Why do all good weighted vests from top manufacturers like Zelus all have reflective stripes? Is it a touch of fashion, or are these stripes there for some significant reason? These are both questions you might have considered at some point. Well, let’s explore why these vests have reflective stripes, how they contribute to safety, and why this should be important to you, especially if you exercise outdoors..
1. The Stripes Make You Visible in Low-Light Conditions
The primary and most important reason why reflective vests are put on a weighted vest is to make the wearer more visible in situations where natural light is limited. A weighted vest is great for running, and, for most people, the perfect time to go on a run is either really early in the morning or later in the evening. Zelus’ Weighted Vest for Running, for example, has reflective stripes all around the front and back. It is great for running during these hours because it bounces light back toward its source, making you more visible to others, especially drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Some Low-light Situations Where You Absolutely Need Reflective Stripes
Early Mornings or Late EveningsThis is the most obvious, but not the only, situation where you might want a weighted vest with reflective stripes. If you are like most people, you prefer to exercise outside during these times when temperatures are cooler, or maybe this is the only way to fit workouts into your busy schedule.
With your reflective stripes, you will stand out immediately to any other road users, even in the declining light. The more the stripes, the better. So, you might want to go for something like the Zelus Unisex Weighted Vest, which has long stripes across the front and all the way across the back, and across the shoulders and upper torse area.
Urban areas with Street Lighting
Street lights and other artificial lights work great for big and unmissable cars. However, it would help to have an additional light source of your own that moves with you and outlines you even from a distance. This goes a long way to reduce the probability of an accident.
Foggy, Rainy, or Overcast Weather
If you live in a city like New Orleans, you understand how bad the fog can get. Sometimes, it is difficult to see even the person ahead of you. In such weather conditions, where visibility is significantly reduced, having a vest with reflective materials is even more important.
2. It is Also About Your Overall Safety
Outdoor workouts inherently come with risks, especially in areas like roadsides, bike paths, or even just walking through neighborhoods where there is a probability of high traffic. A weighted vest with reflective stripes is designed to enhance safety: it gives you a glow that makes you stand out. This often makes other people want to move aside and give you some space.
Keeping Safe in Populated Areas
In environments where vehicles, cyclists, and other pedestrians share the same space, it is really important for others to be able to see you clearly as you approach. Drivers may not always expect to encounter runners or walkers, particularly if they are focused on navigating through low-light areas. Reflective stripes on your weighted vest make it far more likely that they will spot you in time to avoid any potential collisions.
Hiking, Trail Running
In some cases, reflective stripes can even be more useful in more remote or off-road settings. If you're hiking or trail running in the early hours of the morning or late evening, your reflective vest will make it easy for other trail users, such as cyclists or other runners, to see you from a distance and adjust their pace or position, even if you have not spotted them yet. This is an effective way to prevent accidental collisions on narrow paths or trails.
WEAR A WEIGHTED VEST FOR THESE OUTDOOR SPORTS
- Running or walking along roads: If your walking or running path takes you around urban or suburban settings, wearing a vest with reflective stripes ensures that drivers can you from a safe distance.
- Hiking or trail running: If you are running in more remote environments, reflective stripes can help other hikers or trail users identify your presence in foggy or low-light conditions.
- Emergency Situations: God forbid anything bad happens when you go on a run. However, a reflective vest can also serve a dual purpose in such emergency situations. For instance, if you find yourself injured or lost in an area with low visibility, your reflective stripes could make it easier for rescuers or passersby to locate you.
How Reflective Stripes Work in Different Weather Conditions:
Rainy weather: Jogging or running in the rain can be a real challenge. The rain creates a reflective sheen on roads and sidewalks that make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Your reflective stripes help counteract this by shining brightly as soon as headlights hit them. This will make it easier for drivers to identify you.
Foggy conditions: Reflective stripes allow you to remain visible to others even when the surroundings are obscured by mist.
Overcast skies: Even during the afternoon or early evening, a dull, gray sky can reduce natural light levels, and make it seem like it is dusk already. In such situations, reflective stripes still work to catch available light, whether from headlights, streetlights, or other artificial sources.
Reflective stripes on a weighted vest allow you to exercise confidently, knowing that you're staying as visible and safe as possible in varying weather conditions.
RECOMMENDED VESTS: ZELUS WEIGHTED VEST WITH REFLECTIVE STRIPES
Having understood the importance of having reflective stripes on your vest, you will be pleased to know that Zelus has a whole line of weighted vests with additional reflective stripes for extra safety and security. These have been named “Vests with Extra Reflective Stripes,” and they are quite amazing.
They are Made of Premium Material: This strength training weight vest is built to last with durable neoprene rubber fabric, double-stitching, and iron sand weights for extreme durability through hundreds of different workouts.
Dual Pockets for Your Valuables: Enjoy your workout without the fear of losing your valuables! The bag includes detachable front zipper pockets to keep your cell phone, car keys, and other items safe and secure, plus a rear elastic-mesh pocket for extra convenience.
The Material is Comfortable: Enjoy your workout in complete comfort with maximum mobility. With cushioned shoulder straps and gentle, non-chafing fabrics, you can go the extra mile in your personal fitness journey with ease and comfort!
All Features are Adjustable: Adjustable elastic straps and reflective stripes help this vest go any place at any time. For circuit training, weightlifting, cardio, strength training, weight loss, and beyond, this vest will take your workout to the next level!
They Evenly Distribute Your Weight: This well-balanced vest, evenly filled with iron sand, decreases injury risk while working out.