It can be pretty scary biking or running this time of year and fearing that you haven’t done enough to make yourself visible to the cars you’re competing with for space on the road. In Seattle, darkness comes even earlier, and mixing rain into the fall and winter equation makes things especially hazardous.
Seattle-based Orfos has been drawing attention to cyclists and creating an extra bright path for runners and hikers with its line of lights since 2014. Founded by Peter Clyde, the company is back on Kickstarter looking to crowd fund the FlarePro, a next-generation version of its original Flare light.
A long-running, high-output LED light that promises to turn night into day, the FlarePro packs a powerful punch into its 1-ounce package. A white version puts out 950 peak lumens and a red option emits 400 lumens, and they’re waterproof and powered by USB battery packs.
Clyde said the first version of the light set the stage for what he’s making now.
With 19 days to go in the crowd funding campaign, Orfos has raised $58,981 from 477 backers — an amount that’s well above the goal of $15,000. A white or red light is available to backers for $64 — both are expected to retail for $75. A twin pack is offered at $119, and a team pack with four FlarePro lights of any color can be had for $238.
Kickstarter backers have enabled Orfos to remain a small, family run company, Clyde said, adding that all manufacturing is done in the U.S. — primarily in the greater Seattle area.
Like any good Northwesterner, Clyde calls himself an outdoor enthusiast. Making a product to support the passions of people who can’t sit still has been important.