10 Best Weighted Vests for CrossFit in 2025 | Boost Your WOD with Weight

Perhaps your training regimen is simply not cutting it. You are not getting any further with your explosive movement. So, what is wrong? Training harder is supposed to garner better results, right? Ofcourse, it is. But you can always up your game, especially by training with a weighted vest.

With one of these training vests, every pullup, pushup,and squat you do is more intense. You burn more fat and calories in the same number of reps, especially during CrossFit. Interested? Let us have a good look at our recommendations to help you find the best weight vest for CrossFit.

Benefits of Using Weighted Vest

So, why should you consider cashing in on a CrossFit weight vest? Two words: resistance training. You are not doing cardio training using a CrossFit vest. They are designed to improve your body form through resistance training.

Let us have a glimpse of what training with a weighted vest CrossFit has to offer other than just improved effectiveness.

• Resistance Training

An obvious trait of training with a CrossFit vest is that you would be doing a form of resistance training regardless of whatever workout pattern you follow. Or rather, you do resistance training alongside a normal workout schedule.

Time to do some cardio? Simply slip on one of these CrossFit weighted vests, and you are doing a form of resistance training alongside your workout. Neat right? As a result, you have faster muscle growth when compared to what you would have without training without a vest.

You put extra strain or work on your muscles when you put on a weight vest. For example, when you do some weight lifting or some pushups, the weight resistance goes against your body, equating to faster muscle growth. Plus, this helps a lot if you feel that you are stuck at a dead end with your muscle growth.

• Cardiovascular Function Improvement

Now, it is always recommended that you talk to your physician before you make any significant changes in your diet or workout routine. That being said, regardless of any changes, you can still benefit from training with a weighted vest.

The concept is similar to that of cardio training. Pulling more weights add more resistance, thereby increasing strain, making you work harder. Weighted vest training helps us to improve our cardiovascular health the same way cardio helps remove blood clots.

• Shoot Past Your Goals, Quickly and Effectively

Research shows that there is a visible improvement in doing resistance training, especially using weighted vests. We can see improvements in key muscle areas, such as increased leg muscle potential.

10 Best Weighted Vests for CrossFit - Quick Comparison Chart

Picture	Best Weighted Vests for CrossFit	Editor’s Rating	Price
	HyperwearHyper Vest PRO Unisex 10-Pound Adjustable Weighted Vest for Fitness Workouts	4.9	View on Amazon
	miR Air Flow Weighted Vest with Zipper Option 20lbs – 60lbs	4.9	View on Amazon
	RUNFast/Max 12lbs-140lbs Adjustable Weighted Vest	4.8	View on Amazon
	Aduro Sport Weighted Vest Workout Equipment, 4lbs/6lbs/12lbs/20lbs/25lbs Body Weight Vest for Men, Women, Kids	4.8	View on Amazon
	RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest 12lbs/ 20lbs/ 40lbs/ 50lbs/ 60lbs with Shoulder Pads Option	4.7	View on Amazon
	CROSS101 Weighted Vest Arctic/Desert Camouflage 20lbs – 80lbs	4.6	View on Amazon
	CFF Adjustable Weighted Short Vest 22 Lbs (10 kg)	4.6	View on Amazon
	Box 20 Lb Super Short Weight Vest – Made in USA – Built for Gym Weight Loss Training	4.5	View on Amazon
	ZELUS Weighted Vest 20lbs/ 16lbs/ 12lbs/ 8lbs/ 6lbs/ 4lbs Weight Vest with Reflective Stripe	4.4	View on Amazon
	Strength Sport Systems Weight Vest (Short) – Best for CrossFit Training – (S pro Weight Vest)	4.4	View on Amazon

Top 10 Best Weighted Vest Reviews

So we based this review with the above benefits in mind. And also some factors that are important to every Crossfitter. Let us scrutinize a few of them.

1. HyperwearHyper Vest PRO Unisex 10-Pound Adjustable Weighted Vest for Fitness Workouts

We are going to start off with the first of the heavy hitters on our list, Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO. A more premium affair, this vest is suited for both men and women alike. With an adjustable side lacing, this is also very versatile. Let us take a deeper dive.

As you can guess from the name, the weight can be adjusted as per your needs. You can add or remove the weights from this vest, which can have a dramatic change in how you would wear this unit. Thus this makes it versatile enough for a range of workouts.

The best part about this vest, to us, is that the overall design is so subtle. You can totally go incognito with this vest under your outfit. And the degree of freedom you get in this vest in terms of movement is just best in class. Be it intense or light, weighted vest workouts have never been easier.

Compared to the other traditional vests, it actually looks like a futuristic armor plating, so it earns a very nice score in the looks department. The vest is composed of fibers rather than synthetic plastics, making it very comfortable to wear. And the fabric itself is very stretchable, making it very comfortable to wear.

Moreover, the weights themselves are made of high-density steel. So they are compact in size and donot wasteprecious space. For reference, these weights are more compact than the sandbags a lot of these other vests use, giving thisHyper Vest pro a very slim profile.

Let us have a good peek at the side lacing. Instead of using a Velcro strap, the folks at Hyperwear decided to opt for a side lacing, which gives a tighter, much more comfortable body fit. It looks awkward from afar, but trust us, it does the job correctly. Plus, they also included extra slots for adding more weight down the line.

2. miR Air Flow Weighted Vest with Zipper Option 20lbs - 60lbs

Looking for something that gives you ample freedom in your torso? Maximize that lower tummy movement? Then look no further than this miR Air Flow. This particular variant comes with a zipper option and also allows us to add in weights, maxing out at 60lbs. Piqued your interest? Let us take a peek.

First and foremost, a feature of this weighted vest is that the vest itself does not cover your torso. This maximizes your movement potential, meaning now you can also attempt those workout regimes that involve a significant amount of twisting and bending, like using the rowing machines at your gym.

That is not to say that it is not good for other activities. It is pretty good for hiking and running. You can keep it on whilst playing baseball or football. Blending it into your workout training will help you build resistance faster and yield awesome muscle building and fat loss results in no time at all.

Let us discuss the weight distribution. In its use case, your upper chest and abdomen carry all of the weight of this vest. This is not perfect, but it certainly is really good for training to strengthen your upper chest and shoulders, whilst your shoulder and arms are free to move about.

The weighted vest comes with an airflow feature that provides a decent degree of ventilation as you work out. Thus making out resistance training a little more comfortable. Remember, comfort in no way is related to strain. The vest should be there to strain your muscles, not make you uncomfortable.

3. RUNFast/Max 12lbs-140lbs Adjustable Weighted Vest

Let us have a peekat something a lot more hardcore, yet preserve that sober demeanor. The good folks down at RUNfast have something in store for you. Easily the most versatile weighted vest on our list the RUNfast crams up maximum points in all the categories possible.

You can literally feel all the thoughts that went into making this vest as you hold it in your hands. The versatility simply blows all other vests out of the park. Adjustable weights, body fitting, and of course, that sober outlook, it ends up looking more like a tactical vest than a resistance training vests, and we could not be happier about it.

One of the principal attributes of this weighted vest is that it is available in a decent range of different configurations. If you are trying out resistance training for the first time, you could opt for the lightweight model, which weighs in at about 12 lbs.

And if you are someone who mastered resistance training in one weight class, do not fret, there are nine other weight configurations, with the heaviest of the vests weighing in at about 140 lbs. So there is a weighted vest for everyone.

If you want additional comfort, you could also accessorize this vest further, but optioning it out with should pads. These are also an option you could get from the manufacturer. The design is one size fits almost all, so be sure to look into the dimension of this unit and compare them to your use case before placing an order.

Also, the Velcro straps function well, and the fit and finish are decent. One thing of note is that in the lightest model, the 12lb one, you cannot remove the weights. You can only add or remove the extra ones. Our only gripe is that for someone bulky, the shoulder pads may not work as advertised.

4. Aduro Sport Weighted Vest Workout Equipment, 4lbs/6lbs/12lbs/20lbs/25lbs Body Weight Vest for Men, Women, Kids

We have taken a look at some of the most versatile weighted vests you could buy. Now let us take a good peek at the most cost-effective, budget-oriented model. Cost-effective it may be but a slouch it is not. Introducing the Sport weighted vest from Aduro. Fully adjustable and inexpensive, it is a gift that keeps on giving.

Yeah, we already mentioned that it is fully adjustable and inexpensive, but the deal settler bit is that the vest is also unisex. That may not seem to be the case at first glance, but upon deeper inspection, you will see that while it may seem to fit the male form more, it all does very well with curves.

It is a dead giveaway if worn under the outfit, but hey, who cares. We are in it for resistance training, not for the looks. The weight is balanced quite well for the price and is centered at the back of your body. You would be doubling down on those sit-ups if you were to blend this weighted vest into your workout routine.

The caveat, well, is not exactly a caveat. And the adjustable weight feature is something that we get in much more premium models. We do not get that here. This vest hasa fixed weight. This means that this unit comes all nice and balanced with the weight you selected on purchase. The selection can range from 4 lbs to 25lbs.

Granted, it's not the heaviest out there, but for the average Joe, it should suffice. The minimalist design of this vest consists of two individual straps connected to the centered weight element. And the material is neoprene and feels soft to the touch. The weight is made of iron rather than sand, which you would get in other vests.

5. RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest 12lbs/ 20lbs/ 40lbs/ 50lbs/ 60lbs with Shoulder Pads Option

Want something more outdoor-oriented? Something perhaps you would want to wear whilst running or hiking and do not necessarily want to be discrete about it. RUNmax has something else for you in their lineup, the Pro. Let us take a closer peek.

If the Pro moniker was not enough, safe to say, you would be persuaded once you hold the vest in your hands. This weighted vest is very purpose-built. It is practically made for outdoor exercises. Very comfortable to wear with a soft inner coating, we did not feel any discomfort or fatigue when wearing it.

It is designed with portability in mind too. The unit comes with four pockets in both the back and the front to add extra weights. So how heavy you want the vest to depend entirely on you. You can add from 12 lbs all the way to 60 lbs.

The unit also includes a secure pocket for you to carry your water bottle and other necessities such as your phone or your earbuds. Pretty convenient as we also like to gorge on snacks and refreshments or listen to music as we work out.

Moreover, the Velcro straps make it easy as cake to take off or put on. And since this happens to be a one-size-fits-all unit, the Velcro strap can tighten the weighted vest to your body. The manufacturer also provides the option for the vest to come with shoulder pads. We recommend getting them as they are a useful extra.

6. CROSS101 Weighted Vest Arctic/Desert Camouflage 20lbs - 80lbs

Searching for something a little more military-inspired? Something that is decked out in a camo pattern? This weighted vest from CROSS101 might just fit the bill. Clearly, the manufacturers had all things military in mind when they designed this weighted vest and threw in a lot of convenient features too.

The flexibility with this vest begins with the weight. We can choose from a range of weights with 20 lbs being the lightest and 120 lbs on the heavier end of the scale. The weights are all in 20 lb increments. As with most of the models we have featured on this list, you can add or remove the weights according to your needs.

We recommend starting out at the lightest. This helps you get a feel for the vest, and you can move on from there. The pockets are all conveniently placed and easily accessible, making changing weights very easy. As for the additional weights, you can source more from the manufacturer.

This premium unit also has special pockets for you to store a water bottle and even your phone. Pretty useful if you want to go for a hike or a jog outdoors. The vest is one-size-fits-all and thus comes with a Velcro strap to better taper the weighted vest to give you the perfect fit.

7. CFF Adjustable Weighted Short Vest 22 Lbs (10 kg)

Considering an optimal CrossFit vest? A no-nonsense, straight cut vest you could also use for fireman training. Introducing the Adjustable Weighted Short Vest from CFF, another purpose-built weighted vest that will leave you feeling like a tank in no time at all.

The weights are evenly distributed, front and back, equalizing the weight distribution. You will feel quite centered wearing this. The weights are made ofiron bars, 11 pounds each. The result?

A very compact short weighted best, the likeness of which you would not otherwise be able to enjoy with a weighted vest that makes use of sandbags instead of metal. Keeping the metal securely in place is a triple stitch fabric that is also rated to be water-resistant. This unit is meant to keep going.

And the vest is double padded on the inside, so you would not feel worn down with the weight as you exercise. The padding extends to the entirety of your body and your shoulder. Neat, eh?The vest does not bounce around as you exercise, courtesy of the Velcro straps. Really, this vest is a winner for us.

8. Box 20 Lb Super Short Weight Vest - Made in USA - Built for Gym Weight Loss Training

Want to opt for something exclusively for that intense CrossFit regime? Something in which you can move about freely and can even dare to take on a parkour run? Let us acquaint ourselves with this super short weight vest from Box.

The name is not much, but the weighted vest is quite a lot. It is very simple in construction, it can hold a total of eight weights, four in the front and four in the rear, each about 2.5 lbs. This brings up our total weight to 20lbs.

It does not seem like much, but when you are out doing CrossFit, you will feel every pound weighing on you.

But the design structure is so benign and out of the way, that you will not be feeling any discomfort doing CrossFit with the added weight of the vest. The thing we loved about this vest is the weight distribution. And the center of mass is right below your sternum, giving you the best possible balance of most of the vest we have on our list.

They have you covered design-wise too. If the outer design is of importance to you, they make these in several different colors, so simply choose the one you like. The stomach remains exposed, and the vest clings tightly to your body. Thus it does not move against your body when you exercise.

And the shoulder strap is narrow, giving us the maximum possible to move our shoulders around. You can use it outdoors on hikes or runs.

9. ZELUS Weighted Vest 20lbs/ 16lbs/ 12lbs/ 8lbs/ 6lbs/ 4lbs Weight Vest with Reflective Stripe

We just had to include something very stylish for the budget-conscious runners amongst us. Introducing the competitively priced vest from Zelus, a vest with a contemporary back focused design, where the center of weight remains on your back.

Like we have mentioned earlier, most of the weight is centered on your back. While this may feel awkward to some, when you are running or jogging, your body automatically shifts that weight towards your center. So you are basically doing a form of resistance training when you are running. Neat, right?

The design is a backpack style one with a very slim profile. And sadly, the weights are fixed, but you can opt to choose from a decent weight range from 4 lbs to 20lbs. The weight is basically a bag filled with iron sand. Granted, this vest is not one of the heaviest on this list, but it is enough to add a little bit of resistance to your run.

This vest is composed of a fabric that is made of neoprene material. It comes with adjustable straps, so getting a good fit is easy as cake. They also included a mesh pocket at the rear, and a phone holder was thrown in for good measure. The reflective strips are subjective to taste, but otherwise, this is a very good looking vest.

10. Strength Sport Systems Weight Vest (Short) - Best for CrossFit Training - (S pro Weight Vest)

Looking for extra functionality alongside comfort? Then this vest is the right option for you. Not only the makersprovide super comfort with extra shoulder padding, but they also introduce a host of new features, making this one of the premier weighted vests in the market right now.

This is a weighted vest for all, whether you are a hardcore Crossfitter, a professional athlete, or someone who loves to go for a run outdoors with your weighted vest on.

With the different styling options available and that competitive price tag, it does not come as a surprise as to why this weighted vest is probably the best rated in the market.

Double coated, durable nylon goes in the making the fabric for the vest and the many Velcro straps. In addition, the material does not undergo any stretching or flexing either, which helps keep the vest anchored in place as you go for your rigorous workout routine.

And this comes in handy, especially given that this vest comes with several moving parts. The two major portions are Velcroed together when you have it on you. But the fabric is durable enough to last you a while, even with the most rigorous of workouts.

Moreover, this one is very good at repelling moisture and dirt as the fabric used is water-resistant. The inner portions of the vest are well padded out, but Strength Sport Systems went the extra distance and placed extra padding around the shoulder portion. Say goodbye to any and all shoulder soreness.

What to Look for before Buying the Best Weighted Vest

So we have looked at some of the best weighted vests for Crossfit. But perhaps something else caught your eye, but you are not too sure about it. Not to worry, we have that covered too. Let us take a deeper glance at the absolute essentials you should look out for below.

• Comfort

It is very important if you ask us. The variant of the weighted vest you opt for in the end should be comfortable to wear. Of course, it is meant to provide strain on your muscles. There is, however, a thin line between what we would call discomfort and strain on the muscles for a resistance workout.

• Design

The second thing we should look into is obviously the design. When choosing one of these weighted vests, remember that versatility is key. We want something that does not stand out. Something that would not look too off with your regular apparel.

Some of the models you will come across end up looking like bulletproof jackets. Good luck explaining to your neighbors as to why you are wearing one in broad daylight.

• Breathability

Thebest weight vest for CrossFit should be breathable that it does not feel uncomfortable when you are working out.

• Weight Distribution

Weight distribution is key when it comes to choosing one of these weighted vests. Why? Because we would feel the slightest bit of weight imbalance. That would cause quite a distraction when we put it on and proceed to work out.

• The Weight of the Vest Itself

This is something that differs from person to person. There is pretty much no such thing whatsoever as an ideal weight for these weighted vests. Itall depends on what you need at the moment. Most of these units come with changeable weights.

• Price

Now we come to the final thing you should definitely consider. This is probably the first thing that comes to our mind, the price of the weighted vest. The good news for us is that there is an ample range of offerings across a wide scale.

As with all things, better commodities command a steeper price, and these weighted vests are no exceptions. Thus, choose the features which are important to you and only pay what you need to.

Safety Considerations When Using It

Weight training is the way to go if you are looking for explosive speed and power. That being said, there are some safety precautions we all must adhere to when using them.

• Follow the Ten Percent Rule

Be sure that the total weight of the vest does not exceed ten percent of your body weight. Remember, with these vests, one size fits almost all, so take care when it comes down to selecting a vest for yourself.

• Take Care during Deceleration

In spite of popular belief, most injuries occur during deceleration. Weight lifters face the greatest risk of injury as they try to control the momentum of the extra weight. The same applies in the case of weighted vests. Watch out when bending your knees or stretching your legs.

• Focus on Speed

Remember, while it is okay to put our goals on endurance, in the case of weighted vests, it should be speed. Going against other tools, the weighted vest is the only fitness accessory that does not let you compromise your form.

• Follow the Vest-to-Rest Mantra

For resistance training, the vest-to-rest ratio stands at 10:80, that is, for every 10 yards of running, you ought to put in 80 seconds of rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the most commonly asked queries regarding the best weighted vests for CrossFit:

1. What weight should I start with?

We cannot stress this enough; always start light. Follow the ten percent rule.

2. What balancing should I aim for?

Try to get a weighted vest that is equally weighted front and back. That way, you can achieve an optimal center of gravity.

3. What is the maximum load on an adjustable weighted vest?

It depends on the model. Some can bear upto 60 lbs, and there are also models that can weigh upto 120 lbs.

4. Are the weights replaceable?

Yes. Most manufacturers will sell you extra weights if needed.

5. Can I use it for yoga?

Sure, why not. Not a part of resistance training but might aid some of your core muscles.

Final Words

The key to good resistance training is one thing – to not overdo it. It’s great if you can punch above your weight, but remember, your muscles have their limits too.

We hope we have provided some insights into the world of weighted vests and helped you in deciding which is the best weight vest for CrossFit that suits your needs.

That is all. We will see you in the next one.Train hard, train fast.