Gold Winner In The Category Trailrunning
The Rab Valkyr 12 is a lightweight 12-litre trail running vest designed specifically for women, recognised with the European Outdoor Award in the Sport category. The product was developed through extensive athlete feedback and research with run clubs across 29 countries, with the clear aim of eliminating the most common issues women face with running vests.
The Valkyr 12’s core function is a body-mapped fit achieved through zoned stretch fabrics and a mono mesh back panel. Its key innovation lies in the six-point front closure system and tailored soft flask pockets and fits different female body shapes better. Its award win reflects a consistent women-first development process—from the all-female team to athlete testing and final product.
What convinced the jury:
★ Female-Specific Fit from the Ground Up
A completely redesigned pattern with body-mapped stretch fabrics reduces chafing at the chest and shoulders, ensuring a secure fit at any distance.
★ Stable Load System
Tailored soft flask pockets combined with the mono mesh chassis minimise flask bounce and keep the load close to the body.
★ Integrated RECCO® Reflector
A passive transponder allows professional rescue teams to locate the wearer in an emergency—no battery, no activation required.
Jury Statement:
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.
Product Scoring:
Female-led design down to the last detail
The Valkyr 12 feels genuinely purpose-built, from the secure women-specific fit to the way it minimizes chafing and bouncing soft flasks during movement. Although there are already other running vests designed to accommodate women’s body shapes, this one addresses specific issues with solutions that have been thought through down to the last detail, resulting in an Innovation Score of 72.9.
Product Specifications:
- Weight: 238 g (without flasks, size M) / 313 g (with flasks)
- Sizes: S, M, L (UK 6–18)
- Colours: Dark Pebble, Black
- RRP: £145
@Rab
@Rab@RabDesign & Materials
Design: Body-mapped panelling with princess seam and zoned 4-way, 2-way, and non-stretch fabrics. Materials: Matrix™ single-weave stretch nylon 85% recycled (140 g/m²), mono mesh chassis (65 gsm), stretch powernet 80% recycled (200 gsm). Handling: Six-point front closure system for personalised adjustment. Further features: Side zip to main compartment, internal hydration bladder sleeve (2 l), compression system, YKK® zipped back yoke pocket, 2 stretch mesh shoulder pockets with integrated whistle, Z-pole carry points, reflective detailing throughout.
Intended Usage
Target group: Female trail and mountain runners, female speed hikers. Use cases: Technical mountain runs, speed hiking, fast-and-light missions, training runs from short efforts to full mountain days.
