1095miles – running blog

The Brooks Nightlife range of running specific gear are heavily emblazoned with incredibly effective reflective bands. The cap also claims to be resistant to rain, which it appears to be, looking at the material. Most of the range is available in a choice of either yellow, pink or green with large areas of reflective stripes. The Nightlife running cap also sports a red flashing LED in the back, situated in the middle of the headband adjuster. Initially I thought how can it be washed? We all know you need to wash a running cap regularly, let’s face it, it’s one of the sweatiest bits of kit by the end of a run. Luckily the LED gubbins are removable so washing is just as straightforward as with any other cap once you’ve done this.

Fit wise, I’d say it’s on the larger side, but still fits my small (in motorcycle helmet terms) head ok. It’s just about ok in the resting on the ears stakes, but my current favourite, the Gore Running Cap II is smaller and so preferable fit wise.

As an allegedly weatherproof cap, it’s actually not too hot and sweaty as some can be. It certainly doesn’t breathe anywhere near as well as the summer type caps, but you wouldn’t really expect it to.

Longevity looks ok, however I’ve probably washed mine no more than 10 or so times and the reflective edging on the peak is already starting to show serious wear and loss of silvery bits. In many ways, this should probably be expected. I’m fairly lazy and just chuck all of my running gear straight in the wash in sweaty lump. This is therefore probably more my washing technique than the cap itself.

Retail price point is around £16 but I picked one up for £11 delivered not so long ago.

Verdict: At this price point, it’s a strongly recommended addition to the night runners wardrobe, with the benefit of massive areas of reflective material and an (albeit geeky gadget style) LED to add a little more visibility on those dark evenings.