Looks interesting but pricy at $350. My discontinued Illuminite jacket
is not as bright, but I think I only paid $100 for it.

http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikerun...gner-interview

1. What was the inspiration behind designing the Vapor Flash Jacket?

We always have the athlete in mind while designing. Since we know that daylight is scarce during the winter months, we made the runner’s visibility a priority while designing the Fall/Holiday Collection. So, we set out to provide a premium solution around 360˚visibility. One of the key design considerations for the jacket was we didn’t want the jacket to look like a standard work wear; our goal was to create a jacket with extreme visibility and a premium aesthetic.

To get a better understanding, we traveled to Helsinki, Finland (the coldest, darkest place we could think of) to speak with elite runners to see how they train in extreme conditions. What we found was that they were customizing much of their apparel to help them contend with the harsh environment. Then we integrated those findings into the Vapor Flash Jacket’s design.

2. How far away can the Vapor Flash Jacket be seen in the dark?

While wearing the Vapor Flash Jacket the distance from which a runner can be seen increases by 400%.



3. Aside from darkness, what other elements can be braved while sporting the Vapor Flash Jacket?

We consciously embedded performance attributes throughout the jacket to make it feel non-existent for the runner. A few ways we addressed this was by incorporating features to protect from wind resistance for warmth; Extended zipper vents at the front and the back of the jacket for airflow, enabling the runner to adjust the amount of ventilation during their run; Laser cut perforation under the arms and down the spine to further increase ventilation. The jacket also has a bonded construction that results in a durable, smooth lightweight finish, and is accompanied by a runner specific hood with a reinforced brim for enhanced coverage and customizable fit to avoid obstructing peripheral vision.



4. What exactly is the fabric made out of to provide such reflectivity?

The fabric is made of 100% polyester twill fabric with a laminated reflective face. Our materials team collaborated with a vendor to redevelop the laminate with twill backing to enhance the drape and strengthen the fabric. The reflective surface uses the principles of retro-reflection. Simply put, picture yourself driving a car, the surface of the jacket reflects light directly back towards the car rather than in all directions, which makes it easier for the driver to see the runner.