of training I do and how I treat most products, I have to say I am pleasantly surprised with how well it is holding up."

If you don't like the idea of wearing a bracelet, Road ID offers other similar products, including shoe ID tags and tags that attach to an Apple Watch band.

Pros: Customizable, durable, low profile

Cons: Limited space for information on the metal plate, clasp can be tricky to learn

Buy the Road ID Bracelet on Amazon for $29.99

The best open headphones for running safety

Why you'll love them: With the AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Open Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones, you can turn up your music and still hear everything around you.

A great run needs great music, and often it's that perfect song that helps you to power through the last miles. But while wearing headphones allows you to hear your music loud and clear, it can prevent you from hearing other important sounds, like footsteps behind you or a car engine approaching in that side street.

The AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Headphones use bone conduction technology to deliver the music through your cheekbones. With your ears left open, you can still hear those important ambient sounds.

These headphones are designed for athletes and offer a wraparound design for comfort and security. They are lightweight and flexible, plus they repel sweat, dust, and moisture. You can connect the headphones with Bluetooth for versatile listening options through your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

The reviews are in, and it's clear that these headphones are winners. Brad Moon wrote on Forbes, "The Trekz Titanium headphones were light, never slipped out of place, and with the flexible titanium band (which fits over your neck, not the top of your head), it was easy to forget I was wearing them."

An Amazon buyer named Dennis wrote, "I can't use regular headphone because I have to turn the volume up way too high to drown out the ambient sound, but with these, I can wear my hearing protection and still hear the music. No ringing ears at the end of the day."

As an added bonus, the AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Open Ear Headphones are so versatile that they can be used nearly anywhere. Reviewers mention successfully using the headphones in office settings, at home, while mowing the lawn, at soccer games, while biking, and more.

Pros: Still hear ambient sounds while listening to music, controls are easy to use, comfortable and lightweight fit

Cons: A higher price than you'd pay for most other headphones or earbuds, thinner sound than what's offered by traditional headphones

Buy the AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Open Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones on Amazon for $80 to $94.99