Dan Hopkins invented Knuckle Lights one magical morning when he wrapped his headlamp around his hand. BAM. He said he wanted a night-run option that didn't involve wearing his lamp or carrying a flashlight.
I love not having the light source so close to my eyes. For one, moving the light off your head will help with depth perception in dim light, and two, will cut down significantly on the number of bugs flying in your face in summer -- which ultimately means fewer bugs as a mid-workout snack.
Hopkins engineered each little light, meant to be worn brass-knuckle-style, with four 45-lumen LED floodlights powered by three AAA batteries. Each light secured with an adjustable silicone strap. Turn them on with the power button up and head out into the dark. It couldn't be much easier. There's one button, one power level.
I haven't tried these on a pitch-black trail yet, but the 45 lumens are bright enough to comfortably light up the path while making me very visible to passing cars and things that go bump in the night. One light by itself is enough to help me on my way, so running with two is just gravy. The lights weigh almost nothing, so carrying them is just about effortless. Carrying a hand-held bottle, though, and the Knuckle Light on the same hand is slightly tricky, but do-able. The silicone strap does get sweaty and slightly slimy, but not so much that the lights bounce around.
If you have very small, dainty hands you might find the light itself is too wide, so no matter how tight you make the strap you'll still have to hold on to keep the light from slipping. In another go-round, Hopkins should probably consider making a more petite girl version.
The lights come in several colors (black, pink, blue, yellow and silver) and are all $39.99 for a set of two. Order online here.
Sara Davidson is an ultrarunner and our resident women's gear destroyer.
