The Best Weighted Vest for 2024, Tested by Athletes: Plate Carriers and More to Add Weight to Your Workouts

If you’re looking for the best weighted vests, you’ve come to the right place. A weighted vest can take any workout from “eh” to “I might die” in a matter of minutes. All jokes aside, training with a weighted vest can improve your fitness—particularly your stamina and muscular endurance—by adding resistance to basic exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, pull-ups, and running or walking. 

Weight vests are a great way to increase the intensity of your workouts, especially if you’re looking for a relatively small and inexpensive piece of fitness equipment (compared to items like squat racks, barbells, and weight plates). 

After scouring the web for weighted vests and taking stock of what products are currently available, my team and I tested more than 50 weighted vests. We applied our in-depth equipment testing methodology and put them up against criteria like:

• Movement freedom: Are you restricted in any way?
• Breathability: Is it too hot to handle?
• Durability: Can it withstand wear and tear?
• Adjustability: Are there good sizing options?

We created a shortlist of weight vests we think are worth considering, and then ran those through a series of workouts. Not only were these products put to the test by myself and others on the Garage Gym Reviews team, but I’ve been interacting with and buying from most big fitness equipment brands for years. This means I have a pretty good sense of the customer experience and product quality you can expect from these brands. 

The end result is this guide to the best weighted vests.

Best Weighted Vests for 2024

• Best Weighted Vest Overall: Rogue Plate Carrier
• Best Heavy Weighted Vest: Kensui EZ-VEST Plate-Loadable Weight Vest
• Best Weighted Vest for CrossFit: 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier
• Best Weighted Vest for Running: Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Weight Vest
• Best Back Loaded Weighted Vest: GoRuck Plate Carrier 2.0
• Best Weighted Vest for Walking: Fringe Sport WODMaster Weight Vest
• Best Budget Weighted Vest: CAP Adjustable Weight Vest
• Best Weighted Vest for Women: Hyperwear Hyper Vest Fit 

Best Weighted Vest Video Review

Best Weighted Vest Overall: Rogue Plate Carrier

Good for: Everyone who wants a tactical-style weighted vest that’s been optimized for fitness training. 

Best Overall Weight Vest

Rogue Plate Carrier

GGR Score: 4.7

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Product Highlights

• Designed specifically for use in functional fitness scenarios
• Very reasonably priced at around $130
• Durable but comfortable

Made in USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Designed specifically for use in functional fitness scenarios
• Made in the USA
• Very reasonably priced at around $130
• Durable but comfortable

Cons

• Could have thicker shoulder padding for long-term wear
• If you get the wrong size, it’ll definitely jostle while running (measure!)
• Steel plates sold separately

Bottom Line

The Rogue Plate Carrier is our best-rated weighted vest largely due to its value proposition.

The Rogue Plate Carrier is our best-rated weighted vest largely due to its value proposition. In a nutshell, you get a made-in-the-USA vest designed specifically for its ability to reach up to 40 pounds, is extremely comfortable and priced very competitively. For most people, this is the best option for those reasons alone.

Believe it or not, most weight vest designs you see were intended for military and law enforcement use. It just so happens that the ballistic plates originally intended for the plate carriers can be subbed for cast iron or steel plates and used for working out.

Many fitness weight vests still embody the traditional tactical design, but Rogue dwindled down all of the unnecessary “tacti-cool” elements (although I do think vests like the 5.11 Weight Vest look cooler) for their plate carrier and kept the features that matter most. This allows for a Rogue weight vest that is extremely compact, streamlined, and useful. It has everything you want and nothing you don’t (including no chafing).

Most people use weight vests for running, bodyweight exercises, and general CrossFit-style workouts. This is why we recommend the Rogue Weight Vest Plate Carrier. It excels at these things and offers extreme durability thanks to the Cordura fabric and reinforced stitching. Strategically placed padding and stretch-woven fabric keep you comfortable for long and intense workouts. It also manages to have a relaxed fit without compromising security.

Over time, many weight vests fade and lose their stiffness or edge. Being that this vest is made using 500D/1000D Cordura fabric (medium and heavyweight nylons sporting polyurethane and urethane coatings), tear strength and abrasion resistance should make trainees feel at ease knowing they should stand the test of time and use. These fabrics also have resistance to rot and mildew, which is good because you’ll definitely be getting sweaty in this thing. That’s why we gave this a near-perfect 4.75 out of 5 stars for durability.

This weighted vest can be used by both men and women, like all fitness equipment, but we’re calling this the best weighted vest for men because there are vests out there specifically designed for women (we’ll get back to that later).

Read my full and in-depth Rogue Plate Carrier review.

Best Heavy Weighted Vest: Kensui EZ-VEST Plate-Loadable Weight Vest

Good for: People who need a weight vest heavier than 40 pounds

Best Heavy Weighted Vest

Kensui EZ-Vest

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Loadable up to 225 pounds
• Unique Olympic plate-loaded design
• Great for straight-set weight training
• Less expensive than other vests because you don’t have to buy the steel separately

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Loadable up to 225 pounds
• Unique Olympic plate-loaded design
• Great for straight-set weight training
• Less expensive than other vests because you don’t have to buy the steel separately

Cons

• Can feel awkward to use at first
• Not ideal for CrossFit-style workouts or running
• Can get uncomfortable to wear as the weight gets higher

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a weighted vest to use for more strength training than conditioning (or you’re just an absolute unit that can do Murph with more than 40 pounds on your torso), we recommend the Kensui EZ-VEST Weight Vest.

Oh, you’re so strong that a 40-pound weighted vest just won’t do? Well, we have you covered. If you’re looking for a weighted vest to use for more strength training than conditioning (or you’re just an absolute unit that can do Murph with more than 40 pounds on your torso), we recommend the Kensui EZ-VEST Weight Vest. 

The Kensui EZ-VEST is the most unique weighted vest in our breakdown and likely one of the most unique in the world (except for that one vest called the Power-Pohl that looks like something out of a horror movie.) 

What separates this Kensui vest from every other weighted vest on the market is its method of resistance. Rather than using small steel plates made to fit into the sleeve of the vest, the Kensui EZ-VEST uses Olympic weight plates, increasing the max weight capacity compared to standard vests and earning this 4.75 out of 5 stars from our expert product testers. You could maybe try using bumper plates, but you wouldn’t have much room on the sleeve.

In addition to the benefit of a higher weight capacity, this also means that instead of buying new steel weight plates to fit your vest, you just use the weight plates you already have in your home gym. So not only can you use more weight, you don’t have to pay extra to do so. 

For this reason, the EZ-VEST from Kensui is the best weight vest for those that want to add weight to various bodyweight movements and aren’t looking exclusively for a vest for conditioning and metcons (like what our best-rated vest, the Rogue Plate Carrier, is best suited for).

I think most people are best off with a weight vest they can use for conditioning, which is why we place the Rogue Plate Carrier as our top pick. The Kensui EZ-Vest can certainly be used for dynamic movement, but it’s not as well suited for it as others.

However, where the EZ-VEST shines is in its ability to progressively overload pull-ups, dips, push-ups, and other calisthenic movements. This is very difficult to do with other vests or belts, but the EZ-VEST is great for just this purpose.

The ease of using the system is handy as well. The plate sleeves feature a locking nut that is easy to hand tighten and stays pretty tight. The sleeves are removable in case you’re doing push-ups and want weight on the back, but not the front sleeve to get in the way when going chest to deck. 

Kensui has multiple EZ-VEST models; the Max is the one that supports a load of 225 pounds.

I will say, although the weight capacity is high, that doesn’t mean it’s incredibly comfortable at those weight increments. Using 45-pound plates on the vest does feel a bit awkward as they can get in front of your chin and bounce a bit—this type of vest will just never have the same weight distribution as a plate carrier. 

All in all, I’m surprised how much I like the EZ-VEST. I was skeptical and I do think it could be improved in some minor ways (find out how in my in-depth Kensui EZ-VEST Weighted Vest review), but there really isn’t much not to like. It has my full recommendation.

Best Weighted Vest for CrossFit: 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier

Good for: People who need an ultra-durable weighted vest for long-term wear

Best Weighted Vest for CrossFit

5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier

GGR Score: 4.8

Community Score: 4.8

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Product Highlights

• Made from an ultra-durable, water-resistant 500D nylon
• Uniquely designed to give the wearer an increased range of motion
• Breathable

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Designed to give user increased range of motion
• Can hold plates in front and back
• Shoulder pads reduce friction

Cons

• Weight plates can make it expensive
• Vest costs more than $200
• Cut very tight

Bottom Line

The 5.11 Vest does a great job of providing breathability, comfort, and a secure lockdown for the vest we believe is the best available.

The 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier is our previous top pick and is still a vest we’d recommend. The 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier was, at one time, the best and pretty much only option if you wanted a high-quality weighted vest. To be honest, it became a popular kind of by happenstance.

Like I mentioned before, the TacTec Plate Carrier is one of those vests that wasn’t initially meant for use as a fitness tool. It was designed as a flak jacket to hold ballistic plates for operators in the military, and 5.11 realized those ballistic plates could easily be replaced with steel plates for improving fitness.

Soon after its release, the TacTec Plate Carrier was repurposed by CrossFit athletes and has been used in countless CrossFit games events, including the infamous Murph. The TacTec Plate Carrier is definitely one of the most tacti-cool looking weighted vests, however, that style means it has some unnecessary features that add to overall bulk. 

If you like the look, want a vest that’s extremely durable, and don’t mind paying for it, the 5.11 Tactical Weight Vest is still a great option; it’s just not our favorite option anymore. The 5.11 Weighted Vest has been copied hundreds of times over, but that’s exactly why it’s no longer our pick for the best weighted vest overall. The Rogue Plate Carrier is the perfect example of how many companies took the best of the TacTec Plate Carrier and got rid of unnecessary features. 

We do think the 5.11 weighted vest is a good option for CrossFit specifically because of its sheer durability. This vest will last for years no matter how many insane CrossFit workouts you put it through. It’s also a great weighted vest for obstacle course races, such as Tough Mudders and Spartan Races, where your vest is sure to get beat up. That’s why it also gets the distinction of being the best weighted vest for workouts.

One specific feature of the 5.11 vest I really like is the yoke. The shoulder straps feature thick, foam-filled pads with mesh backing to allow breathability. I prefer the minimalist design of the Rogue Plate Carrier, but for extremely long rucking and training, the shoulders on the 5.11 Vest will prove to be a bit more comfortable. 

Finally, the price is a bit high. The cost of just the vest is $210, and that doesn’t include shipping or the cost of the weight plates. For comparison, Rogue Plate Carrier is made in the U.S. and is $85 cheaper for just the vest.  

RELATED: Best CrossFit Equipment for Home Gym

Best Weighted Vest for Running: Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Weight Vest

Good for: Anyone who needs to minimize jostling and shifting of their weight vest while running. 

Best Fitted Weight Vest

Hyper Vest Elite

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Lightweight, breathable fabric
• Unisex design for comfort
• Breathable, odor-resistant, wicking Cordura fabric
• Reflective, flexible side lacing for highly-adjustable fit
• Small available in 10LB or 15LB - M,L, and XL available in 10LB or 20LB

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight, breathable fabric
• Tight fit that doesn’t bounce around
• Thin profile feels like a second skin
• Unisex patented design for exceptional comfort
• Breathable, odor-resistant, wicking Cordura fabric
• Open side panels provide superior ventilation
• Reflective, flexible side lacing for highly-adjustable fit
• Small available in 10LB or 15LB - M,L, and XL available in 10LB or 20LB

Cons

• Expensive, starting around $300
• Not as durable as some of my other top picks
• Material doesn’t wick moisture as well as I’d like

Bottom Line

If you tend to avoid weighted vests because you haven’t found one with a secure fit that doesn’t bounce or jostle around while training, you need to check out the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Weighted Vest.

If you tend to avoid weighted vests because you haven’t found one with a secure fit that doesn’t bounce or jostle around while training, you need to check out the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Weighted Vest. In fact, this received one of our highest scores ever for movement freedom, coming in at 4.5 out of 5 stars from our product testers. 

Thanks to the lack of side panels, an elastic adjustment system, and tightly pocketed weight bars, this vest provides an ultra-contoured fit that hugs your body even during high-impact movements. The fabric is a thin Cordura and, in combination with the open sides, makes for a super breathable weighted vest. 

My favorite thing about this vest is that it feels more like a weighted T-shirt than an actual vest. I can foresee some problems with durability due to the fabric thickness and single-stitching, but after using it for about a year, it’s still holding up pretty well. It also has great weight distribution thanks to the small steel removable weights (as opposed to a larger steel plate in front and back). 

At a price point near $300, I would definitely make sure this is the type of weight vest you want before committing. The Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite is unique, but not everyone will enjoy the tight fit and contour. For me, however, it’s a big bonus to not have to deal with weight shifting or shuffling during runs, box jumps, burpees, and the like. 

Overall, I feel like the Hypervest Elite allows for more range of motion than most weight vests, which is ideal for anyone who regularly wears a weighted vest for running or high-intensity workouts with a lot of impacts.

Read my in-depth Hypervest Elite Weighted Vest review plus, check out the Best Fitness Gifts list (this Hypervest made the cut!).

Best Backpack-Style Weighted Vest: GORUCK Plate Carrier 2.0

Good for: Exercisers who want to consolidate the weight to their back and keep their chest free of constriction 

Best Backpack-Style Weighted Vest

GoRuck Ruck Plate Carrier 2.0

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Product Highlights

• Backpack design leaves your chest open
• Lumbar padding makes for a comfortable fit
• Made of durable Cordura fabric

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Backpack design leaves your chest open 
• Lumbar padding makes for a comfortable fit 
• Made of durable Cordura fabric

Cons

• Kind of defeats the purpose of weight vests, which is to evenly distribute weight
• Not everyone will like the backpack-style straps
• Could use a hip strap in addition to the sternum strap 

Bottom Line

The GORUCKPlate Carrier purposely centers the entire load on your back and leaves the chest and abdomen open in this backpack-style vest.

At first glance, the GORUCK Plate Carrier 2.0 entirely defeats the purpose of a weighted vest. Weight vests intend to evenly distribute a load around your entire torso, preventing the weight from centering on your back. The GORUCKPlate Carrier purposely centers the entire load on your back and leaves the chest and abdomen open in this backpack-style vest. When you consider the activity of rucking and all of GORUCK’s other gear, this makes perfect sense. 

Rucking is simply walking with a weighted pack or weighted vest. A great way to get in your low-intensity cardio workouts, rucking is rooted in Special Forces training, but anyone can do it, with any weight and for any distance. GORUCK made this plate carrier specifically for rucking, with features that keep the weight secure and close to your back to promote good posture. This is the ultimate weighted vest for anyone who just can’t stand closing up their chest and abdomen inside a vest. 

The benefits of this backpack-style weighted vest include breathability and optimized mobility. Centering the weight in your mid-back also promotes good posture by pulling the shoulder blades back and down. If you struggle to keep your chest up while wearing a regular weighted vest, the GORUCK Plate Carrier 2.0 would be a good option for you. 

As far as construction goes, GORUCK clearly prioritized durability and longevity with the Plate Carrier 2.0, as well as comfort. The vest features thick, padded shoulder straps and a wide sternum strap to keep the weight secure. I wish the carrier also came with a hip strap to help the weight distribute more evenly and minimize bouncing. It looks like you can buy those separately for the Rucksacks, so maybe GORUCK will create a hip strap for the Plate Carrier in the future. 

The Plate Carrier 2.0 is made primarily of heavy-duty Cordura fabric and has EVA foam padding in the lumbar region for extra support. The shoulder straps also contain EVA foam padding for comfort. One nice touch is the extra padding on the top lip of the back panel, which provides a cushion for your upper back when doing bear crawls, burpees, or other movements where the weight may shift. Adjustable straps allow for fit customization.

This weighted vest comes in three sizes-small, standard, and large—and you do have to buy the plates separately. This is pretty standard when it comes to weighted vests, and with the Plate Carrier 2.0 listed for under $100, it’s a pretty good bargain even when you factor in the cost of the plates.   

I generally recommend GORUCK products based on their durability and versatility (I love the GoRuck Sandbags), and the GORUCK Plate Carrier 2.0 has my full recommendation based on those qualities. 

Best Weighted Vest for Walking: Fringe Sport WODMaster Weight Vest

Good for: Anyone who values mobility more than weight and wants something comfortable to wear for long periods of time 

Best Weighted Vest for Walking

Fringe Sport WODmaster Weight Vest

GGR Score: 4.4

Community Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• 6 points of adjustment
• Weight is fixed at 20 lbs
• Has reflective stripes on front and back for night workouts

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reflective stripes for night workouts
• 6 points of adjustment
• Costs under $100 for 20-lb vest

Cons

• Not made in the USA
• Only one color option
• Not the most snug fit

Bottom Line

The advantage of this vest is everything is secure and the vest has a much closer fit. It’s also a lot less expensive than others on the market.

The specific weight vest design you see in the Fringe Sport WODMaster Weight Vest is ideal for walking and hiking long distances because it largely leaves the torso unobstructed, which makes for a much more breathable fit. Yes, the name is “WODMaster,” suggesting the vest is made for CrossFitters, but we like this design a lot for walking. 

Instead of covering the chest, abdomen, and entire back, this vest features a minimal profile that covers just the mid-back and traps, with two weighted straps that wrap from the front of the shoulders, across the pecs, and to the lats. The result is a comfortable, open-fit that stays snug during long endurance workouts. 

Made primarily with neoprene, this isn’t the most durable weighted vest available. But if you’re only using it for walking, that shouldn’t matter. The outer neoprene casing holds a tightly packed steel shot that’s held in place with double stitching. Unfortunately, you can’t remove or add any sand or steel shot, so this weight vest is fixed at 20 pounds. 

I like that Fringe Sport had the forethought to add reflective strips to this weight vest, knowing that many people go on their walks in the early morning before the sun comes up, or in the evening after it’s set. Safety first! 

This vest only comes in two sizes (M/L and L/XL), but it has six adjustment points, so you shouldn’t have any problem adjusting the vest to get a good fit. 

We’re not sure how long the buckles and velcro closures will last on this vest, but as a general rule, velcro starts to suck after a while if it’s not of the highest quality. Just try to keep dirt and sweat out of the velcro and you should be able to enjoy this weighted vest for years. 

Speaking of sweat, I worry about the long-term odor resistance of the WODMaster weighted vest because of the neoprene construction. This is the stuff of wetsuits and anyone who’s left a wetsuit without a wash for too long knows they can start to smell pretty funky. My advice is to make sure you hang up your WODMaster vest after each walk or hike to air dry it and occasionally rinse the entire thing in a tub of cold water. 

Best Budget Weighted Vest: CAP Adjustable Weight Vest

Good for: People looking for a cheap vest they can use for a couple of years before upgrading 

Best Budget Weighted Vest

CAP 20 LB Adjustable Weight Vest

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Product Highlights

• Adjustable conditioning vest with steel-shot weight packets, weighing approximately 0.75 lb
• Helps you gain strength and burn additional calories
• Adds up to 20 pounds of resistance
• Neoprene padding for comfort; Integrated pocket for cell phone
• The vest is made with breathable mesh with adjustable clips to match your body type.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Delivered to your door for less than $50
• Relatively comfortable with a flexible fit
• Super entry-level option for people just starting out their home gyms

Cons

• Fabric rips easily
• You will need to upgrade after a year or two
• Uses sand instead of plates

Bottom Line

The cheapest adjustable weighted vest we recommend is the CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest, and we are somewhat wary of doing so. For the price, it’s a good value as it weighs in at 20 pounds and is shipped to your door for under $50.

The cheapest adjustable weighted vest we recommend is the CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest, and we are somewhat wary of doing so. For the price, it’s a good value as it weighs in at 20 pounds and is shipped to your door for under $50. 

However, in our experience, you will eventually want to upgrade and we don’t suggest using the adjustable weight feature unless you want grains of sand to fall out on your floor (this is the weight that’s used). It’s cheap, it’s (close to) 20 pounds, and it has a snug fit thanks to its neoprene material. Understand though, you get what you pay for with this vest. It doesn’t have shoulder pads, though. It’s also unisex and one-size-fits-all, so beware if you have a very petite frame, as you might find yourself swimming in this vest. 

I want to make this clear: The CAP Adjustable Weight Vest is not great. It won’t last for years like the other options I recommend, but if you’re on a budget and understand that you’ll likely have to upgrade eventually, it’s your best option.

I’ve used many of the cheaper weight vests and the problem is most either don’t get heavy enough or are too uncomfortable to really even be useful.

At 20 pounds, this weighted vest is perfect for typical CrossFit Hero WODs like Murph) and feels very much like a weighted shirt. The side wraps are made of a flexible neoprene fabric that isn’t very breathable but allows the weighted vest to sit close to the body.

Instead of plates, the CAP Weighted Vest uses little bags of iron sand, which consists of leftover flakes of iron after manufacturing processes. This is one of the reasons they can sell it for as cheap as they do as sand is extremely cheap. (CAP calls the product steel shot in product descriptions because it sounds better, and while it’s somewhat similar—small particles of steel—it’s not technically the same.)

It’s nice that the bags can be removed and therefore the vest is adjustable in weight, but the material used is so thin, cheap, and badly stitched that I’ve had the bags break, leaving iron sand all over my gym floor. It’s annoying and it’s a prime example of trying to make a product as cheaply as possible.

Your best bet is to just use the vest as-is. Don’t adjust the weight, don’t take the little sandbags out of the vest, just use it as is and forget about the adjustability feature. Most of these downsides are lifted when you realize the vest is available for less than $50 with free shipping. Honestly, it’s insane how cheap it is for so much weight.

RELATED: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment

Best Weighted Vest for Women: Hyperwear Hyper Vest Fit 

Good for: People looking for a vest designed specifically to fit the female body

Best Weighted Vest for Women

Hyperwear Hyper Vest Fit

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Product Highlights

• Patented design specifically for women
• Durable yet breathable Cordura fabric
• Adjustable up to 10 lbs

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Patented design for women 
• Breathable construction
• Fitted design doesn’t jostle around during training

Cons

• Only goes up to 10 pounds
• Zipper closure is prone to damage over time
• Uses plastic-encased steel shot, not plates 

Bottom Line

What we really like about this vest is its patented design for women, plus its durable construction and zero-bounce fit. Our reviewers found it comfortable to wear with an extremely breathable design.

Another pick from Hyperwear, the Hyper Vest Fit was designed specifically for women. The vest consolidates all of the weight into the abdomen and back, leaving the chest panels free of added weight. 

This vest uses a steel shot enclosed in hard plastic casings, which I think is a phenomenal improvement over fabric-encased steel shots. There’s way less of a chance that you’ll experience spilled or leaked steel shot with the plastic weights. They weigh half a pound each. The slots for them in the vest begin just beneath the sternum area, and the vest can hold up to 10 pounds.  

I don’t love that this weighted vest only goes up to 10 pounds. The standard prescribed weight for CrossFit workouts is a 14-pound weighted vest for women, so this one won’t do for any RX CrossFit ladies. However, this is a solid choice for any woman looking to add a bit of weight to their walks, runs, hikes, or bodyweight workouts. 

Like the Hyper Vest Elite, the Hyper Vest Fit has open side panels with adjustable elastic closures. It’s made of Cordura fabric with one-way stretch to minimize bouncing and shifting. Hyperwear says this vest is safe to toss in the washing machine (without the weights), which is a major bonus. 

I don’t think the zipper on this vest is the most durable, but it should hold up for a few years at least. Hyperwear does specify that the Fit vest is intended for lighter intensity activities, so I would choose something else if you plan to put your weighted vest through the wringer. 

Other Weight Vests We Have Researched and Tested

Condor Sentry Plate Carrier: Although this isn’t the cheapest option (look at our ultra-budget pick for that) and it isn’t the highest quality either, the Condor Sentry Plate Carrier combines elements of the 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier and Rogue Plate Carrier for a very reasonable price. I have a few qualms with the Condor Sentry: The straps on the side use buckles that can come loosened during training, and there have been quite a few reports of the buckles breaking. The yoke straps are too narrow for me, which causes discomfort and scraping on the neck. Also, there have been reports of the plates breaking through the nylon fabric. However, there are plenty of positive customer reviews, too. 

North Gym Adjustable Weighted Vest: This was originally our pick for the best value weighted vest. Unfortunately, the price has increased significantly since the last iteration of this guide. We still love the North Gym Adjustable Weighted Vest, and we’d call it the best adjustable weighted vest, but the price is around the same as the Rogue Plate Carrier, which we feel is too expensive for the quality you get with the North Gym vest. The Condor Sentry Plate Carrier has replaced it as our value pick. 

Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO: This is basically the same as the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite, which I like, except the PRO is capped at 20 pounds. 

Aduro Sport Weighted Vest: This is just like the Fringe Sport WODMaster weighted vest, but we don’t think the quality is up to par. In our experience and in reading other opinions and reviews, the steel shot that fills the vest falls out pretty quickly along the seams. In addition, with only one adjustment option, it can fit awkwardly on certain body types. Also, the vest isn’t adjustable. It’s inexpensive, but will ultimately disappoint over time.

RUNFast/Max Adjustable Weighted Vest: This was, at one point, a best seller on Amazon, likely because it’s available with up to 140 pounds of weight. That’s a massive amount for a sand-filled weighted vest. It’s clear that the materials used to make this vest are cheap and the sewing is poorly done, which means you won’t be enjoying 140 pounds of sand for very long. 

miR Weighted Vest: The miR Weighted Vest is made by the same company that makes the RUNFast/Max. The miR is a very similar design, but made with better materials and is, therefore, more expensive. I like the design, but I haven’t had enough use with the vest to recommend it at this point. I will update when I do.

V-FORCE Weight Vests: V-FORCE is one of the original made-in-the-USA adjustable weight vest designs. They have a simple strapping system with an extremely high max weight that’s been copied the world over. I’d like more time with the vest before recommending it. I’ve used it and it didn’t feel as form-fitting as some of the other options, however, the weight options are high.

V-MAX Weight Vests: These are the same as V-FORCE but with a wider belt and different designs while costing more. Seems redundant.

BOX Weight Vests: Again, the same as the V-FORCE and V-MAX Vests but marketed towards CrossFit Athletes.

Titan Fitness Adjustable Weighted Vest: Although the weight is cast iron and they can go up against heavy, the vest itself is very cheap, uncomfortable, hard to breathe in, and the adjustment system is weak and simple. Just okay, although cheap.

Brute Force Operator Training Vest 2.0: I haven’t used this vest yet although the reviews give me an idea as does looking at the design. Appears to be high quality with good materials, but it doesn’t come with a weight and isn’t very breathable.

Invest Pro Weight Vest: I’ve had and been able to test and review the Invest Pro Weight Vest since it was released a couple of years ago. It’s a good vest, again, modeled after the 5.11 Tactical Vest, but doesn’t do anything better than the 5.11 vest except at a lower price. This vest is imported, however, compared to many of its competitors, it feels overpriced as many others have come to market. This vest does lack breathability as the sides have no way for airflow and there is a double velcro system that makes the vest secure, but also difficult to take off. You can see our full in-depth review of the Invest Pro Weight Vest for more information.

TRIBE WOD Weighted Vest: This is another vest designed after the 5.11. I haven’t used it, but it appears to be very similar to the North Gym Adjustable Weighted Vest, as they both use 600D nylon and are imported. The price on this is more expensive and I don’t like the side strap design, as I don’t think it will be as secure over the long term.

Cross101 Adjustable Weighted Vest: This is a decent budget-friendly option. It’s made by the same company that makes the miR Weighted Vests, but it’s a much cheaper design. The fit is pretty bad though, and most people will practically swim in the vest. The weights are also very cheap and use sand as the filler which will inevitably leak.

Benefits of Weighted Vests

Wear a weighted vest during your workouts a few times a week and you’ll begin to notice the following benefits: 

What to Consider Before Buying a Weighted Vest

Before you buy a weighted vest, consider these factors to choose the best one for you. 

Primary Use 

As with most items that you plan to fill your home gym with, I recommend taking a look at the movements you most often do. Do you do a lot of running or quick, explosive movements? Then you’ll want a vest that you can use for those purposes without flopping around. However, if you do more pull-ups and dips than sprints and longer distance runs, then a vest that has the capability of getting heavy may be a better option.

Here’s the thing: there are vests that can do it all. However, they often lack in some areas if they can do everything. For instance, a vest that can get heavy and be used for running is often time-intensive to adjust the weight and won’t feel very secure during runs. This is why for most people, we suggest a vest that isn’t crazy heavy but instead can add 20 pounds or so to your body weight as it will feel the most comfortable and be the most versatile.

Size 

This goes hand-in-hand with the primary use you need a vest for. Tighter fits tend to be better for running, jumping, and other bouncy movements. You probably don’t need something fitted if you only plan on using your weighted vest for pull-ups, squats, lunges, and the like.

Construction and Durability 

Look at what the vest is made of and what you plan to use if for. Materials like Cordura and other heavy-duty nylon blends are best if you plan to put your weighted vest through intense workouts and expose it to the outdoor elements. Some higher-end weighted vests have thin water-resistant coatings for extra durability. Analyze the closure systems, too: Does it use buckles, straps, or velcro, and will the specific closure system serve your needs? 

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Check to see if you can take the vest apart for washing it, and if you can toss it in the washing machine or if it must be hand-washed. 

Finally, check for any extra features you may want. Do you want a mesh pocket for storage, or maybe even a bottle holder? Some next-level weighted vests come with those cool features, but you’ll probably pay a premium. 

Proper Weight

On average, weighted vests range from 10 to 40 pounds. However, some vests go heavier, such as the Kensui EZ-VEST we recommend. Most people don’t need or want a weighted vest heavier than 40 pounds, but it all depends on your fitness level and how you want to use the vest. 

Fit

A weighted vest should fit like a good shirt: Not too tight, not too loose. You’ll want it to be secure as you move around during your workout, but not so tight that it restricts movements.

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Some people may prefer a back-loaded weighted vest over one where the weight sits on your chest, and others may prefer a plate-loaded vest over one that’s pre-loaded. Find one that works for your workout needs.

Type of Weights  

Different vests are compatible with different kinds of weights. Most of the weighted vests we recommend use steel or iron plates, but others use bags of sand or steel shot. Some unique vests, such as the Hyperwear models, use miniature steel plates that are about the size of Pez dispensers. Factors such as budget and primary use will determine which type of weighted vest is best for you. 

Aesthetics

Don’t fall into the trap of buying the coolest-looking weighted vest. Seriously, the looks of the vest are secondary to the function and feel of the vest (and this rings true for pretty much all of the best home gym equipment.) But we still recognize that aesthetics are important to most people, and most want a vest that looks cool. So don’t buy one you hate the look of, but don’t base your entire decision around style alone. 

Budget

Of course, budget plays a huge role in purchasing decisions. That’s why we’ve provided a comprehensive list of the best weighted vests in different price ranges. 

How We Picked the Vests

Any fitness product that doesn’t require an entire room to be used (i.e. a squat rack) and can be had for those on even the most strict budgets will have many companies selling their own version.

There are many weighted vests on the market, especially with the continued interest in working out at home. However, there are not as many different types of vests as you’d guess after doing a quick Google search. The fact of the matter is, despite all of the brands selling weighted vests, many of them are using the same manufacturers and designs and are simply having their logo placed on the product. This happens a lot in the fitness industry; barbells are notorious for it.

So, what we did was first take stock of what we had on hand in both my home gym and my personal training studio. Turns out we had more than 10 different models already from doing various reviews over the years.

I then began to scour manufacturers’ websites to see what was available that I wasn’t aware of. When I found a vest that was a unique design or one I hadn’t used, I bought it and we began throwing it in workouts to see how it felt.

In total we found over 50 different weight vests being sold by companies, but not nearly as many unique designs. The versions we brought in-house for testing were ones we had either prior experience with, looked intriguing, or we had been asked to review it.

In an effort to provide a wide variety of weighted vests, we also took a couple of things into consideration.

Material

Were these vests made of durable material that could not only support the weight, but wouldn’t tear mid-workout?

Design

How did the vests look and feel? And were they comfortable?

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How were the weights distributed on the vests? And could you add more weight if you wanted?

How We Tested the Weight Vests

Once we narrowed down the weight vests to the ones that we felt were worth paying some attention to, we ran them through various workouts.

Depending on what its use case is, a weight vest should perform differently.

For the vests we thought were more suitable for a heavyweight, we loaded them up to their maximum suggested weight (and often more) to see how they felt. In addition, we would jump (as much as we could with a few hundred pounds on the vest,) run, bound, and just overall shake to see how if the weight stayed secure and tight to the body.

Most of the weight vests use velcro as the securitization system, so we tested how many times we could place and pull the velcro tabs apart to see how many it would take before we found a noticeable change in the holding power.

For the vests designed to be used for most everything, we used them for almost everything. We put them on for runs, used them in workouts that they’re really designed for, like Murph, as well various bodyweight workouts such as push-ups, squats, pull-ups, and box jumps.

Lastly, we weighed the vests and their weight plates (if they came included) for accuracy to their stated weight as we do with all of our barbell and weighted plates.

FAQs About Weighted Vests

Coop Mitchell

Cooper is a graduate of Missouri State University with a degree in Finance. He found his love for fitness while training for hockey, a sport he played with various teams throughout his career, including Lindenwood University, St. Louis AAA Blues, and the St. Louis Jr. Blues. At IFP, Cooper focuses on the training layout and client experience. In addition to co-owning Intentional Fitness & Performance, Cooper runs the website and associated channels for Garage Gym Reviews. When not eating tacos or staring at a screen, Cooper can be found with his Wife Mollie, son Ezra, and dog ‘famous’ Amos.

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