If you are in the market for chest torches for running at night – and you do not fancy owning a head torch – then getting one of the best chest torches below will suffice. As long as you don’t mind looking like an Iron-Man reincarnation.
Going running is a lot of fun, but to do it safely at night you will need to light the way for your trip by investing in a great torch. While a lot of runners prefer to wear their torches on their heads, you can just as easily opt for one that you wear around your chest, which ensures that you always have a bright light directly ahead of you when you run.
If you are decided on owning a chest torch, then choosing the right chest torch is really important. It is a handy piece to add to your running kit as you won’t have to worry about it slipping while you run or not being bright enough for you to see, both of which can be really dangerous and uncomfortable.
Running Chest Torch - What To Look For
When you have decided that a chest torch is a better option for you than a head torch, then you still need to take some time to find the right one for you. If you are going to be running for long periods of time, then you will want to look for a torch that will provide you with a lot of comfort.
While it can be tempting to overspend on the right chest torch, make sure what you get is practical and affordable are just as important. Especially if you are going to be needing additional running gear, such as shoes.
Westlight Chest Running Light
Other features include:
Comes with an Advanced focus system patented reflector and lens combination for intense spot (distance) or flawless flood (near) illumination.
Three light modes: Power; Lower Power; Defence Strobe.
Includes glare-free red LED, which helps protect night vision when in use, as well as glow-in-the-dark safety housing.
Its bright white light as well as the glare-free red light helps protect the night vision of wearer. There are 2 manual light settings for additional intensity – 4 hours to 500 lm (high light) and 10 hours to 125 lm (low light), to ensure you get the exact level of brightness you need by controlling it via a single button.
This running chest light has a directional beam that can light up the 25 metres ahead of you. This allows you to fully see the surface you’re running on, irrespective of whether it’s flat or has a gradient.
It also comes with a transport lock which helps prevent the lamp from being turned on accidentally. The lamp head is also able to swivel 90 degrees for directional lighting.
Zenoplige USB Rechargeable Chest Light
Other features include:
- 8 red LED light beams help illuminate between 0m – 20m ahead of the body.
Its luminous flux span the following ranges: 250lm – 90lm – 180lm.
- It is suitable for most people with different body shapes as it comes with a flexible strap, adjustable length allowing for a comfortable fit.
- Only requires 5 hours USB charging allowing for up to 5 hours working time.
The Zenoplige USB Rechargeable light is one of the newer chest torches that has a red tail light with emergency triangle allowing for better visibility from incoming traffic drivers.
It comes with straps which are fully adjustable allowing it fit large and small runners, allowing the runner tighten and loosen the straps as suited.
HeroBeam® LED Chest Torch
The HeroBeam LED Chest torch is a budget priced brightest single-unit head torch and the easiest to use with its simple two-button design .
It comes with a modern LED and its durable construction means it can remain undamaged if dropped from a height of 5 feet (1.5m).
Other features include:
- It weighs only 90g with batteries so it won’t bob during jogging.
- Beam angle is 45° adjustable for precision directional control.
- Meets IPX6 rating – making it water resistant so rain cannot penetrate it and it can even withstand accidental immersion in water.
The HeroBeam LED Chest torch is ideal for safe jogging at twilight and dusk. Asides from night trail runners, a lot of photographers also use this for night / astro photography.
It’s got three settings and the first is incredibly bright. It is a SUPER BRIGHT mode of 168 Lumens which can literally illuminate the full length of a football pitch!
The red flashing light function also makes it suitable for cyclists.
Backture Chest LED Running Light
The Backture Chest LED running light comes armed with a safety triangle red warning light on the rear of the chest strap. This helps ensure the runner is seen by drivers and other pedestrians.
The included USB charging cable can be used to fully charge from any USB port in just 3-4 hours and will provide up to 6-8 hours of constant light on a single charge.
Other features include:
- The chest torch lamp is IP65 Waterproof standard that gives protection against dust particles as well as splashing water from all angles, making it ideal for use when raining.
- The available lighting modes are high beam – low beam – strobe.
- The maximum light output is 300 lumens, illuminating up to a maximum of 100m ahead of the user.
Charging time for the Lithium battery pack is usually just over 3 hours. The light then gives just under 8 hours of very good lighting. It can then be worn during rain showers or any activity that risks light water contact. Unlike many other chest torches, the Sotical Chest LED is non-adjustable. It remains in a fixed position when in use.
The elasticated harness comes with fully adjustable straps and a safety clip buckle that are easy to wear and adjust.
Why Use a Chest Torch?
A lot of runners automatically default to buying a head torch when they are looking for lighting for their nightly runs, but chest torches can be a much better option for many runners. While you will have to look a little harder to find a great chest torch, they are generally very comfortable and tend to stay in place when you’re on the move.
Other great benefits include:
- Great for seeing and being seen when out on the road or in a dark park
- Doesn’t cause a headache from being strapped to your forehead
- More comfortable to use when out on a longer run
- Easy to adjust – tighten or loosen – on the go
- Can easily be adjusted or shared between users without having to worry about hygiene
Staying Safe While Night Running
To ensure you are always maximum safe, it is important to make sure you can always be seen as well as you can see. One of the key advantages to owing a chest torch is that many have a red light that sits on your back.
Incorporating high visibility colours and reflective accents (that can be seen from rear) into your night running kit are smart options to stay safe.
Getting the wrong chest torch could feel a bit restrictive if it is on the very snug side.
Having the right kit to ensure you are not just seen but can also see road traffic, puddles and pedestrians is essential to your safety. An excellent value waterproof head torch is a great piece of kit to have if you expect rain while out on a run or fishing or sailing.