As a private coach and working coach, I’m continuously looking out for instruments that may elevate my shoppers’ exercises—and mine too. Carrying a weighted vest is a wonderful means so as to add depth to your exercise, whereas serving to you construct lean muscle mass, enhance your calorie burn, and enhance your energy.
I spent 90 hours testing 15 of the very best weighted vests, sporting them whereas strolling, working, climbing, and energy coaching. I additionally consulted specialists, together with two private trainers, a board-certified doctor, and an assistant professor of geriatric drugs, to realize a deeper understanding of the advantages of weighted vests and what to search for in a high-quality choice. I evaluated each for match, consolation, weight adjustability, ease of use, effectiveness, sturdiness, and worth to search out the highest choices available on the market.
Key Specs
Weight: 0.5-10 kilos | Adjustable or Fastened Weight: Adjustable | Materials: Nylon, satin, elastic | Storage: Sure (in weight pockets) | Our Total Ranking: 5/5
Who It’s For
Finest for runners, walkers, and anybody on the lookout for a streamlined, comfy, and versatile vest for all sorts of exercises.
Why We Love It
Recognized for its consolation and flexibility, Hyperwear’s Hyper Vest Match is a wonderful alternative for people in search of to enhance their energy and enhance their calorie burn. It comes with 20 particular person half-pound weights that simply slide into pockets, making this a extremely adjustable choice for various health ranges and all kinds of actions, together with strolling, working, and energy coaching. I instantly appreciated the vest’s streamlined design and the super-soft material. It zips up like a daily vest, which is way simpler than different weighted vests that require some twisting and turning to get on.
After I cinched the elastic bungee cords on the edges, the vest was safe sufficient for me to run in with no bouncing by any means. The match allowed for an excellent vary of movement and was tremendous comfy—I nearly forgot I had it on after I wore it whereas vacuuming and doing laundry. It’s low-profile and suits underneath a prime layer, which I examined throughout a cold morning canine stroll after I wore a hoodie over it comfortably. Moreover, not like different weighted vests which can be difficult to maintain clear and smelling contemporary, this one is straightforward to clean after I take away the weights.
For our Finest Males’s Total decide, take a look at ZFOsports’ Weighted Vest.
Potential Flaws
- The aspect bungee cords hold down, which might be distracting throughout a exercise. Nevertheless, I used to be capable of get them out of the best way by tying them in a bow at my waist and tucking the surplus wire underneath the vest.
- This vest is pricier than another choices on this record, however I feel it’s price it for its distinctive match, consolation, and flexibility.
Most Precious Perception
“I’d advocate this to people who desire a weighted vest that they’ll use for train in addition to on a regular basis actions. It’s additionally nice for novices as a result of you possibly can progressively add extra weight as your health improves. And you may actually customise it for every exercise by including or eradicating weights in sure areas.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Weight: 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 25, or 30 kilos | Adjustable or Fastened Weight: Fastened | Materials: Neoprene, iron sand | Storage: Sure | Our Total Ranking: 5/5
Who It’s For
Finest for walkers and informal energy trainers who need consolation and stability in a weighted vest that additionally contains useful options like a cellphone holder and reflectivity.
Why We Love It
Wanting so as to add extra depth to your health walks? Carrying a weighted vest whereas strolling will enable you construct extra muscle, taking you one step nearer to your health targets. After I examined Zelus’ Weighted Vest, its open, shoulder holster design allowed for wonderful mobility, and the even weight distribution helped me keep away from shoulder and higher again fatigue. As I walked on the treadmill or exterior, I observed that it barely pulled my shoulders again, so I walked with higher posture and my core extra engaged.
The buckle straps had been straightforward to regulate for a cosy, no-bounce match. I additionally love that this vest has loads of storage choices—together with a rear mesh pocket and a removable, zippered cellphone holder, which secures to the entrance for simple entry. Plus, it options reflective strips on each the back and front for improved visibility when strolling outdoor in low-light situations.
Potential Flaws
- The vest initially had a robust, neoprene-like odor after I first opened it. Nevertheless, the odor dissipated after it aired out for a couple of days.
- With a hard and fast weight, this vest is much less versatile for varied sorts of exercises and health ranges.
Most Precious Perception
“I just like the vest’s safe and cozy match. The load felt very evenly distributed between the back and front, so my shoulders and again didn’t really feel overloaded throughout walks.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
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Comfortable, safe match prevents bouncing
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Reflective strips on back and front for enhanced visibility
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Finances-friendly
Key Specs
Weight: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 kilos | Adjustable or Fastened Weight: Fastened | Materials: Neoprene, iron sand | Storage: Sure | Our Total Ranking: 5/5
Who It’s For
Finest for newbie weighted vest wearers and runners who desire a no-fuss, comfy, and budget-friendly choice.
Why We Love It
weighted vest for working needs to be cosy sufficient that it doesn’t bounce up and down as you’re pounding the pavement, however not so constricting that you would be able to’t transfer comfortably. With an adjustable strap and ergonomic design, APEXUP’s Weighted Vest will get the job finished—at a budget-friendly value. Throughout take a look at runs, I observed that the weight is evenly distributed all through the vest, so it didn’t put an excessive amount of stress or strain on one space. The match was cosy and safe, so it didn’t bounce as I ran, but it surely didn’t really feel too constricting.
Working with an additional 10 kilos undoubtedly slowed my ordinary tempo, however the vest’s compact dimension and open design allowed me to run with out altering my kind. After a couple of weeks of standard use, I used to be capable of enhance my tempo and distance, as my energy and endurance improved. I additionally respect the comfort of the vest’s mesh again pocket for holding necessities and the reflective strips on the back and front for enhanced visibility.
Potential Flaws
- After I first opened it, the vest had a really robust neoprene odor. This dissipated after a couple of days, however I might nonetheless detect a slight odor throughout indoor exercises for the primary couple of weeks.
- Though I just like the mesh pocket on the again of the vest, I want there have been storage within the entrance, so I might simply entry my cellphone with out having to take off the vest.
Most Precious Perception
“I’ll undoubtedly proceed to make use of this vest for indoor and outside walks and runs. It’s actually turn into a part of my routine. It’s comfy and handy to put on for on a regular basis duties, corresponding to strolling the canine, vacuuming, or gardening.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Weight: 2.5-150 kilos | Adjustable or Fastened Weight: Adjustable | Materials: Nylon, polyester, iron sand | Storage: Sure (in weight pockets) | Our Total Ranking: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Finest for residence health club customers and energy trainers who need to progressively enhance resistance or share gear with others.
Why We Love It
If you need a vest that’s appropriate for a variety of exercises and health ranges, take a look at CAP Barbell’s Adjustable Weighted Vest. The vest is available in most weights of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or 150 kilos, and all are adjustable in 2.5-pound increments, permitting you to differ the load primarily based in your targets and talent. Each my husband and I examined the 40-pound model and located it to be extraordinarily versatile and efficient for doing energy coaching workouts.
With adjustable straps across the waist and a unisex design, this vest works for a variety of sizes. The safe match helps it keep in place throughout energy exercises, in addition to cardio workouts like strolling or climbing. Plus, the bolstered stitching and durable materials improve the vest’s efficiency and sturdiness. I’m additionally an enormous fan of the padded shoulders, which really feel comfy and assist stop any digging into my higher physique, particularly as I enhance the burden.
Potential Flaws
- This vest is a bit cumbersome, so it might not be the only option for somebody who desires a streamlined choice for working.
- The load pockets are very cosy, so loading up the sand baggage was time-consuming. Nevertheless, as soon as they’re in, the sand baggage had been very safe and didn’t shift round, so I feel that’s a good trade-off for the time and vitality spent getting them within the pockets.
Most Precious Perception
“I like how versatile this vest is. I used to be in a position so as to add and take away weights primarily based on the kind of train I used to be doing. My husband, who is sort of a foot taller than I’m, additionally used the vest for weight coaching, so I used to be impressed that two folks of very totally different sizes and health ranges might use the identical gear.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
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Safe match that stays in place, even when working
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Good air flow
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Breathable and cozy sufficient to put on for longer intervals
Key Specs
Weight: 8 or 12 kilos | Adjustable or Fastened Weight: Fastened | Materials: Neoprene, iron sand | Storage: No | Our Total Ranking: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Finest for exercisers who desire a no-fuss, budget-friendly weighted vest that’s breathable and cozy sufficient to put on for longer intervals.
Why We Love It
For a high quality weighted vest that doesn’t break the financial institution, we advocate Tone Health’ Weighted Vest. When testing this vest, I discovered that the streamlined design allowed for an amazing vary of movement, making it an amazing choice for strolling and body weight exercises. In contrast to vests with chest straps, this one options two buckles on the edges, which I used to be capable of regulate for a safe and cozy match. The vest stayed in place, no matter what I used to be doing, together with interval runs and climbing up and down hills.
Fabricated from sturdy and comfortable neoprene, the vest is versatile, breathable, and feels comfy to put on for lengthy intervals, together with 60-minute outside walks. I actually respect the spherical cut-out on the again of the vest, which permits for further air flow proper the place it’s wanted. I feel this vest is a good worth, particularly for many who have by no means used a weighted vest earlier than and don’t need to make a big funding.
Potential Flaws
- In contrast to different vests I’ve examined, this one doesn’t have any storage, which isn’t stunning given its budget-friendly value. Nevertheless, I nonetheless suppose it’s an excellent worth for the cash.
- This vest goes on over the top, and I needed to be cautious when placing it on, so I didn’t catch my hair or ears on it. Getting it on may also be a bit tougher for these with shoulder mobility points.
Most Precious Perception
“I feel the fashion of this vest is very good for individuals who have broad shoulders or a large chest, for the reason that weight is evenly distributed and the straps and buckles are on the edges, not throughout the chest.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
Bonus Favorites
Whereas the 5 vests above are my prime picks, I’ve additionally examined others which can be comfy and efficient. These further weighted vests have constantly impressed me all through my testing and are price contemplating that will help you discover the proper match to your targets and preferences.
Key Specs
Weight: 3.8-30, 40, 60, or 80 kilos | Adjustable or Fastened Weight: Adjustable | Materials: Nylon, polyester, iron sand | Storage: Sure
Most Precious Perception
“This adjustable weighted vest is right for many who desire a extremely sturdy and versatile choice for energy coaching, strolling, climbing, and working. Plus, it comes with handy pockets to your necessities and a water bottle holder that will help you keep hydrated throughout extra intense exercise classes.” —Gabby A., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Weight: 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, or 20 kilos | Adjustable or Fastened Weight: Fastened| Materials: Neoprene, iron pellets | Storage: Sure
Most Precious Perception
“The adjustable strap and ergonomic design of this vest make it safe sufficient that it doesn’t bounce or shift as you’re working or performing different high-intensity actions. It’s additionally not overly constricting, permitting for an excellent vary of movement. The load is evenly distributed, so it doesn’t put an excessive amount of stress or strain on one space. There are reflective components on each the back and front, which can be a pleasant security function.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Weight: 2.5-60 kilos | Adjustable or Fastened Weight: Adjustable | Materials: Nylon, polyester, foam | Storage: Sure (in weight pockets)
Most Precious Perception
“This weighted vest gives wonderful adjustability, offering exercisers with 2.5 to 60 kilos of resistance that may simply be personalized primarily based on the workouts you are performing. And its foam padding and bolstered sturdy stitching imply it isn’t solely exceptionally comfortable, however may even final.” —Gabby A., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Weight: 8, 12, 16, 20, 30 kilos | Adjustable or Fastened Weight: Fastened | Materials: Neoprene, rubber, iron sand | Storage: Sure
Most Precious Perception
“Excellent for exercisers of all ranges and varied health routines, this weighted vest options two adjustable straps for a safe, personalized match. Thick, padded, and huge shoulder straps present consolation whereas additionally serving to to distribute the burden evenly, permitting you to simply put on it for longer exercise classes.” —Gabby A., Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Weight: 4, 6, 12, 16, 20, 25, 30 kilos | Adjustable or Fastened Weight: Fastened | Materials: Neoprene, iron sand | Storage: Sure
Most Precious Perception
“This vest has a really perfect design for cardio actions corresponding to climbing, strolling, or working. It’s compact and sits very excessive up, so it doesn’t intrude along with your arm swings as you’re shifting. The padded shoulder straps are extraordinarily comfy, and the adjustable buckle within the entrance supplies a safe match.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester
What to Search for When Looking for Efficient Weighted Vests
- Objective: When searching for a vest, think about how you intend to make use of it. If you wish to run with a vest, you’ll want a lighter-weight one than for those who’re going to stroll or strength-train with it, says private coach Jack Craig, CPT.
- Supplies: Search for vests fabricated from supplies which can be comfy and moisture-wicking, corresponding to Lycra, nylon, and neoprene. Sturdy materials with double-stitching additionally improve a vest’s sturdiness.
- Design: Closure straps—whether or not Velcro or buckles—are a key design function, offering a safer, personalized match whereas minimizing bounce and shifting throughout exercises. Storage pockets can be useful for outside actions, corresponding to working or climbing, providing house for necessities like water bottles and keys. Moreover, further shoulder padding might help scale back friction and enhance total consolation, says private coach Jack Gardner, NASM-CPT.
- Fastened vs. Adjustable: Vests with fastened weights are common amongst health walkers and runners who desire a small, constant problem. Make sure you select a weighted vest that matches your health stage and meant actions to keep away from overloading. Adjustable weighted vests supply extra flexibility, permitting you to vary the resistance for various workouts and enhance the burden as you turn into stronger, says Craig. Although usually pricier, they’re a worthwhile funding for those who count on to make use of them long-term to enhance your coaching and health.
Verywell Match
How I Examined the Weighted Vests
To search out the very best weighted vests, I first spoke with health specialists for his or her insights on what to search for in a high quality vest. With this professional enter in thoughts, I researched dozens of choices from prime, trusted manufacturers. Then, I examined 15 weighted vests for a complete of 90 hours, sporting them whereas strolling, working, climbing, and energy coaching. When testing weighted vests, I fee them primarily based on the next key attributes.
- Match: After I first attempt on the weighted vest, I consider how simply it may be tightened or loosened to attain a comfortable, safe match. Does it really feel like it will probably accommodate totally different physique shapes? Does the clothes I put on beneath it have an effect on the match? As I transfer within the vest, I decide whether or not it stays in place comfortably.
- Consolation: I put the vests via the trials of varied exercises, together with body weight workouts, interval coaching, working, strolling, and climbing, and observe how comfy they really feel whereas I’m exercising. Does strain from the vest trigger any soreness or discomfort? Is there any digging, rubbing, or sizzling spots? I additionally observe if the vest is breathable for at the least thirty minutes of damage.
- Weight Adjustability: For the adjustable weight vests, I take a look at them with varied hundreds to see if the extent of efficiency or consolation adjustments relying on the burden used. I additionally observe whether or not including or eradicating the burden is simple and intuitive. Do the burden increments really feel evenly distributed and manageable? For all of the vests (whether or not fastened or adjustable), I decide if the minimal weight is secure and appropriate for novices.
- Ease of Use: I consider whether or not I can simply placed on and take off the vest with out assist. Are the adjustable factors intuitive? I additionally observe how lengthy it takes to arrange the vest and, if the burden is adjustable, I assess how easy it’s to vary the load.
- Effectiveness: To guage the vest’s effectiveness, I take note of whether or not it noticeably will increase the problem of my exercises or actions. Does it preserve a balanced, even weight distribution throughout actions? I additionally test if I can hold good posture and obtain a full vary of movement for each upper- and lower-body workouts.
- Sturdiness: On the finish of every testing interval, I examine the vest to evaluate its sturdiness. I look at the seams, closures, and adjustment mechanisms. Are there any indicators of serious put on and tear? Is the vest affected by publicity to sweat?
- Worth: To assign a price rating to every weighted vest, I think about its value solely after evaluating it in opposition to all the important thing attributes talked about above. I think about whether or not the value is honest primarily based on the vest’s total efficiency. I additionally think about whether or not I’d pay full value or wait to buy it on sale.
Verywell Match
Our Specialists
I consulted specialists at every stage of the analysis, testing, and reporting course of. The next specialists mentioned the advantages of utilizing weighted vests, secure utilization strategies, and potential contraindications. I additionally requested every professional for recommendation on what to search for in a high quality weighted vest. Though I chosen the highest picks independently, professional enter did affect my choices.
- Jack Gardner, NASM-CPT, licensed private coach and CEO of Kickoff, a private coaching and diet service
- Jack Craig, licensed private coach with Inside Bodybuilding
- Sarah J. Wherry, PhD, assistant professor, Division of Geriatric Medication, College of Colorado Faculty of Medication
- Philip Montana, MD, MFA, CAQSM, board-certified doctor in Inner Medication and Sports activities Medication, Maimonides Medical Heart
Often Requested Questions
Are weighted vests really efficient?
Weighted vests might be efficient for enhancing exercise depth, enhancing energy and steadiness, and growing bone density. Their advantages depend upon correct and constant use; nevertheless, analysis means that they could be a great tool for enhancing bodily efficiency.
Is it okay to put on a weighted vest all day?
Carrying a weighted vest all day isn’t really useful as a result of potential pressure it might trigger in your joints, muscular tissues, neck, and backbone. It is safer and simpler when used correctly throughout particular exercises or for shorter durations. Newcomers needs to be particularly cautious and ensure to ease into utilizing a weighted vest, beginning with 20- to 30-minute strolling classes a couple of times per week, based on Montana.
Does strolling with a weighted vest construct muscle?
Weighted vest coaching might help construct muscle and enhance energy by including resistance to walks, participating your core, and intensifying your leg exercise, says Craig. Nevertheless, because it primarily targets the decrease physique, incorporating upper-body workouts is crucial for a full-body routine.
Is a 20-pound weighted vest an excessive amount of?
The load of your vest ought to rely in your dimension, exercise, and health stage; lighter vests are perfect for cardio, whereas heavier ones are fitted to energy coaching. Newcomers utilizing weighted vests for strolling or cardio ought to begin with 5 p.c of their physique weight, and extra skilled customers ought to purpose for a most of 10 to fifteen p.c of their physique weight, Wherry recommends.
Why Belief Verywell Match
Licensed private coach, Verywell Match author, and marathon coach Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has really useful weighted vests to her shoppers who’re coaching for endurance races or in search of new methods to include extra energy coaching into their health routine. For this text, Christine personally examined all of the weighted vests, utilizing them for outside runs, strength-training exercises, and whereas engaged on her under-desk treadmill.

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