We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
If you work hard at staying fit, there are lots of ways to make the most of your exercise regimen. Gyms offer numerous types of equipment to help you reach your goals, and the outdoors is ideal for getting your body in motion, whether by walking, hiking, or running. On the other hand, maybe you’re looking for something out of the ordinary to give your fitness activities a boost. A weighted vest could be exactly what you need.
You may be new to this type of fitness gear, or perhaps you’ve considered purchasing one but didn’t know where to start. We can help you weed through the particulars of weighted vests so you can choose one to fit your body type and athletic needs.
Our top choice is the CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest. It features padded shoulder straps for comfort and a reflective strip for safely exercising at night.
Editors’ Favorite
Size: 40 lb | Material: Polyester | Style: Adjustable-weight vest
Made from reinforced nylon and polyester, the CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest offers superior durability and can be adjusted in weight from 20 to 50 pounds.
The fully adjustable waist belt and padded shoulder straps provide a snug, comfortable fit so you’re at your best even during rigorous workouts. The anchor hooks allow for efficient parachute run training, and the reflective stripes improve nighttime visibility, so you can go on walks or runs in the evening without worrying about safety.
The great thing about this vest is that it’s easy to adjust the weight. It’s filled with individual weight packets, each weighing 2.5 pounds, so all you need to do is add or remove packets to get your desired weight. It’s a 40-pound vest, but you can get it in other sizes, including 30, 80 and 150 pounds.
Great Value
Size: 12 lb | Material: Iron Sand, Lycra Fabric, SBR | Style: Embedded-weight vest
If you’re looking for a cheap yet reliable weighted vest to get the most out of your workouts, you’ll love the ZELUS Weighted Vest. It’s made with various materials for improved durability, including Iron Sand and Lycra Fabric, and offers optimal comfort while exercising.
It features adjustable buckle straps that give it a one-size-fits-all design, and an armband pouch and rear mesh pocket where you can store small valuables such as your keys, wallet, phone, earbuds and even snacks. Quick-dry material and the sweat-wicking layer make it suitable for tough workouts, and flexible support keeps you mobile at all times.
Although it doesn’t have an adjustable weight system, this vest is a fine choice for beginners who want something affordable and reliable for walking, jogging and body-weight training. You can choose from various sizes, including 6, 12, 20, and 30 pounds.
Best for Running
Size: 4-10 lb | Material: Ironsand, Neoprene | Style: Adjustable-weight vest
The APEXUP Adjustable Weighted Vest includes removable iron sand weight packs with multiple weight ranges, allowing you to customize resistance based on your preference and fitness goals.
Made from soft neoprene, this vest provides even weight distribution to reduce pressure on the shoulders and back. Reinforced stitching improves durability, and the reflective detailing enhances visibility for nighttime outdoor jogging or walking. Its breathable design keeps you comfortable during extended sessions, and the adjustable buckle straps create a secure fit.
This vest is best for jogging and running thanks to its compact design. It features a front mesh pocket that stores essentials such as your keys or phone, and you can choose from various weight sizes, including 4 to 10, 12 to 18 and 20 to 32 pounds.
Weighted vests are garments with pockets for sandbags, metal bars, or other dense, hefty materials that are distributed evenly throughout the structure. The vests can be worn by men or women. Some of their features include the following.
Padding to help prevent chafing.
Belts, Velcro, or other adjustable closures for a customizable fit.
Different styles and weight levels for a variety of needs (including slim-fit vests to wear under clothing).
Weighted vests are commonly used by athletes or individuals in law enforcement or the armed forces to make the most of resistance, strength, and endurance training, but even people who do light workouts or leisure walks to stay in shape can benefit from the distributed weight of these unique vests.
No matter your fitness goal – from losing weight to building muscle mass to simply staying active and fit – using a weighted vest can help you achieve it. Benefits of weighted vests include the following.
Weight training builds lean muscle mass.
Adding weight to the body increases the heart rate to help maximize the cardio benefits of exercise.
Added weight helps build bone density and strength over time.
Added weight helps you burn calories more quickly when walking, running, or doing calisthenics.
The weight distribution helps strengthen your core.
Mid-level athletes can advance more quickly toward their goals.
The added resistance helps well-trained athletes further increase endurance.
Weighted vests are not one-size-fits-all fitness tools. Rather, they come in a variety of weight limits – some fixed, some adjustable – to match each consumer’s body structure and fitness level. Whether you choose a vest with embedded or fixed weights, each type has its advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
Easy to use
Range from minimal weight to about 12 pounds
Comfortable, simple structure; better for outdoor use on warm days
Cons:
Weights not removable
Weights not adjustable
Not heavy enough for some athletes
Pros:
More structured design
Cover more of torso
Pockets for weights
Adjustable weights
Cons:
Warmer
More restrictive
More expensive
Sandbag weights can leak
If you are serious about working out or weight training, you may find the benefits of a weighted vest worth the investment. This gear is not extremely expensive. You can expect to pay between $30 and $100.
Vests with lighter weights cost $30 to $40.
Vests weighing around 20 pounds may $60 to $100 or slightly more.
Some brands may be more or less expensive not because of the weight but because of the quality and detail of the design. For example, a vest with adjustable weights or patented closures will cost more.
Make sure you’re up for the challenge. If you’re just starting a fitness routine, a weighted vest may be too much for you at first. If you have any doubts, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before you begin using one.
Start slowly. Begin with light exercises to get your body used to a new activity before you put on a weighted vest, especially if you’ve been sedentary for a while. Advance to lifting three- to five-pound hand weights before donning a weighted vest.
Make sure you can perform an activity before adding a vest. If you plan to walk wearing a weighted vest, first make sure you can go your chosen distance without one.
Remember to warm up before exercising. Even if you’re comfortable working out with a weighted vest, start your exercise session with jumps, stretches, and a bit of jogging in place to get your body ready to work out wearing your vest.
A. Once you’ve finished cycling, walking, or doing calisthenics or other activities while wearing your vest, walk slowly for five to ten minutes and stand for a few minutes before resting.
A. The best fit is snug but not too tight. You want your vest to be tight enough to stay put and not move around but loose enough for comfort. If it feels insecure or uncomfortable, try adjusting the closures.
A. While you might want to try a 10- to 12-pound vest if you’re new to this type of gear, a 20-pound vest may work for you if you are active and physically fit. There are several unisex models available, which are more likely to give you the best fit.
We explored various weighted vests and considered specs such as weight, adjustability, materials and style. The best weighted vests have a durable yet comfortable design that enhances training, such as walking, jogging and body-weight training. Additionally, we wanted to include models of different materials and weight adjustability.
