The 6 Best Adjustable Weighted Vests

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Weighted vests are great workout equipment options. With a good adjustable model you can find the perfect weight for you and build up as you get stronger.

Best adjustable weighted vests top picks

  1. CROSS101 Weighted Vest With Shoulder Pads
  2. Perfect Fitness Weight Vest
  3. LEKÄRO Adjustable Weighted Vest
  4. CAP Barbell 20-Pound Adjustable Weighted Vest
  5. miR Air Flow Weighted Vest
  6. Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite

This article focuses on quality weighted vests that have a high number of adjustment options, aka weight increments.

The regular list of the best weighted vests contains a few adjustable models with higher general quality that don’t appear here because they are below average when it comes to weight increments.

Additionally, most, if not all, weighted vests have the option to adjust circumference in one way or another.

How we selected our top picks

Our fitness experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of adjustable weighted vests. Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:

  • Maximum weight ranges, number of weight increments, weights of the adjustment options, etc.
  • User reviews
  • Anecdotal reviews from fitness experts
  • Total price and price per pound
  • Brand trustability

If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.

6 Best adjustable weighted vests reviewed

The list of top picks can help you make a quick decision. You can also look at each of the best adjustable weighted vests to confirm you are making the right choice.

One important thing to note is that weighted vest brands are not always that precise about how many weight increments there are and how heavy each one of them is.

In cases like that, we also looked at customer feedback to get a better idea about these details.

1. CROSS101 Weighted Vest With Shoulder Pads

Our top pick for the best adjustable weighted vests is the CROSS101 Weighted Vest With Shoulder Pads.

The first thing to note is that the number of weight increments is only about average but when it comes to other important weighted vest features, this model is just too good to leave out.

That being said, from customer comments it looks like most sizes of the CROSS101 Weighted Vest come with 10 weights.

This is not that impressive compared to some of the other options but for the medium and low weight sizes, this should be enough weight increments.

Pros

  • Max weights ranging from 20 to 140 pounds (9.1 to 63.5 kg) available
  • From customer comments, it seems most sizes come with 10 weights. Low weights like 20 pounds seem to come with 3lbs (1.36 kg) weights
  • Weight is adjustable
  • Optional shoulder pads to make your workouts more comfortable
  • Has a water bottle holder
  • Very positive ratio of customer reviews
  • A lot of happy customers
  • Budget-friendly price per pound

Cons

  • The weighted vest can move around while running

It looks like it but it is not entirely whether the models with higher weights also come with only 10 weights. In that case, the weight increments may be a bit too big for certain exercises.

Even with this lack of details the CROSS101 Weighted Vest With Shoulder Pads is a great option. Many customers are very happy with their investment and the budget-friendly price per pound also makes it a relatively cheap weighted vest.

Additionally, the optional shoulder pads can make your workouts more comfortable. These are especially useful when using heavier weights.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is not the best weighted vest for dynamic workouts like running. During these, the weighed vest can move up and down a decent amount.

2. Perfect Fitness Weight Vest

This next option is still a quality weighted vest but there are some trade-offs to make if you want the high number of weight increments.

The most important one of these is that the Perfect Fitness Weight Vest only comes in a maximum weight of 40 pounds (18.1 kg). For certain individuals and resistance training exercises this will not be challenging enough.

As an example, fit individuals may find squats, pushups, and inverted rows with the adjustable weighted vest from Perfect Fitness too easy.

Additionally, there are a good number of customers that find this weighted vest uncomfortable on their shoulders.

Pros

  • Max weight of 40 pounds (18.1 kg)
  • Weight increments of 1.25 pounds (0.57 kg) so depending on the weight of the vest alone about 30 to 32 increments
  • Weight is adjustable

Cons

  • A few customers find the weighted vest uncomfortable on their shoulders
  • 40 pounds (18.1 kg) may not be challenging enough for certain individuals and exercises

That being said, if a maximum weight of 40 pounds aligns with your training goals and you value adjustability, this option is definitely worth considering.

According to the product description, the included weights are 1.25 pounds (0.57 kg) each. Depending on the weight of the vest alone, that means around 30 to 32 weights to choose from.

This allows you to challenge yourself more in small steps as you get stronger. For optimal muscle growth and strength progress that is generally the way to go.

3. CAP Barbell 20-Pound Adjustable Weighted Vest

The first thing to note about the next adjustable weighted vest from CAP Barbell is that it only goes up to 20 pounds (9.1 kg).

To be able to grow and strengthen muscles you need enough resistance. There are many exercises where 20 pounds won’t be enough for this.

Even so, if you are currently not that strong (yet) or want a weighted vest for more cardiovascular workouts like running, you can consider the CAP Barbell 20-Pound Adjustable Weighted Vest.

The weight bags that come with the weighted vest are about 0.75 pounds (0.34 kg). CAP Barbell does not note the exact number but considering the maximum weight of the vest, there should be about 26 bags.

Pros

  • Maximum weight of 20 pounds (9.1 kg)
  • Weight increments of 0.75 pounds (0.34 kg) so depending on the weight of the vest alone about 26 increments
  • A lot of happy customers
  • Budget-friendly price per pound

Cons

  • Adjusting the weights can be challenging
  • May be too big for small individuals
  • 20 pounds (9.1 kg) is not challenging enough for certain individuals and exercises

Besides the relatively low total weight, there are a few other things to keep in mind. First of all, customers mention that putting the weight bags back in their pockets can be quite a challenge.

Additionally, this option may be too big for smaller individuals.

One good feature of the CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest that can at least partly make up for these downsides is its relatively budget-friendly price per pound.

The right individuals with the right strength capacities who plan to do the right workouts can consider this option.

4. LEKÄRO Adjustable Weighted Vest

If you found the more or less 30 increments from one of the previous options amazing, the LEKÄRO Adjustable Weighted Vest will definitely impress you with its 96 weight increments.

These weights are small metal sticks of which 3 fit in each pocket of the weighted vest. The exact weight of these sticks is not mentioned but with the maximum vest weight of 44 pounds (20 kg), this should be around 0.45 pounds (0.2 kg).

Another benefit of this type of design is that the metal sticks don’t stick out that much compared to the sandbags many adjustable weighed vests use.

Something more specific to the LEKÄRO model is that there are multiple adjustment straps to make the vest fit great. That being said, this adjustable weighted vest also has its downsides.

Pros

  • Max weight of 44 pounds (20 kg)
  • 96 weight increments so each increment is around 0.45 pounds (0.2 kg) depending on the weight of the vest alone
  • Weight is adjustable
  • Less bulky than weighted vests with sandbags
  • Multiple velcro straps

Cons

  • 44 pounds (20 kg) may not be challenging enough for certain individuals and exercises
  • Some customers find the weighted vest uncomfortable
  • The weighted vest can move around during dynamic workouts like running
  • Can be challenging to put on correctly

First of all, the ability to adjust in small increments is great but even more important is having enough maximum weight to challenge your muscles. 44 pounds (20 kg) is not always enough for all exercises and individuals.

Besides that, it can be challenging to put on the vest and adjust the straps correctly if you are alone due to their placement. If you don’t have someone to help this can be a big downside.

And even if you manage to put the adjustable weighted vest on right, some people still find the weighted vest uncomfortable and not that convenient to move around in.

So if 44 pounds is enough for you, you like the small adjustability increments, and you have someone to help you out with adjusting the straps, you can consider the LEKÄRO Adjustable Weighted Vest.

5. miR Air Flow Weighted Vest

The miR Air Flow Weighted Vest is another option where the number of weight increments is not that impressive. Even so, the details in other important areas are so good that this model still deserves a mention.

While it is not as impressive as the CROSS101 model, the miR Air Flow Weighted Vest does have a nice range of maximum weights available.

These range from 20 to 60 pounds (9.1 to 27.2 kg) and come with 3-pound (1.4 kg) iron weight increments.

Additionally, this option has, as the name implies, a lot of breathing room and space for moving your arms. This not only makes it a good adjustable model but also one of the best weighted vests for walking.

Pros

  • Max weights ranging from 20 to 60 pounds (9.1 to 27.2 kg) available
  • Weight is adjustable in 3-pound (1.4 kg) iron weight increments
  • A lot of breathing room
  • Many customers enjoy the built-in shoulder padding
  • Machine washable
  • Very positive ratio of customer reviews
  • A lot of happy customers

Cons

  • A few customers find the strap system inconvenient

Another thing that is great to hear is that many customers enjoy how comfortable the built-in shoulder padding feels. Especially if you plan to use your weighted vest at high weights, this extra attention to comfort can be valuable.

Something less relevant to training itself but nice anyway is that this adjustable weighted vest from miR is machine washable.

Besides the few exceptional comments about the strap system being inconvenient, customers tend to be very positive about this option.

If you are looking for a somewhat heavier adjustable weighted vest, this could be the right choice for you.

6. Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite

This next option is often not the most durable but if you want a slim fit adjustable weighted vest there are not many options to choose from.

When/as long as the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite works, people tend to like the slim fit design. This basically comes down to two elastic cords running down your side.

These make it so the weighted vest fits around different body types and stays in place during most workouts. That being said, this relatively unique feature is also one of its weak points.

Customers mention just a bit too often that the clip that is supposed to hold the elastic cords tight comes loose a lot. This leads to comments about having to re-tighten the cords multiple times during workouts.

Pros

  • Max weights ranging from 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9.1 kg) available
  • Weight increments of 1/7 = 0.14 pounds (0.06 kg) so depending on the weight of the vest alone less than 140 increments for the 20-pound model
  • Slim fit design to keep the vest in place and fit different body types
  • Less bulky than weighted vests with sandbags
  • Different sizes available with precise dimensions to make the right choice

Cons

  • Expensive per pound compared to most adjustable weighted vests
  • The elastic cord tighteners on the side don’t always last that long
  • 20 pounds (9.1 kg) is not challenging enough for certain individuals and exercises

On top of this design issue, the price per pound of the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite is also relatively expensive compared to other adjustable weighted vests.

Additionally, many people will find a maximum weight of 20 pounds (9.1 kg) too easy for their workout plan and training capacities.

If you are still interested in a slim fit design and the weights fit your situation, the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite is still one of the best options out there.

When it comes to adjustability it also does a good job with the 1/7 lbs = 0.14-pound (0.06 kg) increments.

FAQ

Can you gain muscle by wearing a weighted vest?

Wearing a weighted vest during certain exercises can initially help you gain muscle. As you get stronger you do need a heavier weighted vest and/or adjust the weight to keep seeing muscle growth and strength progress.

What is a good starting weight for a weighted vest?

A good starting weight for a weighted vest varies from individual to individual and exercise to exercise. For an exercise like running, you want to start low at about 4-10% of your body weight. For other workouts like walking and resistance training, you can start a lot heavier.

Most people want to get a weighted vest with an adjustable weight. That way you can do different exercises, find out the best weight for you, and progress as you get stronger, without having to buy a new weighted vest.

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Author:

Matt Claes founded Weight Loss Made Practical to help people get in shape and stay there after losing 37 pounds and learning the best of the best about weight loss, health, and longevity for over 4 years. Over these years he has become an expert in nutrition, exercise, and other physical health aspects.