When you’re short on time, you like to make the most of every moment of the day. That’s why it’s no surprise that so many people are talking about weighted vests lately. Everyone from moms taking their daily stroller walks to powerlifters in the gym seem to be praising these vests’ ability to make workouts more effective and efficient.
There may be some merit to all the chatter surrounding weighted vests — a 2020 randomized, controlled trial found that obese participants who wore high-load weighted vests (11% of their body weight) for eight hours a day were more likely to lose weight and body fat than those wearing low-load vests (1% of their body weight). Another small randomized controlled trial found that wearing weighted vests during training helped boost agility performance in young male athletes. A 2019 study even found that wearing weighted vests during exercise could build strength and stamina in adults more than performing the exercises alone.
In short, adding a weighted vest to your daily activities — whether that’s a walk or an intense gym workout — could be a simple way to get more out of your workout.
“I like that it is such an easy addition to my training plan for the day, and that it can really kick my butt,” says RJ Williams, a physical therapist and franchise consultant at Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers. “It can cut down the amount of time I need to work out as well. Instead of running longer distances, I can shorten it and feel like I trained harder. Or I can improve upon my push-ups or pull-ups without just having to do more because I get a greater challenge.”
We like the idea of making exercise more effective, so we got to work, speaking with fitness professionals to get their tips on what features to look for. Based on their feedback and our own extensive research, we selected 12 weighted vests to test, from weighted vests for running to the best adjustable weighted vest. Over several months, we tested the vests on smaller and larger bodies, including people in their 20s, 30s and 60s, in different exercise conditions, including while walking indoors and outside. Based on our results, we determined the best weighted vest for every need.
Quick Overview
Table of contents
Update, July 8, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best weighted vest remains unchanged.
Best weighted vest overall
Other top-weighted vests we recommend for 2025
Factors to consider when choosing a weighted vest
Williams explains that weighted vests have three purposes: to enhance aerobic performance during cardio, increase strength with bodyweight movements and aid individuals who may not be able to hold traditional weights. Keep your intended use in mind to narrow down your search.
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No matter what you use a weighted vest for, Williams adds, it’s crucial to know that you can use it safely. Be sure you can perform all the movements you’ll be doing with the vest correctly before adding the additional load of a weighted vest. “You don’t want to add more stress to dysfunctional movement patterns,” he explains. “Clean up the foundations first, then increase the challenge.”
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Adjustability. McDowell points out that even experienced weighted-vest users will have days where they feel more tired, so it’s helpful to have the option to change weights as needed. Plus, vests that let you customize your weight and fit can be an ideal for anyone who may not be able to use traditional dumbbells or barbells for resistance training, Williams says. For instance, if someone has mobility issues and can’t grip a weight, a weighted vest allows for a different form of muscle-building. “You’ll lose the grip-strengthening component but still achieve the cardiovascular stimulus,” he says. Not all weighted vests fit the same, so check the shoulder-strap length, neck openings (if applicable), and waist or chest circumference for different body types. Some vests, like Hyperwear’s, also come with bungee cord sides to make them highly adjustable.
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Ease of cleaning. Eventually, you’ll need to freshen up your weighted vest. Some weighted vests are wipe-clean only, while others offer removable weights and machine-washable fabric, both details that can make cleaning easier.
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Fit and comfort. The fit and comfort of a weighted vest is huge, especially if you plan to be wearing the vest for long periods or for really active exercise, like running or doing push-ups. Pay careful attention to details that could lead to irritation, like zippers or Velcro straps, and consider what you’ll be wearing under the vest, too.
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Price. The vests we tested and liked the best were around the mid-$100s range — this price seemed to offer the highest quality, adjustability and comfort. However, you can find weighted vests for as little as around $40 and as much as over $200.
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Purpose and activity. Tailor your purchase to the specific type of activity you will be doing. For instance, keep the vest light for things like walking or working around the house. Williams also points out that if you will be running or jumping with a weighted vest, those movements are force multipliers, so adding more weight isn’t strictly about an additional 10 or 20 pounds — it could feel like an additional 30 to 60 pounds on your joints. If you’re using a vest outdoors, it can also be helpful to have additional features, like reflective details, or pockets for things like a phone or keys.
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Weight distribution. Most weighted vests distribute weight evenly through the front and back of the body and across the shoulders. However, if you’re using an adjustable vest with add-in weights, you’ll want to be sure it has the option to distribute weight evenly as you add or remove weights. Your body size and type can also affect how weight is distributed — as a 5’4″ woman, I found some of the heavier weighted vests pulled uncomfortably on my shoulders, but they were perfect for my 6’1″ husband.
How we chose the best weighted vests
Over several months, we tested 12 weighted vests ranging from lightweight options to heavy-duty training vests. We tested the vests on smaller and larger bodies, including people in their 20s, 30s and 60s, as well as on professional athletes and wearers in active professions. The vests were worn during different tasks, including home workouts, at the gym, walking indoors and walking outdoors. We also spoke with fitness experts and professionals about what features to look for and who might benefit from a weighted vest.
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FAQs
How much weight should I start with in a weighted vest?
Depending on your size and fitness level, you can start with as little as 2 to 5 pounds and build up your tolerance. McDowell recommends starting with no more than 5% of your body weight, which would be equivalent to 8 pounds for a 160-pound person or 10 pounds for a 200-pound person.
Is it safe to run with a weighted vest?
It is safe to run with a weighted vest, providing that you meet the following criteria, McDowell says: You are an experienced runner who has adjusted to wearing a weighted vest before running with it, you wear proper shoes, you’re not injured, and the vest fits properly.
Using a weighted vest during cardio training is a common way many athletes use weighted vests, Williams says. “Adding additional weight while you run will increase the effort and difficulty of your session,” he notes. “A weighted vest can enhance the workout, no matter the goal. If you are training distance, the added weight over miles will surely add up and be noticeable. If you are training speed, you’ll build power faster, and become more explosive with movement when not wearing it.”
Can weighted vests help me lose weight?
There is evidence that weighted vests can help some individuals lose weight when the vest is combined with other weight-management strategies, like nutrition and exercise. McDowell points out that a weighted vest increases demands on the body, so it can burn more calories.
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Other weighted vests we tested
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Aduro Sport Weighted Vest ($90): The Aduro is very similar to the Reebok, but it’s more expensive. We didn’t find the buckle placement as comfortable as it was on the Reebok, especially for people with breasts.
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Titan Elite Series Weighted Vest ($140): This is a high-quality, well-made, very durable vest with a lot of adjustability, but we’d recommend it for advanced users only. We tested the 40-pound vest and appreciated that it came pre-loaded, but even our 6’1″, 250-pound, professional woodworker tester struggled to slip it on over his head. He described this vest as “intense.”
Meet our experts
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Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy and vice president of operations at Gait Happens, doctor of physical therapy at Clearwater Physical Therapy and certified coach at CrossFit Send It in Florida
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RJ Williams, doctor of physical therapy and franchise consultant at Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers, Mid-Central Region
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.