Rab Valkyr 12 Mountain Running Vest Wins 2026 European Outdoor Gold Award

May 28, 2026

Rab’s first women-specific mountain running vest is recognized for innovation, fit, and functionality in the Trail Running Product Category

May 28, 2026 /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – British outdoor brand Rab, owned by Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd., is proud to announce that the Valkyr 12, its first-ever women-specific mountain running vest, has been named a 2026 European Outdoor Award Gold winner in the Trail Running 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 eliminate common performance barriers women face with running vests, including chafing around the chest and shoulders, bouncing soft flasks, and poor fit.

Key features of the Valkyr 12 include an enhanced women-specific fit with zoned paneling 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 customized fit, with two 500 mL soft flask pockets with elastic retaining loops, two stretch mesh shoulder pockets with an integrated whistle, one hidden front stretch mesh pocket with a YKK® zipper, a secure YKK® zippered pocket on the upper back yoke, and two front dump pockets for quick access to essentials.

Storage is further supported by side-zip access to the main compartment, an internal back-panel sleeve that can hold a 2 L hydration bladder, a rear lower stash pocket for a rain shell or outer layer, and a main compartment bungee compression system with hidden 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 weighs 305 g with flasks and 230 g without flasks in a size medium.

The newly launched European Outdoor Award, developed together with the European Outdoor Group, recognizes 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 recognized by the European Outdoor Award jury.”

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

Photo: Rab’s new Valkyr 12 mountain running vest wins European Outdoor Gold Award 2026. ©Rab

About Equip Outdoor Technologies Ltd.

Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd is an international business with its head office based in Derbyshire, UK. We are proud to own both the Rab and Lowe Alpine brands. We design exceptional products to meet the needs of our active customers. We encourage our teams to thrive and be part of our success. Our passion for the outdoors and adventurous spirit sets the foundation for what we do. We have approved near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the SBTi and are proud to be a Fair Wear Leader Brand. www.equipuk.com.