Hi-vis that looks good - does this exist?

[hivizzz]

DH and I recently moved to a rural area to be closer to his parents and where he grew up.

I really underestimated how much we'd spend walking along the side of the road - we need to do this to access the only local footpath that's suitable for running (others have too many gates for it to be worth it) and to get to the pub, which is in the next village.

I know I need something hi-vis or similar, but I'm struggling to find a style that doesn't look overly lollipop lady. A lot of the sportier styles marketed as "reflective" are still in darker colours and therefore not much use to me at 3pm on a grey, drizzly day.

Ideally it should be a light jacket that holds up to the rain, is suitable for running, and that I can layer other things under.

Hoping someone has solved this problem before me... thanks in advance!

What about a running visibility vest?
https://a.co/d/g12n4Yo
we wear this over any item when running at night and its adjustable and rechargeable and will go over lighter clothes or heavier winter coats

If it's grey and poor visibility then drivers ought to have their lights on. More and more this is the automatic on cars thankfully. Any of the good quality reflective products will glow brightly in any car lights - including daytime running lights or side lights.

I’d check out ProViz, Mountain Warehouse and then do a search for reflective items on Sports Direct.
The most practical thing, though, is probably to get some of those reflective straps with built in flashing lights and just put it over whatever you’re wearing

You could also look at accessories for cycling on a sports shop website to get inspiration.

I agree with the idea to buy a jacket that is in line with your regional weather situation and add reflective stripes / harnesses or gilets when necessary, these items are mostly easily foldable and can go in many bags. They are also less expensive, so you can get the most functionable coat or jacket and are not restricted by which items have reflective fabric.

The reflectors in running gear are often not as strong as separate items to wear on top, due to what is possible within the fabric.

IIRC there are also certificates for some reflective items, and whether they fulfill certain standards, for example: can be seen from a distance of 30m or 100m etc.

Another vote for Proviz, I have this one for example

https://amzn.eu/d/91dBsaB

I splashed out on one of the equestrian ones in orange and it is amazing.

OP I'd probably have different items for walking and for running. Equestrian items are good and Arco do a nice fitted womens hiviz jacket, but I couldn't run in either.

You can buy 3M reflective Tenacious tape , I got some to supplement the reflective bits on a cycling jacket. It is surprisingly hard to find something both hi Vis and reflective outside of construction type safety gear.

Another vote for Georgia in Dublin, I love this vest with its Mondrian-style graphics.
georgiaindublin.com/product/d1-style-high-visibility-vest/

I don't run or cycle but I have been involved in road safety campaigning. I can't recommend flashing lights highly enough. There is a reason why cycle lights have flashing modes, they are more effective than static lights, and a non linear flashing pattern is most effective at drawing attention of drivers and be unlikely to be mistaken for other roadside furniture or safety items like cat's eyes.

Something like this... www.timetorun.co.uk/time-to-run-clip-on-runners-cyclists-led-safetylight.html?srsltid=AfmBOopONbhKbp9Inpc-ia6_231iFfTtIQpAwb3kmyhA5u2_KInf01cH

I got some really good little light up clips from Aldi recently, they’re magnetic and snap onto pockets, hems, collars or whatever. I picked them up for DD and her friends when they were trick or treating but something like that should be easy enough to add to your existing coat.

they are like these ones https://www.amazon.co.uk/TROGN-Running-Visibility-Reflective-Magnetic/dp/B0CMLKJW8K

@hivizzz

Would you consider adapting a jacket/coat that you already have?

I've never seen anyone on a jog wearing a coat. No matter what the weather is keen joggers wear shorts and a tank top.

I wear leggings for running 12 months of the year and a running jacket or at least long sleeved top and a running gilet (plus gloves) in winter, I'm certainly not unusual.

As others have said, Proviz have loads of stuff. Also I would suggest a head torch.

https://provizsports.com/products/reflect360-running-x-vest-silver

https://motogirl.co.uk/collections/waterproofs/products/mg-waterproof-jacket

Motogirl are very flattering fit, designed for motorcycling but I actually wear this everywhere, it's subtly HiViz. Buy your normal size and it fits over ordinary clothes.

My neighbour has something similar to this. We live in a rural area with zero street lighting. Regardless of the weather/ time of year he takes his son for a walk every evening. I think it relaxes his son, I've seen them walking at midnight.

Anyway, this jacket basically glows when my light hit it. I see him about 500m away! I also see walkers in the ones that are just straps. For myself I just use a 'lolly pop lady one'

You're right to wear one tho, I am just in the habit of always throwing mine on. It doesn't hurt to be more visable

I know that it’s not very fitting with style and beauty but I honestly just wear a normal high viz over whatever I’m wearing and take it off when away from the road. I would rather be seen.

https://amzn.eu/d/66dlTfc

https://amzn.eu/d/6aATjSZ

but in all seriousness, just go to your local trade shop and buy some proper cheap hi vis. It’s cheap and can be easily identified by drivers.

I have seen these in use, and they light up like Blackpool illuminations!
https://provizsports.com/collections/cycling-jackets?country=GB&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=generic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21220031022&gbraid=0AAAAADpxJw3OD-hDH5XO_vASAgaOOXVXA&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5abIBhCaARIsAM3-zFXLoJC0E3nn0kLmQqscQV8JcrM5psX4lGi8DLcbk34K5SWOzlvacM4aApirEALw_wcB

Friend of mine is handy with a needle and thread and has taken in her yellow high vis vests to give them some shape. Honestly I would just invest in a good raincoat and just pick up some cheap/free high vis vests and look like a lollypop lady. Better to be seen and safe.

Something like this Portwest F440 Men's Hi Vis Waterproof Rain Jacket - Classic Iona Reflective Rain Jacket

Oddly I got a targeted ad for this brand last week. Definitely won't be missed in one!
https://lacesafetyvest.com/

OP mentioned walking as well as running - the proviz style of gilet is perfect for that as it's very thin and can be put that over the top of coats or running kit.

I do run a lot (enough that I bristle at the term joggers!) and admittedly don't wear a coat unless the weather is truly foul but I do regularly wear long sleeved tops, mid-layers and running tights in the winter as my core gets warm but my limbs don't.

If you're just trying to avoid being found in a ditch the following morning, is it really important to look glam or smart? What drivers notice is the glowing white and the larger spread to include arms, the better (easily the best material for being seen from late afternoon onwards), or if you're in a shady, green area during the day, something orange with parts of that white reflective shows up best against greenery (yellow disappears).

@hivizzz
Yes, that's an important point; the most visible colour in the countryside is either orange or pink, while in cities it's yellow.

This has to do with the main colour surrounding you and the colour that has the most contrast to it.

Here's an article on that, too:
https://reflectiveapparel.com/blogs/news/whats-the-difference-between-orange-and-lime-yellow-high-visibility-apparel

https://cladsafety.co.uk/what-colour-of-hi-vis-should-i-wear/

Any bright / reflective colour is better than none, though.