We all know how important strength training is, but if you’re like me, someone who loves being outdoors and dislikes spending hours in the gym, you might be looking for creative ways to add resistance to your daily walks or pilates sessions.
While I am working in the house or doing pilates workouts, I love wearing ankle weights. With my strength improving, I would love to add something even heavier to my dog walks, runs, and hikes. I am on a search for the best weighted vests for walking and other training that will help me get the best out of my workouts.
TL;DR
Best weighted vest for walking and running: ONETWOFIT Adjustable Weighted Vest
Best budget: Renoj Weighted Vest
- Best for women: ZELUS Weighted Vest Z-fit
Best premium weighted vest: OMORPHO G-Vest Icon
Weighted Vest Benefits:
Wearing a weighted vest adds more resistance to your movements, making your exercise more challenging without changing the technique or difficulty. With added weight, the heart and lungs work harder to supply oxygen to the muscles. The pressure from a weighted vest helps maintain or even increase bone density.
I have been researching whether weighted vests are worth investing in, and here are some great benefits proven by science:
Studies show that exercising with a weighted vest can improve:
- running performance (1)
- leg stiffness (1)
- Repeated change-of-direction ability that is great for sports like soccer or tennis (2)
- strength(3)
- aerobic ability (3)
- Balance and bone density, especially in older women(4)
Note: Heavier vests may increase fatigue and reduce endurance (5). Start light and build gradually.
What To Look For When Choosing The Best Weighted Vest?
- Fit. Look for adjustable straps and a design that conforms comfortably to your body shape.
- Weight. Match the vest to your activities. You will need a lighter vest for running and a heavier one for strength training. Start with a lower weight if you’re new to strength training. The weight should be up to 10% of your body weight. My recommendation is to get an adjustable weight vest that you can modify to your needs.
- Aesthetic: Let’s be honest, some weighted vests look like battle gear. Choose one you’ll want to wear and won’t feel silly in.
- Durability. I’ll only recommend vests with great user reviews and proven quality.
- Price. Whether you’re splurging or just testing, I’ll include great options for every budget.
With all that in mind, let’s take a look at the best weighted vests for walking, running, and everyday strength training, tailored to your goals and lifestyle.
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The Best Weighted Vests For Walking and Running
RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest
A very sturdy, good-quality weighted vest for running with equal weight distribution. It features: a Phone pocket and a water bottle holder.
Weight Capacity: 12lbs/ 20lbs/ 40lbs/ 50lbs/ 60lbs
Weight Type: N/A
Adjustable weight: Yes
Materials: Nylon
Pros:
- Offers a lifetime warranty
Weights can be added or removed at any time for any workouts
Almost no bouncing
Cons:
- Bulky
- It can be uncomfortable on the shoulders. Some users suggest buying the shoulder pads.
APEXUP Weighted Vest
It is not too bulky, and it is a weighted vest for running or walking. Features a back mesh pocket, reflective straps, and is available in 19 different colors and patterns.
Weight Capacity: 5lbs, 10lbs, 15lbs, 20lbs, 25lbs, 30lbs
Weight Type: Iron sand
Adjustable weight: No
Materials: Neoprene
Pros:
- Breathable design
- Affordable
- Great for larger breasts
- durable and comfortable
Cons:
- Weight is not adjustable, so you need to buy a new vest for each weight
- Some users report a strong smell
PROIRON Weighted Vest
If you are looking for a weighted vest for running that will fit perfectly and last a long time, this vest is a great choice.
Weight Capacity: 6.5lbs, 11lbs, 17.5lbs, 22lbs
Weight Type: Soft iron
Adjustable weight: No
Materials: Breathable Lycra and mesh
Pros:
- 180-day customer satisfaction guarantee
- Reflective surface
- Comfortable and breathable design
- Washable
Cons:
- You might need to wear a t-shirt underneath to prevent irritation.
- non-adjustable weight
ONETWOFIT Adjustable Weighted Vest
Removable silicone weights that are flexible, therefore the vest is not as stiff as with metal weights. Removable reflective strips for outdoor running and walking.
Weight Capacity: 3 weight range options (2-19 lbs, 2-35 lbs, 2-45 lbs)
Weight Type: Polymer Silicone
Adjustable weight: Yes
Materials: Neoprene
Pros:
- Padded shoulder straps
- Even weight distribution
- Comfortable design
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Might run a bit big on smaller frames
- The straps can chafe under the arms
ZELUS Weighted Vest
This vest has a detachable front pocket for a phone and a mesh back pocket for water and reflective stripes for night walks or runs. Comes in 13 different colours and patterns.
Weight Capacity: 7 weight options (6lbs, 8lbs, 12lbs, 16lbs, 20lbs, 25lbs and 30lbs)
Weight Type: Iron sand
Adjustable weight: No
Materials: Lycra and SBR fabric.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Hugs the body well without shifting around
- Even weight distribution
- Durable materials. The stitching and fabric feel strong.
Cons:
- Strong chemical smell
- The size chart is not very accurate
Renoj Weighted Vest
This vest has a detachable front pocket for a phone and a mesh back pocket for water. Similar to Zelus vest, but it has two buckles for more security.
Weight Capacity: 6 weight options (6lb, 8lb, 10lb, 12lb, 16lb, 20lb)
Weight Type: Iron sand
Adjustable weight: No
Materials: Neoprene
Pros:
- Arm and back pocket for storage
- Padding to prevent shoulder and back strain
- Snug fitting and no bounce
Cons:
- might not be comfortable for women with larger chests
The Best Weighted Vests For Women
ZELUS Weighted Vest Z-fit
Tailored for Women: Our weight vest contours to a woman’s curves without putting pressure on the chest. Has a pocket for a phone and adjustable straps.
Weight Capacity: 10lbs, 15lbs
Weight Type: Silicon Iron Sand
Adjustable weight: Yes
Materials: Lycra Fabric, SBR
Pros:
- Perfectly designed for the women’s body
- No strong smell on arrival, unlike some other vests
- Machine washable
- Can also be worn unzipped
Cons:
- Pricey
Jetti Weighted Vest for Women
A great weighted vest for beginners and long walks or hikes, and for those who don’t want any weight on the front of the body.
Weight Capacity: 7lbs
Weight Type: steel plate made of iron and polyurethane
Adjustable weight: No
Materials: Nylon and mesh
Pros:
- This weighted vest looks more like a backpack than a vest. It is great if you are a bit self-conscious about wearing a full-on weighted vest.
- Breathable mesh material
- Padded shoulder
Cons:
- It is 7lb, and the weight can’t be adjusted, so it is very light.
- Quite pricey for what it is.
Tone Fitness Neoprene Weighted Vest, 8 Pounds
Weight Capacity: 8lbs and 12lbs
Weight Type: granulated steel weights
Adjustable weight: no
Materials: Neoprene
Pros:
- Doesn’t restrict arm movement, so great for running
- Has reflector strips on the back and shoulders for exercise at night
- The shape that doesn’t restrict hand movement
Cons:
- Sides could be a bit more adjustable and secure.
HYPERWEAR Hyper Vest FIT Weighted Vest for Women
Weight Capacity: 10lbs
Weight Type: individual 1/2 pound plastic containers filled with sustainably sourced, recycled steel pellets
Adjustable weight: Yes
Materials: Polyester Blend
Pros:
- Comes in 3 sizes and 3 colours
- Designed specifically for women
- easy to add and remove weights up to 10lb
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some customers say the fabric can run under the arms.
The Best Weighted Vests for Men
WOLF TACTICAL Simple Weighted Vest
Simply insert weight vest plates to elevate your intensity during activities like running, rucking, or WODs. Choose from pairs of 5.75lbs, 8.75lbs, and 14.5lbs, creating a customizable 14lb, 20lb, or 31lb weighted vest for your training needs.
Weight Capacity: 14lb, 20lb, or 31lb
Weight Type: Steel plates
Adjustable weight: Yes
Materials: Polyester
Pros:
- Great quality
- Easy to adjust and comfortable
- Breathable mesh padding
- Pocket for small essentials
Cons:
- Bulky and not flexible as it only has one big weight instead of multiple small ones
- Waist straps could be longer.
The Best Premium Weighted Vests
Hyper Vest ELITE Weighted Vest
This weighted vest provides superior weight distribution and unmatched comfort whilst working out. Features reflective orange elastic side lacing, which ensures safety during low-light conditions while allowing an adjustable fit.Comes in two colours -black and blue.
Weight Capacity: 10lbs, 15lbs, 20lbs and 25lbs
Weight Type: Alloy steel small plates
Adjustable weight: Yes
Materials: Cordura nylon
Pros:
- Size range from small to x-large
- Patented two-way stretch fabric
- Beautiful adjustable design that fits your shape perfectly
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only 10 lbs of weights are included
- Some people complain that it is too tight on the neck
OMORPHO G-Vest Icon
Now with a lock-in snap system that is compatible with G-Pack weighted panels, letting you add weight to the vest in seconds.
Weight Capacity: 6lbs and 12 lbs (female) and 10lbs and 20lbs (male)
Weight Type: Stainless steel ball bearings encased inside
Adjustable weight: Yes
Materials: polyester and synthetic rubber
Pros:
- Beautiful and comfortable design
- Ventilated back
- This updated model has weight panels that can be added to the vest to customize the weight.
- Sizes range from S-M to L-XL
Cons:
- Expensive
- Weight panels are not included and can be bought separately
If you are looking for a lightweight running vest, check out:
Best Running Vests for Women, Hydration & Trail Running in 2025,
You might also like:
Best Walking Pads to Buy in 2026: Top Picks for Every Home and Budget
Have you tried exercising with a weighted vest? When do you use it? Do you wear a weighted vest for running, walking, or maybe in a pilates class? Let me know in a comments section below.
FAQ About Weighted Vests
How Heavy should my weighted vest be?
The easiest way to think of the weight of your vest is to think of bumbells or weights in the gym. You always start with lower weights and work up to avoid injuries. You should apply the same thinking with weighted vests. I would recommend starting with less than 10% of your body weight. So if you are 150 lb, you should not go over 15lb to begin with. If you are new to fitness, you can start with even less.
Another thing to keep in mind is what kind of exercise you will be doing and for how long. The weighted vest should add a bit of an edge, but not exhaust you completely.
What size weighted vest should I get?
Make sure to check out the measurements for the vest you are choosing and find the perfect fit. The weighted vest should fit very snug, not to bounce around when exercising. But it also should not constrain your movements or feel uncomfortable.
How to use a weighted vest?
You can use a weighted vest for walking, hiking, running, rope jumping, strength training, and pilates. You can also wear it running errands like going to the shop or walking your dog.
Does wearing a weighted vest burn more calories?
Yes, a weighted vest does help burn more calories, especially when walking, hiking, or doing strength-based exercise. It’s great to make workouts more effective without needing to increase speed or reps. If you are wearing a weighted vest that is 10% of your body weight , you could potentially burn 8% to 10 % more calories with the same exercise.
references
- Barnes, K., Hopkins, W., McGuigan, M., & Kilding, A. (2015). Warm-up with a weighted vest improves running performance via leg stiffness and running economy.. Journal of science and medicine in sport, 18 1, 103-8 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2013.12.005.
- Turki, O., Dhahbi, W., Gueid, S., Hmaied, S., Souaifi, M., & Khalifa, R. (2020). Dynamic Warm-up With a Weighted Vest: Improvement of Repeated Change-of-Direction Performance in Young Male Soccer Players.. International journal of sports physiology and performance, 1-28 . https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2018-0800.
- Mierzwicki, J. (2019). Weighted Vest Training in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study. Physical Activity and Health. https://doi.org/10.5334/paah.43.
- Jessup, J., Horne, C., Vishen, R., & Wheeler, D. (2003). Effects of Exercise on Bone Density, Balance, and Self-Efficacy in Older Women. Biological Research For Nursing, 4, 171 – 180. https://doi.org/10.1177/1099800402239628.
Silvija Meilunaite, PN1-NC, CSMC, is a certified nutrition and menopause coaching specialist who writes about midlife health, nutrition, and evidence-based wellness. She focuses on research-driven approaches to feeling better in your 40s and beyond, with a special interest in low-tox living and supportive daily habits.
