Gear of the week: A dash of brightness

This week we’re going with bright gear for our pick of the week with items from ASICS, Pearl Izumi and Zoot.

Looking for more laid back colours instead? Fortunately, all three of the reviewed items come in alternative colours if your closet is already full of fluorescent apparel.

ASICS Lite-Show Long Sleeve 1/2 Zip

Retail: $69.99

As one of the comfiest shirts we have tested in the office, this 1/2 zip features a back pocket along the right side of the shirt — an added bonus for carrying cash, photo ID, debit/credit cards and other small items if you find yourself craving a post-run coffee or snack. Plus, 360-degree reflectivity will have you sticking out in the dark hours of the morning and in the evening.

Canadian Running‘s recommendation: Use as an outermost layer when it’s cool, but dry, with an additional long sleeve base layer underneath. One of the best features of this shirt is the ability to unzip and cool down if your core temperatures rises. With ASICS MotionDry material, this piece can also serve as comfortable, casual apparel.

Zoot Ocean Side Long Sleeve

Retail: $83.50 ($59.99 USD)

This Zoot piece is great as a base layer in colder temperatures or worn as a single layer during milder, winter days. The piece also features a side pocket (back right), with a slit for headphones, giving runners the option to bring along some tunes for their runs.

Canadian Running‘s recommendation: Use as a layer underneath either a zipped long sleeve or a zipped jacket. The shirt is tight enough around the sleeves where it will snuggly fit as a base layer without an awkward feeling of bulkiness. Testers here at the office wore it in sub-zero temperatures to milder days of 10 C.

Pearl Izumi Men’s Fly Tight

Retail: $90.00

With fitted ankles instead of a zipper, there’s no chance for breakage for these Pearl Izumi tights. A near-must on all pants, the back pocket feature allows runners to take along small belongings.

The BioViz fluorescent feature on both legs and 360-degree reflectivity gives runners added safety measures while out training in dark conditions – appropriate for winters here in Canada.

Canadian Running‘s recommendation: Ideal for sub-zero temperatures as a single layer with the ability to add half tights or long underwear below during the coldest days of winter.