10 Weighted Vests to Turbocharge Any Workout

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BODYWEIGHT WORKOUTS ARE popular for a reason. They're as simple as physical training gets—all you need is yourself and a bit of space to get going. The downside of bodyweight workouts: They don't always lend themselves to easy progressive overload, which is key to building muscle and strength. That's where weighted vests come in, allowing you to increase the challenge of any bodyweight move simply by strapping on extra weight. Training with weighted vests insures that you build body control and awareness while still introducing the new loads you need to spark muscle and strength gains.

Imagine doing your usual lunges or pull-ups, but with added resistance upping the intensity. Throwing on a weighted vest is one of the simplest ways to challenge yourself in your workout without having to overhaul your current routine or clutter up your space with dumbbells.

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The best weighted vests have been made especially popular by proponents of 'functional fitness'in recent years, particularly among the CrossFit community. That's because the weighted vest is an essential component in one of the most popular (and infamous) WODs, the Murph, performed annually on Memorial Day to commemorate a fallen U.S. service member.

Weighted vests come in various styles, from minimal harnesses that provide a few pounds of extra load to large rigs designed to mimic the body armor worn by military groups that hold iron plates. The best weighted vests are as versatile as the best bodyweight workouts themselves, with removable weights that allow the wearer to adjust the load to make the training easier or harder.

After years of rigorous testing, our team at Men's Health has carefully curated the ultimate list of the best weighted vests for workouts. We've extensively evaluated various weight vest varieties for activities like runs, plyometric workouts, and CrossFit WODs. Our editors have compared their testing notes to ensure we bring you the most reliable recommendations.

Throughout this process, we've prioritized key factors such as weight capacity, weight type, fit, comfort, durability, and value. This comprehensive approach guarantees that the weighted vests on our list are not only effective, but worth their weight in performance and price.

Whether you're a beginner looking for a simple way to challenge yourself or a seasoned CrossFitter upgrading your Murph kit, we've selected some of the best weighted vests for workouts available. Keep scrolling to check out the 10 weighted vests we recommend shopping this year.

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You might see the word "Kevlar" and think this weighted vest has a different purpose than adding weight to your training. But this formidable piece of gear is only meant to help you 'bulletproof' your body through rigorous workouts. It employs a unique cross-strap design (with genuine Velcro), which we found stays locked down and ultra-secure no matter how vigorously you're moving. It's available in 10-, 20-, and 40-pound models, with the 20-pound model offering adjustments in 1-pound increments and the 40-pound version in 2-pound increments. So, you can dial in your perfect level of pain as needed.

There's a lot to love about this one. Highly and easily adjustable, comes in a range of weights for different fitness levels, is incredibly rugged, fits well, and moves with your body, not against it. So, it's no surprise that it's one of the most-used weighted vests by our editors, and why it's our pick for the best weighted vest for most workouts in 2024.

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The flagship version of MiR’s simply named Adjustable Weighted Vest can hold up to a whopping 60 pounds. Your bodyweight workouts will feel like you have an extra person (child, maybe) strapped to your torso, and your gains will only grow. All that weight is distributed evenly throughout the vest with a system of little pockets that securely Velcro shut. It’s easy to dial in a snug, comfortable fit via adjustable straps all around. Plus, this vest features a beefy construction that’s built to hold up to significant weight and whatever workouts you throw it on for.

This series of weighted vests is a little pricey for beginners. However, given that the “lightest” version carries 20 pounds, it's best for those looking to upgrade to a heavier option. If you’re looking for a seriously heavy-duty vest to reach for when you want a little extra challenge for your workout—this is the best option. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a weighted vest that carries more than this one while maintaining comfort and long-term durability.

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If you're looking to go basic and find a budget model, this Amazon best-seller is worth checking out. It's sturdy, well-made, convenient to use and adjust the weight of, and fits comfortably. It comes in 12-, 20-, 40-, and 60-pound options, with the 20-pound version being our go-to, as it's all you need for the Murph (one of CrossFit's toughest WODs).

Our main qualm with this vest is that the design feels a little cheaper than more premium vests we've tested in that it's on the bulkier side. While it is comfortable and easy to wear and move with, it isn't the most streamlined or lightweight design. On the bright side, there's pockets with room to carry a water bottle and phone. On the downside, it isn't the vest we'd reach for when tackling dynamic HIIT workouts.

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The design of Hyperwear’s Hyper Vest Pro is a clear departure from most other weighted vests on the market. The lace-up design looks and wears differently, and that’s a good thing as this vest is extremely comfortable. In fact, we like this vest so much, we named it the best of 2017 on our annual Gear of the Year list, and we still love it. Each size comes pre-loaded with 10 pounds, and you can add up to 32 pounds in the largest version. With a blend of nylon, Tyvek, and Lycra, it’s plenty durable to support all that weight, and the Lycra adds a comfy bit of stretch to the fabric too. It’s also quick-wicking and odor-resistant, making it perfect for even the nastiest workouts.

At more than $200 for the entry-level model, this is one of the pricier weighted vests in our roundup. But, the hundreds of buyers and reviewers—including more than 400 five-star ratings on Amazon alone—agree that it’s worth the premium price tag.

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Minimalism is key with this vest from Aduro. You won't be able to pack on the load you can with some of the other options (this maxes out at 30 pounds). But what you sacrifice in weight, you gain in mobility, making it a great option for running or HIIT workouts. We found the neoprene construction to be extremely comfortable and fit snugly (though not tightly), even during the most rigorous runs or full-body HIIT circuits. With a genuine iron pellet fill, the weight is distributed more evenly and designed to last longer than traditional river sand. However, the weight mechanism is fixed and can't be adjusted.

Plus, with a starting price under $50, it’s wallet-friendly for any budget. Our only gripe is the neoprene construction, which is not built to last in the same way that reinforced fabrics or (obviously) Kevlar are. Still, it’s reasonably durable, extremely comfortable, lightweight, and breathable. At this price, it’s an easy pick for the best weighted vest for running.

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If you’re just starting to integrate weights or a weighted vest into your workouts, you don’t need to drop hundreds of dollars on a premium model or go crazy with the poundage. Start small with a lightweight vest like this one from Henkelion. It’s available in four versions: 4 pounds, 6 pounds, 8 pounds, and 12 pounds. We love that it features a ton of adjustability thanks to a chest strap and buckle, which help bodies of all anatomies dial in the perfect fit.

Safety is top of mind with this vest, too. Reflective straps on the front increase visibility in high-traffic environments, making it suitable to sport outdoors when the sun goes down. We especially like the use of iron pellets over traditional river sand, as they seem to distribute more evenly throughout this vest (although this also means the weight is not adjustable). Bonus: it’s available in a handful of colors so you can coordinate your workout look.

At this price, it’s hard to find much to complain about. But we did find one flaw: The neoprene construction is incredibly comfortable against the body, however, it's less durable with heavy use in the long-term compared to Kevlar or reinforced nylon. Still, at around $30 (for any model), this makes a great lightweight weighted vest.

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If you want to get the most bang for your buck doing cardio, this thing will kick your ass. This neoprene weighted vest was designed with running in mind, so you can trust its comfort and ability to move with you effortlessly. Elastic of the waist and edges of the vest add flexibility and contribute to a snug, seamless fit.

It also has reflective strips on both sides of the vest to keep you visible when running, day or night, rain or shine. It comes in various colors and weights between 8 pounds and 30 pounds, but we think 12 pounds is a good starting point for most people.

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It's not quite a vest, but it serves the same role: adding a load to your bodyweight workouts. In fact, we found that the backpack-style design helps spread weight more evenly across your entire back, and feels great for most people. The design of this vest makes it most effective for rucks and long walks, but it's a poor choice for pull-ups, push-ups, and other classic strength exercises.

This vest is designed with a streamlined silhouette to holds the weight closer to your body, which we found made for a noticeably more comfortable, natural-feel while working out. There’s wide, ergonomic lumbar support padding and non-abrasive fabric on the back panel and underside of the shoulder straps designed to add comfort (which they do). On the downside, we found the added padding makes this vest a bit less breathable compared to more minimalist options. Regardless, it’s so comfortable that we even enjoyed wearing it while exercising shirtless. It’s available in four military-friendly colors, and holds up well in the rain (we're talking from a soggy experience, here).

At around $100, this weighted vest alternative is priced right. On the downside, however, the weights are sold separately, so you’ll need to figure that into the total cost. But, we like that Goruck allows you to mix and match your setup for the perfect fit. Plus, the brand has a rabid following thanks to their extremely well-made products and excellent customer service.

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5.11 Tactical has long been a favorite amongst armed service members and military enthusiasts alike. Consider MH fitness editors part of that fan club, too. Everything in the brand’s catalog is built to exacting standards and designed to take a beating, and the TacTec Weight Vest is no exception.

When testing, the streamlined design felt comfortable against the chest and back, while adjustable shoulder straps allowed every body shape and size to achieve a precise fit. Breathable materials, including mesh body pads, felt light and breathable despite heavy weight and hot weather. This vest also has more storage options than most models we’ve seen. A Velcro admin pocket on the front provides quick access to your essentials, while MOLLE panels on the front and rear allow for even more storage.

On the downside, this is a premium weighted vest with a premium price tag to match. It’s priced at $135 (in only one size), and the weights are sold separately, easily pushing the cost of this one closer to $200, depending on how much weight you need. But, considering it’s extremely well-reviewed by our team and the greater fitness (and military) community, (and backed by the legendary 5.11 Tactical brand name), it’s a worthy option if you’re willing to splurge.

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This luxe vest isn't cheap, but it's designed to be a comfortable, minimalist means to add some extra load to your training. Unlike some other vests, which hold removable plates that make the weight concentrated to only one part of your torso, the Omorpho vest is designed for equal weight distribution.

"It's the best-fitting weight vest I've ever used," MH Fitness Director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., said of the G-Vest+. "It also makes you look like a GI Joe when you don it, which is an added bonus, especially in the olive green colorway."

We especially love that the fit is super-customizable fit, thanks to adjustable cords on the sides and adjustments at the shoulders. Because it's so form-fitting, it works exceptionally well for lightweight speed drills.

"If you're in a larger, heavier weight vest, you can run miles upon miles, but it's so heavy that you won't be able to train other functions, like change of direction, agility, or leaping ability," explains Samuel. "The Omorpho Weight Vest is light enough that I can do hurdle jumps in it, or work through change-of-direction exercises like skater lunges and cariocas. I'm also getting to continue moving at a high rate of speed when I do these moves, because I'm not toting around 20 pounds." In essence, adding a little bit of resistance, but not enough to slow down your body, helps to build explosive athleticism, instead of simply strength.

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How to Find the Best Weighted Vest (for You)

Weighted vests are straightforward workout tools. As the name implies, they’re little more than a specially designed vest with dedicated pockets for some form of weights (usually sand, iron pellets, or solid plates). There’s no one best weighted vest, of course. It’s all about what’s best for you. Here’s what to look for when shopping weighted vests:

Type of use: How you plan to use your weighted vest is arguably the most important consideration. Different vests are built for different purposes. If you’re planning to jog, run, or even hike with your vest, you might want to consider a model that fits snugly (though not too tightly) and securely without slipping around mid-workout.

If, however, you’re looking to integrate your new weighted vest into more stationary activities like, say, squats, you’ll want a model that’s beefier and built to hold more weight. If you’re just getting started with weighted vests, consider one that can add a light to modest load (10-15 pounds at most) above your own body weight. You’ll likely get your money’s worth and, when your personal fitness level “outgrows” that weight, you can reassess your needs with a new weighted vest.

Fit: Fit is all a matter of personal preference, but the main thing is that you want it to be comfortable. For more active workouts like sprinting, jogging, and running, a more streamlined design that hugs your body is best. But, for most other activities, a perfect fit isn’t as important. It just needs to fit your body reasonably well without flopping around too much.

Weight: There’s no right amount of weight for your weighted vest. It depends on your personal fitness level and your goals. But, for most people, there’s rarely a reason to go above 10-20 pounds of total weight, especially in the beginning.

Note where the weights fit inside the vest and whether they're fixed or adjustable, too. Some weighted vests load all the weight in the back, some in the front, while others distribute everything evenly. In some cases, you can take some weight out or add extra in. Ideally, you want an even distribution so that your weighted vest sits comfortably on your torso (without sliding front to back or side to side) and adjustable weight to maximize the versatility and longevity of the vest.

Durability: Durability goes hand-in-hand with the fabrics used in making a weighted vest. Entry-level vests are typically made from neoprene or thinner nylon. While these are often lightweight and comfortable in a variety of temperatures and environments, they’re typically not built for heavy weights. These are often best for jogging and running.

Beefier materials—think Cordura, heavy-duty synthetics, and even Kevlar—are much stronger. Weighted vests made with these materials will last significantly longer and can handle much more weight (some up to 60 pounds or more), but are almost always more expensive too.

Price: Budget is almost always a factor, especially considering that most workout gear can be expensive. Thankfully, you can score a decent weighted vest for under $100. Even the best weighted vests typically run under $200. If you’re willing to splurge, you’ll typically be rewarded with a vest that’s built better and fits more comfortably.

Other features: Most weighted vests are fairly simple—that's how it should be. Aim to sit out weight vests that tout extra features like water bottle holders, storage pocets, and systems for attachments and accessories. You want your weight vest to be designed to accommodate and offer balanced, symmetrical resistance. All those added features take away from this.

The Benefits of Weighted Vests

There’s no denying that adding additional weight to your bodyweight (or other) workouts can have its benefits at times. "More load means you're generating more force slowly, which is good for strength," explains Samuel.

Overall Strength: At a certain point in our training journeys, we all plateau. If you feel like you’ve hit a wall with your bodyweight exercises (e.g., push-ups, plyometrics, etc.), consider adding a weighted vest into the mix. The weighted vest allows you to progressively overload bodyweight exercises, challenging your muscles in new ways and stimulating further strength gains. Initially, you might need to lower your reps, but as your body adjusts to the new weight, so will your workout routine. This gradual progression will contribute to overall strength gains and improved muscle development.

Core Strength: One of the benefits of using a weighted vest is that it forces the core musculature to never stop firing. "If you're a newbie and you rely too much on weights, it's really easy to be lazy with your core when doing moves like biceps curls or bench presses," explains Samuel. "By using bodyweight to build muscle, you ensure you're developing solid core strength." And so, incorporating a weighted vest into bodyweight exercises engages your core stabilizing muscles more effectively. As you progressively overload these exercises, your core is continuously challenged, leading to enhanced core strength and stability.

Conditioning: Incorporating a weighted vest into your endurance exercise regimen, whether that’s jogging, hiking, or running, can certainly increase your overall conditioning. You can build stamina without a weighted vest, but by adding extra load, you're conditioning your body to achieve a certain level of movement with extra weight. Later, when you remove that load, and you can expect to feel faster and stronger. This is especially true once you build up to using a more substantial weighted vest (say, more than 5-10 pounds), but keep in mind, heavier isn't always better.

Cardiovascular Fitness:From your muscles and joints to your respiratory and cardiovascular systems, adding extra weight to your body while working out ups the ante. With consistent use of a weighted vest, your entire body—and that's including your heart—grows accustomed to the additional weight. The result? A stronger, healthier, more fit aerobic capacity to help you go the distance (literally).

Are Weighted Vests Good for Training?

By adding extra weight to the body during exercise, a vest can increase the resistance and intensity of the exercise. As a result, your muscles and cardiovascular system have to work harder, making your training session more intense and efficient. This can lead to enhanced muscle recruitment and burning more calories, which is an appealing prospect for just about anyone, regardless of fitness level and goals.

You can add a vest into your current training routine just to up the intensity, or try it out with a fresh program of the best weighted vest exercises.

What is the Best Weight for a Weighted Vest?

For people who are just starting to use a weighted vest, it's recommended to start with a vest that weighs between 5-10% of their body weight. This allows the body to adjust to the added weight and prevents injury or strain.

A weight of 10-15% body weight may be a good choice for those with a bit more experience in the gym. Keep in mind: Regardless of fitness level, using a vest that is too heavy can result in a skewed center of gravity and potentially place stress on the body in unexpected places.

Why You Can Trust Us

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. Our writers and editors thoughtfully select experts for collaboration on product recommendations, and are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality.

Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.

How We Selected the Best Weighted Vests

For the past few years, we consulted with Men's Health's Fitness editors and writers on the best weighted vests for men. Experts including our fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, and Fitness and Commerce Editor Talene Appleton, NASM, put weighted vests from top brands through the wringer to evaluate their fit, weight amount and type, and performance. The list above represents our carefully curated picks for the best weighted vests of 2024.

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