Top 10 weighted running vests – 2018 edition
Table of Contents
Welcome to the updated 2018 guide of the best weighted running vests for running and workouts currently available on the market. Weighted vests are a practical piece of equipment that allows you to increase the difficulty of your movements in a comfortable way. You can use them to add difficulty to your running, skipping, burpees, squats, pull ups, push ups, the list goes on and on. If picked right, the vest you use should comfortably fit your body and provide you with that extra edge in your training.
However, if you are on this guide and can barely do 6 push ups or pull ups I would advise you to keep practicing and get a bit stronger before you attempt to add weight to any of your movements. Your body require incremental and sensible changes for it to adapt and your training should be viewed like a marathon, not a sprint. I have on many occasions subjected my body with weights or progressions that it wasn’t yet ready for, and it lead to several injuries, some more serious that others.
For muscle or strength to grow, it requires incremental overloads. For example; very week you can increase the intensity if you workout by adding a rep, shortening you rest time, adding a set, adding a small amount of weight, or going on to a harder exercise progression. If you were to use the weight vest for these incremental overloads, you could simple add one small weight every 1 or 2 weeks depending on how quickly you progress, and watch you strength and muscle gains grow.
Reviews
Here is my top 10 list of the best weighted running vests currently on the market. This list was created from:
- Amazon customer reviews
- Research on durability, quality, and material used to create the products
- Comfort
- Max load weightÂ
- Personal experience
Note that I have separated the list into 2 categories; heavy vests ( max 150 lbs ), and lightweight vests ( max 12 lbs ).
Heavy vests
7. CAP Barbell Weighted Vest
 This vest features a vast range of weight levels to choose from; from 40 lbs to a whopping 150 lbs. It is a one size fits all with a main adjustable strap for your comfort. the weights used in this vest come under the form of sandbags and are included with the vest depending on the weight level you choose. You may adjust the weights in 2.5 lbs increments.
What to take from this weighted vest:
- 8 different levels of weight:Â 40 lbs;Â 50 lbs;Â 60 lbs;Â 70 lbs;Â 80 lbs;100 lbs;Â 120 lbs;Â 150 lbs.
- One size fits all – adjustable belt
- 62 – 299$ with a 4 star rating and over 380 reviews on Amazon
6. ZFO Sports WEIGHTED VEST
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A sturdy vest that can be loaded with up to 80 lbs ( weights are included ). It comes with practical holders for a water bottle and phone for those long distance runs or when you need to have music to accompany your workout. It has been designed to fit comfortably whilst adding weight to your dips, push ups, lunges and other movements but some people have had problems in terms of reduced mobility when trying to do overhead movements like pull ups. The large Velcro belt permits an otherwise easy adjustment and comfortable fit for most people.
What to take from this weighted vest:
- 80 lbs. max weight limit. 80 lbs included
- One size fits most
- 1 simple, easy to adjust belt
- features a phone and bottle holder
- 100$ with a 4 star rating and 89 reviews on Amazon
5. Human X 20-Pound Weight Vest
This compact vest was designed for maximum mobility and can be adjusted with a single large belt. The weights can be adjusted in 1 lbs increments all the way to 20 lbs. The weights are plastic coated sandbags.
What to take from this weighted vest:
- Compact, flexible design
- Fully adjustable neoprene belt
- Tough abrasion-resistant outer shell resists pulling and tears
- Dual padding cushions shoulders and chest.
- 78$ with a 4.5 star rating and over 120 reviews on Amazon
4. RUNFast Weighted Vest 1
This weight vest comes available at many different weight levels depending on your strength and preferences ( from 12 to 60 lbs ), and also gives you the option of whether also want to purchase the shoulder pads to carry the best with some added comfort. If you take the 20-60 lbs model, you can adjust the weight in 10 lbs increments on this one size fits all vest. If purchased with the shoulder pads, this is one of the most comfortable heavy vests out there.
What to take from this vest:
- one size fits all design with one simple adjustable belt
- adjustable in 10 lbs increments from 20 lbs – 60 lbs
- manufacture warranty included
- 29-90$ with a 4.5 star rating and over 300 reviews on Amazon
3. SKLZ Weighted Vest – Variable Weight Training VestÂ
 
This brand features the basic vest which can be loaded up to 10 lbs, and the pro model, which can be loaded with up to 20 lbs. Both are proven to be very durable, and also surprisingly comfortable for added weight. The belts are adjustable in 360 degrees. Both the left and the right side of the belts can be unlocked. This symmetrical function allows much comfort and fit to the curves of human body, especially for women. The 0.5 lbs weights can be taken out and adjusted to your liking.
What to take from this vest:
- Belt is adjustable from both sides
- Durable and comfortable
- Two different models available ( 10 or 20 lbs )
- The pro model is waterproof
- 80-150$ with a 4.5 star rating and 90 reviews on Amazon
2. Cross 101 Adjustable Camouflage Weighted Vest
Taking the second place in my list is another durable vest featuring different weight levels to choose from ( 20 to 60 lbs ). the weights are easily removed or added in the vest is a one size fits all with a main adjustable belt. This product is available with shoulder pads for added comfort, and features a bottle carrier as well as a camouflage pattern for aesthetic purposes. This vest can certainly take a beating and it’s size should provide you with a comfortable range of movement during your workouts.
What to take from this vest:
- Very durable
- choose from 20;40;50 or 60 lbs
- comfortable shoulder pads
- one size fits all with manufacture warranty
- voted Amazon’s choice
- 52-86$ with a 4.5 star rating and over 100 customer reviews
1. ZFO sports 40 lbs Adjustable Weighted VestÂ
 
Taking first place is this robust 40 lbs weight vest from ZFO sports. It’s a reliable vest, at a great price; fantastic for men and women. It’s been designed to fit your body comfortably during the most intense of workouts and allows you to move and breathe easily. This vest features a pocket for you phone/music devices and a bottle holder to keep you hydrated. It is also a one size fits all with a belt main belt for easy set up. The weights are made of iron ore. Which is a mixture of sand and small bits of fine iron. The weights are sealed with double plastic bags and an outside nylon bag to keep the weights from leaking.
This weighted vest is no joke. as a reviewer on Amazon pointed out, there is absolutely no way you can go out in public wearing this item without sparking comments about SWAT team/Kevlar vests. It will hug you tight, and as an added benefit, will make you sustain great posture !
What to take from this vest:
- Durable
- fits like a glove on most people
- easy set up
- Pocket for your phone/music devices and water bottle holder
- 78$ with a 4.5 star rating and over 540 customer reviews
Light vests
3. Iron Weighted Vest for Men and Women
 This vest has been designed to fit snugly during your workouts. It weighs exactly 11.0 lbs and provides great quality, with comfort. It features reflective strips which will be helpful ,if you like to run at night, and mesh pockets in the back to carry personal items. Lastly, it is very affordable at just 35$
- Fits snugly for most
- The weights are made from iron pellets and not sand
- soft, comfortable fabric
- very little restriction
- 34$ with a 4.5 star rating and over 70 customer reviews
2. Tone Fitness Weighted Vest, 12 lbs
Constructed of soft neoprene material, this one size fits most vest should fit you comfortably from low, to high intensity workouts, runs, burpees, and pretty much anything you throw at it. 12 lbs may not seem like a lot but it sure makes the difference when doing cardio or explosive type workouts. You can adjust the vest with a chest strap and it should not move around too much. The sand inside stays evenly distributed. Included on the vest is a small pocket, ideal for small items such as keys, but not recommended for you phone ( unless you want to risk it flying out at any given point ).
What to take from this vest:
- comfortable fit
- Reflective strips for safety while walking at night
- good weight distribution
- resistant
- 29$ with a 4 star rating and over 430 customer reviews
1. Empower Weighted Vest for Women
This weight vest features an X shape design to comfortably fit a woman’s figure. It  has closures on both sides which helps with a secure fit. The crossed front is ideal for a female body, as weights squishing one’s chest is undesirable. The cellphone holder is a mesh panel near the right closure. It is fairly useless, unless you have a very tiny phone. You could, however, use it for something else, like a key or ID, if you need to carry that stuff around.
What to take from this vest:
- Reflective strips on the front and back so you stay visible at night while running or walking
- Comfortable X shape design for women
- Easily adjusted and good fit
- 29$ with a 4.5 star rating and over 190 customer reviews
