The 8 Best Weighted Vests for Crossfit in 2022 [Reviews and Buying Guide]

best weighted vests

As a collegiate athlete who has trained in several small to world-class gyms, I’ve been able to test out different types of Weighted Vest on the market.

However, out of the eight Weighted Vests that we got to test and research, we recommend the Titan Adjustable Weighted Vest.

The TITAN Adjustable Weighted Vest is the perfect vest for Crossfit, doing body weight exercises, running, walking, or doing chores around the house. It will add another level to your workout as you have more weight resistance to move throughout your whole body.

With the flexibility of adding 2.5 lb increments, you’re able to adjust the resistance to your desired level. With the added foam padding in the vest body and shoulders, you’re able to have increased comfort with the increased breathability and relief of pressure from the added weight.

The Top Weighted Vest Reviewed

Product ImageProduct's nameWeight PocketsMaximum WeightMore Info
Best Tactical
5.11 TACTEC PLATE CARRIER
2 Pockets40 lbsView latest price
[amazon fields="B015XUL6O0" value="thumb"]Best Running
[amazon fields="B015XUL6O0" value="title" title_length="100"]
46 Pockets150 lbs[amazon fields="B015XUL6O0" value="button"]
Best Mobile
BOX WEIGHTED VEST
2 Pockets40 lbsView latest price
[amazon fields="B07C57H2VG" value="thumb"]Best All-Around
[amazon fields="B07C57H2VG" value="title" title_length="100"]
24 Pockets60 lbs[amazon fields="B07C57H2VG" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B07518RBH2" value="thumb"]Best On The Go
[amazon fields="B07518RBH2" value="title" title_length="100"]
0 - Fixed Weigh12 lbs[amazon fields="B07518RBH2" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B01AJ12MR8" value="thumb"]Best Adjustable
[amazon fields="B01AJ12MR8" value="title" title_length="100"]
10 Pockets140 lbs[amazon fields="B01AJ12MR8" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B002P60ZZC" value="thumb"]Best Bodyweight
[amazon fields="B002P60ZZC" value="title" title_length="100"]
20 Pockets80 lbs[amazon fields="B002P60ZZC" value="button"]
[amazon fields="B008RI0GD8" value="thumb"]Best Easy To Wear & Take Off
[amazon fields="B008RI0GD8" value="title" title_length="100"]
0 - Fixed20 lbs[amazon fields="B008RI0GD8" value="button"]

Find the Best Weighted Vest for You

tactec-plate-carrier

Best Overall

#1- 5.11 TACTEC PLATE CARRIER

The 5.11 Tactec Plate Carrier is made from Rogue Fitness. Rogue is one of the largest American distributors and manufacturers of strength and conditioning equipment. From CrossFit and military to collegiate and professional sports teams, Rogue has become a household name to all North Americans that want trustworthy and reliable sports equipment.

The Rogue 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier Vest is made out of water resistant, ultra durable 500D nylon providing you an increased range of motion with optimal breathability and lightweight feel. 

Unlike most weighted vests in the industry, it uses medium and large ballistic plates; front and back. This allows you to distribute the load without any restrictive bulkiness. It has shoulder pads to reduce friction, adjustable tension bands to improve your overall stability, and air flow channels to ensure your sustained comforts.

It comes weighing at 2.5lbs by itself and can be combined with up to 20 lb plate pairs. If you’re looking for a tactical style Weighted Vest plate, then we recommend you checking out Rogue’s 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier.

Pros

  • Made with water resistance and durable 500D nylon
  • Comfortable
  • Made with air flor and breathability in mind reducing overall sweating

Cons

  • Doesn’t hold any curved plates
[amazon fields=”B015XUL6O0″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

Best for Running

#2- [amazon fields=”B015XUL6O0″ value=”title” title_length=”100″]

[amazon fields=”B015XUL6O0″ value=”button”]

CAP is a leading distributor and provider for fitness equipment for over 25 years. Producing over 1000 products in over categories including medicine balls, weight training equipment, strength equipment, inversion tables, storage racks, mats, and more.

CAP Adjustable Weighted Vest helps you burn additional calories, increase endurance, and gain strength regardless of the activity or exercise you are performing. The Weighted Vest allows you to add the amount of weight resistance that you desired for your current fitness level.

It has a fully adjustable waist belt with padded shoulder straps allowing you to choose the perfect comfort and fit for your body type. With additional anchor hooks on the back of the vest, you may also choose to include parachute running training or other training tools to help create your ideal body.

If you’re looking for a great running vest, we recommend you checking out CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest.

Pros

  • High weight capacity of 150 lbs
  • Has adjustable of 2.5 increments
  • Strong velcro straps
  • Sandbags are easy to remove

Cons

  • More expensive than the other competitors
box-weighted-vest-black-h_3

Best Mobile

#3- BOX WEIGHTED VEST

Box Weighted Vest is another creation from Rogue Fitness. Rogue is one of the largest American distributors and manufacturers of strength and conditioning equipment. From CrossFit and military to collegiate and professional sports teams, Rogue has become a household name to all North Americans that want trustworthy and reliable sports equipment.

Instead of using Plate Carriers, BOX Weighted Vest uses standard 2.5lb increment weights. The one size fits all tactical training vest offers several pockets that allow you to choose your desired weight resistance. 

The wide shoulder straps are optimized for forward and overhead arm movement giving you the mobility that most other vests do not provide. 

With a lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and materials, the Box Weighted Vest is the perfect vest if you’re looking for the additional range of motion and mobility when performing your exercise, workout, or ruck.

Pros

  • Adjustable Belt provides mobility and larger range of motion
  • Completely padded for comfort
  • Made in USA

Cons

  • Straps to secure the vest were not attached but they are hard to remove
[amazon fields=”B07C57H2VG” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

Best All-Around

#4- [amazon fields=”B07C57H2VG” value=”title” title_length=”100″]

[amazon fields=”B07C57H2VG” value=”button”]

TITAN is known for its quality strength training, strongman, and gymnastic equipment. With an excellent reputation for their customer service, they are always looking to leave you completely satisfied with all your purchases with them.

The TITAN Adjustable Weighted Vest is the perfect vest for doing body weight exercises, riding a bike, running, walking, or doing chores around the house. It will add another level to your workout as you have more weight resistance to move throughout your whole body.

With the flexibility of adding 2.5 lb increments, you’re able to adjust the resistance to your desired level. With the added foam padding in the vest body and shoulders, you’re able to have increased comfort with the increased breathability and relief of pressure from the added weight.

If you’re looking for an all-around weighted vest, we recommend you having a look at Titan Adjustable Weighted Vest.

Pros

  • Great price
  • Weight are included with the purchase
  • It is easy to remove the vest with the velcro
  • Fully adjustable belt which is perfect for all type of athletes

Cons

  • Tightening the belt around the vest can sometimes be challenging
[amazon fields=”B07518RBH2″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

Best On The Go

#5- [amazon fields=”B07518RBH2″ value=”title” title_length=”100″]

[amazon fields=”B07518RBH2″ value=”button”]

ZELUS is an online fitness manufacturer that focuses on empowering people of all fitness levels to live a healthier lifestyle by providing high-quality products at an affordable price. They continue to evolve their products to help their consumers train safely and effectively.

The ZELUS Weighted Vest is made out of neoprene rubber fabric, double stitched, and filled with iron sand. This allows you to have an even distribution of weight throughout your whole body and vest. 

Made with your overall mobility in mind, the ZELUS weighted vest has cushioned shoulder strap and non-chafing fabric allowing you to be comfortable during prolonged use. With an additional dual storage pocket, you can store your valuables without worrying about them falling out.

Although this weighted vest is at a fixed weight, it’s a great distributed and sustained load that can add a little more resistance and difficulty to your workout. If you’re looking for a weighted vest to use on the go, we recommend you having a look at ZELUS Weighted Vest.

Pros

  • Front velcro storage for valuables
  • Great for individuals that have big chest or bust size of 35” to 45”

Cons

  • The weight is fixed
[amazon fields=”B01AJ12MR8″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

Best Adjustable

#6- [amazon fields=”B01AJ12MR8″ value=”title” title_length=”100″]

[amazon fields=”B01AJ12MR8″ value=”button”]

RUNFast is an online shopping marketing company that provides high quality products at competitive prices with superior services to fitness enthusiasts all around the world. They continue to find new and innovative ways to provide you the best product possible to help you reach your goals.

RUNFast provides a variety of weighted vests that have the added ability to increase your weight resistance with the additional pockets. Having vests beginning with 12 lbs to 140 lbs, you’re able to find a weight that fits your body type and fitness goals. It also comes with 46 x 3 lb weights.

If you’re looking for adjustability with a heavy weighted vest, we recommend you checking out RUNFast Adjustable Weighted Vest.

Pros

  • 9 Different Weight Loads for Vest
  • Weights are included and can be removed
  • Can choose with or without shoulder pads

Cons

  • Heavier weighted vests are more expensive
[amazon fields=”B002P60ZZC” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

Best Bodyweight

#7- [amazon fields=”B002P60ZZC” value=”title” title_length=”100″]

[amazon fields=”B002P60ZZC” value=”button”]

ZFOsports focuses on creating fitness products with usability and simplicity. They are always looking to find more innovative and better ways of developing better products to provide to their clients.

ZFOsports Adjustable Weighted Vest provides a quick and easy way to add resistance to your workout, helping you get twice the results in half the time. It provides you a variety of different weight ranges for the vest that fits your fitness level and body type.

It has multiple weight pockets that are evenly spread out front and back ensuring a perfect weight distribution when you wear it. It is easy to put on and take off making it one of the best weighted vests for working out.

If you’re looking for a weighted vest perfect for bodyweight exercises or CrossFit, we recommend you having a look at ZFOsports Adjustable Weighted Vest.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Easy to remove and secure
  • Additional pockets for water, mp3 player, or mobile phone,
  • No weight shifting that you find in other weighted vest

Cons

  • Fabric may fray after prolonged use
[amazon fields=”B008RI0GD8″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]

Best Easy To Wear & Take Off

#8- [amazon fields=”B008RI0GD8″ value=”title” title_length=”100″]

[amazon fields=”B008RI0GD8″ value=”button”]

Everlast is an American brand of sport equipment that focuses on physical fitness and fighting sports. Providing a range of products including boxing gloves, protective gear to training equipment and clothing. 

The Everlast Weighted Vest is made out of Neoprene filled with iron sand. This allows the vest to evenly distribute the weight throughout the body. With textured panels underneath the vest ensuring that the vest is always tightly secured on your body for improved safety and stability while you exercise.

This is great for individuals looking to add a bit of resistance while performing specific exercises, movement, or sports to help them create a bigger edge against their competitors.

If you’re looking for an easy to wear and take off weighted vest, we recommend you having a look at Everlast Weighted Vest.

Pros

  • Adjustable straps
  • Doesn’t move at all
  • Two different levels of weight
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • One size

Weighted Vest Plate Buying Guide

What Is A Weighted Vest Plate

Weighted Vest are a convenient and affordable option for individuals that are looking to add extra resistance to their workout, exercises, or daily routine. 

Often used by individuals in calisthenics, running, crossfit, and WODS, they provide smaller increments using pockets across the front and back of the vest, allowing for an even distribution to maximize the stability and ease of movement. The weights are placed securely inside a velcro sealed pocket reducing the overall bulkiness of the vest.

The Benefits Of Using A Weighted Vest Plate

Increase Endurance and Strength

Wearing Weighted Vests has large benefits on both aerobic activities and strength training. When you’re carrying extra weight, your body uses muscles for longer periods of time resulting in more oxygen being used.

With any exercises, when you use more weights, your body has to strengthen to adapt to the weight. It has been found that using weighted vests, 40-yard dash times, vertical jumps, and broad jumps improved substantially due to the added resistances from Weighted Vests.

Boost in Cardiovascular System

Running or any exercise using weighted vests that work your cardiovascular system can strengthen the athlete’s lungs, lactate threshold, and increase the body’s ability to consume oxygen

By adding an extra-load to a difficult workout, your body is able to adapt. As a result, your endurance and running speed will dramatically improve.

Musculoskeletal Benefits

While building muscles can help you look bigger, without a strong bone and muscular system in place, you’re more likely to get injured. 

As you wear your weighted vest for longer periods of time, your bones will take more of the load as you are moving with more force than usual.

Over time your bones will become denser and stronger to handle the extra weight.

What To Look For When Purchasing A Weighted Vest Plate

Material

Always look for materials that are made out of neoprene, nylon, or cordura fabric. This is because they are more strap and tear resistant, making them a better choice for longevity and durability.

If you’re using a Weighted Vest for a long time, you’ll probably be sweating a lot. This attracts a lot of bacteria making you feel sick or get infected. That’s why to always have a shirt underneath and to have a weighted vest that is sweat resistant.

Adjustability

Adjustability is being able to add or remove additional resistances or weight. The more weight pockets you have, the larger the flexibility you have in controlling how much resistance you want for that day on the particular exercise or workout.

Make sure it is also easy to adjust and doesn’t require much movement.

Functionality

If you’re looking for a more prolonged use such as running, maybe a phone holder or a bottle holder will be useful.

Figure out the situations you will be using the weighted vest for and see if there are any additional accessories that come with the vest.

Comfort

Any weighted vest that doesn’t have sweat resistant or padding will create blisters or discomfort on your skin. The vest will be moving around and shifting on your skin for long periods, that’s why finding a weighted vest that is comfortable and fits perfectly is crucial to get the most of your workout.

Durability

Most weighted vests use velcros for quick adjustability. However over time the strength that holds it together will diminish.

Whilst using a buckle or belt will take more time to put on, but will last longer. The belt strap may be uncomfortable for longer periods.

Find what works for you.

FAQs for Weighted Vest

What Is The Difference Between Plate Carriers and Weighted Vests

A plate carrier is a pair of metal plates that is added to a vest to provide resistance. This fixes the torso and may change how you move as it keeps your torso rigid. 
Excellent for military purposes, however if you’re looking to improve your stamina, strength, and endurance, a weighted vest would be a better choice.
Weighted Vest are a convenient and affordable option for individuals that are looking to add extra resistance to their workout, exercises, or daily routine. 
Often used by individuals in calisthenics, running, crossfit, and WODS, they provide smaller increments using pockets across the front and back of the vest, allowing for an even distribution to maximize the stability and ease of movement. 
The weights are placed securely inside a velcro sealed pocket reducing the overall bulkiness of the vest.

Is It Bad To Wear A Weighted Vest

Weighted Vest are a good way to add more resistance throughout your body. When you use free weights, you isolate some of the muscles to build them up.
While using a Weighted Vest, you perform the same movement with an additional load.
If you’re a beginner, we recommend using a weighted vest that adds around 10 to 15% of your total weight.

Can You Build Muscle Using Weighted Vest Plates

Yes, as Weighted Vest adds additional resistance and stress to your body, it will cause your body to grow and adapt.
This allows your body to build muscle and help improve your control over your whole body.

How Much Weight Should I Be Using For A Weighted Vest Or Plate Carrier

If you’re a beginner, we recommend using a weighted vest that adds around 10 to 15% of your total weight.
As you get stronger and get used to the resistance, you can increase the weight. It does not take a lot of weight to make a difference in your workout.

What Are Some Weighted Vest Workouts

We recommend beginning with a weighted vest workout one a week and build up your tolerance to three times a week.

For beginners, begin jogging slowly for a minute then rest for two minutes, and do this circuit for a few sets.

Here are more exercises that you can implement using a weighted vest.

Weighted Vest Pull Ups

GET A STRONGER WEIGHTED PULLUP (TECHNIQUE REVEALED)

  1. Find a pull up bar or an equivalent that you can use to pull yourself up with.
  2. Grab the bar with an overhand grip and hang on it at arm’s length.
  3. Pull yourself up using your arms and lats until your chin crosses your bar.
  4. Then pull yourself down until nearly back to starting position
  5. With a weighted vest, the higher the weight, the more difficult it will be.

Weighted Vest Plank Press Up

Push Up Plank: Beginner Abs Exercise

  1. Begin in a plank position. This is where you are leaning on your forearms and toes.
  2. Push up with your hands and place them where your elbows were.
  3. Straighten your arms
  4. Then go back to original planking position
  5. With a weighted vest, pressing from the floor will become more difficult

Weighted Vest Pistol Squat

How to Get Your First PISTOL SQUAT (Step-by-Step Progression)

  1. Begin standing with your feet at hip length
  2. Just like your normal squat, begin lowering down. However, only using one leg.
  3. Squat down as low as you can and then rise up.
  4. With a weighted vest, being controlled throughout the movement will burn your muscles as it will be held under tension for longer.

Weighted Vest Ab Walkout

  1. Begin standing with your feet at hip length
  2. Slowly lower yourself and begin walking your hands forward until your stomach is a few inches above the ground.
  3. Then reverse the motion by retracing your hand step and standing up.
  4. With a weighted vest, the additional weight will target your core and glutes more to ensure your body is stable throughout the movement.

Conclusion

When choosing a Weighted Vest Plate, there are many factors to consider. Your fitness level, fitness goals, workout routine, and budget

However, out of the eight Weighted Vests that we got to test and research, we recommend the Titan Adjustable Weighted Vest.

The TITAN Adjustable Weighted Vest is the perfect vest for doing body weight exercises, riding a bike, running, walking, or doing chores around the house. It will add another level to your workout as you have more weight resistance to move throughout your whole body.

With the flexibility of adding 2.5 lb increments, you’re able to adjust the resistance to your desired level. With the added foam padding in the vest body and shoulders, you’re able to have increased comfort with the increased breathability and relief of pressure from the added weight.

The Everlast Weighted Vest is made out of Neoprene filled with iron sand. This allows the vest to evenly distribute the weight throughout the body. 

With textured panels underneath the vest ensuring that the vest is always tightly secured on your body for improved safety and stability while you exercise. 

This is great for individuals looking to add a bit of resistance while performing specific exercises, movement, or sports to help them create a bigger edge against their competitors.