Rab Valkyr 12 mountain running vest wins European Outdoor Gold Award 2026

British outdoor brand Rab(owned by Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd.) are proud to announce that the Valkyr 12, their first-ever women‑specific mountain running vest, has been named European Outdoor Award 2026 Gold winner in the Trailrunning Product Category. The Valkyr 12 is part of Rab’s new Spring/Summer 2027 collection.

Designed from the ground up specifically for women, the Valkyr 12 is the result of extensive athlete testing and feedback. Developed with an all-women team of experts and informed by research with global running clubs across 29 countries, it was created to remove common performance barriers women face with running vests – chafing around the chest and shoulders, bouncing soft flasks, and poor fit.

Key features of the Valkyr 12 include an enhanced female-specific fit with zoned panelling and seams, integrated with a stable mono mesh chassis to reduce bounce, and a considered mix of four-way, two-way and non-stretch fabrics to keep soft flasks secure and the vest comfortable at speed. A three-strap chest closure system delivers a customised fit, with two 500ml soft flask pockets with elasticated retaining loops, two stretch mesh shoulder pockets with an integrated whistle, one front concealed stretch mesh pocket with a YKK® zip, a secure YKK® zipped pocket on the upper back yoke and two front dump pockets for quick access to essentials. Storage is further supported by side-zip entry to the main compartment, an internal back-panel sleeve that can hold a 2L hydration bladder, a rear lower stash pocket for a waterproof or outer layer, and a main compartment bungee compression system with concealed adjustment. The vest also includes Z-pole carry attachment points on the front and rear, is pole-quiver compatible, and features reflective detailing throughout. Safety is enhanced with an integrated RECCO® reflector – a passive transponder searchable by professional rescuers in the event of an outdoor emergency. The Valkyr’s weight is 305g with flasks and 230g without flasks (size M).

The newly launched European Outdoor Award, developed together with the European Outdoor Group, recognises standout innovation across the outdoor industry and supports both retail sell‑in and consumer awareness.

As the jury states: “The depth of athlete testing and female-specific development is visible in all the details of this trail running vest. It’s a highly functional, inclusive design that allows runners to focus fully on performance in demanding terrain.”

“This award is a powerful endorsement of Rab’s women’s focus strategy,” says Katia Tastagh, Product Designer at Rab. “The Valkyr 12 represents years of learning, testing and collaboration with female athletes, resulting in a running vest that delivers performance, comfort and confidence in equal measure. We’re proud to see that approach recognised by the European Outdoor Award jury.”

The Valkyr 12 (also offered in a 6-litre version) will be available to consumers as part of Rab’s Spring/Summer 2027 collection.