If you’ve been following the same exercise routine for a while, you may have noticed that it’s not quite the same challenge it used to be. A weighted vest is one of the easiest ways to ramp up your workout intensity without really having to change a thing.
Whether you run, hike, bike or do CrossFit, carrying extra weight in the vest makes you work a little harder when you exercise. This can increase the number of calories you burn, build muscle and boost your cardiovascular health, making a basic workout much more intense and beneficial for your overall health.
Want to add a weighted vest to your workout gear? This list contains some of the best weighted vests on the market to help kick your workouts up a notch.
RUNFast Adjustable Weighted Vest: available at Amazon
This weighted vest is adjustable and available in eight different weight options, holding between 12-140 pounds. It offers a one-size-fits-most design and works well for strength training, cross-training and cardio workouts. Its shoulders are padded for greater comfort.
Ethos 60-Pound Weighted Vest: available at Dick’s Sporting Goods
With 24 pockets that fit 2.5-pound weights, this weighted vest can hold up to 60 pounds, depending on your fitness level. It’s still very comfortable since it contains comfort-foam padding and a cropped design for a greater range of motion.
Tone Fitness Weighted Vest: available at Amazon
An incredibly comfortable option, this vest is made of neoprene that feels soft and smooth against the skin. It has an adjustable front belt to provide a secure fit and has reflective strips if you’re working out outside after dark. It’s an excellent choice for running and walking.
ZFOsports Weighted Vest: available at Amazon
If you want a weighted vest with plenty of storage, this is the option for you. It features multiple pockets, so there’s room for your phone and even a water bottle. It has a one-size-fits-most design, and the connected belt makes it easy to put on and take off.
CROSS101 Weighted Vest: available at Amazon
This smart-looking camo-printed weighted vest is an ideal choice for CrossFit workouts and other types of exercise. It’s available in various weights ranging from 20-80 pounds, so there’s an option for any fitness level. It also features a water bottle holder to make sure you stay hydrated during long workouts.
Aduro Sport Weighted Vest: available at Amazon
An excellent option for both strength training and cardio workouts, this weighted vest is made of soft, durable neoprene that’s comfortable no matter how hard you’re working out. The adjustable front belt allows you to get a snug fit regardless of size, and the mesh back pocket allows you to add extra weight if you need to increase your workout intensity.
Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO Adjustable Weighted Vest: available at Amazon
This pro-grade weighted vest includes 10 pounds of high-density steel weights but has room for more if you need to increase the weight. It’s made of breathable, moisture-wicking lycra nylon to reduce chafing and features a zipper closure that makes it extremely easy to put on and take off. It has open sides for added ventilation and allows for a full range of motion.
Pure Fitness 10-Pound Minimalist Weighted Vest: available at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Amazon
Made of soft, quick-drying neoprene, this weighted vest is ideal for boosting speed, strength and stamina. It has a built-in mesh pocket to allow you to carry must-haves on workouts and has reflective straps for visibility at night. The easy-to-use adjustable strap and buckle provide a snug, comfortable fit.
miR Short Weighted Vest: available at Amazon
If you’re looking for a weighted vest with a shorter cut, this style ends above the waist, allowing for full range of motion. Weights can easily be added or removed depending on your needs, and the pockets distribute the weight evenly to ensure you don’t strain any muscles.
Everlast Weighted Vest: available at Amazon
This neoprene weighted vest comes from a trusted brand in the fitness field and contains sand-filled weights for comfortable weight distribution. The adjustable straps allow you to get a snug, comfortable fit, and the textured panels on the underside help keep the weight stable during workouts.
Henkelion Weighted Vest: available at Amazon
This soft weighted vest boasts an ergonomic design that helps keep the weight balanced and the adjustable strap from sliding around as you move. It’s filled with high-quality iron pellets and metal rock rather than sand for greater durability. There’s also a mesh pocket at the back for adding weight.
ZELUS Weighted Vest: available at Amazon
With its neoprene fabric and double stitching, this weighted vest is designed to last through countless workouts. The adjustable elastic straps are cushioned to prevent chafing and have reflective strips for visibility in low lighting. It features two storage pockets for essentials like keys and a phone.
CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest: available at Amazon
Featuring a blend of reinforced nylon and polyester, this weighted vest is both highly durable and comfortable. Its waist belt is adjustable to help provide a secure fit and allow for a full range of motion while working out. The weights are also removable, so you can increase or decrease them based on your needs. If you plan to wear the vest for walking or running, the reflective strips keep you visible in all situations.
Jennifer Blair is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.