To be frank, weighted vests don’t excite me as much as other common fitness gear does. We’ve had a bit more fun putting together lists like the best CrossFit barbells, best boots for rucking, and even the best CrossFit grips.
Maybe it’s because I use my grips at least once a week, ruck a few times per week, and pick up a barbell just about every day; they’re just items I’m more familiar with.
…weighted vests, though…well…if you’ve ever needed one for a workout and either couldn’t get your hands on one or got your hands on a bad one, you know how annoying the feeling is. You can gut things out with a crappy bar or with some basic rucking boots, but if your weight vest is slipping off (or is straight up falling apart) you’re really gonna have some problems.
You’ll also run into some problems if you have the wrong vest for the task at hand.
Today, we’re going to help you fend off disaster by laying out the best weighted vests for a number of common fitness activities and athletes to include the best weighted vest for CrossFit, the best weighted vest for running, and the best weighted vest for women.
Hopefully one or more of these categories applies to you, but even if they don’t, you can’t go wrong with that Rogue Echo Weight Vest…the best weighted vest. However, on the off chance that it ain’t the vest for you, check out one of the other entries on our list of…
Table of Contents
The Top 10 Best Weighted Vests
🏆 Best Overall
91
Best Plate Carrier
87
Best for Running
80
Best for Walking
83
Best for CrossFit
90
Best for Women
86
Best for Rucking
89
Best for Beginners
83
Best Small Weight
88
Best Affordable
91
The Best Weighted Vests
- Rogue Echo Weight Vest – Best weighted vest (overall)
- GORUCK Plate Carrier 3.0 – Best plate carrier
- Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE – Best for running
- Ativafit Adjustable Weighted Vest – Best for walking
- Rogue Plate Carrier – Best for CrossFit
- MIR Women’s Weight Vest – Best for women
- GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier – Long – Best for rucking
- TRIBE WOD Adjustable Weighted Vest – Best for beginners
- Box Weighted Vest – Best small weight
- Miramrax Weighted Vest – Best affordable
Rogue Echo Weight Vest
⭐️ Verdict: Best weighted vest (overall)
Rogue’s Echo Weight Vest is one of the company’s newer branded equipment offerings, but has already become an athlete favorite. Despite a rather simple design, multiple sizing and color options provide variety to complement the virtuosity of its functionality.
The combination of heavier (1000D) and lighter (500D) Cordura ensures that the Echo Weight Vest can take a decent beating while also possessing a degree of abrasion resistance in areas where it matters the most.
Some might complain about the “limited” (40-pound) weight capacity and the need for USA Cast or Echo Cast plates, and despite its more-than-fair price point, there are certainly more affordable options on the market.
Pros
Mixed 1000D and 500D Cordura combines durability and abrasion resistance
Comfortable shoulder and hip securing mechanisms
Multiple size and color options
Con
Not the largest load capacity
Rogue’s Echo Weight Vest has quickly ascended to the top of the heap when it comes to the best weighted vests, securing the coveted “best overall” spot in our analysis. Combining iconic Rogue standards of quality with a reasonable price point and a simplistic, “everyman” design, the vest has appeal to a wide and diverse audience.
If you’ve slipped on a weighted vest or two, you’ve probably come to appreciate one that actually fits properly. Between the multiple size options and the easy-to-adjust shoulder and hip straps, the Echo Weight Vest is one of the best-fitting weight vests out there (assuming you take the time to, ya know, actually adjust it). Over the course of a Murph or something similar, the comfort of a properly-fitting vest cannot be overstated.
Cordura has grown exponentially more popular in recent years, but the inclusion of the 500D in the Echo Weight Vest is a unique touch. While not as abrasion resistant at 210D Cordura, this material is much less likely to cause any type of burn or irritation. I’m not really a patch or a “customization” guy, but the strategically placed velcro and Molle are nice touches that allows for this if desired.
GORUCK Plate Carrier 3.0
⭐️ Verdict: Best plate carrier
The GORUCK Plate Carrier is a straightforward, no-frills fitness accessory that hands its hat on its overall durability and its unique ability to offset the discomfort of a heavy plate.
The 210D Cordura shoulder and back panel composition is some of the most abrasion-resistance ballistic material in existence and the lumbar padding is the “missing link” that keeps the heavy, steel plate from sitting directly against the back during workouts.
The “standard” GORUCK Plate Carrier “only” has a load capacity of 30 pounds, so if you want to haul a bit more weight in your plate carrier, you’ll have to wait a little longer until we discuss its “long” counterpart…
Pros
Lumbar padding comfortably keeps the plate off the back
Strategically-placed 210D Cordura for max abrasion resistance
Top handle provides some extra functional utility
Cons
Can accommodate “only” 30 pounds/maxes out at a 30-pound plate
Despite being known for its rucksack and footwear offerings, GORUCK’s Plate Carrier is one of the company’s highest-rated products. It provides just about everything one could ask for in a plate carrier and its overall functionality sufficient for the vast majority of athletes.
Combining three different variations of Cordura, the Plate Carrier combines an exceptional degree of durability with a comfort-enhancing, abrasion-resistance qualities. Additionally, the back panel lumbar padding is a key addition that most vests and plate carrier surprisingly lack that does an excellent job of keeping the heavy, steel plate directly off the lower back,
Despite the top handle being mostly superfluous, it does provide an additional degree of utility (yay, suitcase carries!). For those who know that a single, 30-pound plate isn’t going to be enough resistance for them, look into the “long” version of the GORUCK Plate Carrier (which we will discuss very shortly) and its 45-pound capacity.
Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE
⭐️ Verdict: Best for running
The Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE is designed to fit more like a compression vest than like a more “traditional” weight vest. This design, plus the more extensive distribution of weight allows for runners to maintain a more natural gait, while upping the resistance of their workouts.
As the most expensive option on this list and with a somewhat limited load capacity, it truly appeals to a rather niche community of dedicated runners.
Pros
“Compression vest”-like fit allows for a more natural running gait
Multiple size and load options
Extensive and uniform distribution of weight/resistance
Cons
A more expensive weighted vest offering
Despite a rather limited load capacity, especially relative to its higher price point, the Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE is a weighted vest that all serious runners should give a look. Abandoning the more “traditional” big, steel plate (or, in contrast, 10-20 smaller stell weights) design, the Hyper Vest ELITE has a tight, compression vest-like fit with numerous VERY small weights evenly distributed around the vest.
The organization of the weights and fit of the vest promotes a more natural running gait and does not require runners to have to “adapt” to the, at times, awkward design of the vest. The vest’s durable Cordura material combines with numerous reflective features to create degrees of durability and safety to its list of pros.
Ativafit Adjustable Weighted Vest
⭐️ Verdict: Best for walking
The Ativafit Adjustable Weighted Vest prioritizes comfort and user longevity over max load and “functional fitness” utility. Combining these attributes with a very reasonable price point makes it ideal for walkers and others engaged in low-impact exercise.
The large degree of incremental resistance potential and significant reflective qualities counteract the vest’s relatively small overall load capacity.
Pros
Breathable, mesh design for maximum comfort
Single-pound weight enclosures allow for manageable load increases
Large reflectors ideal for early morning and night walking
Cons
Can only support 22 pounds of resistance
Ativafit isn’t the most popular fitness brand and its Adjustable Weighted Vest doesn’t look like most of the other entries on our list. However, it’s breathable mesh design with enclosures for small weights throughout it, make it ideal for walkers who prioritize comfort over max capacity.
Large reflective shields on the front and back sides of the vest allow for after-hours walks where visibility is paramount and the 22, single-pound weight enclosures allow walkers to gradually add resistance as they grow more accustomed to weighted vest walking over time. Although it lacks much of the utility of other vests, its low price point and “focused” features push it to the top of the list for walking enthusiasts.
Rogue Plate Carrier
⭐️ Verdict: Best for CrossFit
Rogue’s “original” weighted vest, the Rogue Plate Carrier offers more of a traditional weight vest design more than a traditional plate carrier.
With multiple variations of Cordura supplemented by exact sizing options and front and back-side loading areas, the vest is an ideal weight vest for CrossFit option or for anybody involved with other types of functional fitness endeavors.
Pros
Lightweight, but durable enough for rough CrossFit workouts.
Multiple size and color options
Can load the front, back, or both sides
Cons
Front-loaded plate can be a little distracting when running
Despite sporting a slightly higher overall score than the GORUCK Plate Carrier, the Rogue Plate Carrier is more of a “Weighted Vest for CrossFit” more than it is a traditional Plate Carrier. The quick and easy velcro fastening ensures a close-to-ideal fit…which is necessary when weighted muscle-ups are on the menu for the day.
With many of the same qualities as the Rogue Echo Vest, the Rogue Plate Carrier has a more minimalist design while being slightly more durable and better able to withstand the rigors of high-intensity movements and exercises.
MIR Women’s Weight Vest
⭐️ Verdict: Best for women
The MIR Women’s Weight Vest takes all of the elements desired in a weighted vest and engineers them to make them suitable for the unique preferences and needs of female athletes.
The weight vest’s 1200D nylon is incredibly durable and tear resistant and with a 50-pound weight capacity, there are few, if any, weighted vest workouts that can’t be completed in it.
Pros
Designed specially with female athletes in mind
Constructed of extremely durable 1200D nylon
Higher-than-average load capacity
Cons
Not the highest customer review scores
Unfortunately, most weighted vests don’t have the unique body structure and comfort considerations for female athletes in mind. If you’ve ever thrown on an ill-fitting weighted vest and attempted to knock out some pull-ups, run, or even walk, you know the feeling.
The MIR Women’s Weight Vest is, as the name implies, specifically designed for women and with the unique needs and preferences for female athletes in mind. The vests load capacity is rather substantive and the ultra-durable and thick 1200D nylon is very difficult to tear or damage in any way.
With a relatively small sample size of reviews, a few lower-than-average entries have resulted in a lower-than-perfect customer review score, but for female athletes of all experience levels, its tough to beat the MIR vest.
GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier – Long
⭐️ Verdict: Best for rucking
The “long” iteration of the GORUCK Plate Carrier possesses all of the same features as the “standard” version with the added bonus of accommodating up to 45 pounds.
The lumbar support padding is especially beneficial to ruckers, especially during longer outings, and the easily-adjustable snap enclosure makes removing the Plate Carrier quick and easy.
Pros
Excellent load capacity for a single-side-loaded plate carrier
Lumbar support padding is extremely helpful for managing the impact of the plate against the lower back
Relatively inexpensive
Cons
Very minimal storage for water, support gear, etc.
Interestingly enough, GORUCK’s “long” Plate Carrier iteration sports a higher overall score than its “standard” brethren. This higher score is largely due to its significantly higher (up to 50 percent) load capacity as the vest are identical other than this factor.
Ruckers, especially more experienced ruckers, are more likely to load up the weight than other fitness enthusiasts, making this a uniquely ideal product for this demographic. For those who prefer rucking in a weighted vest over a more traditional ruck bag or backpack, but who also favor the feeling of the weight solely on their backs, the GORUCK Plate Carrier – “long” is the option.
None of the other options on this list have significant (if they have any) lumbar support, making it the only option that is going to keep that plate off your back and totally secured during the duration of your “workout”. This is something you can live without and gut through for 20-30 minutes if you have to, but you’ll be very happy to have it during a 2 or 3 hour walk.
TRIBE WOD Adjustable Weighted Vest
⭐️ Verdict: Best for beginners
The TRIBE WOD Adjustable Weighted Vest combines affordability with essential functionality. Those looking to “dip their toes” in weighted vest training will be able to try just about anything that they’d like in this vest.
Although its load capacity is not particularly impressive, it is sufficient enough for those looking to “Rx” workouts like “Murph” and its ballistic nylon is unassuming, yet comfortable.
Pros
Constructed of comfortable, yet durable ballistic nylon
Waterproof
Affordable
Cons
Relatively low load capacity
Although the TRIBE WOD vest maxes out at right around 20 pounds (which is the standard “Rx” weight for a lot of weighted vest workouts), its surprisingly durable ballistic nylon is decently comfortable and is easy to wash and manage when the training session is done (if you’re into stuff like that…).
Box Weighted Vest
⭐️ Verdict: Best for small weights
The Box Weighted Vest combines large-scale resistance adjustability with a design that promotes movement freedom while minimizing the need to adjust or modify movement patterns. Its better-than-average load capacity also allows for “growth” as strength and endurance levels improve.
It’s difficult to get an exact read on the vest’s core materials, but its Lifetime Warranty erases any doubt about its durability and ability to withstand tougher training conditions.
Pros
Highly adjustable
Shoulder and hip straps engineered to promote complete freedom of movement
Lifetime warranty
Cons
Not inexpensive
The Box Weighted Vest is an exception, combining both durability with a extremely high level of adjustability. Allowing for anywhere between 1 and 18, 2-and-a-half pound weights to be loaded into the vest, it is ideal for promoting incremental loading as strength and endurance levels improve.
Designed with “functional fitness” movements in mind, the distribution of the weights, as well as the shoulder and belt dimensions, are designed to maximize movement freedom and negating all potential restrictive product engineering. If you want a weighted vest for CrossFit that is almost fully adjustable, the Box Weighted Vest is a tough one to beat.
Miramrax Weighted Vest
⭐️ Verdict: Best affordable
By far the most affordable weighted vest on this list, the Miramrax Weighted Vest also boasts a surprising array of customization options (color, size, and Molle add-ons).
The better-than average load capacity supports higher resistance training endeavors, even if the 600D nylon isn’t the most resilient or durable of the most common weighted vest materials.
Pros
50-pound load capacity
Numerous size and color options
Very inexpensive
Cons
Not made of the most durable nylon
I wouldn’t say that the vest’s nylon is the most resilient, durable, or comfortable, but considering how inexpensive it is, it’s actually punching pretty high above its weight (figuratively speaking of course!)
What to Look For in Weighted Vests
We’re not going to be able to include every area that you could ever hope to measure with a weighted vest, but we’ve included the areas that, together, provide the best general impression of each of best weighted vests.
Functionality
This seems simple enough, but you’d be surprised how many people geek out over a weight vest’s load capacity, literally only looking at how heavy they can make it. Unfortunately for them, they usually end up like this guy:
Just ask yourself what’s the point of having a really heavy vest if you can’t even move in it?
As an extension of this point, we look at what you can and cannot do in a vest:
- Can you walk or run without having to completely change your gait?
- Can you lift your arms overhead without them being restricted?
- Is your airway restricted from a front plate pressing too hard against your chest?
These are just a few items to consider, but, to simplify things, the more you can actually “do” in a vest, the better.
Load Capacity
A much more straightforward assessment factor is a vest’s load capacity. All of the best weighted vests on our list can handle at least 20 pounds and, for most people, this amount will be enough for most of the activities and exercises they’re looking to get into.
However, we do defer to vests with higher capacities due to the sheer number of more niche activities that usually demand higher capacities (ex. rucking); the last thing you want is to be limited by how much your vest can handle.
Price
Despite being (in most cases) rather simple and straightforward fitness accessory items, there is a very wide variance in weighted vest prices. We don’t see a yuge range in our list of the best weighted vests, but it isn’t difficult to find vests for as cheap as $30 or vests exceeding $300!
In most cases, “quality” weighted vests are going to fall in the $100-200 range, but, as you’ll notice from our list, there are some gems to be had for a bit less.
Customer Reviews
We’ve thrown on a lot of different weight vests in our day.
With that being said, we’re not naive enough to consider ourselves the sole authorities on the topic. As such, we place on heavy emphasis on what satisfied (and, in some cases, less-than-satisfied) customers have to say about their experiences with their weighted vests.
At the end of the day, we’re confident in our picks…
Shopping tips for Weighted Vests
Purchasing your first pair of dedicated rucking shoes constitutes a small investment. You should have a good idea of what you should be on the lookout for to ensure that your investment reaps yuge returns in the “miles rucked” department!
Besides each shoes’ ability to facilitate rucking and dynamic rucking, their prices and perceptions from thousands of users, consider the following when making your choice.
Materials
Material type and quality are items that should be taken into consideration with any fitness gear you’ve got your eye on. This is no different when it comes to weighted vests.
With that being said, we actually don’t suggest placing as much of an emphasis on this area as we would in other areas, mainly for two reasons:
- Weighted vests generally aren’t taking the same kind of abuse that other gear (ex. shoes, barbells, grips) incur on a daily basis. Lower-quality materials are better able to withstand common vest uses
- Most of the best weighted vests on our list (and of weighted vests in general are constructed of similar ballistic nylon. Nothing really stands out, either way.
Don’t go out of your way to cheap out on something that feels like it’s going to fall apart on first use, but also don’t be concerned if your desired vest isn’t constructed of adamantium.
Weight-loading Method
There are a few outliers here and there, but, for the most part, weight vest loading comes down to one of two methods:
- Plate-loaded (where one or two large steel plates are inserted into the front, back, or both plate openings)
- Small weight-loaded (where numerous small, steel “nuggets” are inserted into openings throughout the vest)
Both of these options has their advantages. Plate-loaded vests normally have higher weight capacities and are easier to load and unload while small weight-loaded vests allow for more “precise” loading due to the weights being in much smaller increments.
Selecting between these options is largely a personal preference type of thing, but be aware that just about all vests require you to purchase the plates or weights separately.
Weight-loading Area
Related to the last area is the area(s) where the plates or weights are actually loaded.
In just about all plate-loaded weight vests, these are higher up on the chest and back. It is very rare to see plates hanging around the stomach or the small of the back.
There is a bit more variability with weight-loaded vests. In some cases, the weights extended from the upper chest down to just above the waistline. In other cases, the weight-loading areas are concentrated in the same upper chest/upper back areas that the plate-loaded vests are.
One final thing to note is that in plate carriers (like either of the GORUCK Plate Carrier options on our list), weight is only loaded on one side (normally the back side). Of course, in just about any weight vest, there is the option to only load one side, but with these vests, it is the only option.
Intention
Last but certainly not least is intention: what do you want to do with/in your weighted vest?
Of course, our list of the best weighted vests is organized along many of these category lines (ex. best for CrossFit, best for running) since some vests will be better at facilitating and/or allowing certain movements and activities more than others.
It’s important that you carefully consider what types of activities you’re most likely and most regularly going to be performing in your vest to ensure that it’s the best option for you. For example, a weighted vest with a yuge weight capacity may not allow you to fully extend your arms over your head. If you need to do weighted pull-ups, this becomes a problem!
Most plate-loaded vests are pretty adaptable so if you’re not quite sure where to start, just about all of these should be solid options.
How we Chose the “Best” Products
Having done Murph (and every other popular weighted vest workout) many times, we feel pretty confident in our assessment of vets.
Besides our own personal experiences (positive and negative!) with weighted vests, we have also scanned a number of reviews discussing weighted vests and have taken everything we’ve learned into consideration. We are confident that our list is an aggregator of the best weighted vests! Click here to find out a lot more about how we test and review products.
The Best Weighted Vests…
If you’ve made it this far, I seriously doubt that we need to discuss the merits of weighted vest, weight best training, etc.
You want to add an extra degree of challenge to your bodyweight (and other!) movements, and a weight vest is the way to get it done.
You obviously don’t have to go with one of our entries in the list of the best weighted vests to get this done…but we think you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not going this route. Whether rucking is your thing or if you’re a female athlete looking for a best that will best match your unique needs, we got something for everyone.
…and if for some reason you aren’t quite sold on weighted vest training…well…fade at your own risk; Murph is always right around the corner…
🏆 Best Overall
91
Best Plate Carrier
87
Best for Running
80
Best for Walking
83
Best for CrossFit
90
Best for Women
86
Best for Rucking
89
Best for Beginners
83
Best Small Weight
88
Best Affordable
91
