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Lightweight 12L running vest designed to be worn, not carried.
Montane says:
Our next generation Gecko VP5+ builds on the key principles of bounce free, long distance comfort whilst hitting the trail at speed. New lighter weight BOUNCE CONTROL fabric technology stretches with movement whilst significantly reducing bounce when under load. Improvements including lighter and faster harness closure system and updated compression and pole carry design further evolve the Gecko to new levels on performance.
Our Verdict
The updated Gecko VP12+ feels noticeably more focused on stability and load control than earlier versions. At 240g (Medium), it remains impressively light for a 12L pack, and the revised harness and updated stretch fabric feel like real improvements. The new closure system distributes the tension more evenly across the chest, helping reduce bounce when the pack is heavily loaded.
I also think the storage layout is one of its strongest features. The front harness pockets and accessible rear storage make far more sense for long mountain days than a traditional small backpack does, particularly when you want regular access to food and layers. The updated pole carry is also far more secure and easier to reach on the move.
Best suited to ultra runners, fastpackers and mountain runners carrying larger loads over long distances.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- New lighter weight BOUNCE CONTROL fabric technology has more stretch horizontally for packability and less stretch vertically to control bounce
- New lighter weight body contact mesh, resists water uptake and dries quicker
- Single fabric for all pockets minimises fabric use and provides a cleaner, streamlined and lighter weight build
- Updated and improved harness shaping for a closer, secure fit whilst improving freedom of movement
- New and improved harness closure system is lighter weight with built in UNI-FORM technology that evenly secures the harness whilst allowing for a customisable fit
- Updated compression system is external for improved additional carry and on-the-go adjustment
- Updated pole carry system for a more secure and accessible pole carry
- Combined POLYGIENE StayFresh & POLYGIENE OdorCrunch permanent odour control
- BOUNCE CONTROL back SCAPULAR pocket for accessible rear storage
- Versatile hydration bladder sleeve
- YKK NATULON recycled zipped BOUNCE CONTROL rear pocket
- Multiple harness pockets for on-the-go access to kit, food and liquid
- Includes 2X Montane 500ml Soft Flasks
Specifications
- Small weighs: 233g
- Medium weighs: 240g
- Large weighs: 359g
- Bottle weighs: 36g x2
Material & Construction
- RAPTOR Flex Lite - Recycled nylon plain weave, with 4 way differential stretch to accommodate expansion while minimizing bounce. Excellent Abrasion resistance and a non-fluorocarbon water repellent finish.
- CONTACT DIA Mesh - Quick dry time for all day comfort. POLYGIENE permanent odour control.
- 85% NYLON,(RECYCLED), 15% ELASTANE
- 100% POLYESTER (RECYCLED)
