14 Best Weighted Vests for Working Out in 2023

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Weighted vests can elevate your workout from average to effective. They’re designed to improve your stamina and promote muscle growth and endurance. You can use a weighted vest in various exercises, including squats, pull-ups, and running. 

To help you find the best weighted vest for you, here are the top weight vests on the market today:

1. Rogue Fitness Plate Carrier – Best Overall Weighted Vest
2. Fringe Sport Tactical Weight Vest Plate Carrier – Best Budget Weighted Vest
3. RUNMax Adjustable Weighted Vest – Best Adjustable Weighted Vest

If you want to start using a weighted vest to maximize the effectiveness of your workouts and boost your potential, this article will cover everything you need to know.

I’ll start by covering the top weighted vests on the market. I’ll also discuss what factors to consider when purchasing a weighted vest and the benefits of using one in your workouts.

14 Best Weighted Vests 

1. Rogue Fitness Plate Carrier – Best Overall Weighted Vest 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Durable and high-quality construction 
• Adjustable using weight plates 
• Comfortable and secure design 

Cons 

• Maximum loadable weight of 20 lbs 

The Rogue Fitness Plate Carrier is the best weight vest overall. It has a high-quality construction with 1000 Denier and 500 Denier Cordura, which is one of the most durable fabric blends you can find. 

What’s even better is that this plate carrier is adjustable, so you can cater the total load to your unique needs. As you progress and gain strength and stamina, you can easily increase the vest's weight to continue challenging yourself.  

With tough Velcro straps, this weighted vest feels secure. I loved the in-built chest support, and the vest felt comfortable to wear during multiple forms of exercise (weight training and cardio-based). 

The only downside I could find to this workout weight vest is that its maximum loadable weight is 20 lbs, which is lower than some of the other weighted vests on the market. However, 20 lbs should be adequate for most individuals, especially for endurance-based exercises where you’re wearing the vest for prolonged periods of time. 

2. Fringe Sport Tactical Weight Vest Plate Carrier – Best Budget Weighted Vest 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Made out of a durable Cordura nylon blend 
• Can choose from two different weighted options or buy the vest on its own 
• Adjustable waist strap 

Cons 

• Feels quite bulky to wear 

Although Fringe Sport made this weight vest affordable, the company didn’t compromise on quality when manufacturing its Tactical Weight Vest Plate Carrier, which is why I’ve awarded it the best budget weighted vest on the market. It’s made of 100% Cordura 600 Denier 6.6 nylon, which is scratch-resistant and durable. 

It’s available with weight plates that total up to 14.4 lbs or 20.4 lbs (with the 2.4 lbs vest), or you can purchase the vest by itself if you already have your own weight plates. 

This weight vest felt comfortable and lightweight when I had it on, although I’d have preferred it if it was less bulky. You can adjust the waist strap between 52 and 57 inches. 

This vest would be great for most forms of exercise, but I found it particularly beneficial for boot camp-style workouts, and the weight felt evenly distributed between the chest and back compartments.  

3. Rogue Fitness MIR Pro Weighted Vest – Most Durable Weighted Vest 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Premium construction with 1200 Denier reinforced nylon 
• Breathable material 
• Suitable for a range of exercise types 

Cons 

• Lowest loadable weight is 50 lbs, which might be too heavy for some lifters 

Next on the list is another weighted vest from Rogue Fitness. The MIR Pro Weighted Vest is available in weights between 50 and 120 lbs and is made using 1200 Denier reinforced nylon with mesh ventilation and shoulder padding. 

The outer mesh layers make the vest breathable and lightweight, so it’s suitable for various exercises, including strength training, CrossFit, and running. The front pockets have Velcro straps, and I found these extremely useful, as I could keep my phone safe during high-intensity workouts. 

You can add or remove weight plates according to your needs. However, the lowest possible weight is 50 lbs, which might be too high for some lifters and may not be suitable for endurance-based exercises, like long-distance running.  

4. Titan Fitness 60 lb Adjustable Weighted Vest – Best Weighted Vest for Weight Lifting

Rating: 4/5 

Pros 

• Adjustable load up to 60 lbs 
• Comes with 24 solid steel weight plates 
• Adjustable Velcro waist strap 

Cons 

• Not suitable for running 

If you’re searching for a great weighted vest to use for weight lifting workouts, I highly recommend the 60 lb Adjustable Weighted Vest from Titan Fitness. 

It’s adjustable and comes with 24 steel weight plates, so you can find the perfect weight for your needs. I love that the weight plates have rounded edges to enhance comfort and reduce wear and tear on the vest's pockets. 

The security belt feels secure, and although the vest comes in just one size, you can adjust the Velcro strap to find a comfortable position.

I wouldn’t recommend wearing this vest for running or plyometrics exercises because the weight plates can move around inside the pockets. However, it’s suitable for most bodyweight and strength training movements.  

5. Rogue Fitness 5.11 Tactec Plate Carrier – Best Weighted Vest for Outdoors 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Available in a variety of colors, weights, and weight types 
• 500 Denier nylon construction 
• Water-resistant outer layer 

Cons 

• Available in one size only 

The Rogue Fitness 5.11 Tactic Plate Carrier comprises tough 500 Denier nylon with a water-resistant, abrasive-resistant outer layer, making it perfect for outdoor use. You won’t need to worry about getting soaked if you’re running outside in the rain with this weighted workout vest! 

This Rogue weight vest comes either by itself or with pairs of weight plates ranging from 5 lbs to 20 lbs. There are three different plate types available (USA Cast Plates, Echo Cast Plates, and Laser Cut Plates), the vest is available in six different colors, and you can get your vest with a patch sewn into it, so you can customize your vest in a number of ways. 

Even if you don’t enjoy outdoor exercise, you can still make the most of this top-quality weight vest. It’s perfect for CrossFit and other dynamic movements because the vest feels lightweight, and the weight plates stay in place, even while jumping.  

6. Titan Fitness 20 lb Adjustable Weighted Vest – Best Weighted Vest for Beginners 

Rating: 4/5 

Pros 

• Suitable for beginners  
• Adjustable weight in 2.5 lb increments 
• Shoulder padding for extra comfort 

Cons 

• Weight plates may move around during high-impact exercises 

Whether you enjoy walking, running, CrossFit, or lifting weights, you can use the Titan Fitness 20 lb Adjustable Weighted Vest to take your workouts to the next level and increase your calorie burn. 

It’s suitable for beginners but might not be challenging enough for advanced lifters, as its maximum load is just 20 lbs. The shoulders have soft padding that makes the vest more comfortable, and you can adjust the waist strap, too. 

You can add or remove the solid cast iron weight plates in 2.5 lbs increments to suit your needs. They have rounded edges to reduce the risk of tears in the pockets. My only complaint is that the weight plates move around quite a bit during higher-intensity exercises, especially toward the top of the vest.  

7. Fringe Sport No-Bounce Elite Weight Vest – Best No-Bounce Weighted Vest 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Perfect for dynamic exercises due to the no-bounce design 
• Available in two weight options 
• Weight is evenly distributed between the front and back of the vest 

Cons 

• Straps can be a little fiddly 

If you’re searching for a no-bounce weight vest, look no further! Fringe Sport offers this No-Bounce Elite Weight Vest that is specifically designed for dynamic exercises. 

Whether you’re into running, HIIT, or CrossFit, you’ll be safe and secure in this vest. It has adjustable straps and internal padding to increase comfort and keep the weight plates in place. However, I did find the straps awkward to fasten by the armpits. 

This workout weight vest is available with a total weight of 22 lbs or 44 lbs. The weight is distributed evenly between the front and back of the vest, so you won’t be thrown off balance when doing high-intensity movements.  

8. RUNMax Adjustable Weighted Vest – Best Adjustable Weighted Vest 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Adjustable weight between 20 lbs and 140 lbs 
• Versatile weight vest that is suitable for all forms of exercise 
• Tough and durable nylon construction 

Cons 

• Shoulder padding could be thicker 

The RUNMax Adjustable Weighted Vest comes in maximum loads of between 20 and 140 lbs, so you can find the most suitable weight for your current needs. 

It has a tough nylon fabric construction and is available with or without shoulder padding. However, I didn’t find the shoulder padding particularly comfortable, and I’d have preferred it to be thicker. The adjustable strap enables you to achieve a snug fit, so the vest stays in place, even during CrossFit or plyometric movements. 

Because you can easily add or remove weight plates from this adjustable weight vest, it’s appropriate for use in all forms of exercise. Whether you’re walking, running, lifting weights, or cycling, you won’t be disappointed with this vest.  

9. Fringe Sport WODMaster Weight Vest – Best Weighted Vest for Walking 

Rating: 4/5 

Pros 

• Reflective strips on the back and front for safety in the dark 
• Four different sizes are available, all with six adjustment positions 
• Affordable 

Cons 

• Fixed weight of 20 lbs 

If you’re a keen walker, the best workout weight vest for you is the Fringe Sport WODMaster Weight Vest. It has a fixed weight of 20 lbs, making it suitable for endurance-based exercises like walking and hiking. Because the weight is fixed, you can’t adjust it to suit your needs, but 20 lbs should suffice for most people. 

The vest has reflective strips on the front and back for extra safety when walking outside in the dark. The neoprene vest is available in four sizes – small, medium, large, and extra large. It also has six adjustment positions with nylon straps, so you can find a snug fit that is comfortable and secure. 

10. ZELUS Weighted Vest – Most Versatile Weighted Vest 

Rating: 4/5 

Pros 

• Suitable for a variety of exercises 
• Available in weights between 6 and 30 lbs 
• Double-stitched neoprene rubber for extra durability 

Cons 

• Fixed weight, so you’ll need to buy a new vest to increase or decrease the total load 

I have to give credit to the ZELUS Weighted Vest for being one of the most versatile options on the market. 

The vest is available in various weights from 6 to 30 lbs. It is ideal for pretty much any form of exercise, from long-distance running to strength training. However, it’s not adjustable, so you’ll need to choose a weight that you think will be the most appropriate for your training preferences. 

It’s a neoprene vest that has double stitching, which increases the vest’s resistance to wear and tear. I found the vest to be soft and supportive, and I loved that it had adjustable shoulder straps so I could tighten or loosen it according to my needs. 

However, I found that the thick neoprene rubber held onto sweat quite easily. I recommend drying the vest out after a tough workout to keep it smelling fresh. 

11. Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO Weighted Vest – Best Weighted Vest for CrossFit 

Rating: 4/5 

Pros 

• Available in several sizes (S to XXL) 
• Breathable fabric 
• Minimal bounce, even during CrossFit and jumping exercises 

Cons 

• Lacing fastening is quite fiddly 

CrossFit lovers out there, listen up! If you want to take your CrossFit workouts to a whole new level, I recommend the Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO Weighted Vest. This workout weight vest is made with a nylon and spandex blend that is breathable and sweat-wicking. 

It has a unique silver and black design with side lacing that enables you to adjust the vest to create a snug yet comfortable fit. However, I found the lacing a bit fiddly and would have preferred a standard Velcro strap or buckle. 

Although the vest comes with pre-loaded weight plates that total 10 lbs, it can be loaded with up to 30 lbs of extra weight, so it can add a challenging spin to your CrossFit workouts. The weight pockets are distributed evenly between the abdomen and back, keeping your chest free and open and enabling you to breathe properly during intense workouts.  

12. PETAC Adjustable Weighted Vest for Men – Best Weighted Vest for Men 

Rating: 4/5 

Pros 

• Top-quality 600 Denier nylon construction 
• Adjustable shoulder and waist straps 
• Available in five different colors 

Cons 

• Feels quite bulky to wear 

The PETAC Adjustable Weighted Vest takes first place as the best workout vest for men because it has a larger, bulkier fit, a more masculine appearance, and can be loaded to a relatively heavy weight of 31 lbs (but there is no reason why females can’t use this vest, too!). It’s available in five colors and comprises premium 600 Denier nylon, so you can rest assured knowing that this vest will withstand years of daily use. 

Although it’s only available in one size, it has adjustable shoulder and waist straps, so there is some level of customizability. It feels nice and secure on the body, but it is bulky. Because of its bulkiness, it’s better for lifting weights and low-impact exercises than cardio. It can be too restrictive for running.   

13. CAP Barbell Women’s Weighted Vest – Best Weight Vest for Women 

Rating: 4/5 

Pros 

• Comfortable padded shoulders 
• Adjustable weight up to 30 lbs 
• Reflective strip for enhanced safety when exercising in the dark 

Cons 

• Waist straps aren’t the best quality 

The CAP Barbell Women’s Weighted Vest was designed specifically for females because of its smaller, more snug fit (although it could also be suitable for smaller males). It’s made out of reinforced nylon and polyester and comes with weight plates up to 30 lbs.  

If you’re running or exercising outside in the dark, you can stay visible to cars and cyclists, thanks to the reflective strip on the back of this weighted vest for women. 

The waist straps are made with Velcro, which can begin unraveling after a few uses. You need to be careful not to snag your clothing with the Velcro straps when putting the vest on or taking it off. The straps are adjustable, but they might be too loose for very petite women.  

For more recommendations on weight vests for women, check out our roundup of the best women’s weighted vests.

14. Polyfit Fortify Weighted Vest – Best Weighted Vest for Running 

Rating: 4/5 

Pros 

• Available in five different colors 
• Made with a tough and durable 600 Denier nylon construction 
• Breathable mesh for ventilation during workouts 

Cons 

• Weight plates aren’t included, so you’ll need to purchase them separately  

The Polyfit Fortify Weighted Vest is perfect for running because it’s lightweight, breathable, and sweat-wicking. The plates don’t move around when running, so the vest feels comfortable and secure. Even with the vest loaded up to the maximum weight, I could still achieve a full range of motion in my strength training and cardio workouts.

It’s available in five colors (black, tan, green, grey, and camo), and you can load it with 10, 14, or 20 lbs in total. The weight plates are sold separately in pairs of 4, 6, and 9 lbs, so you’ll need to purchase them alongside the vest. 

Why You Should Trust Us 

At PowerliftingTechnique, we comprise a team of powerlifting coaches and fitness experts. We have competed in powerlifting and weightlifting competitions ourselves and have also trained athletes at the highest levels. We have been working out for decades and have tried and tested a wide variety of equipment from top fitness brands. 

Because of our combined personal and professional experience, we can provide expert recommendations to help you find the best equipment for your goals. 

How We Chose the Best Weighted Vests 

To find the best weight vests on the market, we have tried and tested a range of products from various fitness brands. We looked at a number of different factors, such as size, material quality, loading type, comfort, price, and customer service, to identify the top-rated weighted vests and determine which are worth your money. 

Buying Guide: What To Look For in a Weighted Vest

Before you purchase a weighted workout vest, it’s important to consider the following factors to make sure you find the most suitable product for your needs: 

1. Size and primary use 
2. Construction and material 
3. Weight 
4. Comfort and fit 
5. Loading 

Size and Primary Use 

For obvious reasons, you need to consider the size of a weighted vest before you buy it. The vest should fit snuggly without being too restrictive — you still need to be able to breathe properly during exercise! 

To determine whether a tighter or slightly looser fit is the most ideal for your needs, you need to consider the primary reason why you’re purchasing a weighted vest in the first place. A tighter fit is better for running or plyometric exercises where you’ll be jumping. You can get away with a looser fit if you’re buying a weighted vest for resistance training exercises like squats, lunges, and pull-ups. 

Construction and Material 

You’ll need to look at what a weighted vest is made from, as this will impact its functionality, durability, and resistance to wear and tear. 

Weighted exercise vests are often made from heavy-duty nylon, polyester, spandex, neoprene, or a blend of two or three of these materials. Generally, nylon blends will be the most durable to wear and tear, but polyester blends tend to be more affordable. 

Consider whether you need the vest to be waterproof, such as if you’ll use it when running outside. You should also consider whether the vest has pockets if you need them to hold your phone during your workouts. 

Make sure to also look at the type of fastening a vest has, such as buckles, Velcro, straps, or buttons, to identify which meets your preferences.  

Weight 

On average, weighted vests weigh between 10 and 40 pounds, although you can get heavier ones than this. Consider the extra weight you’ll want to carry during your workouts to find the best vest for your needs. 

Try not to overestimate the weight you can carry throughout your workout. Even if you can easily squat or deadlift a particular amount of weight, it doesn’t mean you’ll be able to carry it on your torso for a prolonged period of time! 

Using a weighted vest that is too heavy could negatively impact your performance, increase your risk of injury, and increase stress on your joints. Your weight vest should be between 5 and 10% of your body weight for cardio exercises and up to 10% of your total body weight for lifting.

If you’re looking for a weight vest for CrossFit and plan to compete, look for one that is available in the weight you’d most commonly use in a competition. For men, it’s 20 lbs, and for women, it’s 14 lbs.

Comfort and Fit 

Your weighted vest needs to be comfortable while also offering support. Consider whether a vest has adjustable straps so that you can make it as tight or loose as you want and so that it will fit your unique body measurements properly.

Different vests have difficult amounts of padding, too, so be sure to consider this when making your decision. 

Loading  

Weighted vests can be plate-loaded or pre-loaded, with the majority of the weight sitting either in the back or the front of the vest. Plate-loaded vests are more versatile, as they enable you to adjust the vest's weight for different exercises or change it based on your current fitness levels. 

Pre-loaded vests have weight bags sewn into the vest, and they aren’t adjustable. If you’re only wearing a weighted vest to enhance your cardio workouts, a pre-loaded vest will suffice. 

A back-loaded vest will be suitable for squats and lunges to increase tension on your posterior chain. You can use a weighted chest vest with dip bars and a dip belt to challenge yourself during pull-ups or dips to maximize the activation of the upper back and biceps or the pectorals, respectively. For running, you’ll want to use a vest that evenly distributes the weight between the back and chest to keep yourself upright and balanced. 

Benefits of a Weighted Vest 

All of the best weight vests on the market provide a number of benefits for lifters at all levels. Some of the main benefits of wearing a weight vest during your workouts include: 

1. Improved cardiovascular fitness 
2. Increased stamina and muscular endurance 
3. Increased muscular strength 

Improved Cardiovascular Fitness 

Weighted vests add extra stress to your heart and lungs when working out. The more you train with a weighted vest, the better adapted your cardiovascular and respiratory systems will be during exercise, and the stronger they’ll get. 

Increased Stamina and Muscular Endurance 

You can use a weighted vest during endurance-based exercises, like long-distance running or hiking, to place your body under more physical stress and improve your overall stamina. 

Increased Muscular Strength 

Weighted vests are great to use during strength training workouts, and they increase the total load your body is lifting. You can add weighted vests to bodyweight exercises to challenge your muscles even further and promote maximal strength gains. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Is the Best Weight for a Weighted Vest? 

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the right weight for your weighted vest. It all comes down to your current strength and endurance levels and the reason why you’re buying a weighted vest. Studies suggest that your weighted vest should be no more than 10% of your total body weight. 

Are Weighted Vests Good for Training? 

Weighted vests are a great addition to your weight training equipment collection. They’re particularly helpful if you’re trying to improve your muscular strength, endurance, and stamina, and they’re appropriate for a range of strength-based and cardio-based exercises. 

What’s the Best Weighted Vest for Hero WOD Murph?

Murph is a CrossFit workout that comprises a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, and a final one-mile run. It’s done with a 20 lb workout vest for men or a 14 lb workout vest for women. The best weight vest for this workout for both men and women is the Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO Weighted Vest. 

Does It Matter if the Vest Is Adjustable in Weight or Not?

It’s always best to have an adjustable weighted vest so that you can change the fit according to your needs. With an adjustable weighted vest, you can adapt it to each exercise and add weight as you gain more strength and stamina. 

Can a Weighted Vest Hurt Your Back? 

A weighted vest that is too heavy for your current strength levels can hurt your back, especially if it causes you to exercise with poor form. You should choose a weighted vest that is no more than 10% of your total body weight to avoid injuries and pain. 

Final Verdict 

The best weighted vest is the Rogue Fitness Plate Carrier. It comprises a top-quality blend of 1000 Denier and 500 Denier Cordura and is adjustable so you can find the perfect weight for your training needs. The Velcro straps enable you to achieve a snug fit that keeps the vest in place during any form of exercise. 

If you’re searching for a weight vest specifically designed for CrossFit, go with the Hypervest Hyper Vest PRO Weighted Vest. This vest is designed to have minimal bounce and has a breathable construction for dynamic workouts.

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About The Author

Athina is a Biochemistry and Genetics graduate, and a qualified personal trainer with a passion for women’s health and fitness. She is passionate about helping women to learn more about the importance of the menstrual cycle and how to balance their hormones. She is the host and producer of Fertility and Freedom podcast, which covers all things women’s health and hormones.