The Best Weighted Vests
Aerobics and calisthenics are some of the oldest workouts known to humankind. While there are few better ways to get your blood pumping, once you've mastered the pushup or your local running route, you might be looking for an extra challenge to take you to the next level. A weighted vest could be the push you need to work harder and burn more energy as you train. They could turn your morning cardio into a full-body strength workout, or simply help to add that extra challenge to familiar bodyweight exercises. We've rounded up a few of our top picks, so take a look below to find your next favorite workout companion.
What to Look For
With so many options out there, we focused on a few key qualities to help you find the vest for you. Adjustable weighted vests are a great choice for bodyweight exercises, and our favorite was the option from Runmax. By loading the vest’s many pockets with steel bricks or sandbags, you can incrementally increase the load as you train. This vest is a little bulky, however, and joggers might prefer a more compact fixed-weight vest. The option from Pacearth comes with ankle weights included, so you can make the most of each stride. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Runmax Adjustable Weighted Vest
Made to measure
Get ready to channel your inner warrior with this hefty vest from Runmax. This durable black nylon design is built to withstand the toughest punishment during long workouts. The various pockets arranged across the front and back mean that you won’t have any trouble distributing weight to find a comfortable balance. The Runmax vest comes with weights included, with options ranging from 40 pounds to a herculean 140 pounds.
Pros:
- This vest helps you to stay organized as you exercise thanks to the phone pocket and water bottle holder.
- You can choose an option that includes removable shoulder pads for a little added comfort.
- Additional weights are available for purchase, so you can add to the vest as you build your strength.
Cons:
- This vest only comes in one size.
Cap Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest
This versatile vest lets you add resistance to your cardio and strength workouts as you see fit. The wide array of pockets lining the front and back means you can adjust and distribute the weights to suit a whole range of exercises. The ergonomic Velcro covers on each weight pocket make it easy to increase the challenge on the fly or shed a few pounds if the going gets too tough. Gym buffs won’t be disappointed by the largest of these vests, either. Weighing 150 pounds and equipped with 50 individual three-pound weights, it offers plenty of room to grow.
Pros:
- The large waist straps are widely adjustable, offering a secure fit for jogging and bodyweight exercises.
- The sand bags included with the lower weight options are well-stitched, so they’ll do a good job of resisting damage if they’re dropped.
Cons:
- The vests for each weight option come in different sizes, and the length of some can cause obstructions while running.
Zelus Weighted Vest
You don’t have to stack extra pounds onto your frame by the hundreds to add meaningful resistance to your aerobic and bodyweight workouts. The modest weighting of these vests from Zelus makes them a great choice for newcomers to weight-assisted training. The padded vest is stuffed with iron pellets instead of the traditional sandbags or steel bricks. The result is a smooth distribution of weight and fewer moving parts that could cause friction or irritation while you’re going through the motions.
Pros:
- There’s plenty of storage space on this vest. You can keep valuables secure in the removable dual zipper pocket on the front, and the elastic mesh pouch on the rear is well-suited for carrying bottles or extra sportswear.
- Running on the roadside at night can be hazardous, but these reflective stripes on the shoulders and back will ensure you remain visible.
Cons:
- With only a few adjustment straps, this vest might not fit everyone securely.
Pacearth Weighted Vest With Ankle Weights
Light on your feet
A weighted vest can make a huge difference to the intensity of your jog, helping any budding athlete to up the stakes as they train. This fully-featured vest from Pacearth is made with runners in mind. The compact form distributes weight comfortably across the shoulders and back, leaving you the space to move with freedom. Two adjustable straps at the front enclosure give this vest a secure fit, so you’re sure to feel balanced and comfortable as you run.
Pros:
- This vest comes with two ankle weights included for use, so you can up the ante of your leg workout as you jog.
- The rear mesh pocket offers on-the-go storage with a generous capacity.
- With weights ranging from 6 to 30 pounds, there’s an option for athletes of all abilities.
Cons:
- If your shoulders are very broad, this might not provide the most comfortable fit.
Unbrokenshop Adjustable Weighted Vest
Build your own
If you’ve already amassed an arsenal of workout equipment at home, you might be skeptical to add another pile of dead weight to the storage pile. With that in mind, this nifty adjustable vest lets you make the most of your current weightlifting equipment. Two enclosures will accommodate standard weight plates of up to 10 pounds each, offering a total of up to 20 pounds of added weight as you train. Thanks to the vest’s thick shoulder pads and adjustable straps, you can easily find a comfortable fit for jogging and calisthenics.
Pros:
- The convenient phone and wallet pockets let you keep your valuables safe and on hand as you train.
- The Velcro strip on the front lets you add personalized patches to this vest.
Cons:
- There are no weights included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the weights in my vest made from?
Adjustable weight vests typically come with a variety of weights. Low-capacity vests often use sandbags, which can be bulkier and less suited for jogging and mobile active workouts, while high-capacity vests usually come with steel bricks. Fixed capacity vests can use a variety of materials, with iron pellets being a common choice.
What weight should I choose if I’m just starting out?
If you’re new to weight-assisted training, it’s better to start small and build up from there. Adjustable weight vests can offer a flexible solution for all, as even the largest capacity vests can be scaled down by removing all but a few weights. As with all exercise, you don’t want to push yourself too hard and risk an injury that could put an end to your training for some time.
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