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Weighted vests have exploded in popularity, and it’s not just your favorite personal trainer or Hyrox fanatic showing them off on TikTok and Instagram—everyone from runners to weekend warriors is strapping on extra pounds for their daily grind. The appeal? Weighted vests offer a simple, effective way to turn tons of activities into a muscle-building event, all without a home gym or a pile of dumbbells. As a fitness editor who’s spent years testing gear (and sweating through plenty of vests), I can confirm: the right weighted vest can change the way you move, train, and recover.
Rogue Echo Fitness Weighted Vest
- Best Overall: Exterior: 500D Cordura
- Best Value: Centr 20-Pound Weighted Vest
- Most Loved: Rogue Echo Fitness Weighted Vest
- Best for Women: Bagail Weighted Vest
Why Weighted Vests Are Trending Right Now
Weighted vests are popping all over social media for a reason. Weighted training has become a core tactic for trainers, influencers, and competitive fitness athletes, who claim it leads to better endurance, stronger bones, improved posture, and a serious metabolic boost. And, unlike rucking, which loads all the extra weight on your back, weighted vests distribute the added pounds across your torso, so you can wear it during almost any type of exercise—except running (mostly).
That said, weighted vests are really best suited for activities like walking, weight-lifting, hiking, and getting more out of everyday movements. Walking with a weighted vest, for example, is a low-impact way to boost cardiovascular health, build muscle, improve posture, and increase bone density—all without the joint stress that running with added weight can bring. The added resistance makes daily activities and strength sessions more challenging, helping you burn more calories and strengthen your core and legs, while also supporting better balance and functional fitness. For most people, wearing a weighted vest on walks, hikes, or during resistance training is safer, more comfortable, and ultimately more effective than strapping one on for a run.
Yes, they make you a sweaty Betty, and require routine de-funkifying to keep them from stinking. But I think the maintenance is worth it because they add so much to your workout (and not just in pounds).
Why Trust Us?
Runner’s World has been the authority on all things running and fitness since the 1960s. We know that smart weight training—whether it’s with a barbell, a kettlebell, or a weighted vest—can transform your running, boost your strength, and help you stay injury-free. Our team has decades of experience testing gear in real-world conditions, and we’re committed to honest, thorough reviews that help you make the best choices for your training.
How We Selected
Testing weighted vests isn’t just about strapping one on for a few squats. My team and I wore each contender for several days, through different kinds of workouts, including runs, walks, HIIT, and strength training circuits. We paid close attention to comfort, adjustability, bounce, heat retention, and how the vest performed during dynamic movements (think burpees, box jumps, and sprints). We also considered how easy it was to add or remove weight, how the vest fit different body types, and whether it stood up to repeated washings and sweaty sessions.
Pros
- Extremely durable 1000D Cordura construction
- Comfortable, even shirtless
- Secure, stable fit
- Highly adjustable for various body types
Cons
- Plates don't come with the vest
- One size may not fit everyone
If you’re serious about your training, and equally serious about the comfort and longevity of your vest, then the best choice is the GoRuck. I trained in this vest personally, as well as with my family, one of whom is a former USMC MARSOC Raider. He knows rucking from years of having it forced upon him in training, and he sang the praises of this vest over the others.
The weighted plates (sold separately) slide into pockets on the front and back of the vest, so you have a lot of freedom to customize the intensity of your workout. Yes, you can buy the GoRuck brand weight plates, but we tried it with a variety of weights, including barbell plates, and it was just fine. Much like for a cat—"if it fits, they sits”—if it fits in the pouch, you’re good to go.
This vest is constructed to get beaten up. The straps on the top and on the side are easily adjustable, and this brand, over most of the others, was the least swampy. It doesn’t ride up around your shoulders or neck, instead staying fully put. If you’re hardcore and training without a shirt, it’s also the least irritating against the skin.
The only real drawback is that the sizing is limited. If you’re magnificently jacked through the chest and shoulders, or you're a bit bigger in the belly, it might not fit.
Key Specs
| Unloaded Weight | 1.65 lb. |
| Pre-weighted or Adjustable | Adjustable (Up to 60 lb.) |
| Sizes Available | One size fits most |
| Materials | Closed-cell foam padding Interior: 210D Cordura (skin-safe) Plate closure: 1050 Ballistic Nylon at Rogue Fitness |
Pros
- Adjustable weight with removable sand bags
- What’s the main benefit of using a weighted vest
- Interior: 1000D Cordura
- Double-stitched for extra durability
Cons
- Max weight limited to 20 pounds
- Sand bags can be tricky to insert
- Bulky compared to plate-style vests
If you’re a little more budget-conscious, consider this option from Chris Hemsworth’s fitness brand, Centr. Like the GoRuck, it is also a “one size fits most” situation, with adjustable straps on the sides and top for a secure fit. It’s a darn comfortable vest, made from premium materials and costs less than half as much as the GoRuck vest.
This Centr vest tops out at 20 pounds of added weight, far less than other options, but the distribution is highly adjustable thanks to vest-specific sand bags that are widely available through a ton of different brands.
The Centr vest has excellent straps that make it easier to get on and off than of the options I tested. I do wish they had a bit more roll on the edges, as I did notice after a long workout they were a bit diggy when I pulled them extra tight. That said, I tend to tighten the vests more than most, and other testers did not have that issue, so maybe that's a "me" thing.
Key Specs
| Unloaded Weight | 2.5 lb. |
| Pre-weighted or Adjustable | Adjustable (up to 20 lb.) |
| Sizes Available | One size fits most |
| Materials | Neoprene (vest body), reinforced nylon, iron sand filling, Velcro closures, breathable mesh |
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Multiple sizes and highly adjustable fit
- Secure and stable during intense movement
- Comfortable shoulder and hip securing mechanisms
Cons
- Trap discomfort during longer sessions
- Plates sold separately
- 40-pound weight limit
If you’ve done Hyrox or Crossfit in a gym, you’ve likely worn a Rogue vest. This is the very vest my gym uses, and that's why it’s on this list. I’ve been working out with one for a few months, and I love it. It doesn’t hold funk (thank the sweet heavens), it’s comfortable, easy to load up, and it stays put.
As much as I love it, it has a lower weight limit than the GoRuck, and the vest is compatible with only Rogue-brand weight plates. Also, people I talked to with big traps tend to think it’s a bit too snug in that area. (Folks with average to above-average traps have no issues.)
I personally noticed that it was a tiny bit scratchier than the GoRuck, but I am extremely sensitive to fabrics because I’m autistic. My husband has no issues with the fabric. (Or the trap thing, and he's built like your average crocodile—super jacked arms.)
Key Specs
| Unloaded Weight | 1.75 lb. (Medium) |
| Pre-weighted or Adjustable | Adjustable (Up to 40 lb.) |
| Sizes Available | S-L |
| Materials | Interior: 1000D Cordura Exterior: 500D Cordura How much weight should I use in my vest Closed-cell foam padding Velcro® closures |
Pros
- Available in different sizes up to 30 pounds
- Best Hydration Packs
- Reflective safety stripes included
- Fit and Comfort
Cons
- Feels bulky at higher weights
- Weights may shift during use
- Best Jogging Strollers for Every Active Parent
If you’re looking for something lighter, something that spares your boobs from getting trapped under a weight plate, you should go with a harness-style weighted vest like this one.
I have been testing an iteration of this vest, and I really like it for long walks, extra weight while I’m cleaning the house, doing some weight workouts, and even while I’m out training my dog. It fits easily around the shoulders and clips across the chest like a holster or some backpacks.
It comes in various pre-loaded weights in super soft materials with fully rounded seams and edges. It's simple and elegantly designed for long-term everyday use.
Key Specs
| Unloaded Weight | n/a |
| Pre-weighted or Adjustable | Pre-weighted,12 iron sand packets: 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, or 30 lb. |
| Sizes Available | One size fits most |
| Materials | GoRuck 2.0 Weighted Training Vest |
What to Consider
Fit and Comfort
A weighted vest should hug your body without restricting movement or chafing. Look for adjustable straps, padded shoulders, and breathable materials, especially if you plan to run or wear it for extended periods. These puppies run the gamut from vests designed similarly to a shoulder holster to full ruck vests with big weight pockets on the front and back.
Weight Range and Adjustability
Most of the vests we recommend allow you to insert and remove weights—either metal plates or sandbags—which allow you to dial in and, eventually, scale your workout. That said, there are also good fixed-weight options if you prefer to minimize clutter.
A light fixed-weight vest is a cheap and easy way to get started. I'd recommend beginners start with 10 to 20 pounds, and upgrade when you feel comfortable.
Weight Distribution
Even weight distribution is crucial for comfort and safety. Vests with front-and-back loading or micro-weight pockets minimize bouncing and hotspots. Holster-style vests keep the weight balanced over each shoulder, and across the chest and back.
Intended Use
Hikers and HIIT fans need low-profile, snug vests that won’t bounce. Walkers and strength trainers might prefer heavier, bulkier models with higher capacity.
Materials and Durability
Look for tough fabrics like Cordura or ballistic nylon, reinforced stitching, and quality closures (Velcro, buckles, or zippers). Sweat-wicking liners and ventilation panels are a bonus for hot days.
Weighted Vest FAQ: A Q&A Dr. Doug Kechijian PT, DPT, Physical Therapist & Performance Coach
Is there scientific research supporting weighted vests for running or speedwork?
No, there isn’t strong scientific evidence supporting the use of weighted vests for running or speedwork. In fact, wearing a vest during running increases the orthopedic stress on your joints and may alter your running form.
Should I use a weighted vest for running?
It’s not recommended. Weighted vests can increase the risk of injury and change your running mechanics. If you want to use one, keep the weight light—no more than 5 to 10 pounds.
Running Shoes & Gear?
The greatest benefit comes from walking, especially uphill on a treadmill or hiking. This method provides a safe, effective way to add external load and increase workout intensity.
Best for Women?
Yes, sports that involve weight-bearing movements, like football, may benefit from occasional weighted vest use. Sprinting with a vest can be effective for some athletes, but should be done cautiously and not as a daily routine.
How much weight should I use in my vest?
For running or walking, stick to 5 to 10 pounds. For bodyweight exercises (push-ups, pull-ups, squats), you may need more weight to challenge yourself.
Running Shoes & Gear?
Limit use to one to days per week. This helps you avoid overuse injuries and gives your body time to recover.
What’s the main benefit of using a weighted vest?
Weighted vests add external load, making your body work harder. This can improve strength and endurance, especially during walking, hiking, or bodyweight exercises.
What’s the main benefit of using a weighted vest?
Weighted vests can make workouts feel different and more challenging, which may help keep things interesting and change your perception of effort.
Cat Bowen has been covering parenting and home for over a decade. At Best Products, she has tested hundreds of products for parents and for the home, often spending dozens of hours per product to ensure her reviews are accurate and informative. Prior to joining the team, she was at Romper where she covered everything from breastfeeding to child sleep habits to abortion rights access. You can find her work on Bustle, Romper, and more. Cat is a bit of an intellectual magpie and perpetual student, most recently receiving a graduate degree in gender studies where she examined a topic that vexes so many — pockets in women’s clothing.
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