I recently purchased this Brooks Nightlife 1/2 zip before heading up to New Hampshire for the weekend. I knew that I was going to do some trail running there, and I wanted to make sure that there was no chance of me being mistaken for a turkey or a deer! All kidding aside, safety while running is a top priority for me. Purchasing this shirt would give me visibility during hunting season and on the streets, so for me it was a multi-functional purchase.
I took this half-zip out for a test run earlier this week. It was about 40 degrees and misting when I started the run at around 4:00p.m. Underneath the half-zip, I was wearing a tech t-shirt and long sleeve Brooks technical shirt. I think that the low 40 degrees would be my threshold for wearing just this shirt with a layer or two underneath. This observation fits well with the description of the half-zip as a mid-layer.
You can see from the picture to the right that the shirt is definitely “visible.” I chose the Brooks nightlife green color solely for the visibility (and partly because it matches my Brooks Adapt running gloves in nightlife green!). Brooks uses 3M Scotchlite Retroreflectivity for their Nightlife running gear. When I passed other runners, I could definitely tell I was visible- by their second glances or slightly extended stares. I was shocked by how many other runners were wearing dark colors. I only saw one other runner wearing proper reflective gear.
Regarding the fit of the Brooks Nightlife half zip, it is described by Brooks as “semi-fitted.” I would definitely agree with this assessment. Brooks decided to use black along the sides, creating a visual illusion of a smaller waist. Although as a runner, I generally don’t care what I look like in my gear, I do think the podium half-zip is very flattering on a women’s body (the black on the side of the shirt and the arms creates an hourglass shape). The sizing was true to size. I usually take a small in tops and the small half-zip fits perfectly.
The shirt has thumb holes to keep your shirt from riding up (see photo to the right). Other details include a 9.5 inch zipper to help with ventilation and a zipper garage to keep the zipper from flapping around on the run. All in all, I really like the latest addition to my running wardrobe. I feel safer knowing I am highly visible, especially with all the distracted drivers out ther!
Leave a Reply