Best Weighted Vests
Weighted vests are one of the most effective accessories when it comes to increasing resistance in your workouts. Whether you go heavy on cardio, CrossFit, progressive overload training or have a mix, a good-quality weighted vest can help add much needed intensity to your training and provide you with quicker gains thanks to more efficient workouts.
We take a look at the best weighted vests in the UK in our comprehensive buying guide and have assessed each one to give you the lowdown on what type of training it is best suited to.
Perhaps you are looking to build your stamina, or you might be looking to increase your strength – either way, there is a weighted vest that will allow you to add an extra layer of intensity to your training resulting in harder workouts that push your body to its limits.
Our No.1 Weighted Vest
Our Top 10 Weighted Vests
We have scoured the market and tested plenty of different options. The results are in. Here are 10 of the best weighted vests available today…
Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest
Gravity Fitness are a UK-based company that are quickly establishing themselves as one of the market leaders in quality fitness equipment.
The Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest is made from high-quality nylon that is hard wearing and breathable.
With 20kg of weight included, this is a vest that will allow you really push yourself and although it is by no means the cheapest on our list, it is by far and away the best we tested.
One of the best things about this weighted vest is its cast iron weights. Many of the cheaper brands use sand weights which take up more space and provide a bulkier feel to the vest. The range of removable cast iron weights make this vest a versatile training aid for a number of different uses.
It also comes with a market leading 5-year warranty, although it is unlikely you will need to use it thanks to the high-quality materials used in the production of this vest.
It’s very comfortable to wear too thanks to the padding, and the adjustable straps mean the one-size vest will fit pretty much any build.
The design of the vest features a shorter profile than many (again this is thanks to the cast iron weights) which means it is less intrusive on your workout – whether you want this for crossfit, calisthenics, resistance training, functional training, or to add weight to bodyweight exercises – this vest is suited to all.
Bulldog Gear – 20kg Adjustable Weight Vest
This vest gives you total control over weight distribution.
Rather than just loading you with a solid, flat weight, this vest has 18 pockets on it – nine on the front and nine on the back – and 18 x 1kg bricks that you can add when and where you want.
They’re easy to pop in and out, and allow you to adjust weight proportion exactly how you need to.
If you’re a beginner, start with just one brick if you need to, and build up towards a full set. It’s a really good vest for any ability.
It’s also surprisingly comfortable. I loved the padded shoulder straps, and the Velcro straps are large and strong so that the vest hugs your body correctly and firmly. The bricks themselves sit comfortably in their pockets, too – you only know they’re there because of the weight.
This is a brilliant, durable vest that came very close to getting the top spot.
JLL Vest
The JLL weighted vest is a mid-range option in terms of budget, but offers a good range of weight options.
Starting at 10kg vests up to 30kg in 5kg increments, the JLL is going to be a serious option for most types of training.
The vest is well made and features numerous pockets to add the sandbags too, allowing you to alter the weight as per your workout or to allow you to provide progressive overload over time.
Two large straps with velcro are used to keep the vest secure to your body and they are effective at this. The individual pockets also feature velcro straps although these are not so secure – this means any kind of exercise where you might be slightly upside down could prove problematic with a chance the sandbags could fall out.
The JLL features a breathable design with breathable fabric to prevent sweating and it can also be machine washed, as sweating invariably will happen. The price varies based on the weight option you choose, but we found this to be a great training aid and well worth the money.
Jordan Weighted Vest – Various Weights Up To 30KG
The Jordan weighted vest is a product that we have recently tested and fell in love with almost immediately.
It is affordable, available in a range of weights, and is exceptionally well made, making this one of our favourite options for weighted training.
Whether you intend to wear it for bodyweight exercises, cross fit or running, this vest lives up to the task. You can choose your maximum weight when ordering, which means you only pay for what you need.
With a maximum weight of 30kg this is one of the heavier vests (when fully loaded) but also works well at lower weights. The weights themselves simply load into the front and back slots and they are made from solid metal, which we prefer when compared to sand.
This vest sits snug to the body which is great for more explosive movements. The size of the vest is suitable for all thanks to an adjustable strap, and it is very comfortable to wear.
There is an impressive 2-year warranty with the Jordan vest and it can be used in domestic and commercial settings and still be valid for warranty purposes. With 4 different weighted options, a very affordable price tag and such a comfortable fit, we really approve of this weighted vest.
Hyperwear Hyper Vest Pro
Now I’ve heard some people say they don’t use a weighted vest because it makes them feel claustrophobic.
They appreciate the benefits of working out with added weight, but hate the feeling of weights strapped around their chest.
If this is you, then you’ll love this Hyperwear vest.
It’s ultra-thin with a breathable material – so much so, you could even wear it under other clothing and nobody would notice.
But does this mean it’s less effective compared to other weighted vests? Well, it only comes with 10lbs of weights. You’ll likely need to add more, which will come at a cost (and the vest itself is already rather pricey).
The weights are also a little more awkward to get out, but this is expected and the price we pay for a more slimline weight vest. The actual weights themselves are steel, and brilliantly small.
Wearing the vest is soft and comfortable – nothing digs in or rubs, and it laces up at the sides so you get a really good fit. They are quite small in size, so size up if you’re unsure.
Overall, a really good vest if you want something minimal and unnoticeable – though you will notice your ability to burn more calories with progressive load in your workouts!
Aduro Sport Adjustable Weighted Vest
The Aduro vest is not here to mess around. You want some added weight? Put this on and you’ll immediately have an extra 9kg to carry.
The maximum weight on this is 14kg, which you can add on with 0.9kg weights.
This vest is made of a neoprene material which is really comfortable on the skin even when you’re sweaty.
The actual design of it makes it feel more breathable too, and less restrictive.
Another little perk to this vest is that it has two decent pockets to it, and a reflective strip. These are really helpful features for safety whilst you’re out, and also handy to carry things like your phone and keys.
I couldn’t believe just how nifty and practical this hardcore vest is. It’s expensive, but I used mine a lot because they made it so comfortable and practical, and easy to increment weights as my strength and fitness developed. A very worthy investment if it keeps us consistent.
Force Fitness Rucking BackPack + Weights
Before the invention of the weighted vest, people carried weights (and other belongings) in a rucking backpack.
I personally prefer weighted vests, as they’re good at balancing out the weight in favour of your posture; whereas a heavy weight in a rucksack can pull down on your shoulders and potentially cause back problems.
But I get the old-school desire for rucking.
My dad was a military man, and he always trained with a rucking backpack without any problems – he was good at it, and also packed essentials for longer runs. It can be a very practical option, if your posture is solid.
There are some expensive options out there at the moment, but I thought the backpack from Force Fitness was very good value. You can buy it on its own or with Force Fitness powder coated plates, which come in weights from 5kg to 25kg. You can carry as much as 60kg with this bag, which is a huge load to bear.
Plus, the bag has handles on the top and sides, which means you can also use it as a weighted workout tool without even wearing it.
The bag is comfortable to wear, and has some decent padding on the shoulders. And you get a 3-year warranty, which is very generous of them.
PROIRON Weighted Vest
This final option is so simplistic I think it’s absolutely brilliant.
You buy the weight you want, so the disadvantage is that there’s no wriggle room with progression and adding or reducing weight – you simply purchase the weight you want, up to 10kg.
But that means no messing around with adding or removing (or losing) weights. And it’s so easy to wear and use.
It’s seriously comfortable – probably the most comfortable one I tried – and can be worn even underneath a layer, or on its own. You zip it up, adjust the straps on the side, and you’re good to go.
The vest has a nice look to it yet it’s fully reflective too, plus you can wash it and it dries quickly. If you want a vest that doesn’t get too much attention like some of the bulkier vests loaded with individual weights, then this is a really good option.
This vest is the cheapest on the list here, but that’s what makes it so great – it’s excellent value for money. Wear this for a week during even a walk or a workout, and you’ll feel the difference and it didn’t even cost you the earth.
ViaVito Weighted Vest
The ViaVito is a shoulder weighted vest that is super lightweight.
Perfect for those looking for just a small additional weight with just 2.5kg extra weight at the most.
This vest will be well suited to runners, cyclists and walkers who do not want too much additional weight.
Users of the ViaVito will benefit from its lightweight design as it is very comfortable and does not cause any friction with your body like some of the bigger vests.
There is no way of increasing or decreasing the weight which in many cases is the whole point of this vest. The fact that there are no additional weights to add means it is one of the most sturdy and well made vests we tested.
It features a breathable material to the inner and to the outer has a pocket for carrying a water bottle or other items.
The ViaVito is one of the most comfortable weighted vests we tested and although it won’t suit all types of training, for long distance training or cross-fit with added resistance it is perfect.
TNP 10-30KG Vest
TNP are not one of the best-known names in the fitness industry, but when we heard about the TNP weighted vest that has a maximum weight of 30kg, we thought we’d give it a try.
At £64.99 for the 30kg variant (10kg is £27.99), it wasn’t the cheapest on the market but it was still reasonably priced and it lived up to our expectations.
The TNP is well made and features sweat-proof fabrics for added comfort. The double-strap velcro design is common at this price point and the TNP straps were easy to secure with high-quality materials found throughout.
A number of sandbags are used to increase the weight of the vest and you can adjust how many you use to alter the weight dependent on your workout.
One aspect of the TNP design that we liked most was the added padding to the shoulders – this is something that is sometimes overlooked, and when using 30kg of weight the padding is pretty important.
The overall comfort of the TNP weighted vest was very good and we found it easy to train with. Overall, it was a hit.
Full Body or Shoulder Weighted Vests
There are two main categories of weighted vests. There is the full body weight vest and there is the shoulder weight vest.
Full Body Weighted Vests
Full body vests are designed to carry much heavier weights than the shoulder vests. They are best suited for more static workouts and are perfect for building muscle and strength.
They can also be used to build stamina but using less dynamic movements. Typically, full body weighted vests will provide a range of weight levels and can range from 10kg to 40kg+.
They are designed to be well fitted and secure so the weight sits tight to your body – this helps the extra weight to feel at one with your body weight, so there should be little pull in directions other than the intended natural gravitational pull downwards.
Shoulder Weighted Vests
Shoulder weighted vests are much more lightweight and feature a shoulder strap style design. Shoulder vests are designed for more active and dynamic activities such as CrossFit, walking and running.
Typically, the levels of weight found on shoulder vests will range from 1kg to 5kg, and these can also be used to increase endurance and strength.
The kind of weighted vest that is right for you will depend on what you intend to use it for, how often you intend to use it, and how much flexibility you need in the level of weight.
Benefits of Weighted Vests
The main benefit to using a weighted vest is that it gives you an added layer of resistance. Anyone who is training for strength or hypertrophy will tell you that progressive overload through resistance is the number one way to elicit results.
Weighted vests are particularly helpful as they are designed in a way that adds the weight to your mid section. This allows you to maintain balance and stability whilst adding considerable weight to your body.
For people who are undertaking bodyweight exercises such as pull ups, push ups, running or walking, then a weighted vest can help you to continue to apply progressive overload once your own body weight is not enough to bring the results you need.
The design of the weighted vest means that using one is one of the safest ways to apply extra weight to your bodyweight workout.
The other key benefit other than strength and hypertrophy is that it helps develop your cardiovascular fitness. Undertaking walking or running whilst wearing a weighted vest is a great way to add intensity to your training.
It will help develop your muscles, but it will also increase the intensity of your cardiovascular system as the body requires blood to be pumped around the body faster.
Weighted Vests: Key Features
There are four main aspects (or features, if you like) to consider when purchasing a weighted vest. They are; the design, comfort levels, weight ranges, and adjustability of the vest.
Design
Probably not the most important aspect, but design should be considered. You might want to consider the design of the vest from an aesthetic point of view as well as from a functional perspective.
Different vests apply the weights in different ways. Does the vest use sand to add weight or does it use metal plates? As well as how it makes the vest look and how confident you feel when you wear it, it also needs to feel comfortable too.
Comfort
The comfort level of your weighted vest is going to be an important consideration. When you add heavy weights to a vest, it can obviously become quite abrasive against your body and skin.
Look for well padded vests if you are opting for a vest that is going to be carrying in excess of 10kg for any prolonged period of time.
Weights
The weights of all vests will vary based on the design and exact variant you choose. Some products have over 6 different variants – these usually use sand to add or remove extra weight.
Some vests that are one weight only will have the weight built into the vest and some use steel plates for the weight. Choose a vest that has the type of weight that is right for you – and if you’re looking to focus on developing the amount of weight you can carry, obviously go for a vest where you can add or remove weight to it.
Adjustability
Most vests offer some level of adjustability across the mid-section, but if you have particularly wide shoulders or are particularly tall then you might want to look for adjustable shoulder straps too.
A good fit is a must with a weighted vest. Get it wrong and you’ll be uncomfortable at best, and have your posture or comfort negatively impacted – a weight worn wrong could be painful.
