Add Resistance to Any Workout with these Editor-approved Weight Vests
Whether you’re looking to liven up your lunchtime 5k, add heat to your home workouts or overcome a training plateau (or all of the above), strapping on a weighted vest is one of the easiest ways to fast-track your strength and endurance.
But before strapping on the first vest you see, there are a couple of questions you should consider. For example, what kind of weighted vest do you need? What weighted vest exercises should you be doing in one? And is it even worth complicating your workouts in the first place? If you're worried about any of these questions, we spoke to a personal trainer and transformation coach to get their expert advice.
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In line with their recommendations, we’ve picked our favourite weighted vests for adding resistance to your bodyweight workouts. With everything from lightweight, minimalist vests for beginners to heavy-duty rigs designed to supercharge muscle growth, there’s a training vest in this round-up suitable for every type of workout.
The 9 Best Weighted Vests to Buy in 2024
20KG Adjustable Weight Vest
It's no secret that we're huge fans of Bulldog Gear's kit – click through to see MH's very own fitness editor Andrew Tracey road-test their weighted vests, including this 20kg option. The 18 removable 1kg bricks and 18 pockets distributed across the front and back of the vest make it easy to find a weight that fits your strength and fitness levels, helping you crush even more calories with every WOD. It’s also super comfortable. With a contoured shape, this vest has padded shoulder straps which help to avoid discomfort throughout long sessions.
Adjustable Weight Training Vest
One of the lighter (and more affordable) options on our list, this Decathlon weighted vest lets you adjust the load to fit your workout, holding 6-10kg of removable weight plates flush against your chest and back. The anatomic cut-out shape allows for comfortable movement, so you can dial up the resistance on bodyweight exercises for faster results. Perfect for beginners.
Tactical Weight Vest
Another rugged, robust weighted vest from the team at Bulldog Gear. Made from water-resistant 500D nylon and aerospace mesh, it provides unparalleled airflow to your chest to keep your core temperature in check. The bar system in the previous vest has been replaced by streamlined weight places (up to 9kg/20lb), making it a better fit for certain bodyweight exercises. Great for taking your workouts outdoors.
Hyper Vest Pro
If you’re after a snug-fitting weighted vest, you’ll struggle to find a more comfortable and customisable option than the Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO. This weighted vest features a lace-up design, which means you can easily adjust the fit to suit your preferences. Each vest comes with 10lbs of high-density steel weights and you can add more depending on your needs. The only downside is that additional weights are sold separately.
25L Gym Backpack
Before weighted vests, there was another way to add some bulk to your body weight: rucksacks. This rugged option comfortably holds 15kg, and has adjustable chest and waist straps, too.
Water-resistant and with plenty of pouches and zip pockets, you can pack your life into it – along with the optional 10kg dumbbell or plate. A good option for any expeditions or camping trips.
Duraballistic Weight Vest
This premium weight vest from TRX doesn't compromise on quality. Comprised of 5% kevlar (the stuff that can stop bullets), it's built to handle everything you throw at it, while the high-density foam ensures it maintains its shape over time.
Simply strap on the vest and adjust it to your preferred fit with the velcro cross strap and load it up with 1lb or 2lb weight increments depending on which size you choose.
G-Vest
The Omorpho G-Vest is constructed a little differently to the other options on this list. Its weight is built into the design – spread out evenly – rather than added via plates, making it feel just that bit lighter than its 4.5kg.
Shoulder straps and side-clinch pulls allow for a custom fit, while a companion Omorpho app offers workouts that you can use while training.
Training Weight Vest
The GORUCK Training Weight Vest is exactly what you think of, and want, when it comes to a weighted vest. With a padded panel on the body and shoulder straps for extra comfort when carrying the weights inside, this is well designed creation.
It has been designed to spread the additional weight evenly across your back and sit comfortably during dynamic workouts. It is compatible with 20lb or 30lb Ruck plates, and can be worn on its own, on top of clothing, as well as under uniforms.
Adjustable Weighted Vest
This heavy duty weighted vest can add up to 14kg (that's 32lbs) of resistance to your workout. It weighs 9kg (20lbs) to start, and you can add 0.9kg (2lb) pouches incrementally as you choose. With two large pockets to stash your phone, house keys and wallet, it's ideal for park laps – and the ergonomic design ensures your shoulders and back won't suffer. The only downside is that it comes with a pretty hefty price tag.
Why Wear a Weighted Vest?
The theory is simple. By adding mass to your centre of gravity, 'it effectively feels like you are heavier, so your muscles and cardiovascular system have to do more work,' explains PT and transformation coach Mark Ross. You’ll increase the intensity and efficiency of your training session, supercharge muscle growth and torch a greater number of calories in a shorter amount of time. And who doesn’t want that?
What Exercises Can You Do with a Weighted Vest?
No exercise is safe from the vest’s heart rate-spiking wrath – ‘even the most basic of bodyweight exercises, like squats and press ups,’ Ross explains.
This compact bit of kit is ideal for levelling up your home workouts, especially if you’re short on diverse equipment. ‘Adding a vest to pull-ups, split squats, bear crawls and mountain climbers give an extra push if the intensity is needed,’ he adds.
If you’re feeling particularly masochistic, you might be tempted to strap on a vest and tackle hill sprints straight off the bat. Fine if you’re already fit, but beginners should steer clear – or risk injury. ‘If your body is new to exercise, your joints won’t be used to impact movements, so you don’t need to add excess weight on top,’ says Ross. If you already worship at the altar of CrossFit, nailing your form is crucial to keep back pain at bay.
Which Weighted Vest Should You Buy?
When the time comes to part with your hard-earned cash, what should you look for? ‘The best-weighted vests let you move freely and have adjustable straps,’ Ross says. ‘You don’t want to have to stop and move it around when you are fully zoned-in and training hard.’ Adjustable weights are a bonus since you can add more ‘as you grow stronger and adapt,’ he says. But as a rule of thumb, it shouldn’t exceed 10% of your body weight.
Ready to kick your training into overdrive with a weighted vest? You needn’t look like you just stumbled out of the nearest army training centre – unless that’s the look you’re going for. From stylish ergonomic vests to heavy-duty options, we’ve picked out 13 of the best-weighted vests for every workout. Strap in.
10 Best Moves for Your Weighted Vest Workout
Perform the following moves as a circuit, completing one set of 10 reps before moving on to the next. Complete 2-5 rounds depending on your ability.
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