An honest Noxgear Tracer 2 review for women, focused on visibility, comfort, and ease of use during early morning and late evening runs.
For many women, early mornings and evenings after work are the only quiet time we get to run. Low light becomes part of our training, especially in winter. The hardest part is the uncertainty – the extra layer of mental load women runners carry before stepping outside after dark.
Visibility isn’t only a safety feature, it’s essential for your peace of mind. The right gear can make you calmer, more confident, and far more likely to stay consistent with your running routine.
I’m a dedicated 6 a.m. runner, which makes visibility non-negotiable. Over the years I’ve tested multiple solutions: clip-on lights, reflective straps, vests, and belts. In November, I finally found something that genuinely changed the game.
What is the Noxgear Tracer 2
The Noxgear Tracer 2 is a lightweight LED vest designed to make you visible from all angles in low-light conditions. Unlike reflective gear, it actively emits light rather than relying on headlights to catch it. If you’re unsure how LED gear compares to reflective clothing, I go deeper into this in my guide to Running visibility gear and safety tips for early morning and evening runners.
Key features of the Noxgear Tracer 2
- 360° LED illumination
- Rechargeable battery (USB-C)
- Approximately 18–20 hours of runtime per charge
- Lightweight design (around 200g / 7oz)
- Fully adjustable shoulder and chest straps
- IP67 waterproof rating
- Multiple colour and flashing light modes
I haven’t tested the full battery range, as I charge it once a week after my long run and have never run it flat. For my training use (4-5 hours per week), it has been more than sufficient.
What it feels like to run with the Noxgear Tracer 2
From the first run with the Noxgear Tracer 2, the biggest impact was clear. It removed all overthinking and second-guessing whether drivers could see me, or whether a reflective strip will catch a headlight at the right angle. The vest emits light in a full 360° range, which makes you visible from all directions. Unlike reflective gear, it doesn’t depend on another source of light to work.
I’ve noticed that cars tend to slow down earlier at intersections and give more space when passing. Whether that’s because of brightness, movement, or simply standing out more clearly, the effect is immediately noticeable.
Rain, fog, and snow don’t reduce its effectiveness either – since it produces its own light, visibility stays consistent even in poor conditions.
The biggest thing is not just being seen, but feeling seen. The Tracer 2 is an immediate confidence boost that makes running in the dark far less tense and way more enjoyable from day one.
Practical experience: comfort, fit, and ease of use
My biggest hesitation was that the Tracer 2 would feel distracting. In practice, it’s light enough that I genuinely forget I’m wearing it. There’s no bouncing and no slipping, even on longer runs. I’ve tested it up to 18 kilometres/11 miles, and it stayed in place the entire time. The shoulder straps don’t slide down, and once set up properly, they don’t require mid-run adjustments.
The fit is easy to customise. The straps and the belt adjust quickly and hold their position well, whether I’m wearing just a long sleeve or full winter layers. It takes seconds to put on and doesn’t add friction to getting out the door on a busy morning – something I’ve learned is essential when building a morning running routine. That was the real test for me, because if something feels annoying or fiddly at 6 a.m., I know I won’t use it consistently.
The vest stores well back in its original packaging, which makes it easy to keep organised rather than tossed in a drawer.
And while safety is the priority, I also genuinely love the way it looks. It’s bright and visible, but not awkward or clunky. It feels like part of the outfit rather than something thrown on top of it. Also, most of my favourite winter running pieces are dark. Before, that meant either having to add reflective clips and constantly worrying whether I was visible enough, or pressure-buying new, lighter gear only for a season. The Tracer 2 removes that problem completely. I can wear what I already have and love without feeling like I need to get new clothes to stay safe.
For me, comfort and ease of use are truly essential – they’re what determines if a piece of gear becomes part of my routine. The Tracer vest quickly earned itself a place in it.
Things to consider before buying the Noxgear Tracer 2
The Tracer 2 is not subtle. You will get noticed. Drivers will slow down and stare. I’ve been asked about it more than once, by other runners, neighbours, and strangers on the street. It’s not an introvert-friendly piece of gear: it’s bright, colourful, and unapologetically visible, which is exactly why it works so well.
The rear light is very bright. While that’s excellent for safety, it’s something to keep in mind if you run in a group. In that setting, using a steady mode instead of the flashing one may feel more comfortable for runners behind you.
It’s also worth noting that the Tracer 2 improves how well you’re seen, but it doesn’t help you see the road. On darker paths, you’ll still need a headlamp or chest light to safely navigate uneven surfaces.
Who is Noxgear Tracer 2 for
Worth it if you:
- Run before sunrise.
- Train after work, especially during winter months.
- Train in suburban, rural, or poorly lit areas.
- Hesitate before heading out because of darkness or safety concerns.
- You’re rebuilding confidence after a break and want to feel more secure.
Probably unnecessary if you:
- Only run in full daylight.
- Run exclusively in well-lit city centers with consistent street lighting.
Keep showing up
Dark mornings and late evenings are part of real-life training for many runners, especially those juggling busy schedules, full-time jobs, and family commitments. Feeling safe and secure on your run changes the entire experience. When worry and hesitation disappear, showing up suddenly becomes much simpler.
The Tracer 2 isn’t essential for everyone. But if running in low light is part of your life, it can remove one of the biggest barriers to consistency. I know it did for me.
If you’re working on building a sustainable running routine, you might also find my guide on how to build a running habit that fits a busy schedule helpful.
