What is the best weighted vest for men and women? If you have any desire to take your workouts to the next level, wearing a weighted vest can assist you with building lean muscle mass, pumping up your calorie burn, and building strength.1 Vest can improve outside exercise as well as assist you with capitalizing on ordinary activities like running errands or walking the canine.
Reviewed and Approved: The ZFOsports Weighted Vest is our best overall pick because it comes in four weight sizes from 30 to 80 pounds, has adjustable straps, and has lots of storage pockets. The Hyperwear Hyper Vest is a decent choice that has similar features with lighter weight and a slimmer profile.
“Weighted vests are an excellent approach to adding intensity and challenges to your workout, forcing the muscles to cooperate and perform more effort,” says John Gardner, a certified personal trainer, and CEO of Kickoff, a personal training, and nourishment service.
We tested vests for a sum of 20 hours as well as consulted personal trainers, and read item descriptions and reviews to decide the best selections. Our tester wore the vests during several unique workouts. We assessed each vest for comfort, fit, durability, quality, and overall worth.
Here are the best-weighted vests available, as per a certified running coach.
Table of Contents
10 Best Weighted Vests For Men And Women In 2023 Reviews
1. Best Overall for Men: ZFOsports Weighted Vest
Pros
- Versatile
- Extremely durable
- Room for storage
- Comfortable and secure
Cons
- May not work for smaller sizes
- Requires some set-up
This well-known weighted vest from ZFOsports is our best overall pick and checks every one of the boxes for quality workout gear. From durability to exceptional design and comfort, this vest does everything. It’s an excellent choice for men, however thanks to its adjustable straps, it can also be used by women or teens. The vest comes in maximum weights of 30, 40, 60, or 80 pounds, and all are adjustable in 3.8-pound increments.
You also get large pockets to advantageously stash your telephone, keys, and, surprisingly, a water bottle. Incredibly tough and versatile, this vest has a wide scope of possible uses including strength training, CrossFit, running, and hiking.
2. Best Overall for Women: Hyperwear Hyper Vest Fit Weighted Vest for Women
Pros
- Versatile
- Comfortable fit
- Balanced weight
- Very durable
Cons
- Expensive
- Max weight of 10 pounds
Known for its comfort and versatility, the Hyper Vest Fit is a superb choice for women who need to work on their strength and boost their calorie burn. It comes with flimsy, half-pound weights that slide easily into vest pockets, so you can adjust and adjust your heap easily. While first putting it on, I quickly preferred the vest’s streamlined design and the super-soft, incredibly comfortable texture.
Dissimilar to some vests that require twisting and going to get it on, it zips up like an ordinary vest, which I viewed as extremely easy and advantageous. I also value how the position of safety makes it easy to wear the vest under a top layer, such as a jacket.
The vest comes in three distinct sizes, since one size doesn’t fit everything, and you can use the elastic side cords for the most comfortable fit. When I dashed up the front and clamped the sides, the vest was secure enough for me to run in it with no skipping. It’s an extraordinary choice for runners, walkers, and anybody looking for a streamlined, comfortable, and versatile vest for a wide range of workouts.
3. Best Unisex: Prodigen Weighted Vest
Pros
- Comfortable and flexible
- Reflectivity
- Versatile for lots of activities
- Light enough for travel
Cons
- Fixed weight
- May not work for plus size
Prodigen’s neoprene weighted vest is a versatile pick that can work for men and women with an assortment of fitness levels and interests. The two adjustable clasp straps assist you with trying not to skip and give you a snug, custom-like fit. It also has a back storage pocket that is perfect for stashing your telephone or different essentials.
Designed to last, the vest features double stitching to prevent sand leakage, as well as thick, wide shoulders to evenly distribute weight and assist you with keeping away from fatigue. It’s soft and breathable, and it has elastic on the waist and edges for improved comfort and adaptability. This vest is an extraordinary choice for fitness walkers, runners, or anybody who wants to make their cardio or strengthening workouts more challenging.
4. Best Budget: Prosourcefit Weighted Vest
Pros
- Snug, comfortable fit
- Sleek and streamlined
- Pocket for storage
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Unpleasant smell at first
- Fixed weight
For a quality vest that doesn’t burn through every last cent, you can’t turn out badly with this Prosourcefit Weighted Vest. It’s great for women or men looking for a streamlined, comfortable vest for walking, cardio sessions, or strengthening workouts. Made of solid and soft neoprene, the vest is breathable and comfortable to wear for extensive stretches of time.
The mesh back pocket is a great feature and I used it to stash my telephone, despite the fact that it wasn’t easy to access it as I was walking. Another bonus is the reflective strips on the front and back, which are useful for workouts in low-light conditions.
The vest comes in five different weight options, from 6 to 20 pounds, so it’s suitable for a wide scope of fitness levels. I was worried that a one-size-fits-everything vest probably won’t work for me, however, I observed that the adjustable buckles were considered a snug, comfortable fit.
5. Best for CrossFit: Strength Sport Systems Weight Vest
Pros
- Bounce-free
- Adjustable weight
- Durable
Cons
- A pocket may not fit large phones
- Heavier models are expensive
While it’s comfortable and versatile enough for a wide range of cardio and strengthening workouts, this Strength Sport Systems weighted vest is especially well known among CrossFit participants. The vest can weigh somewhere in the range of 5 to 90 pounds, contingent upon the model. As you pivot through various CrossFit movements, you can easily adjust your heap by adding or eliminating weights from the front and back pockets.
The adjustable straps with double shoulder padding take into account a custom, comfortable fit. Whether you’re doing a CrossFit WOD, running, or hiking, it stays snug and doesn’t skip as you’re moving. Sturdy and solid, this vest also features a waterproof pocket that is helpful for storing your telephone, keys, or different essentials.
6. Best for Bodyweight Workouts: ETHOS 60 lb. Weighted Vest
Pros
- Versatile
- Unisex
- Adjustable weight from 2.5 to 60 pounds
- Comfortable and secure fit
Cons
- May feel bulky for small frames
- Expensive
If you have any desire to boost the intensity of your bodyweight workouts, this versatile vest from Ethos is great for adding more weight to exercises such as squats, lunges, and push-ups. It comes with 24 pockets of removable 2.5-pound weights, so you can shift your resistance based on the exercise you’re doing and your overall fitness level.
With comfortable froth padding, an adjustable waist belt, and a cropped design, the unisex vest is comfortable and snug yet doesn’t restrict your normal scope of movement. The secure fit helps it stay put during strengthening workouts, as well as cardio exercises such as running or hiking. Plus, the reinforced stitching and strapping add to the vest’s performance and durability.
7. Best for Walking: ZELUS Weighted Vest
Pros
- Durable
- Good storage
- Allows for optimal mobility
- Comfy, cushioned straps
Cons
- Maximum 20-pound weight
- May lack durability
Looking to add more intensity to your fitness walks? Wearing a weighted vest while walking will assist you with building more muscle and boost your calorie-burning potential, making you one stride closer to your fitness goals.2 The open design and shoulder holster style of this vest from Z Zelus allows for excellent mobility, and the comfortable shoulder straps evenly distribute the weight to assist with staying away from shoulder fatigue.
Adjustable clasp straps are designed to fix the vest for a snug, no-bob fit. Moreover, the neoprene material is very soft and breathable, so you’ll stay cool while exercising outdoors. Accessible in several different weight options, from 4 to 20 pounds, the vest also has reflective strips to assist with keeping you seen while you’re walking outdoors in low-light conditions.
8. Best for Beginners: Tone Fitness Weighted Vest 12 lbs
Pros
- Comfortable, flexible material
- Ideal for beginners
- Versatile
- Not bulky
Cons
- May not work for plus size
- Maximum 12-pound weight
Assuming you’ve never used a weighted vest, this one from Tone Fitness is an ideal section-level choice. It has a streamlined design that allows for an extraordinary scope of movement, making it great for walking and bodyweight workouts. The soft neoprene material is flexible and breathable, and the adjustable front strap allows for a comfortable, secure fit. In the event that I could roll out any improvement, I’d add one more strap across the base for a tighter fit while running. In any case, some individuals might favor the open design.
The vest comes in one or the other beat up and even has reflective stripes for while you’re exercising in low-light conditions. With a proper weight of 12 pounds, it’s perfect for beginners looking to build strength and fitness.
One downside is that once you see successful results with it, you might have to graduate to a heavier vest. That being said, as a multi-tasker and regular canine walker, I viewed it as the perfect weight for daily walks with my dog.
9. Best for Hiking: Aduro Sport Adjustable Weighted Vest
Pros
- Padded shoulder straps
- Comfortable material
- Storage pocket
- Secure fit
Cons
- Can’t adjust the weight
- Storage is fairly small
Assuming you’re looking to make your hikes a touch more challenging, you might need to have a go at wearing a weighted vest on the trails. This lightweight, affordable vest from Aduro is a perfect choice for hiking, as well as other cardio activities such as running or walking.
I appreciate that the vest sits exceptionally high up, hugging the shoulders, without covering the whole torso region as some other weighted vests do. The reduced size, alongside the evenly distributed weight, allows for ideal comfort and a decent scope of movement. With an adjustable front belt and cushioned shoulder straps, it won’t shift around as you move. I was even ready to put my rucksack over it thanks to the streamlined design.
The vest also has an advantageous mesh pocket on the back for storage, despite the fact that holding my phone was just adequately large. It’s accessible in weight options going from 4 to 30 pounds, so you can choose one that works for your fitness level and goals.
10. Best for Running: Henkelion Weighted Vest
Pros
- Ideal for running or other cardio
- Doesn’t bounce
- Adjustable size
- Storage pocket
Cons
- Fixed weight
- May not work for plus size
A decently weighted vest for running should be snug enough that it doesn’t skip all over as pounding the pavement, but not so constricting that you can’t move comfortably. With an adjustable strap and ergonomic design, this one from Henkelion gets the task finished. The weight is evenly distributed all through the vest, so you won’t come down on one region.
Running in the 8-pound version certainly slowed me down from my usual speed, however, the vest was comfortable and snug yet not constricting. I valued the minimal size and open design that permitted me to run without modifying my form.
Whether you’re wearing it for long runs or short span workouts, runners will see the value in that this vest is breathable, soft, and not the slightest bit massive. Accessible in 4-, 6-, 8-, or 12-pound models, it’s suitable for men or women and can be easily adjusted with the front strap. Other cool features incorporate a mesh back pocket to hold essentials and the reflective strips on the front and back for upgraded visibility.
How We Tested the Weighted Vests
We tested five of the weighted vests on this list for four hours each for a sum of 20 hours of testing. Our tester, a certified personal trainer and running coach, put the vests through the rigors of a wide range of workouts; including bodyweight exercises, span training, cardio sessions, running, walking, and hiking. For the adjustable weight vests, we tested the vest with various loads to see in the event that the level of performance or comfort changed, contingent upon the weight used.
Each vest was assessed for comfort, fit, durability, quality, and overall worth and scored on a scale of one to five for every one of those categories.
What to Look for in Weighted Vests
Purpose
“While you’re purchasing a vest, consider how you need to use it,” says Jack Craig, a certified personal trainer with Inside Bodybuilding. “If you have any desire to run with a vest, you’ll require a lighter weight one than if you will walk, or strength train with it, for instance.”
Material and Design
Search for vests made of materials that are comfortable and moisture-wicking, such as Lycra, nylon, and neoprene. Tough fabrics with double-stitching upgrade a vest’s sturdiness.
Closure straps, whether Velcro or buckles, are a key design feature since they’ll give you a more custom, secure fit and assist with killing skipping and shifting as you’re working out. A vest with storage pockets might be useful for running outside, hiking, or doing other open air pursuits since you can use the space to stash water bottles, keys, and different essentials.
“Ensure your weighted vest is comfortable and has additional padding around the shoulders to lessen rubbing from the edges of the strap,” says Gardner.
Weight
While choosing a vest, you’ll need to conclude whether you need one with a fixed or adjustable weight.
Vests with set weights are well known among fitness walkers and runners who maintain that a small measure of weight should make their workouts more challenging. Before selecting a vest with a set weight, contemplate the activities you intend to do while wearing the vest. Some beginners tragically purchase a vest that is excessively weighty for their needs and fitness level.
Vests with expandable weight slots are advantageous and versatile because they permit you to change how much resistance you’re using based on your workout. For instance, assuming you’re doing squats, you can increase the weight to 20 pounds, yet diminish it to 10 pounds for pushups.
“Adjustable options also permit you to up the weight as you get stronger,” says Craig. Adjustable weight vests are many times more expensive however are a wise investment assuming you hope to use their long haul to work on your training and fitness.
FAQs – Best Weighted Vest For Men And Women
What Is The Best Weight For A Weighted Vest?
For men, I usually suggest a vest that adjusts as much as 20 pounds, as that is the weight used in most CrossFit workouts. For women, the commonly prescribed weight is 14 pounds. The most significant thing is to purchase an adjustable vest that allows you to add extra weight over the long haul. For instance, assuming you’re new to fitness, choose a vest that ranges from 10 to 20 pounds. That way you can add additional weight as your fitness improves.
Are Weighted Vests Good For Training?
Weighted vests make an extraordinary expansion to your arsenal of training tools. Wearing a weighted vest during workouts increases your strength, stamina, and perseverance, especially when used during cardio training.
What’s The Best Weighted Vest For Hero WOD Murph?
Murph is an unbelievable CrossFit workout that involves a 1-mile run, 100 force-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, and another 1-mile run, all done while wearing a 20-pound weighted vest. It’s an absolutely severe workout and I fear it, yet anticipate it consistently (I don’t have the foggiest idea how this makes sense).
The best-weighted vests for Murph are breathable, secure, and can support as much as 20 pounds (14 pounds for women). The Rogue Plate Carrier is the best weight vest to be used for Murph as we would see it.
What Plates Do You Recommend For Weight Vests?
Assuming you need weight vest plates made in the US, the Rogue USA Cast Weight Vest Plates feature a fantastic shape that wraps around the body. Assuming that you need the best worth, the WOLF TACTICAL Vest Plates are a decent choice.
Does It Matter If The Vest Is Adjustable In Weight Or Not?
Yes. You’re probably going to use an adjustable weight vest more frequently, significance you’ll get the best possible deal out of it.
Should I Get A Ladies-Specific Weight Vest?
This might sound abnormal, yet in the event that you have a truly enormous chest, I’d suggest it. If not, I don’t think it matters. Ladies’ weight vests are supposed to leave the room so the vest isn’t compressing the chest. They can be useful, yet they can also look sort of unusual. For most, I believe it’s more of a trick, however, some women in all actuality do truly like them.
Does walking with a weighted vest build muscle?
Weighted vest training can assist someone with building muscle and increasing strength.
“The vest adds resistance to the walk, making it a piece harder,” says Craig. “The vest will make it somewhat harder to stand upstanding, so you’ll get some center actuation, which will also mesh well with the additional leg workout.”
Yet, don’t assume that you’ll get a full-body workout while wearing a weighted vest during walks. “Recollect that a weighted vest used while walking will just work your lower body, so assuming you need a full-body program, you’ll have to add some arm workouts to adjust things,” says Craig.
How weighty should a weighted vest be?
The heap of your weight vest should truly rely upon your action and fitness level. Lighter vests with less material are great for cardio activities, while heavier vests with a higher weight limit are better for strengthening workouts.
For beginners just getting everything rolling with weighted vests for walking and other cardio activities, stick with one that is 5 to 10 percent of your body weight.
Are weighted vests safe?
Like any strength or resistance instrument, weighted vests are safe when used appropriately and while following specific safety precautions.
“Someone can use it to get stronger, or someone can coincidentally hurt themselves by using the unfortunate form and going excessively fast,” says Craig. “At the point when you start using a weighted vest, try to ease into it. Do easy, 10-to 15-minute walking sessions with it, and see how you feel following a couple of days or seven days. Then, you can start to increase the span under load, safely.”
A typical amateur mistake is to choose a weighted vest that is excessively weighty. Individuals with any neck or back issues should consult their medical care supplier before using a weighted vest.
What size weighted vest should I get?
Sizing should be the main concern when choosing a vest since you will not be persuaded to use one that is uncomfortable. Take measurements of your torso, chest, and shoulders, and consult the maker’s size graph so you get the right size for you. Each vest and sizing are unique, so don’t assume your usual size for apparel or stuff.
Using your measurements, observe a vest that will fit snugly through your torso or chest, without feeling too constricting or restricting the scope of movement.
“A weighted vest needs to throw a tantrum and have the weight distributed similarly across both the storage compartment and the torso to prevent any muscle unevenness,” says Gardner.
Last Thoughts On The Best Weighted Vest For Men And Women
The ZFOsports (view at Amazon) and Hyper Vest Fit (view at Amazon) weighted vests are both versatile, sturdy, and comfortable. Both have adjustable weights, so you can change your weight based on your movement and fitness level. For men, the ZFOsports vest is great for those who need an adjustable weight vest that is suitable for CrossFit and strength training. The Hyper Vest Fit is somewhat more streamlined and is a superb choice for women who need a comfortable, dependable vest for a wide range of activities.
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