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If you're struggling to push through a fitness plateau, or perhaps press-ups and pull-ups have become too easy, a weighted vest could be just the training tool you need.
Popularised by the CrossFit movement, weighted vests were first used in the legendary Murph workout. This gruelling competition consists of a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and another one-mile run, all completely consecutively.
Weighted vests are an affordable way to enhance the intensity of your workouts. They're highly versatile and, because of their super sleek design, the weighted vest can be worn during any training session. Whether it's a circuit, HIIT, EMOM (every minute on the minute) or AMRAP (as many reps as possible) session that's on the menu, you can throw on a weighted vest to add that extra kick.
Best weighted vests
Right, now you know what a weighted vest can be used for, it's time to check out five of the best weighted vests on the market. These vests have been chosen for this review because they tick one or more of the following criteria.
Rated 4 or more stars
Received plenty of positive customer feedback
Are durable and can withstand tough training sessions
Crafted from premium quality materials
Top weighted vest
Concluding the review, we'll take a look at the Best Weighted Vests Buyer's Guide. Here you'll get a crash course in the different styles of weighted vests. Following the Buyer's Guide, we'll wrap things up with an FAQ. Read to get going? Then read on!
Best weighted vest #1: Surreal
Surreal's weighted vest is a well-rated product that has made people put on weight without making them depressed about the fact. The vast majority of the reviews comment favourably on the quality and durability of this weighted vest; even the reviews that aren’t so favourable still can’t deny the superior build quality of this product. So what’s so good about it? For starters this is one reasonably priced vest.
Many of its competitors are 20-plus pounds more expensive yet offer no additional features. Another positive about Surreal’s weighted vest is that the weights are sandbags as opposed to iron bars.
The problem with iron bars is that they have a tendency to move about and/or work their way out of the pockets. Sandbags not only fit more snugly but they also flex and contort as you move; eminently a good thing when you’re performing a set of 20 crunches.
Top weighted vest key features
Evenly distributed weights, removable sand bags, and adjustable Velcro straps
Additional Shoulder Padding & Strap for Durability and Comfort
One Size Fits All, Padded design for comfort and mobility
Vest does not absorb sweat
Weight options: 5kg, 10kg, 15kg
Price = £69.99
4.5 stars with over 450 reviews
Best weighted vest #2: GRAVITY
GRAVITY is well known for producing high quality, affordable fitness equipment. With this weighted vest they’ve once again proved why they’re still a market leader and favourite amongst fitness enthusiasts. The vast majority of the reviews comment positively on the superior durability and design of GRAVITY's adjustable weighted vest.
Other favourable features of note include the flexible panels, which move with your body, and the removable weights. This, I think, is a must attribute amongst vests.
A fixed weight vest is only ever going to constrict and limit application. But one where you can remove or add weights will enable you to tailor the resistance to suit the session objectives – whether they be strength, muscular endurance or stamina.
Exercise vest key features
20kg vests are adjustable with removable weights to suit your needs.
No weight is placed uncomfortable on your shoulder blades.
Patent pending hyper design keep weight away from arms. One size fits all.
Price = £99
4.5 to 5 stars with over 1100 reviews
Best weighted vest #3: WeRSports XTR
Of the bunch, WeRSports’ weighted vest is both one of the best rated and best value for money. Customers who reviewed this product commented on its durability and quality construction. These are important features that we should look for in a weighted vest.
This is one piece of training kit that tends to take a battering during exercise sessions. If they are made from substandard materials then they’ll end up peeling apart like banana skin; not what you want when you’re hulking yourself into a muscle-up.
By all accounts, this is something you won’t have to worry about with WeRSports’ weighted vest. The majority of the customer reviews comment on the quality of the material and the durability of the design.
Weighted training key features
One size fits all
Will not absorb sweat
This can be used with any exercise
Ultra soft padding
Price = £29.99 to £49.99
4.5 stars with over 350 reviews
Best weighted vest #4: PROIRON
If you’ve ever fantasised about re-enacting that scene from the film Commando, the one where Arnie Schwarzenegger is indiscriminately unleashing blind fury through the short end of an M60 while tossing grenades into flower beds, PROIRON's weighted vest is for you.
From an aesthetic prospective, this is the best of a boring bunch. So even at the end of that body pump class when you’re a blubbering wreck who's starting to melt into blancmange, you’ll still retain a few drops of street cred.
But how does it perform functionally? Well, if customer reviews are anything to go by, this is an extremely durable bit of kit that'll endure any amount of punishment you dare throw at it.
Another feature of note, besides the fact that you’ll strike the appearance of a Starship Trooper, is the Velcro straps, is the super-strong buckles. When you strap on this bad boy, you’ll feel indestructible. And whether it's plyometric squat jumps or burpees into press-ups, PROIRON’s weighted vest will cling to you like s@#t to a blanket.
Training vest key features
The premium weighted vest has been designed and developed with input from top athletes
Constructed from highly durable material
The secure buckle straps provide a comfortable and tailored fit
There are multiple ergonomically placed weight packs, totalling up to 20 kg
Price = £43.99
4.5 stars with over 600 reviews
Best weighted vest #5: Xn8
As you’ll have probably noticed that all the vests thus far reviewed are full vests. Xn8's weighted vest is one of the few half cut designs.
Though the weight capacity does not exceed 10kg, its one limitation, this is the perfect training aid for running and cycling sessions as it marginally increases body weight which means you’ll enjoy strength gains without barely knowing about it.
Adjustable weight vest key features
Increase calorie burn, strength and endurance
Perfect for cycling, walking, running, cardio training, point exercises and more
Hard wearing material designed to last; even weight distribution
Easily adjustable for a comfortable fit
Price = £39.99
4.5 stars with 330 reviews
Benefits of weighted vest
This question can be summed in a simple maxim: train hard fight easy! Let’s imagine for a moment that you’re a boxer. It doesn’t matter if you’re not, we’re merely supposing for illustrative purposes.
If you were to train every session encased in your weighted vest – skipping in your weighted vest, shadow boxing in your weighted vest, bag and pad work in your weighted vest – your musculature will over-compensate and when fight night comes around, and you step in the ring 10-plus-kgs lighter, you really are going to float like a butterfly. Can’t promise that you’ll sting like a bee unfortunately.
Other reported benefits include
Improved power to weight ratio
Increased strength
Improved performance times
Enhanced stamina
Exercising in your training vest
By cycling while wearing a weighted vest I’m purposely decreasing the watt-to-kg ratio thus placing a greater physical demand on my body. Over time, so the theory goes, this will increase not only the power I can exert but also my stamina. Meaning that when I go cycling without a vest, I should be able to maintain a higher speed for longer.
Best weight vest for calisthenics
The same tactic can be applied to calisthenics workouts and other cardiovascular exercises. Prior to pounding the tarmac you could don your vest for that add kick. You could even wear one when you attend Thursday evening’s body pump circuit class.
Irrespective of what physical activity you plan to engage in, you have the option of making it that little bit harder with a weighted vest (with the exclusion of swimming, of course).
Best weighted vest buyer's guide
Before purchasing quite possibly the heaviest item of clothing you’re ever likely to own, you should firstly weigh up which type of vest will best suit you training objectives and exercise discipline. The two types are: 1) full vest, and 2) half vest.
Okay, so the options aren’t as complicated as deciding which investment vehicle is best for your pension plan. But, even when buying a weighted vest, we still do not want to make the wrong decision, especially when we could be spending hours each week wearing it. I will briefly look at each one in turn.
Full vest
These rather look like the waistcoats snooker players wear. The only difference being, instead of finding a pork scratching and a crumpled packet of Lambert and Butler in the pockets, you’ll find an assortment of iron bars or led shot-filled bean bags.
The full vest completely covers your torso rather like a tortoise’s shell. What are the benefits of this design? First, you have the option of including more weight. Second, the weight is evenly distributed around the back and chest. Three, they can fit more securely – which is an important factor. The last thing you want when out on a run is your vest bobbing up and down.
Half vest
The half vest is exactly that – half of the full vest. Whereas with the full vest weights are located at the front and rear, with the half vest they are located solely at the back. The benefits?
A half vest is certainly more favourable for exercises such as running and cycling; on account of the fact that they do not restrict the expansion of the chest when you’re desperately gulping in air. In addition, they do not present the same problem mentioned in the final sentence of the previous paragraph. Downsides? Limited weight capacity.
Weighted vests FAQ
Up to this point, we've reviewed a selection of some of the best weighted vests available. The line-up includes different styles (from full to half weighted vests), load options, and prices. This varied range ensures that you can find the best weighted vest for your training needs and fitness ability.
To conclude this product review, I've answered three frequently asked weighted vest questions. If after reading the FAQ, you're left with any unanswered questions, pop them in the comments box below.
Can weighted vests cause back pain?
If you front-load the vest - that is: put the weights in the front pockets and fail to evenly distribute them - and if you over-load the vest then yes, it is quite possible that pain could manifest in the lumbar region of your back. It is for this reason why, if you are new to using a weighted vest, you should keep the load low, to start off with, and ensure to space the weights around the vest.
Does wearing weighted vests build muscle?
Probably not in any meaningful way no. Let me briefly clarify that rather vague answer. To build muscle, to gain size and mass, the weight must be high, the reps low and rest long. The best way to satisfy this simple muscle building equation is to use heavy training equipment which is typically located in a gym. However, a weighted vest could certainly help you make marginal size gains. For example, you could, when performing a heavy squat or dead lift, don your weighted vest for that extra kick.
Are weighted vests worth it?
That's a difficult question to tackle. Really the answer hinges on how serious you are with your training and how much difference to your life a slight improvement in physicality will make. If you're the type of trainer who enjoys exercise as a means of stress relief, or you do it because the government recommends that you should, then a weighted vest would be a waste of money. This is a fitness accessory for the hardcore trainer who is always striving to eek out that 1% gain.
When should I wear a weighted vest?
Whenever you want! Taking the dog for a walk? Wear your weighted vest. Popping down the local shop for a carton of oat milk? Pop your vest on before you go. Getting off the couch to raid the fridge? Vest! Off to your salsa dance club for an evening of . . . you get the idea.
However, weighted vests are best worn when engaging in exercise. I wear a weighted vest during long cycles in the hope of increasing my power to weight ratio. Over the past ten years professional cycling has gone power to weight ratio mad; more accurately: watts to kilogram. This has become the benchmark of performance metrics and it alone can accurately predict a professional cyclist's placement in the general classifications.
When you get your weighted vest try these 21 CrossFit WODs
About Adam Priest –
A former Royal Marines Commando, Adam Priest is a content writer, college lecturer, and health and fitness coach. He is also a fitness author and contributor to other websites. Connect with Adam at info@hungry4fitness.co.uk.