The 9 Finest Weighted Vests of 2025, Examined

As a private coach and working coach, I’m continuously looking out for instruments that may elevate my purchasers’ exercises—and mine too. Sporting a weighted vest is a wonderful approach so as to add depth to your train, whereas serving to you construct lean muscle mass, improve your calorie burn, and enhance your power.

I spent 90 hours testing 15 of the very best weighted vests, carrying them whereas strolling, working, mountain climbing, and power coaching. I additionally consulted consultants, together with two private trainers, a board-certified doctor, and an assistant professor of geriatric medication, to achieve a deeper understanding of the advantages of weighted vests and what to search for in a high-quality possibility. I evaluated each for match, consolation, weight adjustability, ease of use, effectiveness, sturdiness, and worth to seek out the highest choices available on the market.

A side view of a person wearing the Hyperwear Women's Hyper Vest Fit Weighted Vest

Credit score: Verywell Match

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, snug, and versatile vest for all sorts of exercises.

Why We Love It

Identified for its consolation and flexibility, Hyperwear’s Hyper Vest Match is a wonderful alternative for people in search of to enhance their power and increase their calorie burn. It comes with 20 particular person half-pound weights that simply slide into pockets, making this a extremely adjustable possibility for various health ranges and all kinds of actions, together with strolling, working, and power coaching. I instantly preferred the vest’s streamlined design and the super-soft material. It zips up like an everyday 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 in any way. The match allowed for a great vary of movement and was tremendous snug—I nearly forgot I had it on once I wore it whereas vacuuming and doing laundry. It’s low-profile and suits beneath a high layer, which I examined throughout a cold morning canine stroll once 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 simple to clean after I take away the weights.

For our Finest Males’s Total decide, try ZFOsports’ Weighted Vest.

Potential Flaws

The aspect bungee cords hold down, which will 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 twine beneath the vest.
This vest is pricier than another choices on this checklist, however I believe it’s price it for its distinctive match, consolation, and flexibility.

Most Precious Perception

“I might suggest this to people who desire a weighted vest that they will use for train in addition to on a regular basis actions. It’s additionally nice for inexperienced persons as a result of you’ll be able to steadily add extra weight as your health improves. And you’ll actually customise it for every exercise by including or eradicating weights in sure areas.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester

Credit score: Verywell Match

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 power 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

Trying so as to add extra depth to your health walks? Sporting a weighted vest whereas strolling will assist you to construct extra muscle and increase your calorie-burning potential, taking you one step nearer to your health objectives. Once 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 outdoors, 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 simple 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 outside in low-light circumstances.

Potential Flaws

The vest initially had a powerful, neoprene-like odor once I first opened it. Nevertheless, the odor dissipated after it aired out for a number of days.
With a hard and fast weight, this vest is much less versatile for varied forms 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

Professionals

Comfortable, safe match prevents bouncing
Reflective strips on back and front for enhanced visibility
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, snug, and budget-friendly possibility.

Why We Love It

An excellent 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 may’t transfer comfortably. With an adjustable strap and ergonomic design, APEXUP’s Weighted Vest will get the job achieved—at a budget-friendly value. Throughout check 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, however it didn’t really feel too constricting.

Working with an additional 10 kilos undoubtedly slowed my traditional tempo, however the vest’s compact dimension and open design allowed me to run with out altering my kind. After a number of weeks of normal use, I used to be capable of improve my tempo and distance, as my power 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

Once I first opened it, the vest had a really sturdy neoprene odor. This dissipated after a number of days, however I may 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 may 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 develop into a part of my routine. It’s snug and handy to put on for on a regular basis duties, similar 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 gymnasium customers and power trainers who need to steadily improve resistance or share gear with others.

Why We Love It

In order for you a vest that’s appropriate for a variety of exercises and health ranges, try 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 range the load based mostly in your objectives and skill. Each my husband and I examined the 40-pound model and located it to be extraordinarily versatile and efficient for doing power coaching workout routines.

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 power exercises, in addition to cardio workout routines like strolling or mountain climbing. Plus, the bolstered stitching and durable materials improve the vest’s efficiency and sturdiness. I’m additionally a giant fan of the padded shoulders, which really feel snug and assist stop any digging into my higher physique, particularly as I improve the burden.

Potential Flaws

This vest is a bit cumbersome, so it will not be the only option for somebody who needs a streamlined possibility for working.
The load pockets are very cosy, so loading up the sand luggage was time-consuming. Nevertheless, as soon as they’re in, the sand luggage had been very safe and didn’t shift round, so I believe that’s a good trade-off for the time and power spent getting them within the pockets.

Most Precious Perception

“I like how versatile this vest is. I used to be ready so as to add and take away weights based mostly 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 completely different sizes and health ranges may use the identical gear.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester

Professionals

Safe match that stays in place, even when working
Good air flow
Breathable and comfortable 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 comfortable sufficient to put on for longer intervals.

Why We Love It

For a top quality weighted vest that doesn’t break the financial institution, we suggest Tone Health’ Weighted Vest. When testing this vest, I discovered that the streamlined design allowed for an ideal vary of movement, making it an ideal possibility for strolling and body weight exercises. Not like vests with chest straps, this one options two buckles on the edges, which I used to be capable of modify for a safe and cozy match. The vest stayed in place, no matter what I used to be doing, together with interval runs and mountain climbing up and down hills.

Made from sturdy and tender neoprene, the vest is versatile, breathable, and feels snug 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 believe this vest is a superb worth, particularly for individuals who have by no means used a weighted vest earlier than and don’t need to make a big funding.

Potential Flaws

Not like different vests I’ve examined, this one doesn’t have any storage, which isn’t shocking given its budget-friendly value. Nevertheless, I nonetheless assume it’s a great worth for the cash.
This vest goes on over the pinnacle, 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.

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 similar to mountain climbing, strolling, or working. It’s compact and sits very excessive up, so it doesn’t intervene together with your arm swings as you’re transferring. The padded shoulder straps are extraordinarily snug, and the adjustable buckle within the entrance gives a safe match.” —Christine L., Verywell Match product tester

What to Search for When Searching for Efficient Weighted Vests

Objective: When looking for a vest, take into account how you intend to make use of it. If you wish to run with a vest, you’ll want a lighter-weight one than when you’re going to stroll or strength-train with it, says private coach Jack Craig, CPT.
Supplies: Search for vests product of supplies which can be snug and moisture-wicking, similar 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 may also be useful for outside actions, similar to working or mountain climbing, providing house for necessities like water bottles and keys. Moreover, further shoulder padding may also help scale back friction and enhance total consolation, says private coach Jack Gardner, NASM-CPT.
Fastened vs. Adjustable: Vests with mounted weights are standard amongst health walkers and runners who desire a small, constant problem. You should definitely select a weighted vest that matches your health degree and meant actions to keep away from overloading. Adjustable weighted vests provide extra flexibility, permitting you to vary the resistance for various workout routines and improve the burden as you develop into stronger, says Craig. Although sometimes pricier, they’re a worthwhile funding when you count on to make use of them long-term to enhance your coaching and health.

Verywell Match

How I Examined the Weighted Vests

To seek out the very best weighted vests, I first spoke with health consultants for his or her insights on what to search for in a top quality vest. With this professional enter in thoughts, I researched dozens of choices from high, trusted manufacturers. Then, I examined 15 weighted vests for a complete of 90 hours, carrying them whereas strolling, working, mountain climbing, and power coaching. When testing weighted vests, I price them based mostly on the next key attributes.

Match: Once I first attempt on the weighted vest, I consider how simply it may be tightened or loosened to realize a cosy, safe match. Does it really feel like it could actually accommodate completely 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 workout routines, interval coaching, working, strolling, and mountain climbing, and be aware how snug 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 be aware if the vest is breathable for not less than thirty minutes of wear and tear.
Weight Adjustability: For the adjustable weight vests, I check them with varied masses to see if the extent of efficiency or consolation adjustments relying on the burden used. I additionally be aware whether or not including or eradicating the burden is straightforward and intuitive. Do the burden increments really feel evenly distributed and manageable? For all of the vests (whether or not mounted or adjustable), I decide if the minimal weight is protected and appropriate for inexperienced persons.
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 be aware 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 preserve good posture and obtain a full vary of movement for each upper- and lower-body workout routines.
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 worth rating to every weighted vest, I take into account its value solely after evaluating it in opposition to all the important thing attributes talked about above. I take into account whether or not the value is truthful based mostly on the vest’s total efficiency. I additionally take into account whether or not I might pay full value or wait to buy it on sale.

Verywell Match

Our Consultants

I consulted consultants at every stage of the analysis, testing, and reporting course of. The next consultants mentioned the advantages of utilizing weighted vests, protected utilization strategies, and potential contraindications. I additionally requested every professional for recommendation on what to search for in a top 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 Inside Medication and Sports activities Medication, Maimonides Medical Heart

Steadily Requested Questions

Are weighted vests truly efficient?

Weighted vests will be efficient for enhancing exercise depth, enhancing power and stability, and growing bone density. Their advantages depend upon correct and constant use; nevertheless, analysis means that they could be a useful gizmo for enhancing bodily efficiency.

Is it okay to put on a weighted vest all day?

Sporting a weighted vest all day isn’t really useful as a result of potential pressure it could trigger in your joints, muscular tissues, neck, and backbone. They’re safer and simpler when used correctly throughout particular exercises or for shorter durations. Newbies needs to be particularly cautious and ensure to ease into utilizing a weighted vest, beginning with 20- to 30-minute strolling classes a few times per week, in line with Montana.

Does strolling with a weighted vest construct muscle?

Weighted vest coaching may also help construct muscle and improve power by including resistance to walks, partaking your core, and intensifying your leg exercise, says Craig. Nevertheless, because it primarily targets the decrease physique, incorporating upper-body workout routines 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 degree; lighter vests are perfect for cardio, whereas heavier ones are suited to power coaching. Newbies utilizing weighted vests for strolling or cardio ought to begin with 5 p.c of their physique weight, and extra skilled customers ought to intention 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 purchasers who’re coaching for endurance races or in search of new methods to include extra power 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.

Key Specs

Who It’s For

Why We Love It

Potential Flaws

Most Precious Perception

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Who It’s For

Why We Love It

Potential Flaws

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Who It’s For

Why We Love It

Potential Flaws

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Who It’s For

Why We Love It

Potential Flaws

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Who It’s For

Why We Love It

Potential Flaws

Most Precious Perception

Bonus Favorites

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What to Search for When Searching for Efficient Weighted Vests

How I Examined the Weighted Vests

Our Consultants

Steadily Requested Questions

Are weighted vests truly efficient?

Is it okay to put on a weighted vest all day?

Does strolling with a weighted vest construct muscle?

Is a 20-pound weighted vest an excessive amount of?

Why Belief Verywell Match

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