11 Best weighted vests of 2026, tested and reviewed

Sizing: S-XL | Weight capacity: 15-25 lbs., depending on size | Weight increments: 2.25 oz. | Materials: Cordura fabric with two-way stretch | Weight distribution: Torso and back

In testing, we were continually impressed by the Hyperwear brand — it offers a variety of different vests that meet different needs, from lightweight vests designed for women to heavy-duty vests for serious athletes. We chose the Elite as the best overall because it comes with pre-loaded weights, features an easy-to-use zip-up design, fits all body types and sizes and can be customized for beginners or more advanced wearers.

We really liked the convenient slip-on and zip-up design of this vest, which made it intuitive and approachable even for beginner testers. The vest itself is super comfortable to wear, made with a slight stretch so it feels secure, but also not too tight to restrict any movement.

The vest comes in sizes S-XL, but each size is also highly adjustable, includding flexible bungee straps on the side to fit different bodies. Each vest comes with a basic pre-loaded weight of 10 pounds, which means that the vest is ready to go right out of the box, no weight loading needed. However, if you do want more weight in your vest, choose the 15- or 20-pound option, which ships with 2.5-pound weight bricks you can add to find your perfect weight.

The vest performed best for doing household chores and while walking and hiking. Our only minor complaint is that the top zipper edging can be slightly irritating, but that depends on how tall you are and how well the vest fits you. The bungee straps, when pulled out fully, also tended to dangle, but you can tuck them in if they bother you. We also tested the vest while running and found that while it can definitely be worn for a jog, it’s a little on the long side. We preferred a shorter vest like the Omorpho 5-Pound G-Vest while running.

Overall, however, the Hyperwear Vest Elite Version is the best weighted vest because it works for all genders, body types and fitness levels, is easy to set up and use and can be customized and adjusted to a user’s needs. We also liked that it comes with reflective strips for use in low-light settings. Our only request for the Hyperwear powers that be? Pockets would be helpful!

Sizing: One size (17.5″x10.5″, 19.5″ waist belt straps) | Weight capacity: up to 60 lbs. | Weight increments: 10 lbs., 20 lbs. or 30 lbs. | Materials: Cordura, ballistic nylon Velcro plate closure | Weight distribution: Core and back

If you’re looking for a heavy vest, this is the one to get, thanks to the streamlined design and shoulder straps that help distribute weight evenly. Despite the fact that this vest can carry serious weight, it’s very simple to load and use.

When testing the heavier-duty weighted vests, we found that some of the designs were overly complicated and bulky, making it difficult to set them up, take them on and off and move around with them. This Go Ruck keeps things simple: You load one plate to the front and back of the vest, strap it in and put the vest on over your head — the design offers plenty of room to move your head through, and a Velcro waist strap makes it adjustable to your body. Plus, the weight plates are securely locked in and away from your arms, allowing you to move freely as you work, walk or run.

The vest isn’t super adjustable, since one weight plate is loaded at a time, but you can buy different weight plates to swap in and out. (And honestly, if you’re looking for a heavy vest, 2.5-pound adjustable increments like the ones many vests offer, don’t make a lot of sense — you’re better off just switching out a whole plate, as the Go Ruck is designed to do.)

We tested this vest on men and women and found it was comfortable for both. Some of our testers who were new to weighted vests noted that while many of the other heavy vest options were too intimidating and bulky, this one was easy to use, even for a beginner. We also had a professional contractor test this vest — he used it while framing in a house to train for a hunting expedition and noted that he stayed relatively comfortable wearing it even on 80°F days.

Sizing: S-XL | Weight capacity: 5 lbs. | Weight increments: None | Materials: Laminated polyester, synthetic rubber, stainless steel ball bearings inside | Weight distribution: Torso and back

We found this Omorpho to be the ideal running weighted vest for several reasons: It’s only 5 pounds, making it a simple way to easily amp up your run without overdoing it, and the material is incredibly comfortable and flexible, allowing you to move and sweat. It’s also an all-in-one vest option, making it easy to throw in a bag to take with you if you’re traveling.

Our testers liked using this specific vest on runs because it molds to your body and provides just enough resistance to add a challenge to your run without being overpowering. The design is shorter than some of the other vests we tested, which we found helpful because it didn’t pull or bunch our clothes. Plus, there’s just something about the sleek material of the vest that we swear made us feel like we could run faster. We also like how adjustable the vest is — the straps can be adjusted for length and the bungee sides cinch-pull to adjust fit to the body.

One caveat: Depending on the type of shirt you’re wearing (or not wearing), the vest’s back straps may be uncomfortable or rub against your skin. Our tester wore a racerback tank, and she found that having the vest’s straps directly against her skin wasn’t as comfortable on a longer run.

The vest we tested was specific to female bodies, but the Omorpho brand also offers a 6- and 10-pound vest option designed for larger or male bodies. Because this vest is the lightest on our list at just 5 pounds, it would also be ideal for beginners who are new to weighted vests. Milica McDowell, a physical therapist, CrossFit coach and vice president of operations at Gait Happens, recommends starting with a weighted vest of no more than 5% of your body weight — for a 150-pound person, that would be around 7.5 pounds.

Sizing: 6 lbs., 12 lbs., 16 lbs., 20 lbs., 25 lbs., 30 lbs. | Weight capacity: Same as size | Weight increments: n/a | Materials: Neoprene rubber fabric, double-stitching, weighted with iron sand | Weight distribution: Back and over-the-shoulder

We chose this Zelus as the best basic weighted vest because it’s readily available (and fast to ship), comes pre-loaded with a set weight and features a simple and straightforward buckle closure. Also, the fact that it comes with a storage pouch makes it a good choice for throwing on before going for a walk or hike. This last part is standout feature — we found ourselves searching for an option that had some kind of storage and came up empty-handed with most higher-end vests. Even when taking a simple walk with a vest, we wished there was a pocket to store our phone or stash headphones in. The Zelus has a removable zippered pouch that is just big enough for a phone.

Smooth straps and even weight distribution make the vest comfortable to wear. We experienced some level of shoulder strain, but that challenge is difficult to avoid when wearing this type of over-the-shoulder vest. And there are advantages to the over-the-shoulder design: We found that the primary weight being on the back was ideal for a sweaty walk — our tester didn’t like heavy weights in the front because it made it hard to catch their breath.

The design is also more open than other shoulder vests we tested, like the Reebok Weighted Vest, which had full panels with more back coverage, so we found it more breathable. (You’ll want to be sure you wear an appropriate shirt underneath to avoid the vest rubbing your skin if you think you’ll be sweating.)

Sizing: 8 lb, 12 lb, 16 lb | Weight capacity: Same as sizing | Weight increments: n/a | Materials: 420D Robic exterior, nylon spandex weave interior, comfort foam padding | Weight distribution: Shoulders and upper back

Designed by a former CIA field agent specifically for women, the Spy Ruck delivers where it matters most: during high-intensity workouts. This low-profile vest stays close to your body without restricting breathing, making it ideal for HIIT, CrossFit-style workouts and resistance training where you need to move explosively.

We tested the 12-pound version and found the vest performed best during shorter, intense sessions. The dual-adjustable sternum strap system was easy to dial in for a secure fit, and the vest’s sleek design meant we could wear it under a hoodie or over just a sports bra without any bunching or bouncing. The padded shoulder straps minimized chafing, and the breathable materials kept us cool even during sweaty burpees and box jumps.

The vest truly shines in its versatility for different training environments. Reflective stripes make it safe for early morning or evening outdoor workouts, and the coated steel pellets won’t rust or develop odors over time, even with regular sweat exposure.

However, the weight distribution across the shoulders and upper back became noticeably uncomfortable during longer sessions. While the vest worked fine for shorter walks and runs, we wouldn’t recommend it for all-day wear or extended hiking sessions. Our 5’4″ tester found the shoulder weight more fatiguing than other vests in our test, particularly compared to options that distribute weight across the torso.

At $89, it’s pricier than budget options, but the quality construction, low-profile design, and Special Forces pedigree justify the cost if you’re focused on functional fitness training. The fixed weight options (8, 12 or 16 pounds) mean you can’t adjust on the fly, but for most HIIT and CrossFit workouts, you’ll stick with one weight anyway.

Sizing: One size fits most (XS-XL) | Weight capacity: Up to 42 lbs (with plates sold separately) | Weight increments: 5.75 lbs, 8.75 lbs, 14.5 lbs, or 19.75 lbs plate pairs | Materials: 600D nylon, breathable padding, padded yoke shoulder pads | Weight distribution: Front and back plate pockets

Built like serious tactical gear but priced for civilian athletes, the Wolf Tactical Plate Carrier delivers exceptional versatility and durability for functional fitness training and rucking. This vest is an excellent replacement for a loaded backpack during ruck marches, and the plate-based system makes it ideal for CrossFit, HIIT circuits and any training where you need serious weight that stays locked in place.

We tested this vest with 8.75-pound curved plates (17.5 pounds total) and immediately appreciated the premium construction. The 600D nylon material feels bombproof, the padded yoke shoulder pads distribute weight evenly, and the oversized airflow panels kept us comfortable during sweaty workouts. The vest adjusted easily to fit our 5’4″ tester’s frame, and once dialed in, it didn’t shift or move around during any activity.

The vest excelled during rucking, walking, hiking, incline treadmill sessions and resistance training. The plates insert and remove easily, stay completely secure during movement and the curved design contoured naturally to the body. We also found it worked well for HIIT and circuit training, though the bulk made it less ideal for explosive plyo moves like box jumps. Running was decent — the full chest coverage felt slightly restrictive at first, but we adjusted to it quickly.

The laser-cut molle panels and hook-and-loop patch areas add customization options if you’re into the tactical aesthetic, though these features aren’t essential for pure fitness use. What matters more is that this vest can scale from light training weights up to a serious 42-pound load as you progress, making it a true long-term investment.

The Amazon bundle at $170 includes the vest plus 8.75-pound curved plates (17.5 pounds total), which is solid value compared to buying separately. You can also purchase additional plate weights as you get stronger. That’s still a significant investment compared to budget vests, but the quality, durability and weight capacity justify the cost for serious athletes who train hard. Available in 10 colors, you can choose the tactical look or opt for something more low-key.

Sizing: S-L | Weight capacity: 10 lbs. | Weight increments: 0.5 lbs. | Materials: Cordura, satin lining, elastic side cords | Weight distribution: Evenly distributed through the torso

This Hyper Vest was by far the most comfortable we tested. If we were skeptical about using weighted vests before, this option made us believers. The vest slips on like a coat and zips up, which makes it very easy to get on and off.

The material is soft and flexible, so it moved with us, there were no zippers or bunching in strange places, and once the vest was on, it was easy to forget we were even wearing it. (However, after wearing it for the first time, we noticed the extra load. Even a small bit makes a difference.) The vest loads with individual 2.5-pound weight bricks that slide into slots, making it easy to add or remove weight as needed. The weights were extremely easy to slip in when setting up the vest for the first time and stayed securely in place during use.

We used this vest while walking on a treadmill, walking outside and doing household chores like washing dishes and laundry. You can also machine- or hand-wash the vest after you remove the weights, which is a step up from most of the other vests on our list that are wipe-clean only. The vest is designed for women and appears to be marketed specifically to older women, but in our opinion, it’s an intuitive, simple and comfortable vest any adult could wear. Overall, it made adding a weighted vest to our daily routines effortless, which felt like a big win.

Sizing: S-M, M-L, XL | Weight capacity: 12 lbs | Weight increments: Base vest (5.75-6.5 lbs) + G-Pack panels (~5 lbs) | Materials: Laminated polyester, synthetic rubber, stainless steel ball bearings | Weight distribution: Torso and back

If you want one vest that adapts to every workout, the Omorpho Icon Bundle delivers. This next-generation system combines the 6-pound G-Vest Icon with interchangeable G-Pack panels that snap in and out in seconds, giving you a weight range from roughly 6 to 12 pounds without compromising comfort or mobility.

We tested this vest across all our standard activities and found it excelled everywhere. The snap-in system is genuinely effortless — front and back panels lock securely into place with a satisfying click, and you can change resistance mid-workout if needed. Unlike traditional weighted vests where you’re fumbling with individual weight bricks, this system lets you go from a light walk to a heavy strength session in moments.

The fit and comfort impressed us immediately. Adjustable side cords with locks and shoulder straps let us dial in a precise fit on our 5’4″ tester’s frame, and the weight distribution across the torso felt balanced and secure. The ventilated back and curved hem design meant we could wear this comfortably for extended runs and walks without overheating or restriction. The front zip with lock kept everything secure, and the panels never shifted or loosened, even during burpees and box jumps.

We found this vest particularly versatile for varied training schedules. Use just the base vest for recovery walks or easy runs, add the panels for strength training or weighted hiking or use the full 12 pounds for max-effort conditioning. The sleek design and premium materials feel high-end, and spot-cleaning or hand-washing keeps maintenance simple.

The biggest barrier is price. At $359 (regularly $428), this is the most expensive vest in our roundup. However, you’re getting what amounts to multiple vests in one — the equivalent of buying separate 6-pound and 12-pound options. For serious athletes who train across multiple disciplines, the investment might make sense. For casual users or those on a budget, consider the standard Omorpho 5-pound G-Vest or more affordable adjustable options.

Sizing: One size, unisex | Weight capacity: 20 lbs. | Weight increments: 1.25 lbs. (16 removable sandbags) | Materials: Durable double-stitched construction, padded shoulder panels | Weight distribution: Balanced front and back (8 pockets each)

At $65, the Centr vest delivers premium quality at a mid-range price — and throws in three months of Chris Hemsworth’s Centr training app, which is perfect for beginners who need guidance on how to train with a weighted vest. The 16 removable 1.25-pound sandbags let you start light and progress gradually from 1.25 pounds up to 20 pounds, making it ideal for building strength safely over time.

We tested this vest and immediately noticed the quality difference compared to budget options. The materials feel premium, the double-stitched construction inspires confidence, and the padded shoulder panels made extended wear comfortable. The Velcro side straps allow quick on-and-off access, and weight distribution across the eight front and eight back pockets felt balanced on our 5’4″ tester’s frame. While we could adjust the fit pretty well with the straps, the vest is slightly bulkier than plate-based designs due to the sandbag construction — a reasonable trade-off that keeps costs down.

The vest excelled during strength training and bodyweight workouts. Whether we were doing push-ups, pull-ups, squats or lunges, the weight stayed put and didn’t shift around. It also performed well during HIIT sessions, though the bulk made it less ideal for running compared to sleeker options like the Omorpho vests. Removing or adding sandbags was straightforward when we wanted to scale weight up or down.

The Centr app genuinely adds value for beginners who may not know how to program weighted vest training. The three-month membership includes personalized workout programming, nutrition guidance and mindfulness content from world-class trainers. While the app doesn’t have vest-specific workouts, the strength and functional fitness programs pair naturally with weighted vest training.

For $65, you’re getting significantly better quality than budget vests like the $34 Cap Barbell, plus digital coaching that would normally cost extra. The 20-pound capacity hits a sweet spot for beginners — light enough to start safely but heavy enough to provide months or years of progressive training. The only real limitation is that you can’t purchase additional weight beyond the included 20 pounds, so advanced users seeking heavier loads should look elsewhere.

Sizing: One size (sold based on weight) | Weight capacity: 20 lbs., 30 lbs., 40 lbs., 50 lbs., 60 lbs., 70 lbs., 80 lbs., 150 lbs. | Weight increments: 2.5-4 lbs. | Materials: Neoprene padding, breathable mesh | Weight distribution: Chest and back

While the heavier weighted vests from this brand will still cost upwards of $100 or more, for a basic 20-pound vest, it’s an affordable option that we found had everything most people need. The vest works for most activities — including strength training, walking and hiking — and it’s adjustable in both circumference and weight (it comes with individual weight bags you can remove to adjust the weight).

The main drawback is a bulkier design, primarily due to the adjustable hook and loop strap for waist size. It was irritating while running, as it tends to rub against the arms.

It’s also somewhat cumbersome to set up the vest. Each weight bag has to be inserted into a pocket inside the interior, and some of them were difficult to get in — make sure you load the bottom row first! Putting the vest straps through the hooks and attaching them was a two-person job until we figured it out. You have to attach one side first, slide it over your head, then adjust the other side. It wasn’t the easiest to get on and off, especially compared with other vests we tested.

The boxy fit of the vest left more space between our chest and the vest compared with others, which could be a pro or a con, depending on what you prefer. But because it’s looser and can bounce, it may not be ideal for activities like burpees, jumping rope or running.

Overall, if you’re willing to get past the initial setup and getting it on and off, it’s a solid budget vest that can accommodate a wide range of weights and get the job done.

Sizing: One size fits most | Weight capacity: 8, 12, 16 or 20 lbs. | Weight increments: n/a | Materials: neoprene with fixed ironsand weight | Weight distribution: Evenly distributed across chest and back

Over and over again, we found a major feature lacking in our favorite weighted vests was pockets. It seems like such a simple add, but very few of the higher-end options provide a storage solution for items like phones, keys, credit cards or energy gels. This weighted vest is budget-friendly and straightforward, and best of all it offers multiple pockets to tuck all your necessities inside. In fact, there are two zippable front pockets that are easy to access during your workouts, plus a large mesh sleeve at the back where you can throw any additional supplies, like a pair of sunglasses or s sweat towel.

The design distributes the weight evenly across the front and back, and we found it easy to get on and off after unbuckling the sides. While the side buckles are adjustable, they weren’t the easiest to cinch, especially for quick adjustments mid-workout. This left some unwanted movement during more intense runs, so it’s important to make sure the fit is right before you start your routine.

It’s important to understand that the weight you purchase is the weight you’ll be lugging around — there are no adjustable or removable plates or bars. We tested the 16-pound version and found it suitable for walking, hiking and lower-intensity jogs, but for anything more strenuous, a lighter version is likely to be a better option, particularly if you’re just starting out.