7 Personal Safety Items That Give an Added Sense of Security to the Run
Even if you never have to use any of these items, just having them along could make you feel more comfortable.
When you run, you should be able to feel free, safe, and focused. But sometimes we find ourselves in situations that make us feel vulnerable—or worse, in danger. In those rare moments, a little preparation and forethought can give you peace of mind and a means to stay safe.
We’ve rounded up some of the most effective, low-profile tools out there—from extra light sources to pepper spray—so you can enjoy your run safely. Whether you choose to carry one is entirely up to you (and possibly the laws in your area), and we hope you never need to use any of them while out running. But sometimes, simply knowing you have protection in case you need it might make you feel more confident about heading out the door. Just make sure you know how to use whatever it is you're carrying. The bottom line: do what makes you feel most comfortable.
Your phone may seem like your most reliable lifeline for help, but there will be times when you don’t have good service, or your legs have outlasted your battery. The SABRE Runner Personal Alarm signals to anyone in a 1,000-foot radius that you’re hurt, in trouble, or in need of help with a piercing, 130dB alarm. It conveniently straps around your wrist, is incredibly light, and is made with reflective material for added visibility.
Runners often leave their wallets behind, which makes identification far more difficult in the event of an accident or medical emergency. A low-profile Road ID can solve that problem easily with a custom ID tag that has all your vital info—your name, medical conditions, emergency contacts, allergies, or whatever else you choose to engrave on it. Road ID offers a range of designs to fit your needs, including bracelets, necklaces, and shoe tags. There are also options that fit onto your FitBit, Garmin, or Apple Watch.
Carrying pepper spray on the run doesn’t have to be clumsy and heavy. SABRE’s palm-sized spray fits perfectly in your hand and stays put with an adjustable wrist strap. Though it’s small, it’s powerful.
The maximum strength gel formula is designed specifically for outdoor use. It deploys in a stickier, powerful stream that doesn’t atomize in the air like traditional pepper sprays, which virtually eliminates wind blowback and makes it safer to use on runs.
A 12-foot range enables you to use it effectively before danger gets too close. A locking safety mechanism prevents accidental discharge, while a reflective logo helps keep you visible during early morning or night runs.
Staying safe can be as simple as having better visibility on dark runs. This headlamp from Black Diamond is perfect for pre-dawn or nighttime runs. It features impressive brightness (275 lumens), multiple light settings, a red taillight strobe for added visibility, and an extra strap that prevents sagging to keep the headlamp in place while you run.
Aftershokz AfterShokz Titanium Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones
Running with earbuds may block out what’s going on around you—such as traffic, sirens, animals, or other people. That can lead to a dangerous lack of situational awareness. But you needn't give up your pump-up playlist. AfterShokz headphones rest high on your cheekbones, outside of your ears, to conduct sound through your bones. It might sound odd, but it works. You can hear all your greatest hits while staying alert to your surroundings. Win, win.
One of the simplest tools you can invest in is a backcountry whistle. No matter what, this little titanium beauty won’t ever backfire, lose signal, run out of battery, malfunction, or break. That’s pretty good insurance for a tool that you need We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.
If you don’t have gear with pockets that let you bring your phone, you may be tempted to leave it behind. That’s not good, since it’s often our first tool to communicate with others and get ourselves to safety. But with FlipBelt, you can essentially add pockets to any pair of shorts or leggings. It stays put, stashes your necessities (like prescription meds and snacks), and keeps your phone in a highly useful place: with you.
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