Off Duty, Technology - Air Force Times

4 ways to be seen — and safe

Most of the time, you’re in the business of finding the enemy before he finds you. And you’re pretty good at it.

Camouflage, light discipline, cover and concealment, unlisted number — you’ve got all the Jedi mind tricks down.

But there are places besides the red carpet at the Oscars where not being seen can be deadly.

When you want to stand out in a crowd — or on a dark country road during a late-night run, road march or bike trip — here are a few items worth adding to your kit.

Jogalite Sashband

Most runners hate extra gear. Whether it’s the added weight or the discomfort factor, wearing an orange safety vest is particularly aggravating, unless it’s one of the pricier lightweight models designed with athletes in mind.

One lightweight alternative to the clunky vest is the Sashband, a 52-inch-long bandolier-style strip of 1-inch-wide reflective tape. A waist belt (with a quick-release buckle) helps keep the fabric-backed band from flopping around.

Made by Jogalite, a company that specializes in reflective safety devices, the Sashband is visible from up to 1,200 feet. It retails for $12.95. Check it out at Jogalite.com.

Ironclad i-viz shirts

Looking to shed even more weight? Consider a shirt with the reflective tape built in. New for 2007 from work-wear manufacturer Ironclad is the i-viz line of long- and short-sleeve T-shirts.

These anti-microbial, moisture-wicking tees feature soft reflective strips on the front and back.

We tested an early version of the shirt on a six-mile run and found that it soaked up sweat but didn’t leave us feeling wet and nasty.

The short-sleeve shirt will retail for $32.99; the long-sleeve will cost $37.99. Expect to see them later this year at Ironclad.com.

CamelBak Tactical Raincover

Being the shortest person in the unit is a tough gig — especially on a forced march. If your squad is organized tallest to shortest, you spend most of the march running to keep up at the back of the pack.

Beyond that, you’re probably suffering the added indignity of wearing an orange safety vest that won’t fasten properly over your body armor and pack, so it’s flapping against the back of your ruck and driving you crazy.

CamelBak’s answer is the Tactical Raincover, a weather-resistant shell that fits over your rucksack like a shower cap. Green on one side and signal orange on the other, you can go from tactical to “Hey, look at me!” in just moments.

It retails for $19.99. See CamelBak.com.

Respro HI-VIZ Hump backpack cover

If signal orange isn’t enough for you, consider the Hump. (No Fergie jokes, please.)

These backpack covers aren’t the most tactical option, but they definitely will make you stand out on the road. Depending on the model you choose, color schemes include orange and yellow, yellow and silver, or black and silver, each featuring big and bold reflective strips.

Made by British company Respro, the Humps fit rucks ranging in capacity from 1,525 to 2,440 cubic inches (25-40 liters). A waterproof model is available, as is one with an integrated light with flash or steady beam settings.

If you want to stay visible during off-duty hikes and bike or motorcycle rides — and you don’t want to try to put an orange safety vest on over your backpack — a Hump might be just what you need. (Stop laughing.)

Prices range from $30.35 to $80.95, depending on the model. Order online at Respro.com.

Have you seen a cool piece of gear you think we should know about? Tell us about it.