Weighted vests are popular training tools for a variety of fitness enthusiasts. Many use them in place of a weight belt on the dip and pull-up bars. They can be great for conditioning, general strength training, and adding additional difficulty to many different workouts. You can transport them nearly anywhere, strap them on, and add more depth to your workouts, whether they’re focused on the upper body, lower body, full-body, or even just an extension of bodyweight. The concept of a weighted vest may seem simple enough, but there are a variety of options on the market varying in function, design, and price.
You’ll find plate-loaded, sandbag-loaded, backpack-style, and other unique designs to choose from. Without the proper consideration, you may end up selecting the wrong weight vest to suit your goals. For those who are fresh on the market for a weighted vest but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered. We assessed the best weighted vests on the market to figure out which weighted vests could best suit your needs — and we have some tips on choosing one to boot. Here are the vests that rose above the rest, and all the information you may need to make the right decision for you.
Best Weighted Vests
- Best Weighted Vest: Living.Fit Weighted Vest
- Best Back-Loaded Weighted Vest: GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier
- Best Weighted Vest for Running: Living.Fit Weighted Vest
- Best Fitting Weighted Vest: Hyper Vest Pro
- Most Adjustable Weighted Vest: BOX Weighted Vest
- Best Short Weighted Vest: Rogue Plate Carrier
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended to diagnose, prevent, and/or treat health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
Best Weighted Vest
Our top pick is a high-quality weighted vest that’s ready to wear and adds a challenge to even your toughest workouts with its flexible and thin design.
Living.Fit Weighted Vest
This weighted vest is made from a soft neoprene material for added comfort during exceptionally difficult workouts. Instead of using weight plates or packs that can move around and throw off your balance, Living.Fit utilizes iron shot to reduce movement.
This weighted vest is slim but still provides a solid amount of resistance with either 12 or 20-pound options. The lead shot-filled vest evenly distributes weight and won’t slide around thanks to the padded design and belt clip fastener.
The low profile of this weighted vest makes it ideal for highly movement-oriented workouts such as running and cross-training. With padding all around the vest, it connects securely in the front with a belt clip and can be adjusted to fit nearly any size athlete. Choose from two sizes — 12 pounds or 20 pounds — and both come with a lifetime warranty.
Who Should Buy the Living.Fit Weighted Vest
- People who want a weighted vest that isn’t bulky and cumbersome. The low profile here allows you to still move freely.
- Folks who want a vest that doesn’t require loading. This vest is pre-weighted, so you can throw it on and go.
- Athletes who want a vest that won’t slide around during use and cause irritation.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Living.Fit Weighted Vest
- Athletes looking for a back-loaded vest might want to look elsewhere.
- Anyone who wants to be able to adjust the weight of their vest may want to look for a loadable vest.
- Those who are interested in a vest that’s heavier than 20 pounds.
When you’re shopping for weighted vests and looking for something that is unencumbered, won’t slide around, and is easy to use, look no further than the Living.Fit Weighted Vest.
Best Back-Loaded Weighted Vest
One advantage of many weighted vests is the even distribution of weight across your torso. But sometimes, you want a back-loaded vest to make your training even more specific — and make it easier to breathe. Enter the GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier.
GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier
This weighted vest is designed to be worn high and tight on the torso and can support a 20- or 30-pound Ruck Plate® — which are both sold separately. Due to the back-loading design, it puts less pressure on the chest when fully loaded and, therefore, may allow for easier breathing. The backpack design may also provide more accessibility for athletes with a broader variety of body types.
Available in either black or coyote brown, these vests can support either 20- or 30-pound Ruck Plates®. They are manufactured with 1000D Cordura and EVA foam padding for additional lumbar support.
This vest, available in two color options — Black or Coyote Brown — is made from 1000D Cordura with an EVA foam padding for added lower-back support. With no added mesh, zippers, or straps, it is potentially easier to spray clean (with a hose) and hang dry.
Who Should Buy GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier
- Athletes who prefer not to load weight on the fronts of their bodies will love that this vest is back-loaded.
- If you’re looking for a weighted vest that can accommodate a broader variety of body types, you’ll love the backpack-style design of this product.
- Athletes looking to up their style game will appreciate that this vest comes in both black and coyote brown.
Who Shouldn’t Buy GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier
- Folks who want a weighted vest made in the USA might want to look elsewhere.
- People who don’t want to spend the additional money on separately sold weight plates may opt for a vest that doesn’t need specific plates to be effective.
It can be tough to find weighted vests that fit your body well and are designed for both toughness and comfort. The GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier accomplishes both.
Best Weighted Vest for Running
Weighted vests can be excellent running companions when you’re ready to boost your work capacity and up the ante of your training. Enter the Living.Fit Weighted Vest, which allows you to select from 12- and 20-pound options.
Living.Fit Weighted Vest
If you want to make running even more difficult, a weighted vest is a great way to accomplish that. Some weighted vests are better suited for running than others, and the vests from Living.Fit are designed to not slide around and cause discomfort. The weight is evenly distributed using iron shot, so there aren’t any weights or pouches to shift around. That means the weight isn’t adjustable, which may be a downside for some though.
This weighted vest is slim but still provides a solid amount of resistance with either 12 or 20-pound options. The lead shot-filled vest evenly distributes weight and won’t slide around thanks to the padded design and belt clip fastener.
Since you can’t change the weight of the vests, Living.Fit offers them in two resistances — 12 pounds and 20 pounds — and both are covered by a lifetime warranty. The padded vest secures easily with a belt clip in the front and is adjustable to fit athletes of practically all sizes. At only about $39.99 for the 12-pound vest and $49.99 for the 20-pounder, this weighted vest is rather affordable too.
Who Should Buy the Living.Fit Weighted Vest
- Athletes who want to add weight to their runs and other exercises will appreciate the versatility of this product.
- The even load distribution is less likely to throw off a runner’s established gait and stride, meaning they won’t have to change the way they run with this vest.
- People who value a vest that doesn’t slide during up-and-down movements (jumping rope, jogging, running, box jumps, etc.) will like this product’s snug, adjustable strap and low profile design.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Living.Fit Weighted Vest
- Folks who want a vest that can load weight on the front and the back might want to look elsewhere, as this vest is fixed with the weight it provides.
- If you’re looking for a back-loaded vest to not put any weight on your chest then you might want to look at other options. This vest distributes the weight over the back and front.
- Athletes who want a heavier weighted vest might want to look into other options. These top out at 20 pounds.
The Living.Fit Weighted Vest comes already loaded and good to go. When you’re ready for your next weighted run, just throw it on, clip in, adjust it so it’s snug, and get to pounding that pavement.
Best Fitting Weighted Vest
When all you want in the world is a snug-fitting weighted vest to accompany you on everything from your runs to bodyweight WODs, the Hyper Vest Pro might just be the droid you’re looking for.
Hyper Vest Pro
The Hyper Vest Pro isn’t a backpack. It fits snugly around your entire upper torso, meaning that you’ll be able to move more freely without restricting your range of motion. Because it’s made of a breathable, wicking fabric, you won’t have to worry about getting weighed down by sweat. After you choose the right size for your body (this vest comes in sizes small to extra large), the Hyper Vest Pro should be able to fit snugly no matter which direction your movement is taking you.
The Hyper Vest Pro is made from a breathable wicking fabric, and is only a half inch thick. Plus, it comes in small to extra large sizes that can hold max weights ranging from 22 pounds to 48 pounds.
You can add up to 48 pounds of weight to your workout (with the XL) without worrying about unevenly distributed weight bouncing — and chafing — on your back or torso, as the pockets should hold the steel weights in place. And if you do wind up wanting a looser or tighter fit, you can adjust the fit of the panels along the sides to give you more of what you need. Just note, you will have to purchase separate weights to use this vest — it’s not compatible with your average weight plate.
Who Should Buy Hyper Vest Pro
- Those who want a weighted vest with a snug fit all the way around your upper torso will like that this one wraps around you.
- Folks who want a vest that is flexible on the horizontal plane will appreciate the paneling here.
- People who want multiple sizes to choose from — these vests range from small to extra large and can accommodate 22 pounds on the small up to 48 pounds on the extra large.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Hyper Vest Pro
- If you want a weighted vest that you can use outdoors at night, you might want to opt for a product with reflective materials.
- Athletes wanting to have a vest that can accommodate plates they already own may want to opt for a vest that doesn’t require special weights to fit in the pockets.
For folks who want their weighted vests to have the snug, all-around-the-torso feel, the Hyper Vest Pro accommodates all kinds of movement while keeping the weights in place to avoid chafing your body.
Most Adjustable Weighted Vest
Loading up 20 or more pounds at a time just isn’t for everyone. If you’re the type of athlete that wants more precision in their weighted vest training, the adjustable BOX Weighted Vest has literally got your back.
BOX Weighted Vest
This USA-made vest features panels on both the front and back to support the added weight. These weights are available in 2.5-pound increments from 2.8 pounds (unloaded) to a max capacity of 45 pounds. The body and shoulders are fully padded, making it possible to have an extremely intense training session without extra stress on your skin from the vest.
This weight vest scales in 2.5-pound increments from 2.5 pounds to 45 pounds. It is made in the USA with military-grade, moisture-resistant exterior materials to be one-size-fits-all.
Weighted with boxes rather than plates, this vest may appeal more to athletes who appreciate a less bulky design — the shoulder straps are also reasonably narrow (each strap is 3.25 inches wide). The kipping-proof box-belt system can be quickly adjusted mid-workout, and the material is moisture-resistant.
Who Should Buy BOX Weighted Vest
- Folks who want a vest that won’t wear down from kipping pull-ups will appreciate the tactical-style design of this vest.
- Those who value adjusting the vest weight will enjoy the small 2.5-pound increments (up to 45 pounds).
- Anyone who needs to preserve shoulder mobility for overhead movements will like the narrow straps available here.
Who Shouldn’t Buy BOX Weighted Vest
- Athletes who want a vest with a fixed weight might prefer a vest with fewer loading options.
- People who don’t want to carry as much equipment may not like that each weight increment is an additional box.
The BOX Weighted Vest can hold weight going up to 45 pounds — but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with only heavy versions of this vest. With 2.5-pound increments available, you can work out both heavily and precisely with this vest.
Best Short Weighted Vest
When you need a vest that’s not going to overheat you by covering your entire torso, you might start looking for a shorter option. The Rogue Plate Carrier is designed to avoid fully covering your torso, which can leave you breathing easier.
Rogue Plate Carrier
This vest — which comes in sizes small, medium, and large — attaches around the front of your torso, but it won’t drag all the way down your stomach. This gives you more room to take solid belly breaths during your workouts — which could be restricted with vests that come all the way down.
Made of a synthetic fiber-based fabric with breathability in mind, the Rogue Plate Carrier is short enough to avoid restricting your breath. It also offers durable pockets that can hold up to 20 pounds of weight.
Made of a synthetic fiber-based fabric with breathability in mind, the Rogue Plate Carrier is short enough to avoid restricting your breath, but it’s also snug enough to be secure through all kinds of workouts thanks to its durable pockets that can hold up to 20 pounds of weight. However, the pockets are optimized to fit Rogue’s vest plates, so you may not be able to use just any old weight plate you have lying around. But with this vest, even though you will be able to add a lot of intensity to your workout, you won’t have to compromise the quality of your breathing — or risk overheating — to do it.
Who Should Buy Rogue Plate Carrier
- Those seeking a vest with a focus on keeping the body cool during training will appreciate that this vest doesn’t come all the way down your torso and is open on the sides.
- Folks who want a vest that sits high on the torso will like that this vest attaches in the front but doesn’t go down your stomach.
- People who want a vest that secures their weight plates snugly in a pocket will like the design of this vest.
Who Shouldn’t Buy Rogue Plate Carrier
- Anyone who wants a vest that can load weight evenly throughout the entire torso might want to look elsewhere.
- If you’re looking for a vest that accommodates a wide range of body types, you might want to opt for a back-loaded option.
- For those who want a vest that can accommodate any weight plate they already have, this vest may not be for you.
The Rogue Plate Carrier doesn’t go all the way down your torso. This leaves you freer to breathe from your belly and stay a bit cooler during your weighted workout.
Benefits of Weighted Vests
Not convinced that weighted vests can elevate your training? Read on for some of the most compelling benefits of training with a weighted vest.
Boost Cardiovascular Fitness
Even if you’re primarily performing strength-based activities, wearing extra weight while you do so can help provide significant cardio benefits. You’ll have to breathe more effectively and work harder overall, even — and sometimes especially — if you’re moving slower than you do without wearing a vest.
When it comes to wearing a weighted vest while running, a 2019 study found that when people running sprints wore a weighted vest, their times were slower and their power output decreased. However, upon going back to training without their vests, participants got faster results — indicating that if you want to get faster, weighted vests might be able to help. (1)
Get Stronger
Even if you’re not wearing your weighted vest in the weight room itself, training with one can help you get stronger — yes, even on your barbell lifts. A 2017 study compared participants’ one-rep max for their power clean. Some participants trained their power clean with a weighted vest for five weeks, while the other group followed the same protocol but did not wear a weighted vest. The group that trained while wearing a weighted vest improved their 1-RM significantly more than those who did not. (2) This suggests that even if you’re doing barbell lifts, you might be able to up your 1-RM by completing a training block wearing a weighted vest.
Change Body Composition
While not everyone is aiming to change their body composition by lowering body fat, it might be a goal some athletes share. Research suggests that using weighted vests might be able to help athletes burn more calories in a given workout. A 2006 study found that four-minute bouts of walking while wearing weighted vests ranging up to 20 percent of participants’ body mass can increase energy expenditure. (3) In other words, it may cost your body more energy to walk with a weighted vest than without one, which can potentially help fuel changes in body composition.
How We Chose the Best Weighted Vests
No matter your reason for wanting a weighted vest — to scale up your cardio or to progress your bodyweight strength exercises — it’s important to find the right one for you. We decided that the following are the most important factors when we were choosing our favorite vests.
Activity Needs
If you’ve ever trained with a weighted vest, then you know how frustrating it can be to use a vest that isn’t designed to take on the activity at hand. The uncomfortable chafing, sliding around, and moving up and down is pretty undesirable. That’s why activity needs are our first assessment.
Every weighted vest in our line-up was selected based on what activities they benefit certain athletes best in. For example, lighter vests with less material are excellent for more cardio-based activities. In comparison, heavier vests with loading capacity may be better for strength and conditioning workouts. We’ve included multiple varieties of vests on this list to match the variety of needs out there.
Material and Design
Once we decided the activities each vest performs best in, we examined their material and design — specifically, their overall material structure, stitching, straps, and pockets. Vests made out of materials more accommodating on the skin (i.e., won’t stick or pull when sweating) and double-stitched for durability purposes ranked higher.
Construction aspects like straps and pockets were worth considering when it came to how a vest fits and what additional levels of functionality it provides. For example, if a vest has additional pockets, it is likely to be more useful for outdoor training as it may store water bottles, keys, and other effects more easily. Straps can be useful to pay attention to when it comes to security and ensuring the vest stays in place when changing directions quickly or working on multiple planes. We noted these aspects throughout our list to help you decide which material/design would best suit your needs.
Loading
What’s the difference between a weighted vest and a regular old backpack, you say? Well, for one thing, weighted vests are designed to meld to your body, so they don’t jump up and down while you’re moving intensely. For another, weighted vests give different loading options. With a backpack, the load will always be in the back — but with a weighted vest, there are also options to distribute the load evenly, or even front-load the vest. These can give you different points of emphasis during your workout, depending on your training needs.
Doing a lot of full-body movements with barbells? You might want an evenly-loaded vest to avoid causing imbalances while working with more external weight. On the other hand, if you want to give your core some extra challenge, you might prefer a vest that allows you to front-load the weight. You may also prefer a back-loaded vest to make sure your breathing isn’t restricted and that you can accommodate your body as comfortably as possible. We’ve included different loading styles on this list to help fit different body types and customer needs.
How Much Do Weighted Vests Cost?
Weight vests can range widely in price largely dependent on the amount of weight a vest provides and how well it’s made. You can pick up lightweight vests around 10 pounds for about $50. If you’re in the market for a heavy weighted vest, you may have to pony up a bit more coin, and spend between $100 and $200.
| Best Weighted Vest | Living.Fit Weighted Vest | $39.99 for the 12-pound vest and $49.99 for the 20-pound vest |
| Best Back-Loaded Weighted Vest | GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier | $95.00 for the carrier and $65-$155 for the plates |
| Best Weighted Vest for Running | Living.Fit Weighted Vest | $39.99 for the 12-pound vest and $49.99 for the 20-pound vest |
| Best Fitting Weighted Vest | Hyper Vest Pro | $209.99 before booster weight packs |
| Most Adjustable Weighted Vest | BOX Weighted Vest | Starting at $125.00 before additional weight packs |
| Best Short Weighted Vest | Rogue Plate Carrier | $145.00 for the plate carrier before weight plates or accessories |
As you can see, the ceiling price for weighted vests is higher than the floor is low, which may turn some people off of these products. If you plan on competing in any bodyweight competition such as gymnastics, CrossFit, or even Kettlebell Sport where you have to move your body efficiently and easily then these can help give you a potential leg up on the competition.
What To Consider Before Buying a Weighted Vest
If you’re a careful consumer, you want to know all the variables before you buy something. Here are a few more key features to pay attention to before adding a weight vest to your cart.
Sizing
When it comes to finding the perfect weighted vest, you should prioritize sizing. A great vest is only great if it fits, so pay close attention to how a vest is sized. Measure your chest, torso, and shoulder dimensions beforehand, and aim for a vest that sits snug on your torso without limiting mobility — particularly when it comes to limiting the shoulders from properly performing overhead movements.
Choose the Proper Weight
A beginner’s mistake is buying a vest too heavy for your needs. If you invest in a vest with a set weight, be mindful of your abilities and the activities you plan to use the vest with. If you think you may want to change up the vest weight, some options allow you to increase or decrease the weight by adding and removing weight plates. Those are often more expensive but are a good bet if you expect to use them long-term to level up your training.
Loading
When you’re getting ready to buy a weighted vest, make sure you’re also paying attention to the way it distributes the load. If you don’t like tight material around your stomach, you probably want to go for a short vest or one that is completely back-loaded to provide the most accommodating fit.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to give your core an extra challenge, you might want the option of front-loading the weight. If you’re looking for a vest to help you run the gamut of bodyweight and barbell exercises, even-loading might be best for you to help keep your balance when it counts.
Final Word
Weighted vests are great training tools for a wide variety of workout needs. These wearable weights can kick your training up a notch on the running trail, in the weight room, or in your living room. If you’re looking to increase strength, boost your cardiovascular fitness, or change your body composition, weighted vests are designed to help you do just that — without actually changing the mechanics of your workout.
Before selecting a weighted vest of your own, think about what your goals are, what kinds of activities you want to perform with your vest, and what kind of fit you’re looking for. Remember that you don’t need the heaviest vest on the market to make a big difference in your training. But if you do intend to work up to intense loading capacities, keep that in mind when making your purchase. Whether you’re looking to load your vest little by little, or slap a heavy plate in there and get going, know that your workout is about to get hefty.
FAQs
How heavy should my weighted vest be?
Studies suggest that vests weighing between five and 40 percent of a person’s body mass have all been effectively used to improve their cardiovascular performance. With such a high degree of variability, it makes sense — as with most things in strength training — to start on the lower end of that spectrum and increase your strength and stamina as you go.
When in doubt with a weighted vest, you might want to go for an option with a considerable variability in weight selection. That way, you can increase or decrease the weight on your own terms.
How much do weighted vests cost?
Weighted vests range in price from around $30 to $50, to around $175 to $250 depending on the amount and type of weight employed in the vests. You’ll spend more for metal plates in a weight vest than you will for sandbag-filled vests.
How do I get started using a weight vest?
If you’re intending to do cardio with a weighted vest, plan to start very slowly. After you’ve selected your weight, begin by walking with your vest before jogging and running. Just as you would program progressive overload in the gym, do the same with your weighted vest. Make sure you adapt to walking, then jogging, then running — all with excellent form — under weighted conditions before moving up in weight.
Similarly, if you’re planning to lift weights with a vest, start slow. Incorporate the weighted vest into your warm-up sets, perhaps avoiding incorporating it into your heavier sets until your body gets acclimated.
What is the best weighted vest?
That depends mostly on what you’ll be using the vest for, whether it be running, bodyweight exercises, a combination of the two, or other conditioning training. Our favorite at the moment is the Living.Fit Weighted Vest thanks to its comfort, padding, and stability.
What kinds of exercises can I do with a weighted vest?
As long as the vest you’ve chosen is conducive to your desired activity, you can perform a wide range of exercises with weighted vests. These include running, sprinting, and weightlifting, as well as a large array of bodyweight exercises, like pull-ups and push-ups.
References
- Macadam P, Cronin JB, Feser EH. Acute and longitudinal effects of weighted vest training on sprint-running performance: a systematic review. Sports Biomech. 2019 May 9:1-16. doi: 10.1080/14763141.2019.1607542. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 31070108.
- Marriner CR, Cronin JB, Macadam P, Storey A. Redistributing load using wearable resistance during power clean training improves athletic performance. Eur J Sport Sci. 2017 Oct;17(9):1101-1109. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2017.1360396. Epub 2017 Aug 9. PMID: 28792857.
- Puthoff ML, Darter BJ, Nielsen DH, Yack HJ. The effect of weighted vest walking on metabolic responses and ground reaction forces. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006 Apr;38(4):746-52. doi: 10.1249/01.mss.0000210198.79705.19. PMID: 16679992.