A weighted vest is an excellent option if you’re looking to enhance your fitness routine at home without the need for bulky or expensive equipment. It can help you burn more calories, build muscle, improve stamina and endurance, promote better posture, and strengthen your joints, all while taking up minimal space.
Best Weighted Vest Overall: 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier
The 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier is the best overall weighted vest due to its superior durability, high-quality construction, versatility, comfort, and overall functionality. This vest is more than just a piece of workout equipment—it. It’s a high-performance tool designed to withstand the most demanding workouts and outdoor activities.
Proven Performance and Durability
One of the standout features of the 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier is its proven track record. It has been used in CrossFit competitions and even in the prestigious CrossFit Games, which are known for pushing athletes to their limits. The fact that this vest holds up under such extreme conditions speaks to its rugged construction and capability. Whether you’re hitting high-intensity interval training (HIIT), running, rucking, or engaging in strength training, the TacTec Plate Carrier is designed to endure heavy use and last for years.
Made from 500D nylon, a material commonly used in military and tactical gear, this vest offers superior resistance to wear and tear. The robust construction ensures it won’t rip, fray, or degrade, even with regular, intense use. Whether you’re carrying it through mud runs, obstacle courses, or tough outdoor workouts, this plate carrier will withstand the elements and complicated handling.
Custom Fit for Maximum Comfort
One of the significant challenges of using weighted vests is ensuring a snug and comfortable fit, especially during dynamic movements. The TacTec Plate Carrier solves this problem with adjustable straps on both the shoulders and waist, allowing you to customize the fit to your specific body shape. The adjustable waistbands are designed with stretch technology, so the vest stays snug without restricting movement or cutting into your sides during exercises.
The back yoke shoulder pads are another feature that enhances comfort by distributing the weight evenly across your shoulders and upper back. This helps reduce the strain that can often occur with less well-designed vests, especially during longer workouts. The padded shoulder straps also provide added cushioning to prevent discomfort, making this vest suitable for extended sessions like the Murph workout. This CrossFit staple involves wearing a weighted vest for pull-ups, push-ups, squats, and running.
Optimal Breathability and Range of Motion
One of the key advantages of the TacTec Plate Carrier is its oversized airflow panels, which allow for superior breathability. This is crucial for staying relaxed and comfortable during intense workouts, particularly when training in hot conditions or performing continuous movement activities. The airflow panels prevent overheating, keeping you comfortable as you push through strenuous exercises.
Another benefit of the vest’s design is its relatively open sides, which offer a full range of motion for exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, burpees, and running. This allows you to perform various movements without feeling restricted by the vest, a common issue with bulkier designs.
MOLLE Webbing for Customization
The TacTec Plate Carrier also comes equipped with MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing, a versatile feature for those who want to use the vest beyond workouts. The MOLLE system allows you to attach various accessories, such as hydration packs, utility pouches, or first aid kits. This makes the TacTec Plate Carrier especially useful for rucking—a form of endurance training involving walking or hiking with a weighted vest or backpack.
For those interested in outdoor adventures or military-style training, the ability to carry essential gear hands-free is a significant plus. Whether you’re doing long-distance marches, survival training, or participating in tactical fitness challenges, the MOLLE system adds an extra layer of functionality to the vest.
Fit and Adjustment
While the TacTec Plate Carrier is designed to fit most people (sizes S to XL), it’s worth noting that adjusting the fit may require some patience. The vest uses multiple Velcro straps to secure everything in place, and it can take some effort to get the fit just right. However, once the adjustments are made, the vest will hold its fit securely, even during high-impact activities. The good news is that unless you experience significant changes in body weight, you won’t have to adjust the fit frequently.
Aesthetics and Customization Options
For those who care about aesthetics as well as performance, the TacTec Plate Carrier offers a variety of colours to choose from, including ranger green, black, camo, grey, navy, and kangaroo (khaki). This allows you to personalize the look of your vest based on your preferences. Additionally, the front of the vest has space for custom patches, so you can represent your favourite brands, teams, or personal symbols while you train.
Price and Weight Considerations
One potential downside to the TacTec Plate Carrier is its price point—it retails for over $200, which makes it one of the more expensive weighted vests on the market. However, the vest’s premium construction, durability, and versatility justify the higher price for those serious about their training.
Another important consideration is that the TacTec Plate Carrier does not include the weight plates, which must be purchased separately. This can add another $50 or more to the total cost of the vest, depending on the weight plates you choose. Both 5.11 and Rogue offer compatible weight plates, but it’s an additional investment to keep in mind. Despite the added cost, the durability and performance of the TacTec Plate Carrier make it a worthwhile purchase for those who plan to put it through heavy use.
Best Weighted Vest for CrossFit: Rogue Plate Carrier
When it comes to CrossFit, few weight vests are as well-suited for intense, high-rep workouts as the Rogue Plate Carrier. Designed for durability and streamlined performance, this vest is built with a combination of 1000D and 500D Cordura, which are materials known for their strength and abrasion resistance. This ensures the vest can withstand the rigours of even the most demanding CrossFit WODs without snagging, ripping, or wearing down prematurely.
Durability and Craftsmanship
The reinforced stitching throughout the vest adds an extra layer of durability, ensuring the seams hold up even under heavy use. This is particularly important for high-intensity CrossFit movements where the vest is exposed to constant strain, such as during pull-ups, push-ups, or running. The Velcro closures are also super sticky, helping keep the vest secure and reducing the chance of weight plates shifting or falling out during workouts.
This high level of craftsmanship and the low-profile design makes the Rogue Plate Carrier particularly well-suited for workouts like Murph, a notorious CrossFit hero workout that involves running, pull-ups, push-ups, and squats—all while wearing a weighted vest. Unlike bulkier models, this vest holds flat weight plates close to the body, minimizing discomfort during exercises like push-ups, where your chest comes into contact with the floor. Its streamlined design also allows for a full range of motion, making it easier to perform dynamic exercises like burpees, pull-ups, and kettlebell swings without restriction.
Comfort and Fit
The interior of the Rogue Plate Carrier is equipped with foam padding for added comfort, particularly around the body and shoulders. This padding helps reduce chafing during long or intense sessions, allowing you to focus on your workout without being distracted by discomfort. The vest also features stretch woven fabric and elastic in the back of the waist strap, which enables you to get a snug, secure fit around your torso.
The Rogue Plate Carrier is available in three sizes—S to L, with the most significant size accommodating a waist circumference of up to 50 inches. However, it’s worth noting that the shoulder straps are relatively thin and may dig into your shoulders during prolonged use, especially under heavier loads. Rogue does offer an optional shoulder pad set for extra comfort, which costs around $20. While this isn’t a huge expense, it’s something to keep in mind, as it adds to the overall price of the vest.
Weight Plates and Price Considerations
While the base price of the Rogue Plate Carrier is relatively affordable at around $135, it does not come with weight plates. Rogue’s weight plates start at around $85, so if you plan to purchase the vest, shoulder pads, and plates, you’re looking at a total cost of around $240 or more. This price point makes it a bit more expensive than some other weighted vests on the market. Still, the durability, design, and performance of the Rogue Plate Carrier justify the investment, particularly if you’re serious about your CrossFit training.
Design and Customization Options
While the design of the Rogue Plate Carrier is minimalist, it gets the job done without unnecessary features. The vest has four colourways: black, coyote brown (khaki), grey, and ranger green. Although the colour options are somewhat muted and inspired by military gear, the vest’s simplicity is part of its appeal for those who prefer function over flair. However, if you want to add a personal touch, the front and back of the vest are equipped with Velcro panels, allowing you to attach patches to customize the look.
Streamlined and Functional
Unlike other weighted vests with multiple pockets or storage compartments, the Rogue Plate Carrier is a streamlined, no-frills design. There are no built-in pockets for storing items like car keys or a cell phone, which might be a downside for those who need these conveniences during their workouts. However, Rogue has designed this vest to focus on the essentials—providing a comfortable, durable, and practical piece of equipment for CrossFit severe athletes.
If you’re looking for a weighted vest with additional storage options, this may not be your best choice. However, if you prefer a back-to-basics approach, the Rogue Plate Carrier delivers what you need for high-performance CrossFit training without any extra distractions.
Support for Service Members
Another compelling reason to consider the Rogue Plate Carrier is its connection to a worthy cause. Rogue donates a portion of the proceeds from all sales of the plate carrier to the Operator Foundation. This organization provides educational opportunities and scholarships for special operations members and their families. This means your purchase supports a meaningful initiative, adding another layer of value to the product.
Best Weighted Vest for Running: Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite
When it comes to running, the ideal weighted vest should fit snugly to minimize bouncing and allow enough airflow to prevent overheating during long or intense outdoor runs. The Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite excels in both areas, making it the best choice for runners who want to add resistance to their training without sacrificing comfort.
Comfort and Design
The Hyper Vest Elite stands out thanks to its contoured, fitted design and the use of thin Cordura fabric, which is both lightweight and durable. This construction makes the vest flexible and easy to wear for dynamic movements like running and activities such as jumping burpees and agility exercises. Unlike bulkier weighted vests that shift around or feel cumbersome, the Hyper Vest Elite hugs your body closely, reducing bounce while running and allowing for a full range of motion. This means you can focus on your workout without the distraction of an ill-fitting or uncomfortable vest.
A unique feature of the Hyper Vest Elite is its lack of traditional side panels. Instead, the vest uses adjustable laces on the sides to secure the fit. Not only does this improve ventilation by allowing air to flow freely, but it also eliminates the risk of chafing under the arms—a common issue with many weighted vests. This makes the vest particularly well-suited for long-distance runs or high-repetition bodyweight exercises, where comfort and flexibility are critical.
Breathability and Odor Resistance
Running outdoors, especially in warm weather, can cause overheating if your gear doesn’t allow proper airflow. The open-sided design of the Hyper Vest Elite, combined with its thin Cordura fabric, provides exceptional breathability, ensuring that you stay more relaxed during your runs. Additionally, the vest is made from odour-resistant fabric, which helps keep it fresher for longer, even after several sweat-heavy training sessions. This is a massive plus for runners who need a vest that can handle tough workouts while staying comfortable and hygienic.
Reflective Striping for Safety
If you prefer to run in the early mornings or evenings, the reflective striping on the Hyper Vest Elite adds an extra layer of safety. This feature increases your visibility in low-light conditions, making it easier for drivers and cyclists to spot you when running in urban areas or on poorly lit trails. It’s a thoughtful addition that speaks to the vest’s focus on functionality and safety for runners.
Weight and Adjustability
The Hyper Vest Elite comes pre-loaded with 10 pounds, and depending on the size you choose (S to XL), it includes an additional 5 to 10 pounds of weight. These weights come in 2.25-ounce increments, allowing precise vest load adjustments. This more minor, gradual increase benefits runners who want to start with a lightweight and progressively add more as their strength and endurance improve. Unlike other weighted vests that use bulky plates or bars, the Hyper Vest Elite carries compact, flat bars, distributing the weight more evenly across your torso. This design reduces bulk and enhances comfort, allowing for a more natural running motion.
One of the main benefits of the Hyper Vest Elite’s weight distribution is that it feels significantly less cumbersome than other weighted vests, especially during long-distance runs or high-speed sprints. The ability to incrementally add weight also makes it an ideal vest for progressive training, allowing runners to build strength and endurance over time without overwhelming their bodies with too much resistance at once.
Price and Additional Considerations
At over $200, the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite is pricier than other weighted vests. Still, its thoughtful design, quality materials, and comfort make it worth the investment for serious runners. One potential drawback is the lack of storage pockets. Without pockets for essentials like a phone, keys, or a water bottle, you may need to carry these items in a separate belt or handheld during your run, which may be inconvenient for some users. While this streamlined design is great for comfort, those who prefer to have a place for small items might find this limitation a bit frustrating.
Is the Hyper Vest Elite Worth It?
Despite the lack of pockets and the relatively high price point, the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite is an excellent investment for runners prioritising comfort, fit, and functionality. Its breathable, odour-resistant fabric, reflective safety features, and ability to adjust the weight make it one of the most runner-friendly weighted vests available. Whether training for endurance and speed or adding extra resistance to your runs, this vest offers the durability and flexibility needed to support your goals.
Best Adjustable Weighted Vest: Titan Adjustable Weight Vest
Suppose you want flexibility in adjusting the weight of your vest depending on your workout or how you feel on a particular day. In that case, the Titan Adjustable Weight Vest is a solid and affordable option. With its user-friendly design and customizable weight options, this vest is versatile enough for various fitness routines, from bodyweight exercises to light cardio.
Customizable Weight Distribution
The Titan Adjustable Weight Vest comes with eight 2.5-pound steel weights, allowing you to load the vest with up to 20 pounds of resistance. These oblong-shaped weights are designed with rounded edges, which reduce wear and tear on the pockets over time. The vest has eight pockets in the front and eight in the back, providing flexibility for your weight distribution. While you can technically load the weights unevenly, it’s recommended to distribute them evenly to avoid placing too much strain on one side of your body, which could lead to muscle imbalances or discomfort during exercises.
The Velcro flaps that secure the weights are incredibly sticky, ensuring the weights stay in place during your workouts. This security feature is handy during movements that involve a lot of dynamic motion, like jumping or squatting, where weight shifting could otherwise be a problem.
Durability and Material
One area where the Titan Adjustable Weight Vest shines is its durability, although the exact material used is not disclosed on the website. According to Titan’s support team, the vest has abrasion-resistant fabric, making it tough enough to handle regular use. Customer reviews praise the vest’s ability to withstand intense workouts, but longevity will likely depend on how often it’s used and what kinds of exercises it’s exposed to. The durability of the vest, combined with its relatively low cost, makes it a great entry-level choice for anyone looking to incorporate weighted training into their routine.
However, one caveat is that the seams can come undone if you machine-wash the vest. To avoid this, it’s best to air out the vest after each use to prevent odours from building up. If it needs cleaning, spot cleaning is recommended over machine washing to preserve the integrity of the seams and fabric.
Fit and Comfort
While the Titan Adjustable Weight Vest does not come in specific sizes, it features an extra-long 64.5-inch padded belt, which allows you to adjust the fit according to your body size and shape. The padded shoulder straps help distribute the weight more comfortably across your upper body, minimizing pressure and discomfort during longer sessions. However, the shoulder straps are not adjustable, which may be an issue for those who want more control over the vest’s position on their torso. Depending on your body type and preferences, the vest might sit higher or lower than you’d like, impacting your comfort, especially during dynamic exercises.
This vest is particularly well-suited for static exercises like squats, lunges, and walking. The thicker, bulkier weights make it less ideal for movements where your upper body touches the floor, such as burpees or push-ups, as they can feel uncomfortable pressing against your stomach or chest. The vest works perfectly for activities like walking, using the elliptical, or performing resistance exercises, but the bulkiness might be a drawback for more high-impact or floor-based exercises.
Affordable Pricing
One of the most significant advantages of the Titan Adjustable Weight Vest is its affordability. At around $80, it’s a budget-friendly option compared to many higher-end weighted vests that cost $200 or more. Even better, the vest includes weights, so you won’t need to purchase them separately. This makes it an excellent value for beginners or anyone looking to add resistance training to their workouts without spending much money.
Best Weighted Vest for Women: Hyperwear Hyper Vest FIT
The Hyperwear Hyper Vest FIT is specifically designed with women in mind, offering a comfortable and tailored fit that contours to a woman’s body. Unlike many other weighted vests, this one focuses on the unique needs of female athletes, ensuring that it’s both functional and comfortable, particularly around the chest area where other vests can be problematic.
Design and Comfort
One of the standout features of the Hyper Vest FIT is its thoughtful design that avoids placing weights on the chest, making it easier to breathe and preventing discomfort around the bust. This is especially important for women, as traditional weighted vests can create pressure in this area, leading to pain during exercise. By distributing the weight elsewhere, the vest allows for a snug yet comfortable fit that won’t impede breathing or movement, making it ideal for walking, hiking, or light-bodyweight workouts.
The Cordura fabric used in the vest is durable. It features a one-way stretch construction, which helps the vest contour to the natural shape of the body while still maintaining flexibility. This means the vest moves with you, offering better comfort and range of motion. The interior satin lining feels smooth on the skin, making it comfortable to wear even with just a sports bra underneath. However, satin is not known for its breathability, so in hotter climates, there may be some risk of overheating if you’re wearing the vest for extended periods.
Ventilation and Adjustability
To counter the satin lining’s potential heat retention, the vest has an open-sided design that improves ventilation. Like the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite, the Hyper Vest FIT features adjustable laces on the sides, allowing you to fine-tune the vest’s fit for your specific body type. This lacing system also ensures that the vest stays in place and doesn’t bounce around, which is critical for maintaining comfort during physical activity. The open sides promote airflow, helping to keep you cool, even during moderate exercise sessions.
Additionally, the machine-washable shell is a huge plus, making it easy to clean after sweaty workouts. Many weighted vests require spot cleaning or can’t be washed at all, but with the Hyper Vest FIT, you can throw it in the washing machine for a quick refresh, ensuring it stays odour-free and hygienic.
Weight and Resistance
The Hyperwear Hyper Vest FIT comes in two weight options: 5 pounds or 10 pounds. This range is perfect for those just starting with weighted vests or who prefer lighter resistance for activities like walking, hiking, or performing bodyweight exercises. The weights consist of half-pound steel shots encased in hard plastic, which prevents the weights from spilling or leaking, adding to the vest’s durability.
However, this weight limit may not be sufficient for advanced athletes or women who train for CrossFit, as typical CrossFit workouts that involve weighted vests often require 14 pounds for women. So, while the Hyper Vest FIT is ideal for light to moderate resistance, it may not be heavy enough for women looking for a more challenging workout. Additionally, the vest is not designed for high-impact activities, meaning that exercises like running or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may cause discomfort due to the lack of heavier resistance and additional support.
Sizing and Fit
One of the downsides of the Hyper Vest FIT is its limited size range, which only includes small, medium, and large options. This can concern women who fall outside these size ranges, especially if they have broader shoulders or a larger chest. The adjustable side laces allow for some customization in fit, but if you carry extra weight in your midsection or chest, the vest may still feel too snug, particularly in the largest size. This lack of inclusive sizing limits its appeal to a broader range of body types, which is an essential factor to consider.
