Most novice runners new to running at night don't know the right amount of lumens to make the run safe and enjoyable. The question they ask is how many lumens do I need for running?
The minimum amount should be between 30-40 lumens but, this depends on your speed and terrain. If you are unsure about everything, 300 lumens are enough to make your path daylight.
Athletes prefer to run at night because of cooler temperatures, busy schedules, shorter days, or when training for a night race event. Whatever the reasons, running at night requires that you have the right gear to ensure your safety.
Understanding Depth Perception
During the day we have so much light that our depth perception becomes passive. But when running at night, we need every help we can get to run safely. At the top of that list is having adequate lighting to help us see the obstacles in our path.
Too many lumens and the terrain features ahead get washed out while too little creates an illusion of holes where none might be. Either way, your run won't be as smooth or enjoyable as you wish.
Lighting Options for Running at Night
Running with a headlamp is safe but it shines light at an angle similar to our eyes. Secondary lights on the waist/chest or hand lights will help improve depth perception.
Important aspects to consider when buying a running light
· lumens
· light quality
· comfort
· weight
· durability
· battery life
· waterproof ratings
Headlamps
When buying a headlamp you need to consider whether it's for road running or trail running. Road running doesn't require many lumens because the course isn't as technical as trail running. 30-50 lumens is sufficient for running on a street that has other sources of lighting like street lamps.
Running in the woods requires more lumens. At least 100-300 lumens should suffice.
Pros
· Adjustable lumen settings
· Comfortable fit
· Minimal bouncing
· Adjustable straps
· Hands-free
· User-friendly
Cons
· Compromised depth perception
· Some headlamps are bulky
Chest and Waist Lights
Chest and waist lights are a great alternative to headlamps. But you can use them as secondary lights to create more lighting options and improve depth perception. If you find headlamps uncomfortable, you can opt for chest and waist lamps especially when you don't feel like wearing something on your head.
Important Features of chest and waist lamps
· USB cable
· Strap attachment (Velcro)
· Magnetic panel
· Battery pack
· Green and red light filters
Pros
· Comfortable
· Easy to adjust lumen settings
· Zero bounce
Cons
· The light doesn't move along with your head as a headlamp.
· Some people find it challenging to attach the light.
Knuckle Lights
You can buy knuckle lights to use as an alternative to headlamps or as secondary lights to improve depth perception and offer a wide field of view. Knuckle lights have a low angle which makes them the best to eliminate depth perception.
You can grab them on the go and have no hassle putting them on. Most knuckle lights are bright and have the option to buy them as a pair or single item for one hand.
Pros
· Easy to wear
· Adjustable settings
· Bright lights
· Lightweight
· Affordable
Cons
· Not hands-free
Conclusion
If you want your night and morning runs to be a fun and safe experience you need to invest in sufficient lighting. If you are training for an event that involves some early morning or night runs, you have to practice running with headlamps, chest/waist, or knuckle lights.
There's poor visibility at night, and you might not know how many lumens for running at night will suffice. Trying all the lighting options you have improves your experience and you will get used to the idea in no time.
FAQs
How many lumens is safe for running at night?
30-50 lumens is great for road running where there are other sources to light your way. Consider 100-300 lumens or more for wood running.
What is the best lighting for night runs?
Headlamps are recommended because they move along with your head. You can add waist/chest or knuckle lights to improve depth perception.