In this guide we will be discussing the very best weighted vests that are currently available on the market, and what we like and dislike about each brand.
We are also going to discuss why we think you should consider using a weighted vest with your bodyweight workout and cardio routines.
It can be difficult to choose what weighted vest to purchase and use as there are so many brands available on the market.
I have decided to make the process easier for you and have gone ahead and picked out a handful of weighted vest brands that I personally think will make your workouts more effective.
If you have never heard of or trained with a weighted vest, then I suggest you keep scrolling down!
In A Hurry?
Here are our favourite weighted vests for you to check out!
- USA Made
- Adjustable 10 pound weights
- Stretch fabric and odor resistant
- Unisex Design
- USA made
- Adjustable weights
- Unisex design
- Really affordable
- USA made
- Advanced, stretchable design
- Unisex
The Best Weighted Vests Of The Year
See also:
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- Best Home Gym Equipment For Your Home Bodyweight Workouts
Before we get into the best weighted vests around, let’s have a discussion about weighted vests in general.
What Is A Weighted Vest?
They are simply a vest made of heavy-duty vinyl or composite materials that allow you to add and subtract weight to increase the intensity of any workout.
The common benefit of using a weighted vest is to add weight to certain exercises while raising the intensity, most notably bodyweight exercises, running, walking, hiking, and any speed or agility drills.
Using a weighted vest whilst training really will elevate your fitness and strength levels.
It’s a great way to mix things up, and it’s a super functional way of training.
Why You Should Use A Weighted Vest
Weighted vests are an incredible addition to your exercise routine, and will increase your cardio and muscular strength.
Using a weighted vest during your workouts will put your muscles under more stress, making the workouts that bit more tough.
And naturally, when things are more tough physically, we get stronger!
Weighted vest training is like having an invisible person or trainer push you in every exercise, because the workouts naturally get more difficult.
They are such a great addition to have at home, especially if you are already into bodyweight fitness.
How Much Weight should You Start With?
The weight you start with will depend on your fitness and strength level.
You should never use a weight that compromizes the correct form of whatever exercise you’re doing.
Most vests allow you to chop and change the amount of weight it carries, which is awesome.
As with anything else, start off slowly and then work your way up.
Just make sure you are always doing every exercise 100% correctly.
For example, don’t do push ups half-assed just because you want to have a lot more weight on your vest.
Things To Consider Before Purchasing A Weighted Vest
Before making a purchase decision, it’s important to consider these four questions:
#1: Does It Fit?
Most weighted vests are a one size fits all.
It’s important to check the manufacturer specifications if you have a smaller or larger body.
#2: Can You Increase The Weights?
This is the most important thing you need to take into consideration.
Some vests don’t allow you to remove weights, meaning that if you purchase a 20 pound vest, it’ll always be 20 pounds.
Ideally you want to purchase a vest that allows you to add and remove weights as you progress and get stronger, instead of having to buy a new vest.
#3: What’s The Minimum Weight?
When starting off using a weighted vest, you want a vest that weighs no more than 20% of your bodyweight.
Don’t buy a vest that’s higher than your starting weight should be. This will make using it difficult, particularly in the beginning.
#4: Do You Need A Gender Specific Vest?
Most vests are made for both sexes.
But if you are a bigger male, you may want to find a vest that fits you better.
What Are Some Benefits Of Using Weighted Vests?
Naturally there are many benefits that comes with using a weighted vest when doing bodyweight workouts, or even cardio exercises!
Below are just a few benefits:
- Increased strength and endurance
- Doesn’t allow your muscles to adapt which makes them stronger
- Helps lose weight and burn fat
- Increased core strength
- Better balance and posture
- Increased performance and specialized skills
- Looks badass
Best Exercises To Do With A Weighted Vest
Any exercise that involves pushing and pulling makes using a weighted vest a perfect fit.
Refrain from using a weighted vest when lifting weights.
Below are a few of the best basic exercises you can do whilst using a weighted vest.
Aerobic exercises:
- Running
- Walking
- Hiking
- Jogging
Bodyweight exercises:
- Push ups
- Pull ups
- Planks
- Burpees
- Tricep dips
- Body squats
The Best Weighted Vests Currently Available
Right, let’s get to the best weighted vest which are currently available!
Below are our top picks for weighted vests.
Included within each pick is a small summary of the weighted vest, the brand and why we think you should consider them.
Hyper Vest Pro Weight Vest
The Hyper Vest Pro Weight Vest was described as the best weight vest by Men’s Health magazine.
The individual weight bars can be easily removed or added.
Each pocket can hold two weights, and the weights can be arranged across pockets to change weight distribution.
It’s been unisex designed, so it can easily used by multiple family members.
Aduro Sport Adurance Weighted Vest
This vest comes in either the 6, 10, 14 or 18 pound weighted vest.
Weights can be added easily in empty side mesh pockets to increase the weight, but you cannot remove the initial weight you purchased.
The price point is very low and affordable, making it our top budget pick from the list.
Suitable for both men and women.
Wolf Tactical Adjustable Weighted Vest
Insert weights or remove weights from the Wolf Tactical Vest so that you can add intensity to your workouts.
This heavy duty vest is constructed with premium materials that holds up to sweat and dirt, extreme tactical training, running, hiking and intense bodyweight workouts.
Wolf Tactical is a USA based brand and they give you a full refund if you are not happy with your vest.
Customers are extremely satisfied with this weighted vest, so it’s hard for us to leave it off the list.
Hyper Vest Elite Weight Vest
A premium weighted vest brand which is priced at the higher end of the spectrum, this vest is another really good option.
Suitable for males and females, the advanced design based on Hyperwear’s patented technology hugs the torso.
This removes stress from the shoulders, and is really good for training.
The vest comes in 3 different standard weights, and then you can add extra weight on top of that.
They are a USA based brand, and we really like the quality of their vests.
Cap Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest
CAP is a well trusted brand, and they have been in the health and fitness game for over 3 decades.
This vest is for the more physically fit people, so if you are just starting out with your fitness journey, then I suggest you try out one of the other vests in this list.
You can choose from 7 different standard weights, and then you are free to remove individual packets which each weigh 2.5 pounds.
RunFast RunMax Adjustable Weighted Vest
An adjustable weighted vest that ranges from 12 to 140 pounds, this one size fits all vest is an excellent choice for someone looking to purchase a high quality weighted vest.
Price range is at the high end, depending on how heavy you want the vest to be.
There is a manufacturer warranty, which is important and always good to have.
Cross101 Camouflage Adjustable Weighted Vest
If you aren’t looking to overspend on a weighted vest, then the Cross101 is just for you.
You can pick your weight preference, starting from 20 pounds and going all the way up to 140 pounds. These weights can easily be removed, so you can adjust the vest as you please.
Price range is very affordable, and it can be used by both males and females!
miR Air Flow Weighted Vest
The airflow design uses a hybrid material to keep your body cool during workouts, which is really awesome.
This weighted vest can either be purchased with a zipper or as a standard pull over weighted vest.
The weights are removable, so you add or remove weights as your workouts get more intense and as you want to build more muscle.
The weights are solid iron weights that are supposed to last a lifetime.
Each weight weighs 3 pounds, which can be removed or added within seconds.
Price point is mid range, but they have a lifetime warranty making you never having to worry about damaging your vest.
What To Consider Being Using A Weighted Vest
Below are a few quick things you can take account when you could start using a weighted vest.
#1: Are you comfortable with your routine?
If you are starting a new exercise routine then it’s better to get the form and technique correct first before using a weighted vest with your exercises.
If you are not using the correct technique, then adding more weight will make it worse and end in you being hurt.
Don’t be a hero!
#2: What shape are you in?
If you are overweight and having a hard time walking up the stairs, then a weighted vest isn’t for you just yet!
There is a time and a place for everything, and a weighted vest will do more damage than good if you are struggling with your routine.
Once you get in better shape and have perfected your workout routine, then you can consider adding a weighted vest.
#3: What exercises are you doing?
Using a weighted vest is pointless when doing exercises such as a bench press. They do, however, work well with certain types of exercises.
But if you’re doing exercises such pull ups, push ups, planks etc, then you may want to consider adding a weighted vest.
#4: Are you injured or overly sore?
Good technique and form usually leads to less injuries.
If you are injured and overly sore, don’t use a weighted vest when exercising.
Its better to focus on stretching your muscles and recovering properly.
Conclusion
Weighted vests can be a great addition to your bodyweight workout routine once you have reached a certain level of fitness and want to push yourself to get your muscles stronger.
Likewise, they are a great addition when going for a walk, hiking or running.
With so many brands on the market within a huge price range, it won’t be that difficult to find the perfect fit for you!
Cheers,
Will