Choosing the best weighted vest relies primarily on your fitness goals and current fitness level. But whatever it is that you do—be it running, regular strength training, CrossFit, or resistance training—adding a weight vest to your workout regimen proves to be beneficial in many ways.
These vests revolutionized training technology, but with the myriad of available options, it can be quite challenging to select the right one. This article provides a breakdown of the top weighted vests on the market to help you find the one that best suits your needs.
Best Weighted Vests Comparison Table
Picture | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
 | ZFOsports | |
 | Tone Fitness | |
 | RUNFast | |
 | Hyperwear | |
 | Mir |
A Quick Look at the Best Weighted Vest
ZFOsports Weighted Vest is an affordable yet highly durable vest. It comes in a universal one-size-fits-all option and is suitable for both genders.
Tone Fitness Weighted Vest is a cost-effective vest that is made with neoprene material, making it superbly comfortable to wear.
RUNFast/Max Pro Weighted Vest comes in a range of weight limits and is ideal for those looking to add significant extra weight to their workout routine.
Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO Unisex is available in various sizes (S to XXL) to cater to many body types. Its design provides superior adjustability and comfort.
Mir Adjustable Weighted Vest is a compact vest with a short form front which allows for more freedom in movement. It offers comfort and durability.
Reviews of the Best Weighted Vest
The ZFO sports weighted vest is a top-rated product, boasting a sheer number of positive reviews on Amazon. It is a one-size-fits-all set-up and comes with 40 lbs. of weights. Perfect for any body type.
This vest is a bargain compared to other vests in the category. Nevertheless, it is high-quality, durable, and allows for easy and quick adding and removing of weights.
However, this vest tends to be a bit bulky. If size is a concern for you, then this may not be your best option. But all in all, it’s a smart choice that will give you numerous benefits at an affordable price.
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The Tone Fitness 12-pound vest is one of the most cost-effective yet durable options on the list. It comes with a clip that can be adjusted for comfort and it can be used for a variety of workouts and activities.
This product offers superior comfort, thanks to the soft neoprene material it is made from. One downside of this vest is that you can’t add weights to it so it may not be suitable for advanced sports enthusiasts.
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This weighted vest comes in about 9 weight limits, ranging from 12 lbs. to 140 lbs. Therefore, if you’re looking for a vest with extreme weight, this can be a good match for you.
RUNFast weighted vest features optional shoulder pads. Its weight slots and straps are held together using Velcro straps. However, this vest may not work on huge people (for instance, people who stand more than 6 feet and weigh over 200lbs) and tends to fit far better on small and average-sized individuals.
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Hyper Vest Pro comes in a variety of sizes, from small to XX-large, making it suitable for different body types. It comes with 10lbs high-density steel weights and it is designed for both men and women.
The string weave design on both sides allows for greater adjustability and breathability. You can easily wear it under any article of clothing. This vest, however, is on the more expensive side of the spectrum.
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This is another one-size-fits-all vest. It comes with 50lbs of weight to which you can add 10lbs to get 60lbs total weight. Though it packs a lot of weight, it is durable and extremely comfortable.
This vest has a short front design, about 11” in length, which lets you move more freely. One of its shortcomings is that the adjustment straps can be difficult to fasten and adjust.
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In fact, a study shows that by using a weighted vest during a standing workout, you can burn more calories by up to 12%.
Why You Should Use a Weighted Vest During Workouts
- It boosts fat burn. Intensity is the key to fast and efficient weight loss. Putting more intensity to your workout by adding weight forces your body to create longer-lasting changes in your cells, which in turn encourages fat burn and makes you leaner.
- It improves bone and muscle strength. Wearing a weighted vest while exercising pushes your muscles to develop in order to support your “new” body weight. Your bones also respond to this pressure by creating more bone density.
This results in denser connective tissues and bones, and a stronger overall musculoskeletal system. With these, your future movements and workouts will become easier and your risks of injury will be reduced.
- It helps develop agility. A study from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning shows that wearing weighted vest while training improves agility-related performance in younger men. Many other studies also found that it can enhance neuro-muscular performance in adults.
- It increases core strength and endurance. Adding weight on your torso while holding a plank or maintaining your balance wakes up your abdominal muscles by urging your core to balance and carry the heavier load. Even if you’re not performing a core workout, you will feel the difference on your abs when you wear a weighted vest.
- It enhances your cardio capacity. In a study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology, endurance athletes who wore a weighted vest during training ran upstairs better, ran longer distances until exhaustion, and had improved VO2 max (maximum oxygen consumption) than those who didn’t.
Things to Consider When Buying a Weighted Vest
- Material: Look for a weighted vest made of tough material that is resistant to tear but offers comfort at the same time. It can be nylon, neoprene, or Cordura fabric. Regardless of the material used, it is advisable that you carry a sleeved t-shirt under your vest when exercising.
Sweating often draws bacteria and the last thing you need when training is an infection or any other health issue.
- Adjustability: Adjustability is the ability to remove or add resistance or weight. Check whether the vest has an extra slip or hook for weights or other training equipment.
Also, choose a vest that can be easily adjusted without requiring too much movement.
- Functionality: Choose a weighted vest that is suitable for your current fitness level and goals. Are you a weightlifter or a professional athlete? Or do you need a vest simply for your everyday workout?
- Fit and Comfort: Finding the right fit is important. While many vests come in a one-size-fits-all option, some models offer a more varied sizing options or multiple sizing straps.
Any vest that makes you feel uncomfortable or causes blisters while exercising is ranked bad. Opt for one that allows you to perform challenging moves without the hassle.
- Durability: Belt and/or buckle may require more time to put on or off but it is generally more durable. While Velcro closure can be taken on and off much quickly, it starts to rub after some time.
- Price/Quality Ratio: A cheap product has its own advantages but it comes with shortcomings as well. Choose a weighted vest that offers the best value for your money and that satisfies your personal needs without compromising on quality.
Conclusion
All things considered, the clear winner of this round-up is ZFOsports Weighted Vest. It offers the perfect balance between cost and performance. It is comfortable, made of high-quality material, and provides the benefits expected from a first-rate product. Although it comes in a universal size, it appears to suit practically all body types as indicated in its Amazon reviews.
Hopefully, we were able to help you find the best weighted vest that suits your individual needs. After viewing all the information in this article, you should now be able to identify which product you should click that ‘Buy Now’ button for. Good luck and stay fit and awesome!
Image credits: Amazon.com
