Weighted vests are popular training tools for a wide variety of fitness enthusiasts. They can be great for conditioning, general strength training, and adding a level of toughness to any form of workout. Another awesome benefit of weighted vests is that they can be transported nearly everywhere and add more depth to your workouts. 

If you’re fresh on the market for a weighted vest, but don’t know where to start, then sit back and relax because we got you covered. We assessed some of the market’s best weighted vest options and analyzed what workouts, populations, and needs each vest matches best. 

Editor’s Choice

ZFOsports Weighted Vest

The ZFOsports Weighted Vest is an awesome option for the casual fitness enthusiast. This vest is designed to fit most, so every body type can benefit with this vest. Additionally, this vest has multiple pockets for phones, water bottles, and so forth. 

ZFOsports Weighted Vest Pros

• Easily scalable weight.
• Fits most body types. 
• Multiple pockets for water bottles and so forth. 

ZFOsports Weighted Vest Cons

• Takes a fair amount of time to break in.

Best for Casual Workouts

Mir Air Flow Weighted Vest

The Mir Air Flow Weighted Vest is a good option for the recreational fitness enthusiast that likes to do dynamic workouts. This vest’s star player is its design, as it fits very snug to the body. However, the strap system does make it slightly difficult to use for athletes without assistance. 

Mir Air Flow Weighted Vest Pros

• Form fits the body well. 
• Great for a variety of training options. 
• Breathable option.

Mir Air Flow Weighted Vest Cons

• Poor strapping design. 

Best for Running

Aduro Sport Weighted Vest

The Aduro Sport Weighted Vest is an awesome option for the fitness enthuasist that loves running with a weighted vest. This vest has a minimalist design and generally fits perfectly without impeding running progress. Additionally, this vest has a lifetime warranty. 

Aduro Sport Weighted Vest Pros

• Great minimalist design.
• Durable and decently cost-efficient. 
• Lifetime warranty. 

Aduro Sport Weighted Vest Cons

• Limited on loading potential. 

Best for Budget

RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest

The RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest is a solid pick for budget-friendly casual fitness enthusiasts. This vest has multiple pockets, is designed to fit most body types, and doesn’t break the bank. In addition, this vest is breathable, so it’s a great outdoor training option. 

RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest Pros

• Cost-efficient option. 
• Fits most body types. 
• Breathable and durable. 

RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest Cons

• Not the best for scaling weight. 

Best for Outdoors

CROSS101 Adjustable Camouflage Weighted Vest

The CROSS101 Adjustable Camouflage Weighted Vest is a great option for the fitness enthusiast that loves to train outside. This vest’s material is durable and it comes with multiple pockets for water bottles and storing keys and other items you’d want to bring along for an outdoor workout. 

CROSS101 Adjustable Camouflage Weighted Vest Pros

• Durable material.
• Easy to scale weight with. 
• Multiple pockets. 

CROSS101 Adjustable Camouflage Weighted Vest Cons

• Might be a little large for smaller individuals. 

How We Picked

Activity

If you’ve ever trained with a weighted vest, then you know how frustrating it can be using a vest that isn’t designed to take on the activity at hand. The uncomfortable chafing, sliding around, and moving up and down is far from great when trying to excel in a workout, and that’s why activity needs are our first assessment. 

Every weighted vest in our line-up was selected based on what activities they benefit certain athletes best in. For example, lighter vests with less material were selected for more cardio-based activities, while heavier vests that have the capability of being loaded more were selected for more strength and conditioning workouts. 

Material and Design

Once we’ve decided what activities vests perform best in, we move on to their material and design. Multiple factors come into play when carrying out this assessment such as overall material structure, stitching, straps, and pockets. We always look for vests that are made out of materials that are generally accommodating on the skin and double-stitching for durability purposes. 

Construction aspects like straps and pockets are worth considering when it comes to how a vest fits and what additional levels of functionality it can provide. For example, if the vest has additional pockets, then it’s typically a good vest for outdoor use because you can store water bottles, keys, and other things easily. In addition, straps are useful to pay attention to when it comes to the security the vest can provide. 

BarBend Tips

1. Pay Attention to Sizing

When it comes to finding the perfect weighted vest, the first aspect you should consider is sizing. A great vest is only great if it fits perfectly, so play close attention to how a vest is sized and measure your chest, torso, and shoulder dimensions beforehand. 

2. Choose the Proper Weight

A beginner mistake is buying a vest that is slightly too heavy for their needs. If you invest in a vest that has a set weight, then be objectively mindful of your abilities and the activities you plan to use the vest with. Vests that you can scale weight with are a little easier to avoid this problem with, but it’s still worth considering. 

Wrapping Up

Weighted vests are great training tools for a wide variety of workout needs. Whether you’re working on conditioning, trying to improve overall strength, or building an extra level of your toughness in your workouts, then a weighted vest can be a useful strategy to employ.