7 Best Weighted Vests [for Running, Crossfit or Training]

When it´s time to take your fitness to the next level, a weighted vest is your answer.

This guide outlines the key features you need to be looking at, and helps you find the Best Weight Vest for Running, Crossfit and all-round training.

Weighted Vests: What to Look For

Quality and Material

It’s vital to know what the inside of the weighted vest is made of. Don’t forget that you’re buying it for your workouts. Meaning: you’ll be sweating and moving a lot .

That’s why it’s paramount to look for materials that are both sweat- and tear-resistant. You wouldn’t want your weighted vest to tear apart in the middle of a pushup, would you?

But the worst part about non sweat-resistant materials is this: sweating can cause bacteria build up on the fabric – and that not-so-healthy bacteria can cling back to your skin and penetrate through the open pores.

Not only does it mean that your skin may get irritated, but it can also cause infection. Worst case scenario if everyone in your public gym is using this vest. Don’t…ever…wear that.

Adjustability

Chances are, you’re shopping for a weighted vest because you want to add more weight and resistance to your bodyweight training.

It would make sense if the vest would be adjustable so that you could add or reduce the amount of weight.

In fact, do consider that you will probably want to reduce or add weight for different exercises several times throughout your workout.

That’s called adjustability, the ability of your weighted vest to take literally seconds to adjust. You wouldn’t want to put your workout on hold for too long just to adjust the vest.

Comfort

A no less important factor to consider is how comfortable a weighted vest is. Sure, you can load it up with many weights, but would it be comfortable for you to wear it?

There should be no weight shifting when you move.

Do consider that a weighted vest must fit properly and sit on your upper body comfortably in order to give you a kick-ass workout.

Weight

The amount of weight you can add to the vest is also vital. While + 20lbs may be enough for some people, for others it feels like lifting air.

That’s why you need to consider how much weight you can handle and how much weight you actually need in order to take advantage of your revamped workouts with a vest.

Accessories

Everyone is different. Some people don’t listen to music during their workouts, while others do.

But where do you put your phone or music player if you’re wearing a weighted vest? That’s why it’s vital to make sure the vest has an extra pouch for your device.

Other accessories – like a pouch for a little bottle may also come in handy for those who like to sip on water or protein shakes throughout the workout.

Top 7 Weighted Vests

ZFOsports 40LBs Adjustable Weighted Vest

The super adjustable weighted vest by ZFOsports can turn even the most boring bodyweight workout into a real, intense challenge.

The vest can be used by both men and women and is designed to fit anybody. It wraps around the torso comfortably, which makes it a reliable upper body gear to maximize your fitness gains.

Adding and removing weighted bags on the vest is a breeze, as it takes a few seconds to adjust the vest to the ideal weight. The maximum weight you can put on the vest is 40lbs, which may be a little low for those looking to take their workouts to a killer level.

People who have used the ZFOsports vest have reported that it fits the torso snugly and eliminates weight shifting even during the most dynamic exercises such as running and vertical jumps.

This vest is best used for bodyweight resistance exercises such as pushups, pullups, dips, lunges and squats, making it a top choice for anybody doing crossfit or training in the gym.

Quality and Material

No information available from the manufacturers, but according to consumer reviews there are no complaints about the vest’s quality.

Adjustability

Weight is fully adjustable, with the maximum weight range going up to 40lbs, the optimal weight for an average gym-goer looking to get fit.

Comfort

The belt is attached on the weighted vest for easy set up.

Weight

From 10 to 40lbs.

Accessories

The vest comes with a little pouch for your phone or MP3-player. It also features a water bottle holder for the thirsty ones (16oz or smaller).

Tone Fitness Weighted Vest, 12 lbs

Although the Tone Fitness weighted vest doesn’t offer much resistance – only 12lbs. – it comes at a good price.

This vest was designed mostly for women due to its lightweight, though men who don’t need to carry heavy weights on their torso can also benefit from it.

The greatest advantage of lightweight weighted vests is that they don’t hinder your movements even when running. The vest can be used for all types of gym activities to make your workout more challenging.

Quality and Material

The vest is made of soft neoprene material to provide extra comfort. Manufacturer uses sand as the weighing material.

Adjustability

The vest has only one size, but the manufacturer notes that the vest will suit most of people. Dimensions: 13.5 x 2.5 x 13.5 inches.

Comfort

Thanks to its Special X-design, the vest by Tone Fitness can be used for a plethora of different activities, even sprints.

Weight

The weight is not adjustable and has only one size, 12lbs.

Accessories

A pouch for your device and reflective stripe to stay safe while walking, running or cycling at night.

– Best Weight Vest for Crossfit –

RUNmax 12lb-140lb Weighted Vest

The most challenging weighted vest by far.

Depending on your fitness level, you can purchase any weight range you need, with the maximum weight reaching 140lbs.

This super adjustable weighted vest goes by two names, FUNFast and RUNMax, and is a great choice for those looking for intense workouts.

Make a single pushup much more challenging than your working set of bench press. Many purchasers have used this vest for crossfit training and strength training, and the vest has withstood it all.

The weights come included with the vest, though you will have to pick your ideal weight range.

Note: the max. weight (140lbs.) is quite heavy for shipping.

Quality and Material

The vest is made of nylon. Manufacture warranty included.

Adjustability

One size fits most. Very adjustable if you buy the ideal weight range.

Comfort

According to costumer reviews, this vest is very comfortable and fits snugly.

Weight

12lbs-140lbs weight options available. Weight is easy to adjust. Adjusting will take no longer than a few seconds. For example, in a 40lbs vest, weights are 5lbs apiece.

Accessories

RunFast weighted vest has pocket to hold your music player or cell phone. Shoulder pads options are also available.

Myoready Weighted Vest (50 lb. Max) Adjustable, Heavy Duty Use

An affordable weighted vest that will be an ideal choice for both men and women.

This vest is designed to fit the torso snugly and to cover the chest and upper body without sliding. The vest is super durable and tear-resistance due to the Cordura fabric.

The vest comes with a form-fitting design, which allows you to achieve strong and faster fitness results.

No need to do 100+ situps to feel the burn. With the Myoready weighted vest, even 10 crunches will bring you the desired burn in the abs.

This vest can be used for pretty much any fitness activity, including running and even skipping.

Quality and Material

The vest is made of super durable Cordura fabric and features reinforced stitching. Additionally, the item offers a shock-absorbing fit with 3 points of contact.

Adjustability

Adjustable three points of contact. You can load up as many barbell weights as you want up to 50lbs.

Comfort

The vest was designed for both men and women. Myoready guarantees full mobility while performing any exercise. The manufacturer also promises that these weighted vests can be adjusted to fit any body type.

Weight

Up to 50lbs, of barbell plates. Additional weights don’t come included with the vest.

– Best Weight Vest for Running –

Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO Unisex 10-Pound Adjustable Weighted Vest

The weighted vest by Hyperwear is the most durable vest you’ll find out there. Although this vest allows to add only 10 more pounds to your bodyweight exercises, it can still take your workout to the next level.

In fact, the Hyperwear Hyper vest Pro remains the top choice of many U.S. police departments due to its durability, adjustability and reliability.

The Hyperwear Hyper vest PRO can be used by both men and women and is suited for pretty much any fitness activity, including hiking, martial arts, weight training and running.

Quality and Material

Crafted of durable materials, this vest is based on a patented design and fabric. The material stretches easily, which means it can fit any body type. The vest is also odor-resistant and ensures ventilation.

Adjustability

A super adjustable vest due to the side lacing, which guarantees comfort. However, the weight is pre-loaded with only 10lbs.

Comfort

The vest’s design offers a full range of motion due to the flexibility of the design. Despite the form-fitting design, you’ll have no trouble breathing in and out as the vest allows for full chest expansion.

Weight

The vest comes pre-loaded with 10lbs. of high-quality steel weights. If 10lbs sounds tough, you can easily remove the weight bars weighing 2.25 ounce each to adjust to your ideal weight.

Yosoo 44LB/ 20KG Adjustable Weighted Vest

Yosoo has added weights on the vest, which are evenly distributed over the torso to eliminate any imbalances and prevent back injury.

The great thing about this particular weighted vest is that it’s made of high-density thickening oxford fabric, which is very tear resistant.

The vest can be used for any fitness activity, including running and crossfit training. The item comes with an adjustable strap that provides extra comfort and fit to your torso.

Quality and Material

The weighted vest by Yosoo is made of high-density thickening oxford fabric, which offers extra durability.

Adjustability

One size fits most. The adjustable straps can fit any body type.

Comfort

Very comfortable to wear due to the widening shoulder. The vest comes with a shock-absorbing fit.

Weight

The vest comes with 16 pouches to load sand weights or steel plate. Maximum weight capacity is 44lbs for steel plates and 22lbs for sand weights.

40 lb. V-FORCE

This weighted vest may not have the most stylish design, but it is very practical to use in the gym.

Whether you’re looking to target your core muscles, get stronger or get leaner with a challenging cardio workout, the vest by V-Force will be a valuable addition to your gym equipment arsenal.

Made of durable material, the vest is said to be designed to last a lifetime, and it does indeed come with a lifetime warranty.

The weighted vest comes with shoulder and body padding to provide you with an extra layer of comfort.

Quality and Material

The vest is made of the heavy-duty 1000-D Cordura fabric that has proven its durability for over three decades. The material is even used in sports and military gear due to its reliability. The fabric is stress- and abrasion-resistant. The vest features an optional sweat-stopper liner, which can be washed in a washing machine.

Adjustability

The vest is super adjustable and can handle up to 40lbs. of weight. V-Force’s vest is equipped with 2″ wide, one-size-fits-all belt. You can easily adjust the shoulder width with two shoulder width options. In fact, you can adjust it in the middle of your workout for specific exercises like pullups.

Comfort

The vest keeps weight off your stomach, unlike many other weighted vests available on the market. V-Force’s fitting allows you to maintain a proper posture during exercises.

Weight

The weights are 2.5lbs. apiece and are approx. 3-7/8” long, 2” wide and 1-1/2” thick. The vest comes with all weights included.

Accessories

The vest comes with an optional hydration pack, which can hold up to 50 ounces of water or protein shake. It’s also equipped with optional night reflection bands, which offer you extra safety at night. Night reflection bands are removable and replaceable.

Weighted Vest vs Heavy Backpack: Pros and Cons

I’ve heard many people ask this, “Okay, why not just use a backpack and stuff it with heavy bottles or sandbags?”

Unless you want to mess with your back and posture, never wear a heavy backpack. While it may seem that a heavy backpack could actually cure your bad posture, it actually does the opposite.

A heavy backpack puts an unhealthy amount of stress on your back and shoulders, causing you to lean forward to carry it.

This means a backpack immediately puts you at a higher risk of injuring yourself while doing pushups or squats wearing a heavy backpack.

Another great thing about vests is that you don’t need to carry heavy bottles in order to add more resistance (as you would in the case with backpacks).

Vests are adjustable, which means you can pick the desired amount of weight and get started with your workout.

Weighted Vest Benefits

Dos and don´ts with weighted vests:

• develop a defined six-pack (vests focus on core strength);
• improve explosive speed in the lower and upper body;
• strengthen your upper and lower body;
• spice up your workout and let the vest be your challenge (fact: muscles won’t grow if you don’t stress them from time to time).

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Polina Tikhonova

Polina Tikhonova is a writer, journalist and seasoned health expert. She's passionate about nutrition and fitness. She also loves fine wine and pizza -- occasionally.

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