I didn’t realize how effective and challenging it was to walk around wearing extra weight until I had a baby. Add in getting yelled at if you stop moving, and you’re bound to get into shape quickly. You’ll also be surprisingly sore from simply walking with the extra weight.
Although none of the weight vests on our list will yell at you if you stop moving, they’ll all help you add intensity to your workouts. I can’t guarantee you’ll lose weight because other factors like lifestyle and nutrition go into that. Still, you’ll most likely gain a lot of stamina and probably some muscle, which is excellent for your overall health.
Our list includes the best weight vests for every type of workout, so keep reading to find yours.
Best Weight Vests of 2024 – Our Experts’ Top Picks
The following provides insight into each vest’s purpose, its features, who it’s for, and what to expect. Keep scrolling, and you’ll find the one you need.
TRX Duraballistic Weight Vest
- Customizable weight
- It comes in various sizes
- Evenly distributed weight
- Great for bodyweight exercises
- Adjustable for a close fit
- Weight options might be too heavy for some
- It might not be small enough for small users
There are two velcro straps over the shoulders and one around the bottom that can be adjusted really easily. So, you can fit it to be comfortable for you. These also allow you to put on and take off the TRX Weight Vest quickly.
This weighted vest comes in three different options: 10 lbs, 20 lbs, and 40 lbs. This way, you can choose which size is best for you. When you purchase the 20-lb vest, you’re able to adjust the weight by 1-lb increments.
You can also adjust the 40-lb weight vest by 2-lb increments. This way, you can find a specific weight that works for you and add weight as you improve your fitness.
The TRX Duraballistic Weight Vest should work well for most exercises, such as walking, and body weight workouts like pull-ups and push-ups. You can even use the TRX Weight Vest for a killer workout while using the TRX Suspension Trainer straps.
We recommend it for most users looking to add intensity to their bodyweight workouts while keeping them low-impact. The TRX Duraballistic Weight Vest can be adjusted to fit users with body circumferences from 36” to 60” and includes a nice 6-year warranty.
We really like the durability, fit, and customizable weight options. The TRX is best for all-around training, so if you want to run, walk, or do bodyweight workouts, it’s our top recommendation to consider.
Interested in the TRX Duraballistic Weight Vest?
Box Weighted Vest
- Very adjustable weight
- Velcro adjustment straps
- Made in USA
- Lifetime warranty
- Narrower shoulder straps for more mobility
- Only one waist strap
- It might not fit as snugly as others
The weight is available in 2.5 increments between those weight sizes. The customizable weight makes the Box Weight Vest appropriate for most people and most exercises.
You can do just about any workout with this vest, from light to heavy-weight training.
In addition to working for all kinds of workouts and activities, the Box Weight Vest has adjustable straps to secure it around your waist. The shoulder straps are pretty narrow to allow for a full range of motion for overhead exercises.
The Box Weighted Vest has a very impressive lifetime warranty and is made in the United States. The moisture-resistance material should be durable yet make this weighted vest comfortable to use. Users of all abilities should get a lot of use out of this vest and be able to use it for all kinds of workouts like push-ups, pull-ups, walking, running, and even the Murph WOD.
If you’re looking for a versatile, quality weighted vest, check out the Box Weighted Vest. The 2.5-lb weight plates let you customize the weight of your vest for your workouts. We recommend splurging and getting a heavier weight so that you can progress.
Progressive overloading is very effective for building strength and muscle. The Box Weight Vest is sold at Rogue Fitness, and because of the overall price, quality, fit, and customizable weight, we really like this weight vest for most people.
Interested in the Box Weighted Vest?
Hyperwear Hyper Vest
- Made for women by women
- Elite is for men and women
- Customizable from 1 lb up to 10
- Snug fit with side lacing
- Great for all types of workouts
- Only goes up to 10 lbs
One aspect that makes this weight vest unique is the side lacing. It makes the vest more breathable and adjustable so you can get a snug fit. That way, the vest can feel more like a tank top than body armor. The fabric is also stretchy to make it more comfortable. It’s also reflective to help keep you safe while working out outside.
This weighted vest is available in 5, 8, and 10 lb options. The plastic weights are filled with steel shot in 0.5 lb increments. If you purchase the max weight option, you can adjust the Hyper Vest from 1 to 10 lbs.
With this amount of weight, most users should be able to use the Hyper Vest Fit Weight Vest for a lot of different exercises. Keep in mind that the weight won’t be enough for some users. However, we are impressed with the thoughtful design overall.
If you’re looking for a weight vest with more adjustable weight, check out the Hyper Vest Elite. This weighted vest is made for women and men and features a very snug fit with adjustable lacing on the side, so you don’t have to worry about it jostling around.
I also like how the weight is evenly distributed on the Hyper Vest Elite and Hyper Vest Fit. These vests are easy to get on and off with zipper fronts, and the reflective strips are helpful if you want to wear them while walking or running in the early or late hours of the day. The adjustable lacing also makes the vests more breathable and provides a better fit.
The Hyper Vest Fit Weighted Vest is our pick for the best for women because it has a patented design that is made specifically for women. The weights don’t sit on your chest, and with a snug fit, this vest should stay in place even during your most intense workouts.
Tip: To get a better fit, you might want to size up from your original size. The Elite and Hyper Vest Fit run a little small.
Click here to read our detailed review of the Hyper Vest Elite.
Interested in the Hyperwear Hyper Vest?
Aduro Sport Weighted Vest
- Ideal for running
- Various weights available
- Moisture-resistant iron weight
- Slim and minimal design
- Good for different-sized users
- Non-customizable weight
The weight also fits over your shoulders and back for a comfortable fit for both men and women. Also, this design is a little more breathable, at least on the front side of your body. The minimal design also makes it more breathable than other vests on this list. So, if you want to get sweaty with some cardio, this is the vest for that.
Even though we recommend it for running, you can use the Aduro Sport Weighted Vest for a variety of cardio workouts. The adjustable straps allow for a good fit to keep the vest from bouncing around while training.
The Aduro Sport Weight Vest is exactly the style you want for running. Its cross-back and minimal front allow for appropriate arm swing and movement for everything from jogging to sprinting. Your long-distance runs should be comfortable while wearing this vest, too.
The neoprene material isn’t exactly breathable, but it’s moisture-wicking. It is also filled with iron as the weight, so it won’t get smelly after you sweat in it. It has reflecting strips, making it perfect for running outside safely. I also like that it includes a mesh pocket on the back to store things like your phone and/or keys.
If you’re looking for a weight vest to sweat and run in, the Aduro Sport Weighted Vest is for you. It’s suitable for users of all fitness levels and sizes, and it comes in various weight options, so you’re sure to find the right weight to challenge you.
Interested in the Aduro Sport Weighted Vest?
Rogue Plate Carrier
- Weight ranges from 10 lbs up to 40 lbs
- Weight plates are easy to load
- Adjustable velcro straps
- Various color and size options
- Simple, durable design
- Non-customizable weight
- No shoulder strap padding
The weight plates come in pairs ranging from 5 to 20 pounds. So, you can fill it with 40 pounds of weight at the maximum. The Rogue Plate Carrier also comes in three different sizes: small, medium, and large.
The plates have a slight contour to better fit on your front and back, too.
The Rogue Plate Carrier comes in four color options and two different plate types. For an added touch, you can even purchase some patches to put on this weighted vest. With options like the American Flag and phrases like “Nobody cares. Trainer Harder”, how could you not want to add some to your vest?
We appreciate that the Rogue Plate Carrier is made in the United States and has a durable design and fabric. You can adjust the lower, and shoulder straps which are all made with velcro, pretty easily. We recommend the Rogue Plate Carrier for all kinds of workouts. Even while doing Crossfit the Rogue Plate Carrier should stay in place with a proper fit.
The Rogue Plate Carrier fits over your chest and upper back for a secure fit that won’t get in your way. This weighted vest should be considered if you want to do all kinds of bodyweight workouts.
Interested in the Rogue Plate Carrier?
Omorpho G-Vest+
- Made for microloading
- It comes in men’s and women’s sizes
- It can be used with the Omorpho app for workout ideas
- It comes in multiple colors
- It looks cooler than the average weight vest
- Non-adjustable weight
- Not for people who want a heavy vest
Omorpho incorporates the science of adding only about 1-5% of weight to your body. This way, you can still train as you normally would without wearing a weighted vest but see improvements like more calories burned, muscles working harder, and increased power and speed. Basically, by adding a small amount of load, you’ll improve your fitness without having to change your routine.
The G-Vest+ comes in multiple colors and two designs, one for men and one for women. The small/medium size for the men’s vest is 8 lbs 12 oz, and the large/XXL size weighs 9 lbs 14 oz. The women’s also comes in two different sizes. The smaller-sized vest weighs 4 lbs 12 oz, and the larger is 5 lbs 6 oz.
The Omorpho G-Vest+ is arguably one of the coolest-looking vests on this best-weighted vests list, at least in our opinion. The weight is small encased steel ball bearings that distribute the weight over your torso. This vest features adjustable straps over the shoulders and cords along the side that can be tightened and locked for a secure fit.
The side lacing helps to achieve a really close-to-the-vest fit, and the easy-to-clean design ensures that you won’t ruin your fresh-looking vest if you get sweaty and a little dirty in it. In addition to the cool design, the color options are really awesome.
If you’re looking for a weighted vest that won’t get in your way while you’re training, check out the Omorpho G-Vest+. It will enhance your training, help you perform better, and increase your calorie burn without changing your workout routine.
Interested in the Omorpho G-Vest+?
TribeWOD Weighted Vest
- Very adjustable to fit people of different sizes
- Holds compatible weight plates and up to 30 lbs
- Fits snugly
- Durable, waterproof material
- Comfortable padding
- Plates sold separately
These straps have velcro for adjusting the shoulders and the waist, so you can fit them really well onto your body. This vest fits me, who is 5’1”, and our reviewer, who is 6’5”, great.
This tactical weight vest can hold up to 30 lbs of steel plates.
You can purchase two steel plates ranging from 5.75 lbs each up to 13.75 lbs each. If you have your own weighted plates, you can use them, too. The TribeWOD holds 10.5” wide by 11.5” long plates.
Not only is this vest well-padded and comfortable with the Yoke shoulder pads but it is also made of Oxford 600D Nylon, which is waterproof. During all kinds of training and CrossFit workouts, this vest is made to move with you. Plus, you can wear it when you train indoors and outdoors.
The Molle-type velcro on the front and back is great for adding some reflective fabric and nylon loops to hook lights to if you prefer running in the dark.
For when you need to keep your keys or phone with you, the front pocket is secured with velcro, so you don’t have to worry they’ll fly out while you work. The TribeWOD Weighted Vest also comes in a wide array of colors such as ash grey, black snake, camo forest, camo jungle, camo mangrove, camo pink, camo polar, obsidian (only in size small), and urban dark.
With how well this weighted vest fits, we think it’s a great option for Crossfit as well as all kinds of other workouts and exercises.
For a durable, well-fitting weighted vest, check out the TribeWOD Weighted Vest. It has nicely padded straps and a front pocket and can be used with the brand’s weighted plates or your own.
Interested in the TribeWOD Weighted Vest?
ZFOsports Weighted Vest
- Available in 30, 40, 60, and 80 lbs
- Versatile design
- Includes water bottle holder
- Adjustable to fit most people
- Larger and bulkier than other vests
- No lighter weight is available
The weight can be adjusted in 3.8-pound increments, so you can make this vest work for you. We highly recommend it for strength workouts when you really want to add resistance.
It is also suitable for other exercises, but since it has a one-size-fits-all design, it might not work for everyone, especially smaller users. The adjustable strap helps keep it in place while you’re working out and allows users to get a better fit.
We really appreciate that it comes with included pockets for your phone and water bottle. These are thoughtful features that are beneficial when you’re outside. It is especially helpful for hiking since it can be hard to stay hydrated when outside, away from home.
Check out the ZFOsports Weighted Vest 30-80 lbs if you’re looking to carry serious weight during your bodyweight exercises. It is great for the outdoors because it includes storage for your phone and water.
Interested in the ZFOsports Weighted Vest?
Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0
- Added padded for comfort
- Compact design for various sizes
- Made for rucking
- It can be used for other workouts
- Compatible with Ruck Plates
- Weight is loaded on the back
- Weight plates sold separately
I’ve done rucking with the Ruck Plate Carrier and with a backpack filled with weights. The overall experience is much more enjoyable, and better for my posture and body with the Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0. I love how I can fit it securely to my back and how comfortable the straps are.
Most importantly, the Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0 is compatible with Ruck Plates from Go Ruck, so you don’t have to worry about the weights jostling around while you’re hiking. Ruck Plates come in four different sizes: 10 lbs, 20 lbs, 30 lbs, and 45 lbs. Each plate is one large-weight plate that fits perfectly in the Ruck Plate Carrier.
The Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0 has some added features that make it more comfortable to use, too, such as the ergonomic lumbar support padding and less abrasive fabric that doesn’t rub if you choose to go rucking shirtless. Plus, with an adjustable sternum strap that goes across your chest, the Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0 won’t bounce around.
In addition to rucking, you can do other exercises and activities like running and push-ups. So, while we highly suggest it for rucking, it can work like a regular weighted vest as well; just know that all the weight is on your back.
If you love rucking or want to add some intensity to your walks and hikes, then the Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0 from Go Ruck is a great choice. It’s compact and fits better than a regular backpack, so you don’t have to worry about it or the weight shifting around while you explore the great outdoors.
Interested in the Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0?
Benefits Of Wearing A Weighted Vest
Wearing a weighted vest is a great way to make activities like walking, running, hiking, and working out more challenging. By increasing the intensity, you can work on improving things like your strength, endurance, and stamina.
When you wear a weighted vest, you add weight and resistance to any activity, which makes it harder. This type of training technique is called progressive overload, and it is designed to help you get stronger and more in shape.
Other benefits include improved posture, increased bone density, and burning more calories. If you’re working harder, you’ll be burning more calories, which can aid in weight loss. Your cardiovascular system will get stronger, as well.
Plus, once you find the best-weighted vest for you, they’re easy to use. Although I mean this as they aren’t complicated, don’t get me wrong, they’ll absolutely make your workouts harder.
What To Consider In A Weighted Vest
Before you buy a weighted vest, you want to make sure it aligns with your goals and the activities you’ll be doing with it.
Weight And Activity
First, you want to make sure that whatever weighted vest you get is appropriate for you. Weighted vests can weigh anywhere from 4% up to 50% of your body weight, depending on what you’re using them for. For beginners and those doing cardio activities like running, stick to the lower 4-10% of your body weight for the weight of your vest.
If you’re into strength training and lifting heavy, you’ll want a weighted vest that is probably closer to over 20% of your body weight. If, however, you can’t lift the weighted vest over your head, then it’s too heavy. Also, if you are new to wearing a weighted vest, you should start with a lighter option and work up to increasing the weight over time.
Type
Although there are many different styles of weighted vests, there are only really two types: fixed weight and adjustable. Fixed weighted vests come in a specific weight that can’t be changed.
Fixed weighted vests are more common for cardio use, and they usually have a slimmer design. Adjustable weighted vests have a weight that you can add or remove to customize the vest for you. These types of vests are usually bulkier, but they are great if you’re looking to increase the weight you’re using over time.
As far as styles of weight vests, there are plate carriers, vests with zipper fronts, and ones with adjustable weights that often adjust with velcro. Running and some walking weight vests often have a slimmer design that makes them more breathable, especially compared to plate carriers.
All of these styles of weight vests have evenly distributed weight that’s loaded on your front and back. Vests and plate carriers for rucking load the weight on your back. This makes rucking vests best for hiking and walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you keep a weighted vest on?
Weighted vests are best for shorter workouts that range anywhere from 5 minutes up to an hour. In some cases, they can be worn for a couple of hours depending on your fitness level and the workout, but weighted vests should not be worn all day.
How heavy should my weighted vest be?
Your weighted vest should be an appropriate weight for you and the activity you’re doing. For activities like running, 4-10% of your body weight is a good rule of thumb. For bodyweight workouts and building muscle, you’ll probably want a heavier vest that is 20% of your body weight or more.
If you’re new to wearing a weighted vest, it is best to start lighter and work your way up to wearing more weight. If the weight is too heavy for you to lift over your head, it is too heavy for you to wear in your vest.
What muscles does a weighted vest work?
Most notably, a weighted vest can work your respiratory muscles. These muscles are what assist you in breathing. In addition to this, a weighted vest can work your entire body.
How effective are weighted vests?
Weight vests can up the intensity of your workouts. It can make something lower intensity, like walking, more difficult. This makes weight vests very effective to use in training. They can help you burn more calories, build muscle, and increase your endurance.
They are also beneficial for increasing your overall health, especially your cardiovascular health.
How do you choose a weighted vest?
You should consider the type of workouts you want to wear the vest. If you want to incorporate training like progressive overloading, I would look into a weight vest with adjustable weight. Being able to add a few pounds of weight over the course of a few months or so is very helpful to build strength.
Some vests are better for endurance training, while others are better for lifting and outdoor workouts. Most weight vests are made for specific types of workouts; however, we’ve included some that are good for all-around training on our list above.
Is a weighted vest the same as rucking?
A weighted vest evenly distributes the weight on your front and back, while rucking vests and rucking plate carriers load the weight on your back, similar to a backpack. Vests and plate carriers made for rucking are best for walking and hiking because of the fact that the weight is loaded on your back.
Is a weighted vest good for walking?
A weight vest can help to make your walks more challenging. By adding just a few pounds or more, you can make walking more exerting by requiring more muscle and core engagement and by taxing your cardiovascular system a bit more than walking without weight.
Reader Interactions
Leave a Reply