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What Is the Best Weighted Vest for Workout, Crossfit and Running? Read Our Weight Vest Review
If you want to kick your workouts into overdrive and gain more lean muscle, you are right to shop for a weighted vest. But don’t just purchase any model you come across. You have to consider factors such as your body size, the material used, the type of training you conduct, and, of course, the weight of the vest.
If you want to gain muscles and look like one of those bodybuilders on the TV, pick one with considerable weight. Just don’t put lots of weight on your body that you cannot handle. Psst... for those of you who can handle 100lbs weighted vests or even heavier, here's a few to consider.
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Our Top Choice
The V-Force weight vest is a great option for those looking to build muscles and get rid of extra fat. It comes with a weight of 45 lbs to make working out even more effective. Looking for a similar quality workout vest for women? Check out the
ATIVAFIT Sport Weighted Vest available in your choice of 8 or 19 pound.
V-Force Workout Weight Vest Up to 45 lbs – Made in USA, One Size Fits All with Choice of Wide and Narrow, Available in 7 Colors
Features
Weight Vest started in 1981 with the popular V-Max weight vest, and since then has grown in leaps and bounds. Its main objective has always been to produce excellent, if not the best, American-made weighted vests for its users.
The V-Force weight vest is built using some of the highest-quality materials and full-body camouflage. You wouldn’t be wrong to describe it as a military-grade vest – except it’s meant for the gym and not the battle field. It is designed in a way that it keeps the weight off your stomach, targeting only your core muscles.
Retailing at around $209.95, we can assure you that this vest will help you reach your workout goals quicker. Some of the features you will be looking to get include:
- Compact design and comfortable
- Made in USA
- Fully padded shoulders and body
- Comes with a 2-inch signature belt for easy adjusting
- Durable materials that are also moisture resistant
- 45 lbs of cast iron
- The vest doesn’t fall apart, sag or stretch
- A size that can fit anybody
- Lifetime warranty by the manufacturer
Best Value
The 40LBs Adjustable Weighted Vest is a good model for those looking to achieve more with their workouts, without spending a fortune. Looking for a much smaller unisex vest with less maximum weight at a good price? We recommend that you check out the
ZFOsports Short Weighted Vest adjustable weighted vest.
ZFO Sports Adjustable Weighted Vest - 40 lbs Weights Included, One Size Fits Most Weighted Workout Vest
Features
ZFO Sports has many years of experience making top-of-the-line fitness products. You can buy any of their products with confidence because the brand puts the interest of the customer ahead of anything else.
The 40LBs Adjustable Weighted Vest weighs an incredible 40 pounds and is designed to stay tight and contour to your body, whether you are doing basic workouts or intense ones for that matter. The unique thing about this model is it is designed for both men and women and the weights are removable. Although it fits tightly on your body, it still allows you to breathe and move easily.
Retailing at just $77.99, there’s a good reason why we recommend this weighted vest for those who want the best value for their buck. Here are some of the features which made us think this is a great weight vest for the price:
- Adjustable weights in 2.5 lbs increments
- 40 lbs maximum weight limit
- A size that fits all
- Comes with a detailed instruction booklet to make the vest easy to use
If you are up for the challenge and don’t mind working out with 40 lbs on your body, then the Box Weight Vest is ideal for you. However, if you’re looking for a gym vest for all genders, and one with a lower maximum weight? Take a look at the
Box 20 Lb Super Short Adjustable Weight Vest which comes in a dozen different colors.
Box 45 LB Weight Vest – Adjustable Weight, Made in USA, One Size Fits Most Crossfit Weight Vest, Available in 8 Colors
Features
Box is a big manufacturer of professional-grade weighted vests. From models with a maximum weight of 20 lbs to those with 50 lbs and anything in between, there’s no doubt you will get a good fit for your workout needs.
The Box Weight Vest is designed with a trainer in mind. It comes with a clamp belt system that allows the vest to be easily adjusted to handle a number of workouts and a narrow design for both the body and shoulders to allow for overhead arm movements. It’s compact and comfortable as well to allow you to wear it for hours, without exerting more pressure than is needed.
Retailing at around $199.95, this vest could be viewed as a bit expensive, but if you are serious about maximizing your workout efforts, the price tag shouldn’t matter. Here are the features this vest has in store for you:
- Fully padded shoulders and body
- Compact design for comfort
- Clamp-belt system to allow for easy adjustment
- Durable materials that are also moisture-resistant
- 50 lbs of cast iron weight which can be removed in 2.5 lbs increments
- Doesn’t fall apart, sag or stretch
- A size that firs all
- Made in the US
- A lifetime warranty
This weighted vest comes in a wide range of colors/finishes to suit different users. While we featured the Bordeaux finish, you could get it with anywhere from coyote tan to sunshine.
The Pro Weight Vest features a maximum weight of 45 pounds to give you more resistant when training. MiR also has heavier weighted vests for men, as well as ones for women. For example, the
miR Womens Weighted Vest adjusts between 10 and 50 pounds.
MiR 45 LBS Vest Pro Slim Vest – Long Style Unisex Adjustable Weigh Vest, One Size Fits Most
Features
MiR Weighted Vest makes one thing and makes it good. The brand specializes on weighted vests, putting all its energy into creating some of the best models in the market. From the designing to the manufacturing, it creates a unit that ensures you a durable, safe and more reliable vest to handle your workouts.
The Pro Weight Vest is a heavy duty vest that can handle just about any brutal workout, yet it retails at less than $100. It’s referred to as a slim vest because of its compact design and new, inviting look! Made from 1200D-nylon, the vest can handle even Navy Seal training, wrestling and basketball shooting.
If you are looking for a quality weighted vest that’s affordable, then we suggest that you grab the Pro Weight Vest today. Here are some of the reasons why we say this:
- Quality reinforced nylon material with double padding
- 45 lbs (maximum) MiR weights, with an increment of 1.5 lbs
- A Velcro belt for a perfect fit
The Fun and Function Weight Vest is designed to for people who need help focusing. It’s available in a number of sizes to suit anyone who wants a therapeutic weighted vest. Want a different model with graphics? Check out the
Peace Graphic Weighted Vest. It’s also available in X-small, small and medium sizes.
Fun and Function Weighted Compression Vest for Kids – Steady Proprioceptive Input, Sizes for Children and Adults, Multiple Colors and Styles
Features
Fun and Function has been in operation for years, producing quality kid-friendly tools. The developer has a rich history in therapy, and uses his vast knowledge to make each of the products the brand releases into the market. Everything Fun and Function makes is meant to offer real therapeutic and developmental differences in the lives of kids all the way to adulthood.
While we were conducting our research, we thought – why not offer a weighted vest that your kid can use from the toddler age to adulthood? The Fun and Function Weight Compression Vest is a therapeutic vest that provides calming benefits with deep pressure. There are sizes available for kids and adult as well, so if you want to enjoy the same calming effect you can get your size on Amazon!
Depending upon the size, this vest has is about $70 retail, which is a fair price for a vest that offers therapeutic effects. Some of features it has in store for you include:
- Recommended by top therapists for attention and sensory disorders
- Cool design
- The weight functions as a deep reassuring hug
- Chest sizes range between 23” to 30:, and fits kids with the ages of 6 to 9 years
- Pressure can be removed or intensified by altering the tightness via the loop and hook closures
While we featured one of the kid’s models, which come in chest sizes ranging from 23” to 30”, you can also get this vest in other sizes as well. You can choose between XX-small (for 18 months +), X-small (2 to 4 years), Small (5-8 years), Medium (9+ years), Large (adult) and X-Large (adult). Fun and Function makes therapeutic compression vests in different colors and designs.
Best Weight Vest Buying Guide - How to Choose the Right Equipment for a Weighted Vest Workout
Do you want to step up your training regimen? Then you definitely need a weighted vest. Not only will it add extra weight to your body, but it will also create resistance for your body during the training. It is quite an innovative way of improving your workout, and it will make you work harder and enjoy the final results.
If you work out daily or weekly, but you don't see results anymore, it's high time you consider getting a weighted vest that will push you to the limits. These vests are great for building up strength in your muscles and for endurance.
For great results, you should also consider ankle weights to tone your leg muscles, a resistance band that you can carry around with you anywhere for exercise help, and an ab belt that will build abdominal muscles and core strength.
Video: Weighted Vest Training Benefits
Benefits of Using a Weighted Vest. | Courtesy of Criticalbench
Price
Weighted vests are not that expensive. Depending on their materials and style, they'll cost you between $60 and $250. For around $60, you can get a vest that is easy to set up, and that comes with pockets for your smartphone or music device. If your budget is larger, for around $250 you can get a weighted vest that is specifically designed for a certain sport, and is easy to maintain and to clean.
It's good to ignore cheap weighted vests, as they're made of poor quality materials and won't offer the same advantages as quality ones.
Features
A weighted vest helps you build strength faster, and will definitely increase the number of calories you burn in a workout. You'll have to wear it around your torso to add more weight to your body, increasing the resistance to your exercises. It will allow you to perform a wide range of exercises, such as pull-ups, running, climbing, and more.
Here are some important features to consider when getting the right one:
- Material: The material of the weighted vest you're choosing has to be durable and moisture-resistant, and also breathable.
- Size: The weighted vest has to fit your body, and not be too loose, or tight enough to cut off circulation. Always make the right measurements and get that one that fits your body type best.
- Weight: Choosing the right weight of the vest depends on your own weight and, of course, the activity you want to use it for. If you're a light exerciser, 10 pounds is likely good enough for you. If you're looking to increase your strength, you can go for heavier models.
- Extra Features: There are some extra features to look for in weighted vests, such as shoulder padding, full padded vests, pockets, and more.
Construction and Design
Before getting a weighted vest, you must first pick the activity you want to use it for. If you're going to use it for running, it isn't good to go for a bulky weighted vest. Even if it will offer you great results, it won't be comfortable and will eventually rub on your shoulders. Similarly, if you're doing weights, it's good to choose a heavier weighted vest, rather than a lightweight one.
There are weighted vests that feature adjustable weight capacity and allow you to add or remove weight from them. Quality weighted vests have the weights distributed evenly between the front and the back, so make sure you remove the right weight from them.
Weighted vests feature adjustment straps and are contoured to your body shape. There are models with such great designs that you can't tell if someone is wearing them.
Video: Weighted Vest HIIT Workout
Weighted Vest Home Workout. | Courtesy of Funk Roberts
Performance and Ease of Use
Weighted vests improve neuromuscular activity and performance in anyone. You don't have to be a professional athlete to use them or benefit from them. You can use them to do cardiovascular training, for a workout circuit, and even to go for a weighted walk or hike. While they boost your strength and endurance, they will also help with any weight loss efforts.
These vests also improve bone density. They encourage better posture, as they distribute weight evenly on your upper body, therefore encouraging you to stand straight.
Get the Best Weighted Vest of 2023!
Weighted vests look like Army gear or a life jacket. They are extremely effective for those who want to maximize their workout regimes and add some muscles to their body. We believe we have offered a helping hand in your efforts to take your training to another level with a quality weighted vest. You can now hit the gym and make your efforts more worthwhile!
Our Top Choice
V-Force Short Adjustible Weighted Vest
Best Value
ZFO Sports Adjustable Weighted Vest
Box Adjustable Weighted Workout Vest
MiR Pro Slim Weighted Workout Vest
Fun and Function Compression Weight Vest
Weighted Vest FAQs
How to use a weighted vest
To use a weighted vest, you need to master the basics, such as doing bodyweight exercises. That includes doing treadmill runs, push-ups, squats, get-ups, and reverse lunges while wearing the weighted vest. Alternatively, you could wear a vest and go on a walk, hike, bike ride, weight lifting, or do chores. All of these are exercises that can enable you to get the most from your weighted vest.
What are the benefits of wearing a weighted vest?
Wearing a weighted vest comes with many benefits, including helping you to develop strength and endurance. It also makes your cardio workouts very beneficial. That’s because the additional weight influences how your muscles experience stress and strain. Thus, it helps you exert more force, leading to faster burning of the stored energy. It also affects your breathing patterns and the amount of oxygen intake during the workout.
How much does a weighted vest cost?
The cost of a weighted vest ranges from $35 to $200, depending on the brand, built, model, and so on. Therefore, you could pay more or less when you consider all of these things.
Where to buy a weighted vest?
You can buy a weighted vest from online stores, including the industry-leading Amazon. Here, you will find a variety of products as well as unbeatable deals. If you are looking for weighted vests to buy, we have reviewed some of the best.
