Showcase: Hi-vis clothing

So you want to be seen? We guide you down the yellow brick road...

AS a motorcyclist, you know that being seen is a dark art. On top of that, if you're riding a black sportsbike and wearing dark clothing at night, what chance have you got with Mr Lighting-my-cigarette-while-I-text Van Man?

Remember, in the land of the blind, the man with hi-vis clothing is king. Or something like that. And before you protest that glowing is only for fireflies, remind yourself of the difference hi-vis makes with the Highway Code's before-and-after pictures.

In this product showcase, we've selected an array of stylish and good-value hi-vis kit, which you can read about over the next few pages, that will certainly grab even the most zombie-like of cagers' eyeballs.

(And to prove that you won't look utterly ridiculous, and to generally brighten your day, we've clad Chris in every piece of hi-vis kit we could fit on him. Dashing, eh?)

Click 'next page' for a head-to-toe look at what Chris is wearing...

Box SZ-1 helmet

This smart flip-up lid from Oxford Products is one of the best value of its kind.

Weighing in at 1.9 kg (a bit heavy but par for the flip-up course) it has a SHARP three-star rated polycarbonate shell. Five vents, a quick-release visor and internal drop-down sun visor (operated by the red button you can see on the left) make it versatile across seasons. The chinstrap has a quick-release micrometric ratchet-type fastening system.

Price: £89.99

Rev-It Energy HV jacket

Rev-It's Energy all-weather jacket is a sound bit of kit, and when festooned with CE-approved high-vis neon and Scotchlite reflective panels, it's a leading light.

Made of a 600D polyester outer shell, with a detachable thermal liner, it keeps the hissy fits of the fickle British winter at bay, while a breathable Hydratex liner and chest and back ventilation zippers help cool you off in warmer weather.

There's Knox Flexiform CE protection at shoulders and elbows and perforated EVA foam at the back protects you should the worst happen. The jacket has plenty of adjustment options too: drawcords at the hips, straps at the waist and upper arms, and tabs at the collar. 

Price: £169.99

Alpinestars Jet Road gloves

Nothing like a fluoro glove for that cheery wave before you set off down that dark country road...

These Gore-Tex gloves from Alpinestars mean business. The twin wrists are designed to enclose the sleeves of your jacket to prevent water running into them, and also have an eyelet in the outer cuff to drain water.

These gloves have a leather palm and internal moulded knuckles, and Alpinestars says the patented finger-bridge prevents finger separation and twisting in the event of a slide.

The glove features a wiper to get rid of droplets of rainwater on your helmet visor, and the finger of the glove is said to be designed for use with satnav systems.

Price: £99.95

Held Tempest rain trousers

These nifty rain trousers go over your regular trousers (or kevlar jeans if you're so inclined) in bad weather, adding enhanced visibility to your armoury. 

Made with typical Held quality, the trousers are made of windproof and waterproof polyamide fabric outers and have Scotchlite reflective piping. They are quick to get on and off thanks to long side zips and velcro ankle fastening. 

Price: £39.99

Proof WP overboots

Admit it, you've done the old 'riding with M&S shopping bags over your feet' routine when it gets monsoonal. Er, you haven't? Just me, then…

Prevent your feet getting soaked by downpours and splashed by passing cars with these waterproof overboots from Proof.

Made of PVC-coated polyester fabric, they have press-studs for easy wearing and removal, and a half-sole to make walking in them easier. And the 'signal neon' print is, well, eye-catching. 

Price: £19.95

Alpinestars oversuit

The Alpinestars ‘Quick seal-out’ suit is a clever piece of kit. Packed into a neat drawstring bag is a pair of Hi-Viz trousers and jacket, designed to be thrown on over your usual gear in a pinch. Caught short in a rainstorm, you’d be lit up like a Christmas tree with the Hi-Viz version and afforded an extra layer of protection from the elements.

The jacket and trousers are watertight and highly adjustable at the neck, trouser opening and wrists as well as around the middle – as the name suggests, it designed to create a full ‘seal’ over your existing kit. The whole thing is very lightweight and the packed-up bag can be tucked away with ease.

Price: £89.99

Richa Roadtracker backpack

A high-visibility backpack from Richa, boasting 15 litres of capacity. The Road Tracker features four external pockets and an all-important internal laptop  compartment, and is expandable by unzipping an external zip.

The bag is very versatile - the tough rubber handle on the top of the bag is great for carting it around off the bike. The straps are adjustable for comfort, and feature a chest strap to lock it neatly onto your body. The back of the bag is well padded and comfortable for longer journeys. The entire internal compartment is lined for waterproofing.

Price: £37.56