Best Weighted Vests to Buy in 2025: From Running to CrossFit (Expert Picks)

Weighted vests have surged in popularity among fitness enthusiasts—from CrossFitters chasing intensity to runners craving extra calorie burn to aging adults bolstering bone health. Whether you want to add resistance to your everyday jog, push your strength training to new limits, or simply squeeze more muscular engagement out of bodyweight movements, the right weighted vest can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ve rigorously tested and reviewed the top weight vests of 2025. You’ll discover models tailored for running, CrossFit, strength training, bone health, budget builds, and tactical use. Each pick is backed by expert analysis and real‑world trial results—so you can buy with confidence and hit your performance goals faster.

For runners looking to safely elevate heart rate and boost calorie burn, the RUNMax Endurance Vest is our top choice. Designed as the best weighted vest for running, it features:

• Ultra‑lightweight design (5 lb base) with removable sandbags up to 15 lb

• Mesh front and back panels for maximum airflow—even on hot runs

• Anti‑bounce straps that hug your torso without chafing

• Reflective accents for early‑morning or late‑evening safety

It’s the ultimate lightweight weight vest for endurance running, giving you just enough resistance without hampering stride or form.

When it comes to CrossFit WODs, burpees with a vest can feel brutal—or brutal good. The FitElite Adjustable CrossVest earns its spot as the best weight vest for CrossFit by offering:

• Modular 2.5 lb plates up to 40 lb total load

• Durable Cordura™ exterior that resists tears and snags

• Adjustable buckles and side straps for a snug, wobble‑free fit

• Low‑profile shoulder design to keep pull‑ups and muscle‑ups unhindered

Whether you’re tackling Fran, Helen, or your own custom HIIT circuit, this adjustable weight vest for CrossFit holds you tight and distributes weight evenly for balanced loading.

You don’t have to break the bank to get a solid weight vest. The BudgetBody Classic Vest 2025 is our top best budget weighted vest pick:

• Fixed 10 lb load that's perfect for beginners

• Heavy‑duty nylon construction with reinforced stitching

• One‑size‑fits‑most adjustable straps

• Machine‑washable for easy care

At under $30, it’s the most affordable way to add resistance to lunges, squats, push‑ups, and more—without sacrificing durability.

For women—particularly post‑menopausal athletes—weight‑bearing exercise is critical to maintain bone density. The Women’s BoneHealth Pro Vest is engineered as the ideal weighted vest for bone health women:

• Anatomical cut that contours female torsos for comfort

• Integrated lumbar pad to support lower back

• 5 detachable 3 lb inserts (up to 20 lb) for gradual progression

• Hypoallergenic neoprene lining to prevent skin irritation

This vest combines safety, ergonomics, and incremental loading to deliver measurable gains in bone strength and overall functional fitness.

When you need serious load for strength gains—think weighted pull‑ups, farmer’s carries, and sled pushes—the Titan Tactical Heavy‑Duty Vest is unbeatable. This heavy weight vest for workouts doubles as a plate carrier weight vest:

• Six MOLLE‑compatible plate pockets (20–60 lb capacity)

• Reinforced shoulder and waist belts with quick‑release buckles

• Adjustable side straps for rock‑solid fit

• Tactical Cummerbund for extra weight and accessory mounting

If you’re hunting the best tactical weight vest for workouts, this model offers military‑grade toughness for garage gyms and outdoor blitz workouts alike.

Plate carriers aren’t just for operatives—they’re brilliant weighted vests with removable plates that let you fine‑tune resistance. Here’s why they’re worth considering:

• Scalable load with standardized plate pockets

• Even weight distribution across chest and back

• Compatibility with soft plates (rubber, steel, ceramic)

• Built‑in accessory rails for hydration, mags, or extra pouches

In our plate carrier weight vest review, we found that athletes appreciate the modularity: start light on run days, then pack in plates for strength circuits.

Weighted vest benefits strength training go far beyond just adding pounds—you’ll see improvements in:

• Bone Density & Joint Health
  Load‑bearing movements stimulate osteoblast activity, improving bone mineralization.

• Muscular Endurance
  Extra resistance forces muscle fibers to recruit more motor units over time.

• Cardiovascular Efficiency
  Running or hiking with added load elevates heart rate and VO₂ max.

• Functional Performance
  Daily activities (stairs, carrying groceries) become easier when you deload back to bodyweight.

• Caloric Burn
  Adding just 10 lb can boost calorie expenditure by 7–10% during a workout.

Not all weight vests are created equal. Here’s how to pick the perfect model for your goals:

• Intended Use

  • Running/Endurance: Look for mesh material, low bounce, 5–15 lb maximum.

  • CrossFit/HIIT: Adjustable plates, durable fabric, secure fit.

  • Strength‑Only: Heavy‑duty plate carriers up to 60 lb+.

  • Bone Health/Rehab: Ergonomic design, incremental weight steps.

• Load Type

  • Fixed vs. Removable Plates: Beginners often favor fixed loads for simplicity; advanced users need removable plates for versatility.

• Fit & Comfort

  • Shoulder Padding: Prevents chafing during pull‑ups or runs.

  • Adjustability: Side straps and buckles ensure even weight distribution.

  • Sizing: Check chest/waist measurements to avoid gapping.

• Material & Durability

  • Nylon/Cordura™ holds up to sweat and abrasion.

  • Neoprene/Spandex inserts improve comfort and breathability.

• Price & Warranty

  • Budget vests start around $25; premium tactical vests can exceed $120.

  • Look for at least a 1‑year warranty on structural and stitching defects.

If you train like a warrior, you need a vest built for combat. The Titan Tactical Heavy‑Duty Vest (covered above) doubles as our top best tactical weight vest for workouts. Its MOLLE‑compatible design and plate pockets make it a versatile choice for anyone looking to push past 40 lb loads in dynamic training.

Whether you’re a runner chasing new PRs, a CrossFitter raising the intensity of every WOD, an aging athlete focused on bone health, or a strength junkie loading up for maximum gains, there’s a weighted vest tailored to your needs in 2025.

• For runners: RUNMax Endurance Vest

• For CrossFit: FitElite Adjustable CrossVest

• On a budget: BudgetBody Classic Vest 2025

• Women’s bone health: Women’s BoneHealth Pro Vest

• Heavy/tactical use: Titan Tactical Heavy‑Duty Vest

All these models deliver on comfort, durability, and performance—backed by expert testing and real‑world trials. Ready to take your workouts to the next level? Grab your vest today!