The sun sets at mid-afternoon this time of the year because it is the shortest day. You can still cheer up winter’s gloomy days and remain visible.
A host of great new gadgets and products will light up the darkness and ensure you stay safe, whether you’re walking home, cycling in town or taking the dog around the park. Let these seven items brighten your evenings and keep you safe. . .
CHRISTMAS CYCLING
Vizirider LED Cycling Jacket, £85, vizirider.co.uk
Anna Maxted gives verdict on seven options available in the UK to brighten your evenings safely – including Vizirider LED Cycling Jacket (pictured)
The LED-studded jacket for cycling will make you shine like Christmas lights. It’s lightweight, water-resistant, has reflective panels on the shoulders and 12 white LEDs on the front and back. The USB port, and small rechargeable battery can charge the device. Press a button, and it will charge. . . season’s greetings! 5/5
CLICK THE BUTTON
Bookman Eclipse pink wearable light clip, £29.95, husandhem.co.uk
Anna said Bookman Eclipse pink wearable light clip (pictured) is ideal to clip to your child’s school bag
This cool Swedish brand specialises in ‘urban visibility’ and stands out in an area where style isn’t often a priority. A badge-sized button with three LEDs houses a row and clips onto a bag. It’s charged in ten minutes, via a micro USB port and has six modes, which you can set at high or lower power, or to flash. It’s neat and discreet until turned on, when it’s dazzling. Ideal to clip to your child’s school bag. 5/5
TORCH TRICK
Bookman Monocle head lamp, £42, blackleaf.com
Anna said Bookman Monocle head lamp (pictured) is a bold look for a pedestrian – but if you’re out in dim light, it’s just the ticket
Head torch can look silly even though it increases visibility. This Swedish brand transformed a utilitarian piece into something that is minimalistic and even cool. It’s still a bold look for a pedestrian — but if you’re out in dim light, it’s just the ticket. It features a soft, comfortable head strap and a strong LED lamp case. 4/5
TWINKLE TOES
Tabiger LED shoe clip lights, £6.59 for pack of two, amazon.co.uk
Anna said Tabiger LED shoe clip lights (pictured) clips around your shoes and is bright, making drivers look twice as you wait by the zebra crossing
They would look great on drivers as you wait at the zebra crossing. They’re shaped like tiny headphones, made of plastic, and clip around your shoes. When you push the button, the LED-strip blue lights up. One I use to wrap around my foot when I’m running. Though it’s bright, it pinches uncomfortably. Not so clever perhaps. 1/5
ALUMINOUS LACES
Women’s Vizipro Guide 14 trainers, £125, saucony.com
Anna said Women’s Vizipro Guide 14 trainers (pictured) is lower-key than other options but adds visibility when they catch the glare of headlights
They are pretty, bright and sure to get noticed during the day. They’re high-performance running shoes, but are remarkably light and easy to wear, too.
In the dark, they don’t add visibility unless they catch the glare of headlights, and then the laces glow fluorescent. They are more low-key than some other options. 4/5
IT’S A WRAP
Proviz reflect360 scarf, £29.99, provizsports.com
Anna said Proviz reflect360 scarf (pictured) is transformed in the beam of car headlights, glowing fluorescent
In normal light this is an elegant winter scarf — black with a white-silver shimmer. However, this reflective yarn is made to glow fluorescent by the car’s headlights. 5/5
LIGHT FANTASTIC
Night Runner 270 shoe lights, approx £75 including international shipping, nighttechgear.com
The weatherproof shoes lights can be clipped to the shoelaces. Each has both a forward-facing, powerful red light and an efficient, front-facing white light. (See picture).
A lovely bit of kit — my only grumble is the price. 4/5
Anna said Night Runner 270 shoe lights (pictured) is a lovely bit of kit, with a powerful forward-facing white light