Weighted-Living-Logo for website

BEST Weighted Vests for Running: Get Faster Today

best weighted vests for running

Adding the best-weighted vests to your running workouts is a terrific technique to boost exercise

resistance and, therefore, muscle growth. It is possible to add a lot of weight to any form of exercise regimen, from weightlifting to CrossFit training, by using weighted vests.

Gaining muscular mass is made possible by having that mass physically attached to your upper body. Weighted vests often include multiple pockets for various weight plates or bars to be added, so you may gradually increase the load over the weeks and progressively promote the muscle to grow. Here are our top picks for the best weighted vests for running.

BEST Weighted Vests for Running: Summary

Our Top Best Weighted Vests For Running:

1. Exo Sleeve Weighted Vest

Neoprene, the material used in wetsuits, is used to manufacture this vest. This implies it’s resistant to chemical abrasion and erosion, as well as being protective and long-lasting (like sweat). In addition, it’s lightweight, which means you’ll know exactly how much weight you’re carrying at any one moment. There is an adjustable front strap on the vest, so it may be customized to fit your body perfectly.

While jogging, you won’t have to worry about chafing above your hips since it’s short. To ensure that you don’t injure yourself when lifting or running, it has shoulder straps that are designed to drop below your underarms to prevent irritating sensitive areas. With the Exo Sleeve Weighted Vest, you won’t have to bother about acquiring vest-specific plates to load the vest with. If you want to add weight to your training, this machine can handle most small barbell plates.

Who Should Buy Exo Sleeve Weighted Vest

This weighted vest is composed of neoprene, the same material used in wetsuits, so it’s designed to endure. Weighted vests are great for those who wish to workout in a variety of ways, including inversions, and this one is no exception. This type is great for athletes who don’t want to spend money on plates for their vest since it can hold a variety of weights, including tiny barbell plates.

Who Shouldn’t Buy Exo Sleeve Weighted Vest

For athletes looking to secure a fit particular to their physique, it’s vital to know that this vest only comes in one size. If you’re searching for a weighted vest with a large loading capacity, there are alternatives that can be loaded heavier. Athletes seeking for a back-loaded vest may want to look elsewhere. When you’re browsing for weighted vests and looking for one that’s both breathable and sturdy, go no further than the Exo Sleeve Weighted Vest.

2. GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier

Report shows in barbend that, high and tight on the chest this weighted vest is meant to hold a 20 or 30 pound Ruck Plate which is supplied separately. When completely filled, the back-loading design reduces the strain on the chest, allowing for better breathing. For athletes with a wide range of body shapes, the backpack style may be more accessible. This vest is composed of 1000D Cordura and padded with EVA foam for enhanced lower-back support. It’s available in two colors: black or coyote brown. It’s easy to spray clean (with a hose) and hang dry if there’s no additional mesh, zippers, or straps.

Who Should Buy GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier

The back-loaded design of this vest is ideal for athletes who don’t want to carry extra weight in the front of their torsos. The backpack-style shape of this weighted vest makes it ideal for people of all body types seeking for a weighted vest. This vest comes in both black and coyote brown, making it ideal for athletes who want to raise their style ante.

Who Shouldn’t Buy GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier

A weighted vest produced in the United States may be out of reach for certain consumers. Vests without weight plates may be preferable for those who don’t want to spend extra money on plates they don’t require. You may have a hard time finding weighted vests that are both robust and comfortable. The GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier is able to do both because to its unique design.

3. BOX Weighted Vest for Running

The front and back panels of this vest, which is produced in the United States, help sustain the additional weight. From 2.8 pounds (unloaded) to a maximum capacity of 45 pounds, these weights are available in 2.5-pound increments. Because the BOX Weighted Vest’s torso and shoulders are completely cushioned, you may workout to your heart’s content without worrying about damaging your skin. If you’re an athlete who prefers a less bulky style, this vest may be for you. The shoulder straps are also rather small (each strap is 3.25 inches wide). The moisture-resistant material of the kipping-proof box-belt system allows for rapid adjustments mid-workout.

Who Should Buy BOX Weighted Vest

The tactical design of this vest appeals to those who desire a vest that won’t be ruined by doing pull-ups while wearing it. The 2.5-pound weight increments are ideal for those who want to fine-tune the vest’s weight (up to 45 pounds). The small straps provided here are ideal for those who need to keep their shoulders mobile while doing overhead activities.

Who Shouldn’t Buy BOX Weighted Vest

A vest with fewer loading possibilities may be more appealing to athletes who want a vest with a constant weight. Some people may find it annoying because each weight increase comes with a new packaging. However, just though the BOX Weighted Vest can support weights up to 45 pounds, it doesn’t imply that you must use just the heaviest models. With the vest’s ability to adjust in weight in increments of 2.5 pounds, you may work out hard while yet being exact.

4. Aduro Sport Weighted Vest for Running

This back-loaded weighted vest is an excellent choice for runners and other aerobic athletes. Because there is no weight on the front of the body, expanding the chest is made easy (a valuable feature when breathing heavy). Instead, you’ll wear a backpack-style device that’s strapped to your back and can accommodate a weight range of four to thirty pounds. The vest’s adjustable straps let you keep it in place while running so it doesn’t slide around. For those who don’t want their hands full when out for a run, this bag is constructed of neoprene and has a mesh pocket for personal belongings.

Who Should Buy Aduro Sport Weighted Vest

If you are an athlete who is interested in increasing the weight of your runs, this product is ideal. This vest’s back-loaded design will appeal to sportsmen looking for a vest that makes breathing as simple as possible (by not putting extra weight on their chest). The adjustable, tight straps of this vest make it ideal for those who appreciate a vest that doesn’t shift during up-and-down activities (jumping rope, jogging, running, box jumps, etc.).

Who Shouldn’t Buy Aduro Sport Weighted Vest

Because of the vest’s back-loading design, anyone looking for a vest that can equally distribute weight should search elsewhere. Shoulder padding is a must if you’re seeking for a vest that can support barbell training. Pre-loaded vests may not be ideal for athletes who like to load and modify their own weights. The Aduro Sport Weighted Vest is ready to go out of the box. Simply put it on like a backpack when you’re ready for your next weighted run, adjust it to fit snugly, and go for a run.

How Heavy Should my Weighted Vest Be for Best Running Performance?

According to research, people who wear vests that weigh 5 to 40 percent of their body weight may increase their cardiovascular function. It’s logical, as with most things in strength training, to begin at the low end of the range and work your way up as your strength and stamina improve.

If you’re unsure about the weight of a weighted vest, you may want to choose for one with a wide range of weight options. Using this method, you may adjust the weight to suit your needs.

How Do I Get Started using a Weight Vest for Running?

If you want to use a weighted vest for cardio, you should begin cautiously. Walking with your vest on before jogging and running is a good starting point. Use your weighted vest in the same way you would a gym’s progressive overload program.

Take the time now to learn how best to walk, jog and ultimately run under weighted situations before advancing to heavier loads. When using a vest for weightlifting, begin slowly and gradually build up to heavier weights. Allow your body time to adjust to the weighted vest during your warm-up sets before using it during your tougher workouts.

Weighted Vests for Running: Construction and Durability

According to Garage Gym Reviews, take a closer look at the vest’s materials and what you want to use it for. If you want to put your weighted vest through grueling exercises and expose it to the weather, Cordura and other heavy-duty nylon mixes are your best bet. It’s not uncommon to find best weighted vests for running with water-resistant coatings on higher-end models.

Additionally, take a closer look at the closing mechanisms: What kind of closing mechanism does it have, buckles, straps, or velcro?

In order to determine whether or not you can wash the vest by hand or in the washing machine, check to see whether it can be dismantled. Last but not least, see whether there are any optional extras that interest you. Do you need a bottle holder or a mesh storage area?

These fascinating features may be found on certain higher-end weighted vests, but you should expect to pay a premium for them. Weighted vests typically weigh between 10 and 40 pounds. However, other vests, like the Kensui EZ-VEST we suggest, are much heavier.

It all depends on your fitness level and how you want to utilize the weighted vest. For most individuals, a weighted vest no heavier than 40 pounds is sufficient. Weights of various sorts may be accommodated by a variety of vests.

There are a variety of weighted vests on the market, but the ones we suggest utilize steel or iron plates. Pez dispenser-sized steel plates are used in a number of innovative vests, such as those made by the Hyperwear line of products. There are a variety of weighted vests to choose from depending on your budget and main usage.

Activity Needs

If you’ve ever used a weighted vest for training, you know how unpleasant it can be to use a vest that isn’t made to handle the task at hand. The chafing, sliding, and shifting up and down is a major turn-off. As a result, we begin by evaluating your activity requirements. All of our weighted vests have been chosen depending on the sports they are most suited for. Less-weighted vests, for example, are ideal for activities that require a greater expenditure of energy via the heart. Strength and conditioning routines may benefit from vests that are heavier and have a higher loading capacity. A wide range of vests have been included on this list so that we can cater to everyone’s specific demands.

Weighted Vests for Running: Material and Design

For each vest, we analyzed its material and design—specifically its general material structure; stitching; straps; and pockets; as well as its overall design. Higher-quality vests were fashioned from fabrics that are more breathable (i.e., won’t cling or pull while sweating) and that were double-stitched for longevity. When it comes to how a vest fit and what extra levels of utility it provided, construction factors like straps and pockets were important.

A vest with more pockets, for example, can hold water bottles, keys, and other training aids more conveniently, making it more helpful for outdoor training. Straps may be helpful when it comes to security and making sure the vest doesn’t fall out of position while shifting directions fast or operating on numerous planes. In order to assist you in making an informed decision about the kind of material or design that would be most appropriate for your project, we’ve included these features throughout our list.

The Best Weight Vests to Become a Stronger

You may use a weight vest to help you achieve your fitness objectives, whether you’re preparing for a marathon, becoming a stronger runner, or completing home exercises to shed a few pounds. Athletes and military personnel alike find weight vests beneficial for a variety of reasons, including increasing balance, strengthening muscles, and correcting posture. 

There are many different sizes available for weight vests. Depending on the design, you may be able to alter the weight of the vest based on the intensity of the workout, the strength of the person wearing it, or your own progress toward your goals. For both your development and safety, it is essential to choose the proper sort of vest while undergoing rehabilitation as opposed to military training, which calls for different types of vests.

Can Running With a Weighted Vest Improve Your Performance?

According to runnersworld report, we were all forced to be creative with our jogging and training routines earlier this year due to the coronavirus epidemic, which closed down several gyms and fitness facilities. Weighted vests are a popular running accessory. It’s difficult to nail down precisely where the notion of wearing a weighted vest while exercising or jogging came from. Weighted vests have long been used by the military and the fire service to simulate the weight of the equipment they carry while on duty. When CrossFit included weighted vests into several of its WODs to make them more difficult, the practice became more widespread.

However, does gaining weight genuinely help you run faster? We enlisted the help of running and fitness professionals to explain the pros and cons of running. This increases the stress on your muscles and connective tissues when you wear a weighted vest while walking or jogging. Mat Forzaglia, a certified personal trainer and founder of Forzag Fitness in New York City, argues that weight gain presents a challenge and a new stressor to the body, and change only happens when the body is pressured. “You may enhance your total fitness by include stress.” You may certainly increase stress by doing speed intervals or lifting weights, but “the idea is that the athlete makes weighted training as particular to their activity as feasible by adding weight while walking or jogging.”

Conclusion

Weighed vests for running aren’t right for everyone, and that’s understandable. Running more or making your runs more difficult are the only ways to increase your speed and endurance. Using a parachute as additional resistance is another option. For less than $10 and less than half a pound, the StillCool Running Resistance Parachute packs down compact and can offer as much as 25 pounds of resistance when dragged along behind you.

When you’ve been running with a parachute long enough, you’ll feel liberated when you remove it. It’s simply a bit silly, to be honest. I’ve learned the hard way not to use one of these in a busy location or on a windy day. Weighed vests are excellent training aids that may be used for a broad range of exercises. You may use these weights on the jogging path, in the weight gym, or even in your living room to increase the intensity of your exercise. Wearing a weighted vest is an excellent way to improve your strength, cardiovascular fitness, and even your body composition, all without having to alter the way you work out.

Determine your objectives, activities, and desired fit before purchasing a weighted vest for running or for your personal workouts or training sessions. Be aware that you don’t need the heaviest vest available to have a significant impact on your workout. Keep in mind, too, that if you’re going to be working up to high loading capacity, you’ll want to keep that in mind while you’re shopping. Prepare for a substantial exercise by loading your vest incrementally or by slapping a large plate in there and getting started.

Mike Horton (head of Weighted Living)

by Mike Horton

Mike is one of the lead editors at Weighted Living and the author of this article. He's become fascinated with weighted products (a bit too much we think) and loves to see all the different ways they can improve our loves. He's written quite a few weighted product guides as well.

Check Out Related Weighted Products