Cory Soulliard is a Runner’s Edge Ambassador for the 2018/19 season. You can usually find him volunteering or running at almost all of our Runners Edge events! We asked him to review a new safety vest from Noxgear that is new to the Runners Edge and you can read his review below. You can also follow his adventures with his pup on intagram @corysoulliard.
Noxgear Tracer 360
“I like yer jacket” he said out the window. I smiled and said “thanks.” I took it as a compliment even though I wasn’t wearing a jacket.
It was my first real night run of the season. I was out doing mile intervals during an 8 mile run and I was on the final interval when I heard him coming. The deeper engine sound of a large pickup truck. I was working up the last hill and he was slowing down. Was it someone with a witty comment? His window was down and he looked over and said “I like yer jacket. It makes ya really easy to see.” I wasn’t wearing a jacket. It was a warm night compared to the last 2 weeks and I only needed a light long-sleeve to keep warm. I was however trying out my new Noxgear Tracer 360.
Wearing it
Out of the box it was a little tricky to put on. I generally wear a men’s small or medium shirt and I opted for the small of the Tracer 360. I had to figure out top from bottom and left from right. It helps if I were to actually read the word “left” on one of the straps. By the third run I had it figured out. Once on it nearly disappears from my mind. There is one high-viz, elastic, chest strap that feels similar to a heart rate monitor. This strap is your main support and the focus of the sizing. My small vest is adjusted to fit me but still have room to get larger and certainly can get smaller. Once adjusted, the thin cables that carry the light are barely noticeable. The main battery pack looks a little large for running with but the size does not mean it is heavy, it is actually very lightweight. I wonder how it would feel in the summer for a 24-hour relay race?
The lights are awesome!
As the name implies, it provides 360 degrees of visibility. The first night wearing mine I saw another 
runner make a turn over ¼ mile away and I could instantly tell they were wearing the same vest. That might not seem unusual in Missoula but after dark on a weeknight in Hamilton, the streets are not exactly crowded with runners. I was also impressed that I could not only notice the runner but I could tell what they were wearing. They chose one of the solid red color for their run. With the push of a button you can choose from 6 solid colors or 5 flashing patterns. The solid colors are great and adjustable to your mood but the flashing options are when this party vest comes to life. I mean I am seriously considering wrapping it around our Christmas tree when I am not out running. My 6 year old friend loves when I stop by wearing it!
Concerns.
There are two main concerns. I am not a fan of using batteries. This vest uses 3 AAA batteries and I would prefer in internal, rechargeable battery but with a 40 hour runtime I will really only use 1 set per year. The second warning is that the on/off/mode button is in the middle of your back when you are wearing the vest. Although not the easiest, I can reach it while running. Other options would be to turn it on before donning the vest or having a friend hit the button for you. Although then you will be at the 
mercy of their selection and if I am choosing for you, I am going for party mode.
Summary
The vest may look a little crazy but I suggest you try one on. Drivers can be easily distracted or just not see the lonely runner. If you are going to be on the roads at night, don’t take any risks and make sure you are seen.
