10 Best Weighted Vests to Buy in 2023

Weighted vests are an affordable, space-friendly, and effective tool to build strength and improve conditioning.

Wearing a weight vest on bodyweight exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and box jumps is an easy, low-impact way to increase intensity.

You can also use them while running or walking to boost endurance, stamina, and more.

Weights vests can range in style, weight capacity, material, comfort, speed, and price.

To save you time and hassle, I’ve tested and researched dozens of weighted vests to determine the best ones for your money. Whether you’re a CrossFit competitor or just someone looking to improve your overall fitness, this article has you covered.

Best Weighted Vests in 2023

• Best Weighted Vest for Most People: Rogue Plate Carrier
• Best Weighted Vest for CrossFit: 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier
• Best Budget Weighted Vest: Condor Sentry Plate Carrier
• Best Short Weighted Vest: MiR Air Flow Weight Vest
• Best Weighted Vest for Running: Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite
• Best Weighted Vest for Rucking: GORUCK Plate Carrier 3.0
• Best Weighted Vest for Murph: Fringe Sport WODmaster
• Best Weighted Vests for Beginners: Henkelion Weight Vest
• Best Weighted Vest for Women: CAP Women’s Weight Vest
• Best Weighted Vest Storage: Tough Hook Hanger

Compare the Best Weight Vests

The table below compares the best weighted vests based on specs, price, and more.

Scroll Right to See More

	Rogue Plate Carrier See More	5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier See More	Condor Sentry Plate Carrier See More	MiR Air Flow Weight Vest See More	Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite See More	GORUCK Plate Carrier 3.0 See More	Fringe Sport WODMaster See More	Henkelion Weight Vest See More	CAP Women’s Weight Vest See More	Tough Hook Hanger See More
Price	$145	$215	$51.95	$78.95	$207.99	$115	$72	$34.99	$62.99	$19.95
Award	Best for Most	Best for CrossFit	Best Budget	Best Short	Best for Running	Best for Rucking	Best for Murph	Best for Beginners	Best for Women	Best Storage
Type	Plate Carrier	Plate Carrier	Plate Carrier	Weight Plugs	Weight Plugs	Plate Carrier	Fixed Weight	Fixed Weight	Weight Plugs	Storage Hook
Weight Options	Up to 40 lbs	Up to 40 lbs	Up to 40 lbs	Up to 60 lbs	Up to 20 lbs	Up to 30 lbs	20 lbs	4-12 lbs	Up to 30 lbs	200 lbs
Material	Cordura	500D Nylon	Nylon	Cordura	Cordura	Cordura	Neoprene/Nylon	Neoprene	Nylon/Polyester	ABS Plastic
Size Range	S-L	One Size Fits Most	One Size Fits Most	One Size Fits Most	S-XL	S-L	S-XL	One Size Fits Most	One Size Fits Most	N/A
Colors	4	6	4	Heathered Blue	Black	3	Black	5	Black	9

Reviews of the Best Weight Vests

Every vest on this list (and more) has been hands-on tested at Garage Gym Lab. In addition to using each of them in a variety of workouts, I’ve compared their specs against a database of other weighted vests, read hundreds of user reviews, and gathered insights from other industry experts.

Rogue Plate Carrier – Best Weight Vest for Most People

• Price: $145
• Type: Plate Carrier
• Weight Options: Up to 40 lbs
• Material: Cordura
• Size Range: Small, Medium, and Large
• Color: Multiple

Summary

The Rogue Plate Carrier is my top pick for most people. This vest is efficiently-sized, fairly priced, durable, and made in the USA.

Plate carriers are the most popular style of weighted vest because of their adjustability and versatility. This vest accommodates up to 40 lbs of weight using steel vest plates that you can buy from Rogue or Amazon. The vest has plate sleeves on the front and back to ensure equal distribution, but you can offset the weight if you prefer.

My favorite feature of the Rogue Plate Carrier is its size. Most plate-loaded tactical weight vests have bulky designs that cover most of your torso. However, Rogue designed this vest to be as simple and compact as possible. In my experience with it, I prefer the smaller profile because it’s less cumbersome and provides more freedom for the body to move.

Structurally, the vest is made with a mix of 500 and 1000D Cordura, which is a heavy-duty nylon. You’ll commonly find this fabric on high-quality weight vests and workout sandbags because of its durability and aesthetic properties.

While many tactical vests come in one size, the Rogue Plate Carrier has three sizes based on your torso diameter. I’m 5’8″ and weigh 160 lbs. With a torso diameter of 34″, I was between a small and a medium. I sized down, which I recommend to others because it prevents a loose-fitting or bouncy vest.

In addition to using the velcro torso wrap, you can also adjust each shoulder strap independently for the best fit. I found this to be one of the most comfortable vests in my testing, but you can purchase optional shoulder pads for additional comfort.

This vest is available in four colors: black, coyote brown, gray, and ranger green (shown). It also includes three rows of velcro on the front and two on the back to add your favorite patches.

At its price, the Rogue Plate Carrier offers a great blend of value and performance. You can use this for CrossFit, rucking, running, bodyweight exercises, and more.

5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier – Best Weight Vest for CrossFit

• Price: $215
• Type: Plate Carrier
• Weight Options: Up to 40 lbs
• Material: 500D Nylon
• Size Range: One Size Fits Most
• Color: Multiple

Summary

The 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier is a household name in the CrossFit community because it’s been the official weight vest of CrossFit for years. This is a pricier weighted vest than most, but it’s very durable and performs well.

The TacTec carrier is a full-size tactical weighted vest, which has advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, it looks awesome and feels “professional.” When you put this vest on, it has that “I mean business” attitude. On the downside, it’s bulky and not as easy to set up. As a ‘one size fits most’ vest, there may be an initial size adjustment. From there, it’s fairly straightforward with a velcro cumberbund and protective flap.

I love how secure and durable this vest feels. The front flap does require more effort to take on and off, but it creates a secure enclosure that keeps the velcro from collecting dirt and debris. The heavy-duty nylon creates one of the most durable weight vests you’ll find. I’ve been using a 5.11 vest for years, as have many other people putting theirs through constant abuse.

Another nice benefit of this vest is the extra-padded shoulder straps. If you have sensitive skin or are using your vest for extended periods, you’ll likely appreciate these straps. They’re the most comfortable I’ve used.

Aesthetically, the TacTec Plate Carrier looks great. It’s available in five solid colors (black, navy, storm, kangaroo, ranger green) and a camo option. Like other tactical vests, it also includes a large area on the front and back for patches.

If you’re a competitor in CrossFit, Tough Mudders, Spartan Races, etc., the 5.11 TacTec Carrier is an excellent choice for its durability and comfort. At $215, it’s one of the highest-priced weight vests, but the results and reputation speak for themselves.

Condor Sentry Plate Carrier – Best Budget Weight Vest

• Price: $51.95
• Type: Plate Carrier
• Weight Options: Up to 40 lbs
• Material: Nylon
• Size Range: One Size Fits Most
• Color: Multiple

Summary

The Condor Sentry Plate Carrier is my top pick for budget shoppers. For ~$50, it’s an impressive offering for those looking for this type of weight vest.

As you may have noticed, I think highly of plate carriers for their versatility and features. The Condor Sentry is another tactical vest with a similar profile to the Rogue Plate Carrier. It’s slightly larger than Rogue but noticeably smaller than the 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier.

This vest also uses heavy-duty nylon, and the stitching is well done throughout. The biggest downside to this vest is that it doesn’t fit as well as others. This is a ‘one size fits most’ vest, but unlike the 5.11 vest that uses a velcro cumberbund, the Condor vest uses two side buckles. While the strap can tighten down reasonably well, thinner individuals may find it too loose.

The straps have comfortable and thick padding, but the yoke is narrower than the others, which may cause chaffing for those with thicker necks. The straps can be adjusted independently, which is a nice feature, and I like the side loops for routing hydration systems.

Because of its size, the Condor Sentry Carrier does not accommodate laser-cut plates, but you can use iron plates from Rogue. It also comes in four colors: black, brown, green, and multicam.

At just over $50, you can buy the Condor Plate Carrier plus a pair of 10lb Echo Weight Plates for less than the Rogue Plate Carrier shell. Although it has a few drawbacks compared to the Rogue and 5.11, it’s a great budget option with solid features.

MiR Air Flow – Best Short Weight Vest

• Price: $82.31
• Type: Weight Plugs
• Weight Options: Up to 60 lbs
• Material: Cordura
• Size Range: One Size Fits Most
• Color: Heathered Blue

Summary

The MiR Air Flow Weighted Vest is a durable, low-profile option with front and back loading capabilities. MiR is a well-respected vest company with a great reputation for this vest style.

Unlike traditional plate carriers that use larger weights, the MiR vest uses small, 3lb steel weight plugs. You can position these weights on the front or back for an equal or offset weight distribution. Each plug is debossed with the MiR logo and fits perfectly into the reinforced sleeves.

You can purchase the Air Flow Vest from 20-60lbs. Regardless of your choice, the vest size remains the same, which I love. Some similar-style vests get bulkier as you move up in weight. This is also beneficial because you can add weights as you progress, meaning you don’t need to buy a new vest.

The shorter design of the MIR Air Flow Vest has pros and cons. On one hand, you get increased movement freedom. For example, I like it more than others on deep hinge movements like squats and box jumps.

On the other hand, it’s not as easy to put on since your arms are in a more awkward, chicken-wing position. Additionally, the straps end in the back, making it challenging for some to get tight. I recommend the zipper version if you think this may be an issue.

I’m impressed with the build quality of the vest. It uses 1200D nylon and feels rugged overall. It’s also a comfortable vest with adjustable shoulder straps. I like the heathered blue color, but I would love to see more color options.

Another nice feature of the MiR Air Flow Vest is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. For the price, it’s a solid pick, especially for those looking for a smaller weighted vest.

Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite – Best Weight Vest for Running

• Price: $207.99
• Type: Weight Plugs
• Weight Options: Up to 20 lbs
• Material: Cordura
• Size Range: Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large
• Color: Black

Summary

The Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite is a unique weighted vest with a form-fitting design that molds to your body. It’s an ideal vest for running, but you can also use it for other movements.

The most notable feature of this vest is how it fits. Unlike other weighted vests, the Hyper Vest is built to conform to your body. Instead of a ‘one size fits most’ design, this vest has four sizes based on your height and weight.

When you initially put the vest on, you may notice that it feels too tight or loose. You can adjust the fit further using the side laces. I like the compressive feel of this vest, but some may find that it loosens slightly throughout the workout. For others, the zipper alone creates enough tightness.

You can buy the Hyper Vest Elite in 10, 15, or 20 lb variants. While it’s technically an adjustable weighted vest, adding and removing plates isn’t as easy as others. There are 72 sleeves that can each hold a 2.25oz weight bar. Each sleeve is tightly covered, which is great for protection, but not for adjustments. It’s actually quite challenging. I suggest buying your preferred weight and sticking with it.

In terms of durability, this vest uses high-quality Cordura and a YKK zipper. Some reviewers have complained of the side laces fraying, but most owners are happy with the overall quality. I’ve used this vest since 2021, and it’s held up nicely.

Pricewise, this is one of the most expensive weight vests, ranging from over $200 to nearly $300. If you’re looking for a versatile weight vest, I recommend others over the Hyper Vest Elite. However, it’s a great vest for serious runners and those who love high-intensity conditioning.

GORUCK Plate Carrier 3.0 – Best Weight Vest for Rucking

• Price: $115
• Type: Plate Carrier
• Weight Options: Up to 30 lbs
• Material: Cordura
• Size Range: Small, Medium, and Large
• Color: Multiple

Summary

GORUCK is one of the premiere names in the outdoor and rucking industry. In addition to making some of my favorite workout sandbags, they make excellent apparel, tactical gear, and weighted vests.

The GORUCK Plate Carrier 3.0 is a rear-loaded backpack-style weight vest. Unlike some of the other full-body vests on this list, this one focuses on rucking (walking with added load on your back). You can still use this for other movements like push-ups, pull-ups, etc., but it’s not as versatile or effective for dynamic movements.

As a backpack-style vest, it’s one of the easiest weight vests to use. A simple nylon buckle attaches across the chest to secure the vest, and the shoulders are independently adjustable via strap locks.

It’s one of the most comfortable vests I’ve used because of its minimalist design and well-padded shoulders. I also appreciate the position of the weight on the mid back, which promotes good posture and a strong position. The additional foam padding at the bottom of the vest helps soften the load on the lower back.

The Plate Carrier 3.0 is made with high-quality 1000D Cordura fabric. This vest is built with durability in mind and comes with a lifetime replacement warranty.

This vest comes in three sizes: small, standard, and large. Refer to the sizing chart for the best fit for your measurables. In addition to the vest, you’ll also need to purchase plates. You can buy those directly from GORUCK in 10, 20, and 30lb increments, or you can use Rogue steel plates.

Since this vest is smaller and uses fewer plates than others, it’s less expensive than most. At just over $100 for the shell, it’s one of the most affordable weighted vests you can buy.

Fringe Sport WODmaster – Best Weight Vest for Murph

• Price: $72 (Free Shipping)
• Type: Fixed Weight
• Weight Options: 20 lbs
• Material: Neoprene & Nylon
• Size Range: Small/Medium and Large/X-large
• Color: Black

Summary

The Fringe Sport WODmaster is a fixed 20 lb weighted vest with a unique design compared to others. This backpack-style vest is front-loaded on the shoulder straps and back-loaded in the center.

While you can use this vest for various movements, it excels for running and walking because of its minimalist design. Like the GORUCK Plate Carrier, the WODmaster is easy to use with cross buckles for security and adjustable straps. This vest comes in two sizes: S/M and L/XL. Overall, it’s a nice-fitting vest, but some reviewers have complained that the shoulder adjustment strap isn’t long enough.

Unlike many other weighted vests, the WODmaster is constructed with neoprene. While it’s a comfortable material, it’s not as durable as nylon. I recommend a nylon option if you’re planning on using a vest frequently and during intense training. Otherwise, this vest should hold up well over time. Something else to consider is that neoprene may smell after extended use, so you may want to hand wash this vest occasionally.

An example of a workout that the WODmaster excels at is the CrossFit Murph: 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, and another 1-mile run while wearing a 20 lb vest. Since this vest is fixed with 20 lbs of steel shot and is great for running/less dynamic movements, it’s an awesome choice for the Murph.

At just over $70 shipped, this is a solid option that won’t break the bank. I recommend adjustable vests for most people, but a fixed vest is perfectly acceptable for some training programs.

Henkelion Weight Vest – Best Weight Vest for Beginners

• Price: $32.99
• Type: Fixed Weight
• Weight Options: 4-12lbs
• Material: Neoprene
• Size Range: One Size
• Color: Multiple

Summary

The Henkelion Weighted Vest is similar to the Fringe Sport WODmaster, but it’s better for beginners because of the lighter loads.

It’s made of neoprene and is fixed with steel shot ranging from 4-12 lbs. Unlike the WODmaster, the Henkelion vest comes in one size and doesn’t have shoulder adjustments. Instead, it uses an elastic piece that expands to fit various body sizes.

While it’s slightly more comfortable without a plastic clip, it may lead to fit issues for smaller individuals. However, the front of the vest has a similar buckle strap that you can adjust for security.

The Henkelion vest won’t be as durable as nylon vests, making it a better option for low-intensity workouts like walking and basic bodyweight movements.

It’s a good choice for beginners and those looking for a light, basic weight vest at a great price. Otherwise, I recommend others on the list.

CAP Women’s Weight Vest – Best Weight Vest for Women

• Price: $62.99
• Type: Weight Plugs
• Weight Options: Up to 30 lbs
• Material: Nylon and Polyester
• Size Range: One Size Fits Most
• Color: Black

Summary

The CAP Women’s weighted Vest is an ideal pick for… you guessed it… women. This vest has a contoured design with a slim center section to allow for a more comfortable ladies fit. While some weight vests can be uncomfortable for women, especially those with larger chests, this tapered cut provides much more freedom.

This adjustable vest comes with 3 lb steel weights that can be loaded on the front and back for up to 30 lbs. An overhanging velcro flap covers each loadable section, and the front is additionally secured with a tightening strap.

One downside to this vest is that the shoulders aren’t adjustable, which could create fit issues for certain body types. However, the vest does have an easy-to-use waist strap.

Built with nylon and polyester, this is a durable vest with positive reviews from owners. The most common complaint is that it’s not great for smaller women. If that’s you, I recommend the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Fit. It doesn’t have the tapered front, but it’s much more form-fitting. Both vests are comparably priced at under $100.

Tough Hook Hanger – Best Weight Vest Storage

• Price: $19.95
• Weight Capacity: 200 lbs
• Material: ABS Plastic
• Color: Multiple

Summary

I’m a big proponent of home gym storage. Whether you’re storing barbells, plates, or other accessories like collars, it makes a huge difference. Not only does it create a cleaner, more functional space, but it helps protect your equipment.

Storing your weighted vest is an easy way to organize and prevent unnecessary damage. When your vest is left lying around the gym, it can lose its shape, collect dirt in the velcro, get stepped on, etc.

The Tough Hook is the best tool to hang your vest. It’s built with heavy-duty plastic and can hold up to 200 lbs. It also includes extended edges to prevent your vest from sliding off.

The bottom of the Tough Hook includes a dedicated handle, allowing you to carry things easily if you’re on the move. This is helpful out in the field or if you’re traveling with your vest. You can easily use the hooks for other things as well, including weight chains, climbing gear, and more.

The Tough Hook comes in numerous colors and is well-priced for less than $20 shipped. It’s not a necessary purchase for your weight vest, but I recommend one if you have the extra money.

Benefits of Weight Vests

Improves Cardiovascular Fitness

One of the biggest benefits of a weighted vest is that it enhances your cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that weight vests can increase metabolic costs and relative exercise intensity (1). Added resistance to your body can increase the amount of oxygen you consume and strengthen your lungs, both of which yield positive cardio benefits.

Increases Muscle Size and Strength

Progressively loading the body is one of the key factors in building muscle size and strength. Using a weighted vest during traditional bodyweight exercises is a great way to add intensity and load. Pull-ups, push-ups, squats, lunges, box jumps, and planks are prime candidates for implementing weighted vests. In the case of push-ups, studies have shown performing them with a weighted vest can mimic different intensities of the traditional bench press with similar results (2)(3).

Effective Warm-Up Tool

Studies have shown benefits to wearing a weight vest during warm-ups to prime the body for more intense training efforts (4). In addition to creating physical change, weighted vests may also have positive neuromuscular benefits that can aid in workout preparation.

Increases Endurance

Studies have shown wearing a weighted vest can significantly increase blood lactate and oxygen uptake, resulting in improved running time to exhaustion and increased VO2 (5).

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Types of Weight Vests

Adjustable

An adjustable weighted vest is the most popular style and what I recommend to most people. This type of vest is much more versatile and can easily be changed to fit specific movements or training protocols. However, they are generally more expensive than fixed vests.

Adjustable weight vests include vest plates, cast steel ingots, or soft casings filled with sand or steel shot. Most plate-loaded vests max out around 40 lbs, but other styles can go even heavier. In some cases, you can achieve 100+lbs of weight, although that may not be appropriate for your training.

I typically recommend 20-30 lbs for most men and 10-20 lbs for most women. An adjustable weight vest is the easiest way to train within the best range for you while also giving yourself room to grow.

Fixed

Fixed weight vests are pre-filled to a specified weight. While they aren’t as versatile as adjustable weighted vests, they’re great for people training for specificity. For instance, the popular Murph workout in CrossFit uses a 20 lb vest. If that’s the only time you use a weight vest, it may make sense to buy a fixed version, which could also save money.

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How to Pick the Best Weighted Vest

With dozens of weighted vests claiming to be the best, how do you choose the right one? At Garage Gym Lab, I’ve made it our quest to highlight products that are truly worth your money through in-depth reviews, comprehensive equipment spec sheets, and a network of trusted equipment experts.

Here are the key factors I considered when selecting the best weight vests in 2023:

Purpose

One of the most important things to consider when buying a weight vest is how you plan to use it. For example, a vest with greater weight capacity is the best option for someone looking to build strength with heavy push-ups, pull-ups, etc. On the other hand, a lighter and more form-fitting weight vest is better for a runner looking to introduce additional load.

Is your training more strength or conditioning based? Understanding your programming will help guide you toward the right type of weight vest.

Materials and Durability

Most weight vests are made of nylon to increase durability. When buying a nylon vest, I recommend focusing on 500D or greater. The ‘D’ stands for denier, which is a numerical representation of fiber thickness. Thicker nylon increases durability, but it may not be as comfortable.

Fixed-weight vests are commonly built with neoprene. While not as durable as nylon, neoprene is a more comfortable material. Other vests may include polyester as well, but this is less common.

Loading Type

How you load a weight vest is important because it influences comfort, ease of use, and weight capacity. Refer to the above section for a detailed look at the main loading types. I generally recommend adjustable, plate-loaded weight vests for most people.

Weight Capacity

Depending on the design, weighted vests can range from 4 lbs to 140 lbs+. Most plate-loaded vests top out at 40 lbs, giving users a wide range of weight options. You can load certain weight vests even heavier, but they’re less user-friendly and may not offer the same durability. Fixed weight vests generally max out at 30 lbs, with 20 lbs being the most common variation.

Again, knowing your training style and needs will help determine which style to pick based on how much weight you require.

Wearability

A weight vest’s ease of use and comfort makes up its overall wearability. Most vests are attached with plastic buckles, velcro, or zippers, making them all straightforward to use. Backpack-style vests like the GORUCK Plate Carrier are generally the easiest.

Comfort is mostly determined by design, materials, and size. An ill-fitting vest may bounce around, creating an uncomfortable experience. Similarly, some users will find certain designs less comfortable than others. For example, over-shoulder straps may cause chaffing on some individuals, which is why Rogue offers optional shoulder pads for their carriers.

Sizing

Some weighted vests come ‘one size fits most,’ while others have dedicated size options. Unlike a weightlifting belt, which has a uniform measuring method, vest sizing is dependent on the design. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidance if sizes are available.

Alternatively, ‘one size fits most’ vests have built-in sizing adjustments that you can tailor to your body.

Colors

Although aesthetics don’t impact performance, they’re an important consideration for many people. Most weighted vests have various options, including single colors and camo patterns. Many of them also include velcro sections to add patches, allowing you to create personal and unique vests.

Price

Relative to other pieces of gym equipment, weight vests are very affordable. They generally range as low as ~$30 to nearly $300. I don’t recommend spending less than that unless you’re a beginner or the vest is ultra-lightweight. Durability, comfort, and effectiveness will not match those with higher prices.

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Weight Vest Analysis and Test Results

I rated each weighted vest on this list using the same criteria: build quality, comfort, ease of use, and price. I used each vest in numerous ways, including push-ups, pull-ups, runs, walks, squats, and more.

Using a combination of hands-on testing and spec comparisons, I calculated a score from 1-10. With an overall score of 9.2, the Rogue Plate Carrier scored the highest.

Build Quality

The 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier stood above the rest in the build quality department. As someone who has been using this vest for years, it’s an outstanding, ultra-durable vest. The Rogue Plate Carrier also impressed me in terms of quality, as did the GORUCK carrier.

The Henkelion vest scored the lowest here because of its neoprene construction and user reviews. As a beginner and budget option, it’s one to consider, but don’t expect a long life under intense training.

Comfort

I found most of these vests to be comfortable, but the Rogue Plate Carrier scored the highest because of its low-profile design. The 5.11 carrier and MiR Air Flow vests also scored well.

The Hyper Vest Elite scored marginally lower than the rest. On one hand, I love the form-fitting design, but on the other, the sides were somewhat aggravating during certain movements.

Ease of Use

The backpack styles of the GORUCK Carrier, Fringe Sport WODmaster, and Henkelion weight vests took top honors in this category. In general, weighted vests aren’t hard to put on, but some are certainly easier than others.

The MiR Air Flow vest scored the lowest here because the shorter design puts the arms in an awkward position when adjusting the straps.

Price

The Henkelion Weight Vest scored the highest here due to the low price. The Condor Sentry Plate Carrier also scored well.

The Hyperwear Elite Vest scored the lowest because it’s the most expensive option. The 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier also scored lower than others.

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Honorable Mentions

• Titan Adjustable Weighted Vest: The Titan Adjustable Weight Vest is an over-shoulder option similar to the MiR vest. Available in 20lb-60lb max weight options, this vest uses 2.5lb ingot cast steel weights to achieve the desired weight. It’s a solid option for budget consumers, but the quality doesn’t match the MiR vests.
• RUNmax Adjustable Weighted Vest: The RUNmax Adjustable Weight Vest is one of the most popular choices on Amazon, with thousands of reviews. The biggest benefit of this vest is that you can buy up to 140 lbs of resistance. The over-shoulder design has an oversized strap for easy setup, but its long-term durability is its biggest concern. Several reviewers have complained about the heavier vests rupturing.
• Wolf Tactical Adjustable Weighted Vest: The Wolf Tactical Vest is a plate carrier that mimics the 5.11 Tactical design at a lower price. It’s a well-reviewed and popular option, but it didn’t make the list because the Condor Sentry Plate Carrier represents a better value, and the Wolf vest doesn’t match the build quality of the 5.11 TacTec Carrier.
• Kensui EZ-Vest: The Kensui EZ-Vest is one of the most unique vests on the market. Instead of using plates designed for vests, the Kensui uses normal Olympic weight plates. Depending on the model, you can load up to 300 lbs, making it great for heavy lifters. It’s also made with high-quality nylon and other durable materials. The downsides are that it’s bulky, awkward, and fairly expensive.
• Hyperwear Hyper Vest Pro: The Pro version of the Hyper Vest is similar to the Elite, but it’s capped at 10 lbs and uses a different outer material. The Elite has 10lb, 15, and 20 lb options. However, it is less expensive. If you’re looking for a 10 lb option, I recommend the Pro over the Elite.

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FAQs about Weighted Vests

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Final Thoughts

In my opinion, the Rogue Plate Carrier is the best weight vest for most people. It’s durable, versatile, and made in the USA.

If you’re looking for a premium weight vest with stellar user reviews, I recommend the 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier. As the official vest of CrossFit, it’s proven to handle everything.

Alternatively, I recommend the Condor Sentry Carrier for budget shoppers looking for a quality weight vest at a great price.

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References

1. Puthoff, M. L., Darter, B. J., Nielsen, D. H., & Yack, H. J. (2006). The effect of weighted vest walking on metabolic responses and ground reaction forces. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 38(4), 746–752.
2. Tillaar R. V. D. (2019). Comparison of Kinematics and Muscle Activation between Push-up and Bench Press. Sports medicine international open, 3(3), E74–E81.
3. Van den Tillaar, R., & Ball, N. (2020). Push-Ups are Able to Predict the Bench Press 1-RM and Constitute an Alternative for Measuring Maximum Upper Body Strength Based on Load-Velocity Relationships. Journal of human kinetics, 73, 7–18.
4. Barnes, K. R., Hopkins, W. G., McGuigan, M. R., & Kilding, A. E. (2015). Warm-up with a weighted vest improves running performance via leg stiffness and running economy. Journal of science and medicine in sport, 18(1), 103–108.
5. Rusko, H., & Bosco, C. C. (1987). Metabolic response of endurance athletes to training with added load. European journal of applied physiology and occupational physiology, 56(4), 412–418.