Looking to add extra resistance to your bodyweight workouts? Wearing a weighted vest could be your answer!
Whether you enjoy cardio exercises like running, hiking, and walking, or strength training exercises like squats, push-ups, and planks, you can increase the intensity of your activity with the help of a weighted vest.
Depending on how you’re planning on using your weighted vest and your fitness goals, there are plenty of options out there. Let’s break down the best-weighted vests for all types of workouts and their benefits.
Table of Contents
What Are the Best Weighted Vests for Working Out?
There are many different weighted vests available on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Factors to consider include adjustability, variety of weight options, and comfort. Read on and see how you can take your workout to the next level by adding a weighted vest to your routine.
Best for Heavy Weight: Titan 60 lb Adjustable Weighted Vest
Overview
This weighted vest is designed to add extra resistance to your body during physical activities such as running, walking, and weightlifting. The adjustable weight system allows you to tailor your workout to your specific goals by customizing the amount of weight you wear during your workout, up to 60 lbs.
It’s made of durable materials and has a secure and comfortable fit. This weighted vest can help improve strength, endurance, and calorie burn during exercise.
Benefits
- Adjustable weight vest in 2.5 lb increments up to 60 lbs
- Padded shoulder straps design for increased comfort
- Adjustable shoulder straps (64.5 in) to ensure proper fit for different body types
- Made of wear-resistant material
Price
- $134.99
The Bottom Line
The Titan 60 lb adjustable weighted vest is a versatile piece of equipment to add intensity to your workout. Whether you want to add a lot or a little weight to your workout, this vest gives you the option.
The comfortable fit allows and versatility allows you to use this vest for a variety of exercises, including body weight exercises, biking, walking, running, and more! Adding the extra weight to your body during physical activity can increase the intensity of your workout, leading to improved strength and endurance.
Best for Running: Prodigen Running Vest
Overview
Add intensity to your run with the Prodigen running vest. The reflective strips help keep you visible during your workout, and the durable double stitch design prevents the iron pellets from leaking. Extra padding at the shoulder keeps you comfortable during impact.
This vest comes in a variety of weights from 8 lbs to 30 lbs, as well as a variety of colours so you can look and feel great during your run.
Benefits
- Comes in a variety of weights and colours
- Made of premium chloroprene for comfort and breathability
- Stuffed with no chemical iron pellets versus traditional sands
- Adjustable buckle straps and reflective strips
- Budget-friendly
Price
- $29.99–$79.99
The Bottom Line
The Prodigen running vest is an essential accessory for those who want to elevate their running experience. With a range of weights and colours, you can choose the vest that best fits your style and needs.
The vest is made of premium chloroprene for comfort and breathability, ensuring that you can enjoy your run without being weighed down by uncomfortable or scratchy materials. The reflective strips and adjustable buckle straps make it easy to get the perfect fit, while also helping to keep you visible during low light conditions.
For a budget-friendly option, try out the Prodigen running vest.
GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0
Overview
The GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0 is a backpack style, high-quality plate carrier designed for military-style training, adventure races, and outdoor workouts. It is made of durable, water-resistant materials and features adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable fit.
The carrier is compatible with standard GORUCK weight plates, allowing you to add weight as needed to increase the intensity of your workout. This weighted vest has MOLLE webbing for attaching gear and accessories, making it a versatile and practical accessory for outdoor activities and fitness training.
Benefits
- Lumbar padding to support your back
- Padded shoulder straps from comfort
- Easy to clean
- Available in 3 sizes (S, M, L)
Price
- $95.00
The Bottom Line
If you’re an outdoor adventurer, the GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0 is for you! This back-loaded weighted vest is ideal for bodyweight exercises, walking, and hiking — also known as rucking.
Rucking allows you to minimize the impact on joints such as your knees, but keep the intensity with extra weight. Adding weight to these types of exercises can help strengthen your stamina and build muscle.
One thing to consider is the GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0 is only compatible with 20 lb and 30 lb weight plates. If you’re looking for a little more versatility when it comes to resistance, you may want to consider a weighted vest with more variety of weight increments.
Hyperwear Hyper Vest Pro Weight Vest
Overview
The Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO is a high-quality weighted vest designed for fitness enthusiasts and athletes. It features a unique design with weight pockets that allows for the weights to be evenly distributed across the body, ensuring a comfortable fit during even the most intense workouts. The vest is made of a breathable material that keeps you cool during your workout and features adjustable weights, allowing you to customize the intensity of your workout.
Benefits
- Two-way stretch for added comfort
- Made of thinner material for maximum range of motion
- Great for progressive loading with 2.25 oz adjustable weights
- Breathable and odor-resistant fabric
Price
- $209.99
The Bottom Line
The Hyper Vest PRO is designed to minimize bulkiness, making it suitable for a range of exercises including running, bodyweight exercises, and strength training. The vest is also easy to adjust, allowing you to quickly switch out the weight pockets and get the most out of your workout. With its durable construction, comfortable fit, and customizable weights, the Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO is a great choice for anyone looking to add resistance to their workout.
What Is a Weighted Vest?
A weighted vest is a vest worn during exercise that is filled with weights, typically small metal or sand-filled bags, to increase the resistance and intensity of the workout. Common exercises that can be completed with a weighted vest include:
- Running
- Walking
- Hiking
- Squats
- Lunges
- Push-ups
- Plank
- Many other body weight exercises
They are often used in strength training and cardio exercises to increase muscle and endurance, and can be adjusted to add or remove weight to match the user’s fitness level and goals, making it easy to work into your fitness routine.
When using a weighted vest it’s important to maintain good form and breathing throughout the exercises to prevent injury. The weight vest should be adjusted to fit properly and should be worn comfortably.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Weighted Vest?
Wearing a weighted vest during your workout can provide many benefits on top of increasing the intensity, including:
- Increased resistance: Adding weight during cardio or strength training exercises increases the resistance and intensity of the workout, which can lead to improved muscle tone and endurance.
- Increased calorie burn: Adding weight and resistance with a weighted vest can help to burn more calories during a workout.
- Improved bone density: Weight-bearing exercises, such as those done with a weighted vest, can help to improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
- Better posture: Wearing a weighted vest can help to improve posture by strengthening the muscles that support the spine.
- Versatility: A weighted vest can be worn during a variety of exercises, from running to strength training, to add resistance and intensity.
Your trainer can help provide guidance for how much weight you should be using and how to gradually increase it over time to avoid injury.
How to Use a Weighted Vest
A weighted vest is a simple and effective tool for adding extra resistance to your workout. To use a weighted vest, first adjust the straps to ensure a snug and comfortable fit.
Start with a lighter weight and gradually increase the weight as you become more comfortable and your strength increases. Your trainer can help you decide what weight is right for you and your exercise goals.
By gradually increasing the weight and using proper form, you can use a weighted vest to challenge yourself and take your workout to the next level.
Once you have the weight vest on, you can use it for a variety of exercises including running, bodyweight exercises, and strength training exercises.
How to Choose the Best Weighted Vest for You?
Some factors to consider when choosing a weighted vest that can best compliment your workout routine and fitness goals, include:
- Weight range
- Sizes or adjustability
- Durability
- Comfort
- Budget
Talking with a qualified trainer can help you determine what’s right for you. To help steer you in the right direction, reach out to the team at EverFlex. We’re always happy to help!
