Whether you're taking a walk around your neighborhood or doing chores at home, there's an easy way to add some intensity: With a weighted vest.
While the accessory isn't new, in the last handful of years, it has become a popular option for those looking to take their workouts to the next level. Not only have they gone viral on social media, but experts love them as well.
“A weighted vest adds more resistance and distributes it evenly over your body so that your body has to work harder and use more energy in your walk; that can give you an even greater calorie burn while walking,” Start TODAY fitness trainer Lacee Green previously told TODAY.com. “Yes, to burning more calories in a shorter amount of time AND keeping it low impact!”
If you're looking for one to wear for walks, workouts and more, we rounded up some expert and editor-favorite options as well as shopper-loved picks. Plus, scroll all the way to the bottom to learn more about the benefits of a weighted vest.
Best weighted vests, according to experts and editors
This affordable weighted vest was previously recommended to us by an expert as a great pick for beginners. It comes in a range of colors and weight options, so it's easy to find the option that's right for you. Plus, it has a mesh storage pocket.
When fitness expert Alyssa Sparacino previously stopped by TODAY to share some at-home fitness essentials, this was one of the products she recommended. She shared that it's a great way to up the ante of at-home workouts and add a little more resistance and weight. According to the brand, the weight is evenly distributed throughout the vest, so it feels comfortable on.
Editor Vivien Moon shares that she uses the vest while on walks. "It’s great because it is on the heavier end and fits under a jacket, so I can wear it during the winter too. I wear it at home as well if I am doing chores and don't have the energy to really work out, but want a little added resistance."
TODAY contributor and Peloton instructor Ally Love previously named Omorpho's G-Vest as one of her favorite fitness tech products during an appearance on Jenna and Friends. And Moon is also a fan. However, the sizes of that one are currently limited.
This similar vest is another bestseller from the brand. The six-pound vest is said to be designed for maximum versatility and movement with adjustable straps in the shoulders and cinchable side cords. If you want to take your workouts to the next level, you can easily add the brand's six-pound G-Pack.
Best weighted vests, according to shoppers
If you're interested in trying one but don't want to make a big investment, this is a great place to start. The vest is currently marked down, so it's under $17 right now.
"This vest is perfect for someone just getting into wearing a weight vest," one person writes. "I thought I’d start with 8 pounds (a bit more than 5% of body weight) then work up, but for me 8 pounds is just about right. It feels like nothing when you put it on because the vest distributes the weight evenly; but the next day you may feel it."
This Amazon bestseller comes in a range of weight options, from six to 30 pounds. One reviewer shares that it is "well-balanced, comfortable, and stays put no matter what you’re doing. The weight is distributed evenly, so it doesn’t bounce around during runs, hikes, or strength training. The material feels durable, and the reflective stripe is a smart touch for early-morning or evening workouts."
This weighted vest features small pockets across the front and back that you can use to hold the included weight packs — take them out or add more to change the intensity of your workouts.
"Amazing weighted vest—easy to put on and really comfortable to wear. Installing the weights was a little challenging at first, but once set up, it fits great and stays secure during workouts," shares one reviewer.
If you're looking for a heavier option, this vest goes up to 150 pounds. It has more than 11,000 ratings from shoppers (nearly 80% of those are perfect five stars) from people who say that it has great weight distribution and a snug fit.
Frequently asked questions
As Green previously told TODAY.com, there are three kinds of weighted vests that you typically see.
The first is a holster vest, which is a fixed weight. The second, full torso vests, typically have Velcro features, which allow you to change the amount of weight in the vest's pockets. Finally, there are plate vests, which feature plates on the front and back of the vest that can be added or removed.
As TODAY.com previously reported, some of the top benefits of wearing a weighted vest include increasing calorie burn during workouts, increasing bone density and upping core strength and cardiovascular health.
How we chose
All of the vests included in this story have either been recommended by experts and editors or are popular among shoppers. For the customer-favorite options, we only included vests that had thousands of reviews and a greater than 4-star average rating overall.
