reflective vest
 

I've been thinking of picking one up both for commuting and for doing some long distance events where one will be required. I'm curious whether others use a reflective vest and what do they use.

I'm leaning (very so slightly) to getting this Amphipod Xinglet, Amphipod Xinglet? - independently top-rated for visibility and overall usability.

It won't be hot in the summer and it can fit over bulky winter clothes as well so it looks pretty versatile.

Sam Browne Belt / Sash combination is pretty traditional way to have a bunch of stuff hanging from your belt British Army officer s tuff..

You can have a Reflective tape version Madison Brand , out of Britain.

. but of course if you are a tiny bit creative with a Sewing machine You can Also Make One .

the tape on Mesh of a Bright color type are also well ventilated..


not really so Hot here in the summer even , I have a Carhartt reflective sweatshirt http://www.carhartt.com/products/car...atshirt-100503

here's a Long sleeve T http://www.carhartt.com/products/car...T-Shirt-100496

the 3M scotchlite reflective bands are Bonded into the materia, not sewn on.

I like a reflective sash. Suppose you are half way home and need to open your outer jacket or coat. A vest blocks you from doing that. A reflective sash allows it.

Hey, I own one of those. I use it more for running pre-dawn. The pictures are deceiving, it fits up on the chest, not full body -- but perhaps that's becuase I am 6', 46" chest. Actually, that good, it doesn't interfer with bottles or pockets. I have no issues with mine, although the plastic attachment gizmos seem pretty cheesy. Very lightweight, I am a Amphipod fan-boy.

Cool, always good to talk to a fanboy of something you're thinking of buying. Yeah I don't want it getting in the way of rear pockets either; it looks pretty adjustable both around the waste and up down as well. Any problems opening up a zipper with this thing?

Ideally I'd like something that just stays out of the way. I'm a bit skeptical of a vest because sometimes it will be too hot.

Thanks for the link to the Amphipod. I have two safety vests, both of which suck. This looks great for night use and would be a great addition to low visibility conditions when cars might have their headlights on.

I wear a cheap orange vest with white reflective material on it. It works well.

I order the amphipod and it was ridiculously small and flimsy, now I use (sometimes) this one ITS EXCELLENT!

There are no really good reflective vests on the market made specifically for cyclist. Those reflective strips are a universal design more for the construction and road workers than anything else. Its too bad no cycling apparel company has a really viable solution to this.

Funny thing is, illuminite used to make a very good reflective several years ago but unfortunately they no longer produce it. The only one they offer now is that bib type vest that construction worker wear.

INDEPENDENTLY TOP RATED??

boy that sure sounds like a load of crap.

I think what that means is that someone, (probably the manufacturer) paid a "testing facility" to certify this product as the best included in this particular study (there may not have even been a second one)

so now that Ive put that out there, This looks nice.

The $4.99 vest from Harbor Freight works great and isn't noticeably (to me) hot even in summer weather. It's quite bright, I did a test on it a couple of years ago. Very close to the brightness of some actual firefighter callout gear that I put it next to.

I picked up a $5 vest at Home Depot. I wear it if visibility is impaired (fog, rain, dawn/dusk, dark). It's big enough that it fits over my jacket in the winter.

edit: link

Frankly, it's on/off for me. As soon as my run is done, or morning ride - it's off. I'm not accessing zippers. It is small and flimsy, which is why it is good. If you are planning on digging ditches in the dark, this isn't the reflective system you want. For me, I want a reflexive band that is so lightweight, out of the way and flexible I don't know I'm wearing it.

A negative for riders, it fits high -- for a rider in the drops I don't think the reflective areas are going to be visible from behind, it's designed for upright runners.

That's what I use, and that's one of the nice things about it.

This is very useful feedback. Nathan makes lightweight vests which are cut much longer in the back for cycling. This may be a better choice:

Cyclotier | Nathan Sports

No denigration to the posters, but none of these are suitable cycling gear. These are borrowed reflective gear from construction/street repair. Sure they reflect, but none of them show form -- which is what's really necessary for cycling/running safety. However, what is really necessary is to see movement. For all intents and purposes, a simply reflective band around your arms and/or legs will suffice for that.

Broken link: page not found.

I tend to agree. There are dozens of reasons why they won’t work well, unless you are just riding at a leisurely pace, in which case it doesn’t really matter.

IMHO, reflective gear belongs on the bike. What I want on my chest is florescent yellow. The low visibility time for my commute is twilight. Reflective gear does not do much then, and doesn’t work well anyway, unless the car has its high beams on, or it is very dark, or the car is too close to you.

I have been surprised by people on bikes that were wearing normal clothes (reflectors or no). I always notice florescent yellow jersey.
That is why I commute with:
Florescent yellow jersey
Or Florescent yellow vest
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=439380
http://www.classiccycling.com/images/fusionfluo.png


I’m going to try one of these – for $13 it is a steal:
Nathan Reflective Cycling Vest - REI.com

Nathan Reflective Cycling Vest
http://www.rei.com/zoom/mm/2d67dbcd-...af5876.jpg/440

That's a great price.

Yes, color is very important for low visibility times. I've found that the green gets the best response. The reflective strips are for at night. Movement or not, when a car's headlights hit me, I glow. That makes drivers say "what is that?" and gives me a response I like. Vest + pedal reflectors + good lights.

As an alternative, you can apply this tape to any clothing. Really, anything will do.

Not sure if someone already posted, but I got these for Christmas:
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=439408

They are adjustable, lightweight and don't trap any body heat. Amazon link.

Remember that reflective is only good if there is light being aimed at you. So, yes, bright colors are better in low light when many drivers have not turned on their headlights. I tend to wear bright orange, green or yellow for all of my commutes.

I really like the safety colored, yellow and orange, tees from Gilden. Decent moisture wicking in all but conditions that would be miserable anyway.

Typical non-bike specific problems as any other tee, already thoroughly discussed.. Get over any big box hang-up and you can get two for less than ten bucks at wally world. Great to hop to the store.

My problem is that I've gotten addicted to Wool, as synthetic stinks like no one's business. So a Florecent yellow mesh vest or slash is looking best for me.

That's not inherent to synthetics, its just that some fabrics stink. That include natural fabrics as well.