The Best In-Between Layer: Brooks Run Visible Collection

In case you hadn’t noticed, the weather is getting colder and wetter. Living in the Pacific Northwest means preparing for the colder season by investing in some quality layers, and Brooks is a brand that never disappoints. The Run Visible Collection is great for this time of year for two major reasons: The stuff is reflective for the dark and warm for the cold.

Looks

The colorway in the Run Visible Thermal Hoodie 2.0 and Run Visible Jacket 2.0 feature an Ecru/Fluoro Flash/Black color combo which feels apt for Fall. When it comes to running outside when the weather gets darker earlier, black may LOOK like an awesome color but it’s also a great way to get hit by a car.

This light color, the bright safety orange sleeves, and the reflective strips on several regions of the shirts will ensure that you’ll be seen. The very first time we wore these, there were several people commenting on how well they could see the orange sleeves from far away.

Function

As mentioned above, this tops purposely have a high-visibility design so you’ll stay safe when you’re out for your run after the sun goes down or if you’re running super early in the morning like I do. Additionally, they should keep you warm without being overly bulky. In my opinion, they are perfect for a brisk morning where heavier jackets seem like overkill but a standard long sleeved tech shirt isn’t quite enough.

Construction

These tops will keep you nice and toasty with Brooks GO₂ Warm thermal fabric that feels warm without being heavy. For a thermal option, we were shocked at how light they were but they don’t compromise warmth either. The inside is soft and fluffy sort of like a fabric softening sheet or a feather-light fleece.

I also love that it has a watch window so I don’t have to roll my sleeves down to check my Garmin and thumbholes which make a good stand-in for gloves. There’s even a little zippered pocket big enough for a key or a credit/debit card.

Fit

Both items are semi-fitted style, and felt they fit true to size. We wouldn’t want to go any smaller, as it’s meant to hug your body to keep it warm. It also will go well over a short-sleeved shirt if you tend to peel off layers as you get warm. We also found them long enough to keep your hips warm and the arms are long and forgiving.

Overall/For Consideration

Hurray for the in-between layers! There are many days in the Fall (or even at other times of the year here where the weather changes on a dime,) where I don’t know what to wear, and this hoodie will help make that decision a little easier. Not only will I be seen in this no matter the time of day, but I won’t be chilly or overheat in it either. Brooks, as always, for the win!!

We should also mention that we are entering glove season as well. Honestly, frozen and wet fingers are one thing that will keep me inside more than anything else. The Fusion Midweight Glove comes in the same orange colorway, but they also have a black option as well.

There is reflection on the back of the hands and the thumb and forefinger have smartphone touch capabilities. It fits super nice and snug and has kept my hands warm, and thus gets me out the door.