Walking, a simple, yet effective exercise that’s as old as the age of time, still serves as a fundamental activity to get your blood pumping. Whether walking short distances, long distances, hiking or hitting the trails, walking is a great catalyst for good cardiovascular health.
Wearing a weight vest for walking can level up the benefits and amplify the positive effects on cardiovascular health, bone density and endurance/stamina, all while increasing the rate at which you’re burning calories and building muscles. It’s a great addition to a daily walk when you’re looking for a greater challenge.
There are various types of weight vests to choose from, which begs the question, what’s the best one for me? Consider the features most important to you – is it adjustability? Flexibility? Customizability? Here is a selection of the top weighted vests to level up your workout.
WOLF TACTICAL Adjustable Weighted Vest
The WOLF TACTICAL Adjustable Weighted Vest is designed with many front and back pockets, airflow passages/breathability, and adjustable straps at the shoulder and waist. Made from premium, heavy-duty material, this vest feels high quality and well made, built to endure your workouts and the elements.
While it is adjustable, it is designed to fit snugly to your body in a way which does not restrict motion but rather maximizes range of motion.
WOLF TACTICAL Quick-Release Weighted Vest
Another option from the same manufacturer, the WOLF TACTICAL Quick-Release Weighted Vest features all of the positive features from the first vest, along with quick-release waist straps. This option is great for those working out while on shift or on call, with the ability to get quickly in and out of the vest without sacrificing quality, comfort or function.
I personally love the look of this one due to its slimmer profile and ease of application/removal. The company even backs the purchase with a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the vest.
LEKÄRO Adjustable Weighted Vest
If you’re not looking to spend over $100, the unisex weighted vest by LEKÄRO is a great option. This vest is also adjustable for a snug fit and has numerous pockets for weights in the front and back. Made of breathable mesh, this is a great budget-friendly alternative weighted vest.
APEXUP Adjustable Weighted Vest
If you’re looking for something slightly less restrictive, the Apexup adjustable weighted vest is a great choice, as it takes up less space on your upper body, allowing more movement. It also comes with a reflective stripping on the outside of the material (great for runners) and iron blocks to use as weights (instead of sand filled plates like other manufacturers). This is another great, affordable option.
APEXUP Weighted Vest with Reflective Stripe
If versatility is important to you, APEXUP also makes an even more versatile vest that can be secured to your body with just one clip in the front. This option is smaller than your average weighted vest, but still gets the job done, fitting snugly to your upper body, much like a backpack. This is a great vest to keep in the car or for spontaneous on-the-go workouts. This vest also features reflective striping for training in low light, along with breathable and comfortable mesh fabric. At just $29.99, this is the most affordable vest we’ve reviewed here.
There is a lot to choose from when it comes to weighted vests, and it seems like most companies offer at least a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you don’t like the product that you go with. At the end of the day, you have to choose the option that’s best suited for your needs and style of training. Whichever one of these you choose, you’ll soon reap the benefits of leveling up your fitness by adding a weighted vest.
