This article reviews and compares the best weighted vests on the market, evaluating them for comfort, durability, adjustability, and performance across strength training, cardio, and functional fitness workouts.
Adding external load to your bodyweight movements is one of the most effective ways to break through plateaus in calisthenics, running, and functional fitness. Whether you are training for the CrossFit Games, looking to improve your rucking endurance, or simply want to burn more calories on your daily walk, a high-quality weighted vest is an essential tool. However, not all vests are created equal. Poorly designed vests can bounce, chafe, and restrict your breathing, turning a workout into a torture session.
We have researched and analyzed the top options on the market to bring you the best weighted vests for every type of athlete. We evaluated these products based on comfort, material durability (specifically looking for Cordura and reinforced stitching), weight capacity, and stability during movement.
Here are the top 5 weighted vests for strength training, running, and functional fitness.
If you have ever watched the CrossFit Games, you have likely seen the Rogue Plate Carrier in action. It is widely considered the gold standard for functional fitness because it strikes the perfect balance between durability and minimalism. Unlike bulky vests that cover your entire torso, the Rogue Plate Carrier features a slim profile and an open-side design. This aids significantly in breathability and comfort, preventing overheating during high-intensity metabolic conditioning.
Key Features:
Reviewers consistently praise this vest for its "set it and forget it" fit. Once tightened, it stays close to the body, allowing for full range of motion during pull-ups, push-ups, and squats. It earned a near-perfect score in performance metrics for its ability to withstand abuse without falling apart.
Best For: CrossFit athletes, functional fitness, and anyone who wants a compact, bombproof vest.
Rucking—walking with a weighted backpack or vest—requires a different set of design priorities than sprinting. You need lumbar support and comfort over long durations. The GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0 is built specifically for this purpose. It essentially functions as a backpack-style carrier that houses a single plate on your back, keeping your chest open for maximum breathability.
Key Features:
While this vest is excellent for walking and hiking, it is less versatile for movements like push-ups due to the bulk of the backpack-style plate. However, for its intended purpose of rucking, it is unmatched in ergonomic support.
Best For: Rucking, hiking, and walking for cardiovascular health.
Shop the GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0
Running with a weighted vest is controversial due to the impact on joints, but if you are going to do it, you need a vest that acts like a second skin. The Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite offers a radical departure from the tactical plate carrier style. It uses a patented fabric system that hugs the torso, ensuring zero bounce.
Key Features:
The elastic side laces allow for chest expansion during heavy breathing, which is a critical feature for runners. Because the weight is distributed across many small pockets rather than two large plates, the load feels more natural against the body.
Best For: Runners, sprinters, and speed agility training.
Shop the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite
You do not always need to spend over $100 to get a good workout. The Zelus Weighted Vest is a fantastic entry-level option for those on a budget. Unlike the plate carriers mentioned above, this vest uses soft iron sand filling, which allows the vest to contour to your body shape more easily than a solid steel plate.
Key Features:
This is a "fixed weight" vest in most configurations, meaning you cannot easily scale the weight up or down like you can with a plate carrier. However, for beginners looking to add resistance to their daily walk or basic bodyweight circuit, it offers tremendous value.
Best For: Beginners, walkers, and budget-conscious buyers.
If your primary goal is building raw strength through heavy calisthenics—think weighted dips, squats, and pull-ups—you need a vest that can go heavy. The RUNmax Adjustable Weighted Vest is the "armored tank" of this lineup. It sacrifices some of the sleekness of the Rogue or Hyperwear vests for sheer capacity and utility.
Key Features:
This vest is bulky, but it is effective. It is a favorite among Amazon shoppers for its durability and the ability to progressively overload exercises significantly. If you plan on doing push-ups, dips, or squats where you need more than 20 or 30 pounds of resistance, this is your best bet.
Best For: Progressive strength training, heavy calisthenics, and muscle building.
Shop the RUNmax Adjustable Weighted Vest
Before making a purchase, consider the following criteria to ensure you select the best tool for your training style.
Running and Cardio: Look for a snug, form-fitting design like the Hyperwear Elite. Bouncing weights can cause chafing and throw off your running gait.
Strength Training: Look for high capacity and ease of loading. The RUNmax or Rogue carriers are ideal here because they can support heavier loads necessary for hypertrophy.
Rucking: Look for lumbar support and back-loading. A vest that puts too much weight on your chest can restrict breathing during long hikes.
Weighted vests take a beating. They are soaked in sweat and often dragged through dirt during burpees. Look for Cordura nylon (500D or 1000D), which is resistant to tears and abrasions. Avoid cheap neoprene if you plan on doing rugged outdoor workouts, as it tends to degrade faster.
Unless you buy a specific fixed-weight vest for a specific benchmark workout (like a 20 lb vest for "Murph"), an adjustable vest is usually a better investment. As you get stronger, you will want the ability to add more weight. Plate carriers allow you to swap out plates, while pocket-style vests allow for micro-loading with small sandbags or iron bars.
A weighted vest is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can own. For the absolute best all-around performance and durability, the Rogue Plate Carrier is our top pick. If you are focused on rucking, the GORUCK 3.0 is the specialist you need. For runners, the Hyperwear Elite offers unmatched comfort, and for those on a budget, Zelus provides a great entry point.
