12 best weighted vests to level up your walks and workouts

You can shell out up to £300 for a weighted vest, but not everyone needs the extra features that come with a premium design. The ApexUp is a popular lower-cost option that still offers a comfortable fit and useful everyday features.

Made from neoprene and filled with iron sand, it has a smooth feel against the skin. Iron sand is denser than natural sand and absorbs less moisture, meaning the filling is less likely to clump or stick to the body during sweaty workouts. The seams are covered with fabric to help prevent rubbing, while the wide armholes and adjustable chest strap make it relatively easy to find a comfortable fit.

A mesh pocket at the back provides enough space for a phone or other small essentials, which is particularly handy during walks when keeping both hands free is useful. However, the vest’s weight distribution is more concentrated towards the front, so it’s worth paying attention to posture while wearing it.

The 10 lb version tested has a single chest strap, which means it can shift during more dynamic movements such as burpees. It’s better suited to walking, hiking and controlled strength exercises than jumping or high-impact HIIT.

A common complaint with this vest is the smell, which may be due to that neoprene cover. If you notice it and it bothers you, just let the vest air out a little before using it. Also, be aware that the ApexUp vest doesn’t allow you to tack on extra weight, so it can’t be lightened or increased as fitness levels change. On the plus side, it’s available in a broad range of weights, from around 2.3 kg to 13.6 kg, so it’s possible to choose a more suitable option from the outset.

If you get seriously sweaty during cardio or weightlifting, you'll appreciate the Reebok Weighted Vest’s open-back design. A ventilation panel allows air to circulate, while the lightweight fabric helps prevent the vest from sticking to the skin.

During testing, the vest was used for walking, cycling, rowing and bodyweight movements such as planks and squats. The two adjustable straps made it straightforward to customise the fit, and the lighter load felt manageable across a range of lower-impact workouts.

The breathable construction is the standout feature. It’s noticeably airier than the neoprene styles on this list, making it a sensible choice for warmer weather or anyone who tends to overheat during exercise. The fabric also feels less bulky against the body, although the lighter construction means the vest isn’t quite as secure during bigger movements.

The weights can flap around during running, jumping and HIIT, so it’s better suited to walking, cycling, rowing and controlled strength training. It’s also available in relatively limited weight options, which may not suit those looking to progress gradually or start with very light resistance.

The Hyperwear Elite is a highly adjustable option for anyone who wants to fine-tune the resistance for different workouts. The vest contains 66 individual pockets, each holding a small 2.25 oz (around 64 g) steel weight, so the load can be increased or reduced in small increments.

We tested the 10 lb model, wearing it during hour-long walks, squats, pull-ups, push-ups and back extensions. With the full weight loaded, it felt challenging during pull-ups and push-ups, but removing some of the individual weights made the vest more manageable. This makes it useful for progressive training, although changing dozens of small weights between exercises is not especially speedy. We recommend planning workouts so the load only needs adjusting once.

Elastic cords at the sides allow the vest to be tightened or loosened, but there are no shoulder strap adjustments. Compared with the shorter Omorpho vest, the Hyperwear sits noticeably lower on the torso. It doesn’t dig into the hips, although some testers noticed it grazing the lower back during walks.

The longer cut can be useful for distributing a heavier load, but shorter testers may prefer a more cropped style. On the other hand, the durable Cordura fabric feels built for regular use and should hold up well during hiking or outdoor workouts, plus reflective details around the zip and across the chest improve visibility in low light.

Besides being a US WH Fitness Awards winner, the Empower Weighted Vest is unusual in its cross-style design. It’s made specifically to fit women’s curves, with less material at the sides and fully adjustable straps that help create a supportive, close-fitting shape.

The vest comes in different weight options and includes removable 450g weights, allowing the load to be customised. Removing the bags makes it possible to use the vest for lighter resistance, while keeping them in place adds more challenge to walks and bodyweight training.

During testing, it helped elevate walks, activate the core and make bodyweight exercises feel harder. The cross-back design kept the vest feeling secure, while the neoprene fabric provided some resistance to sweat. It’s a particularly good option for walking, where the additional weight can be used without interfering with the movement of the arms.

The removable weights can make the vest feel bulky, however, particularly during floor work. They can prevent the body from lying completely flat during crunches or supermans, while the front of the vest may hit the thighs during deep squats. For that reason, it’s probably best to use the additional pocket weights for walking and more upright strength exercises, removing them for movements that require a full range of motion.

For a budget-friendly weighted vest that can be thrown in the washing machine, Decathlon’s DOMYOS option is hard to beat. It comes with ten removable 500g weights, allowing the resistance to be adjusted from 0 to 5 kg in 1 kg increments.

The front buckles and stretchy mesh side panels make it possible to adjust the vest across different chest sizes, while the relatively open design doesn’t cover too much of the body. The fit is more functional than refined, but it provides enough freedom of movement for bodyweight exercises and cross-training.

The vest does feel bulkier than more expensive options, particularly once all the weights are inserted. Some of the weight also sits across the chest, which may not be ideal for everyone, although removing the weights from that section helps. We found that on smaller frames, the back of the neck can gape slightly – likely because the vest is one-size-fits-all.

Still, the adjustable weight, affordable price and machine-washable fabric make it a practical choice for beginners or anyone who wants to experiment with weighted training without making a significant investment. Just remember to remove all the weights before washing!

Not everyone wants or needs the 20 lb (9 kg) resistance offered by the TRX Hexgrip Weight Vest, but its adjustable design leaves room to progress. The vest can be altered in roughly 450g increments, allowing the load to be tailored to the workout and increased gradually over time. A heavier 40 lb (18 kg) version is also available.

This sturdy vest helps you get a secure fit with the help of three wide Velcro straps, making it a solid option for dynamic movements, some cardio workouts, and general strength training. The neoprene inner is comfortable against the skin, while the snug fit and smartly positioned weights mean you don’t have to stress about the vest moving around on you while you work out.

While it's on the heavier end, it’s not bulky. As a result, you can still feel comfortable doing your usual range of motion. Just a heads up: some of the weights sit across the chest, which may feel more noticeable for people with larger breasts. But those adjustable straps mean you can lower or raise the shoulder straps to find a position that’s more comfortable for you.

The weights slip into individual pockets to prevent them from shifting around, but make sure they’re secured well before you start your workout (some people have reported them sliding out). Adjusting the load also takes time, so this isn’t a vest to switch between exercises mid-session. It’s worth noting that the 20 lb version cannot be upgraded with additional weight, so anyone wanting more resistance will need to buy the 40 lb model.

The Prodigen weighted vest is perfectly cropped so as to not disrupt your range of motion when walking or working out. It hits right under the chest, making it a game-changer for petite people or those who find longer vests restrictive. The shorter cut means it’s less likely to hit the thighs during squats, lunges and other lower-body movements.

Two adjustable buckles help keep it secure, while the compact design sits comfortably across the shoulders. During testing, it proved particularly comfortable for walking and hiking, including steep inclines and longer distances. The 5 kg weight adds a meaningful level of resistance without making the vest feel as bulky as some longer styles.

The neoprene material is sweat-resistant and helps the vest feel relatively soft against the body. It does absorb moisture, however, and can take an hour or two to dry after a sweaty workout. It’s also hand-wash only, so it requires a bit more maintenance than machine-washable options.

If you’re looking for a weighted vest with resistance that pushes your limits while not disrupting your range of motion, this one from Vivitory ticks the box. Despite its non-cropped fit, it stays in place with just two adjustable straps and distributes the weight evenly (11 lbs (5 kg) for the medium size and 18 lbs (8.1 kg) for the large size).

It didn’t bounce during testing, and was used for easy walks and more intense workouts, including CrossFit-style movements and burpees. The extra resistance was particularly useful for exercises such as step-ups, where holding dumbbells can encourage the body to lean forwards.

The neoprene construction is soft and relatively breathable, while reflective strips improve visibility during dawn or dusk walks. A small back pocket provides space for a few essentials, although it isn’t large enough for much more than a phone or keys.

The heavier versions are unlikely to be comfortable for running, but they work well for walking, strength training and functional workouts. Neoprene can absorb moisture, so the vest takes some time to dry after sweaty sessions.

Suitable for everything from brisk walking to strength training, the ZELUS is a practical (and affordable) vest with useful features for outdoor exercise. It’s filled with iron sand and available in two weights; 5.4 kg or 13.6 kg, so there are options for both lighter and more challenging sessions.

During testing, the vest stayed in place without bouncing, making it particularly well suited to walking and other controlled cardio movements. The adjustable buckle across the chest helps create a closer fit, although it’s the only main adjustment point, so it doesn’t offer the same level of fine-tuning as premium vests.

The neoprene material feels soft and breathable, while reflective strips on both sides improve visibility during early-morning or evening walks. A zipped back pocket is useful for a phone or keys, and the included armband pouch offers another way to carry a phone without weighing down the pocket at the back.

The weight on this one isn’t adjustable, so it won’t grow with your strength in the same way as a modular vest. However, for anyone primarily looking to make walks more challenging – particularly during the darker months – it offers a secure fit and plenty of useful storage.

Many weighted vests on the market have been designed with a fairly straight, traditionally masculine shape, which can make them uncomfortable for anyone with a larger chest. The BAGAIL takes a more accommodating approach, with an adjustable chest area designed to provide more space and a less restrictive fit.

It uses an X-shaped design with a U-neck opening, helping to keep the weight away from the bust while distributing it across the shoulders and back. Padded straps make things more comfortable, and the front fastening can be adjusted to create a more secure fit.

A mesh pocket at the back provides space for a phone or small water flask, while a separate phone pouch offers another storage option. Reflective detailing is useful for outdoor walks in low light, too.

This one is also available in a huge range of weights, from 2.3 kg up to 13.6 kg, giving plenty of choice for your training – although it’s worth noting that the weight is fixed. The limited adjustability also means it can shift during more dynamic workouts, so it’s better suited to walking, controlled strength exercises and lower-impact cardio than running or jumping.

Shorter weighted vests are not only good for those of a shorter stature. By sitting higher on the torso, they’re less likely to hit the thighs during squats, lunges and other dynamic movements, which is what makes the Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest our top pick for calisthenics, where a full range of motion is essential.

The vest is available in 10kg, 20kg and 30kg versions, with removable metal and sand weights that allow the resistance to be increased incrementally. That means it isn’t exclusively for advanced users, as the lighter version can be used to introduce additional resistance before progressing to a heavier load.

During testing, the low-profile design allowed a good range of movement during bodyweight exercises, including squats, press-ups and pull-ups. The fully adjustable Velcro straps helped create a snug, supported fit, while the foam padding made the vest more comfortable during longer sessions.

We recommend the heavier models are reserved for experienced users who already have a solid strength base. This vest is also a more specialised option than the lighter walking vests on this list, and it needs to be hand-washed. For calisthenics fans, though, its short cut, adjustable weight and freedom of movement it offers make it a winner.