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. But I am progressing now, and 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.
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.Â
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)Â
- leg stiffness (1)
- Repeated change-of-direction ability that is great for sports like soccer or tennis (2)Â Â
- strength(3)Â
- 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.Â
- 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.
Just so you know, this post includes affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The commission helps support the time I spend researching and testing so I can share honest recommendations. Thanks so much for your support!
The Best Weighted Vests For Walking and Running
RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest
A very sturdy, good quality weighted vest.
Pros:
- Weights can be added or removed at any time for any workouts
- Features: Phone pocket and water bottle holder.
Cons:
- Very bulky and not aesthetically pleasing.Â
APEXUP Weighted Vest
Not too bulky weighted vest.
Pros:
- Comes in many weights: 5lbs/10lbs/15lbs/20lbs/25lbs/30lbs
- Has a back mesh pocket
- Multiple colours
- Reflective straps
- Affordable
Cons:
- Weight is not adjustable, so you need to buy a new vest for each weight
The Best Weighted Vests For Women
Jetti Weighted Vest for Women
A great weighted vest for beginners and long walks or hikes.Â
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.Â
Cons:
- It is 7lb, and the weight can’t be adjusted, so it is very light.
- Quite pricey for what it is.Â
Tone Fitness Neoprene Weighted Vest, 12 Pounds
Pros:
- Doesn’t restrict arm movement, so great for running
- Has reflector strips on the back and shoulders for exercise at night
- Great for women as the strap is above the chest
Cons:
- Doesn’t feel as secure as other vests when running
Tone Fitness Neoprene Weighted Vest, 8 Pounds
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.Â
The Best Overall Weighted Vests
Hyper Vest ELITE Weighted Vest
Pros:
- Adjustable weights from 10 to 25 lb
- Patented two-way stretch
- Beautiful adjustable design that fits your shape perfectly
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only 10 lb of weights are included
- Some people complain that it is too tight on the neck Â
The Best Premium Weighted Vests
OMORPHO G-Vest
Pros:
- Beautiful and comfortable design
- Comes in 5 colours
- Front zip with lock
- Ventilated back
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not adjustable weight of 4lb or 5lb, depending on the size (heavier options available for menÂ
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.Â
FAQ About Weighted VestsÂ
How Heavy should my weighted vest be?Â
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.Â
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.Â
What size weighted vest should I get?Â
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.Â
How to use a weighted vest?Â
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.Â
Does wearing a weighted vest burn more calories?Â
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.Â
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.Â
Silvija Meilunaite PN1-NC, is a certified nutrition coach and a writer in the nutrition and self-improvement field with a passion for exploring science-based knowledge focusing on holistic health and plant-based nutrition.
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