Using one of the best weighted vests you’ll find below is among the easiest and most inexpensive ways of stepping up weight training and fitness. They’re available in various shapes, sizes, and designs but what is paramount is the benefits they bring.
Their popularity has grown recently, and they are no longer limited to just being used by professional athletes since they are more efficient than most weight belts.
These weight vests are an excellent passive way to build muscles gradually, and also serve as powerful supplementary tool for fitness buffs and professional athletes. Additionally, those suffering from osteoporosis, osteopenia, and a few other conditions will find them beneficial.
10 Best Weighted Vests Examined
The following are reviews of the most premium weighted vests for burning calories and building strength.
If you’re wondering what types of workouts you can do with a weight vest, Check out some of the many weighted vests workouts out there for you to try in this Men’s Fitness article.
#10 – CAP Barbell Weighted Vest
PROS
- It is unisex
- It is simple
- It is comparably affordable
CONS
- It cannot be adjusted to beyond 20 pounds
The CAP Barbell Weighted Vest adds up to 20 pounds of resistance to cardio workouts. It is made using breathable mesh for ventilation and includes adjustable clips to match an individual’s body type.
This vest is weight adjustable and comes with 0.75-pound steel shot packets that can be added up to 20 pounds.It measures 15 x 17 x 5 inches and features a one-size-fits-all design. As customary with CAP Barbell, this particular vest employs high-quality neoprene padding for extra comfort.
There is also an integrated pocket for a cell phone or an MP3 player/iPod and includes reflective safety strips for safety.
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#9 – Everlast Weighted Vest
PROS
- Adjustable straps
- Suits even beginners
- Commendable comfort
CONS
- The weights are not adjustable
The Everlast Weighted Vest is a lightweight vest that is used for a plethora of exercises. It is the perfect choice for walkers, joggers, or runners who want to add a little resistance.
It weighs between 10 to 20 pounds and retails at very affordable prices.
For comfort, it makes use of neoprene and includes a belt strap for keeping the weights in place. Also noteworthy is the Evergrip technology feature that limits the vest’s movements.
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#8 – HumanX Weight Vest
PROS
- Easy to wash
- Compact design
- Allows for maximum mobility
CONS
- Shoulder straps offer little to no padding
The HumanX weighted vest is simply designed with no frills and is available in three weight variations:
- 10 pounds
- 20 pounds
- and 40 pounds.
Its compact design makes use of stretching materials to allow it to fit snug on the user’s body. A wide shoulder opening enhances the trainer’s mobility, and the easy wash/dry feature lets him/her get rugged with peace of mind.
There are three allowances for weight increments – one for each weight rating. They are 5 pounds, 11 pounds, and 21 pounds for the 10-pound, 20-pound, and 40-pound vests respectively.
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#7 – Empower Women’s Weighted Fitness Vest
PROS
- Fashionable
- Allows for versatility
- Easy to clean
- Evenly distributed resistance
CONS
- Tightening straps could be better
The Empower Women’s Weighted Fitness Vest enables users to burn more calories in comfort. Designed for female fitness enthusiasts, it is chic and made of stretchy neoprene fabric for comfort.
Conveniently, it has a pocket for mobile devices. This vest is recommended for virtually any physical activity including:
- jogging
- aerobics
- housework
- walking
- squats and lunges
- and even yard work.
It comprises durable clips that keep the vest secure throughout the workout routine, and its adjustable X- shape allows it to fit most body types comfortably.
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#6 – ZFOsports® – ADJUSTABLE WEIGHTED VEST (60lbs)
PROS
- Tough and durable
- Attractive bulletproof vest-like design
- Great for longer torsos
- Built-in weights
CONS
- Rather bulky
The ZFOsports® weighted vest is designed to contour to your body and stay tight even under the most extreme workouts. It can be used for both men and women and is priced to accommodate most budgets.
It is reliable, snug, and allows users to remove or add individual weighted bags to achieve the desired resistance.
It comes with a Velcro belt for fastening it close to the torso. This vest does not compromise on bio-mechanics and, depending on use, helps the user to gain speed, build muscle, accelerate weight loss, increase strength and speed, and improve respiration.
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#5 – CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest
PROS
- Open size ventilation
- Full torso design
- Large, durable straps
- Even weight distribution in front and back
CONS
- Not suitable for beginners
This particular CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest is unlike most on the market. It is designed to be tough and rugged using military grade materials for longer service.
With a minimum weight capability of 40 pounds and maximum resistance of 150 lbs, this vest is meant for serious weight trainers only.
It is fitted with large straps to enable it to contour to the trainer’s body and prevent sliding around during workout sessions. It provides a full torso design to accommodate bulkier, larger bodies.
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#4 – Cross 101 Adjustable Weighted Vest
PROS
- Sensible weight increments
- Durable and reliable
- Unisex design
CONS
- Not suitable for running as weights slide up and down
The Cross 101 Adjustable Weighted Vest comes with ten 4-pound iron core weights to provide up to 40 pounds of resistance to a wide variety of trainers.
It offers perfect length for both tall and short users of both genders. It features a one-piece Velcro belt design for convenience, and its fitting allows a single size to fit most body types.
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#3 – RUNFast/Max Pro Weighted Vest
PROS
- Includes weights
- A wide weight range
- Includes a manufacturer warranty
CONS
- The 10-pound vest is nonadjustable
The RUNFast/Max Pro Weighted Vest is an excellent vest for strength training, cross training, and many other exercises. It gives trainers the freedom to choose the weight that best suits their workout.
It is available in 10-pound, 20-pound, 40-pound, 50-pound, and 60-pound models although it cannot be adjusted in the lowest trim. It includes a one-year manufacturer guarantee, and one size fits most body types.
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#2 – Tone Fitness Weighted Vest
PROS
- Storage compartment
- Excellent breathability
- Flexibility
CONS
- It is not adjustable
The Tone Fitness Weighted Vest comes with an abundance of features, high ratings, and an attractive price. It is great for both short and long torsos and is composed of neoprene material for comfortability and flexibility.
It includes a pocket for a music player or smartphone and reflective strips for night walks. It offers a 12-pound resistance and is, therefore, perfect for beginners.
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#1 – Best Weighted Vest – Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO Unisex
PROS
- A wide size range
- Superior ventilation
- Durable steel weights
- Machine washable
CONS
- None that stand out.
The Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO Unisex Vest offers a fantastic and flexible design for both men and women. Unlike other vests that provide one size for most body types, this one comes in many sizes ranging from small to XXL.
Its design incorporates an open-side ventilation system, an odor-resistant stretch fabric, and adjustable lacing. It is particularly popular with cross fitters, runners, and sprinters because it conforms to the trainer’s body even after extra weights are added.
It offers a thin profile that makes it difficult to conceal under baggy clothing. It is produced standard with 10 pounds of weight, but trainers can acquire “booster packs” for additional resistance.
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Final Say
Safety is fundamental when it comes to any workout routine. Weighted vests, especially bulky ones, can augment the risk of injury. Some exercises such as pull ups can also cause harm if not performed correctly.
It is essential, therefore, to only use a close-fitting vest with comfortable weight parameters. Trainers should also drink a lot of water and take breaks between workout routines.
