Best reflective running gear: Nathan HyperNight collection review

By Henry Howard

When winter temperatures plummet and daylight hours shrink, finding the best reflective running gear becomes critical for maintaining your training routine.

As someone who trains outside year-round including in the cold Midwest winters, I’ve tried and tested lots of different kinds of gear for cold, dark runs. Recently, I tried out two standout pieces from Nathan’s HyperNight collection: the Reflective Beanie 2 and Reflective Gloves 2. Both have quickly become my go-to cold weather essentials for those early morning runs.

(Previously, I reviewed the Nathan Zipster Lite, a lightweight band which features two zippered, weather-resistant pockets and two folded pockets.)

HyperNight Reflective Beanie 2: Warmth without compromise

The bold hexagon reflective print on the HyperNight beanie provides serious visibility in low-light conditions, essential for those dark winter mornings. I have both the yellow and black options, both of which are reflective in low light.

As someone who regularly runs with Shokz bone conduction earbuds, I’m thrilled this beanie accommodates them perfectly. The stretch knit fabric creates just enough room around the ears without feeling bulky or compromising the fit.

The soft stretch knit exterior with brushed lining provides genuine warmth without overheating. I’ve tested it on runs from the low 20s to upper 30s Fahrenheit, and it strikes that perfect balance — keeping my head warm without sweating. The moisture-wicking properties manage perspiration effectively even during tempo runs.

At $39, the beanie delivers excellent value for a piece that will see heavy winter use.

HyperNight Reflective Gloves 2: Functional warmth

The reflective gloves feature the same hexagon reflective pattern for visibility. These lightweight gloves have a brushed fleece lining that provides surprising warmth without sacrificing dexterity. I’ve tested them in temperatures down to 20°F, and my hands stayed comfortable throughout, a significant upgrade from previous gloves that left me constantly balling up my fingers to keep them warm.

The stretch knit fabric moves naturally with your hands. While Nathan rates these for 30° to 50°F conditions, I’ve found them effective even in slightly colder temperatures, particularly after the first mile when your body generates enough heat.

The chamois thumb panel is another practical addition—when winter running inevitably brings runny noses, having a soft wiping surface built into your glove is a game-changer.

The gloves include a small pocket on the back for a strobe light, which I have not tested. The unisex sizing (XS to XL) fits true to size. At $39, they’re priced competitively for running-specific gloves with this level of functionality.

(Related: 5 things to know about sunglasses and winter running.)

Final thoughts

The Nathan HyperNight collection addresses two of the most common pain points for cold weather runners: visibility and comfort. The matching hexagon reflective pattern across both pieces creates a cohesive look while serving a real safety purpose.

More importantly, both items deliver on their core promise to keep you warm without overheating, visible without being bulky and functional without unnecessary complexity.

For runners like me who train through the winter months (how to run safely outside during winter), especially those logging miles in the dark, the HyperNight Beanie 2 and Reflective Gloves 2 are solid investments. They’re well-constructed, thoughtfully designed pieces that will earn their place in your cold weather rotation. Whether you’re maintaining base mileage or pushing through a winter training block, this combination will help you stay comfortable and visible mile after mile.

The Nathan HyperNight Reflective Beanie 2 and Reflective Gloves 2 are available at nathansports.com for $39 each.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Do the Nathan HyperNight gloves work with touchscreens?

Answer: Nathan says the index finger features TruTouch technology that works with smartphones. I have tried various gloves making the same promise and have yet to have success. That could be an issue with my phone, user error or some other issue.

Question: Will the HyperNight beanie fit over earbuds?

Answer: Absolutely. While the beanie offers a nice, snug fit, I regularly wear mine with Shokz earbuds. The stretch fabric accommodates them comfortably.

Question: What’s the coldest temperature for Nathan HyperNight gloves?

Answer: I’ve successfully used both pieces in 20°F weather. Below that, you may want additional layers.

Question: Is the reflective pattern visible in daylight? 

Answer: The hexagon pattern is subtle in daylight but becomes highly reflective when hit by headlights or streetlights.

Question: Are Nathan HyperNight gloves machine washable?

Answer: Yes, machine wash cold with similar colors and air dry. Avoid bleach and fabric softener.