Weighted vests can be a game changer when it comes to getting a quality workout. If you’re looking to buy the best weighted vest, you’ve likely seen some of the sky high price tags. You don’t need to spend $200 for a quality weighted vest though, here we will review some of the best cheapest weighted vests and where to buy them.
What is a Weighted Vest?
A weighted vest is exactly what it it sounds like, a vest with weights in it for exercising in. With a weighted vest, you can add more resistance to body weight movements, which increases the challenge for the movement and improves your fitness. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the variety of exercises that can be done in a weighted vest
Why You Need a Weighted Vest?
If you are serious about fitness and strength, a weighted vest can skyrocket your results. With a consistent training regimen you will quickly plateau with many movements such as push ups, dips, pull ups, body weight squats and other movements, With a weighted vest, you can add the challenge back n to these exercise and increase your strength and athletic prowess. Weighted vests can also be used for walking, running, and sprinting, to improve overall fitness.
What to Look for in a Good Weighted Vest?
When shopping for a weighted vest, we recommend you first try to determine which type of exercise you intend to use it for. If you’re going to primarily use it for movements like pull ups, push ups, and dips then we would recommend a heavy adjustable weighted vest. With these you can buy a really heavy one and then work your way up by adding or removing weights. This is great for building muscle because as your fitness level increases you can continually add challenge back into these exercises by increasing the weight.
If you’re intending to use your exercise vest for cardio based exercises like running or walking, then heaving a really heavy vest isn’t quite as necessary. For these exercises anything below about 15 pounds should be more than enough, so what you will want is a good secure vest that is comfortable on your body.
Cheapest Weighted Vests
- RUNFast RM_20 Pro Weighted Vest, 20 lb.
- Empower Weighted Vest for Women, Weight Vest for Running, Workout, Crossfit, Cardio, Walking, 8lb
- Tone Fitness Weighted Vest, 12 lbs
- RUNmax 12lb-140lb Weighted Vest (without Shoulder Pads, 50lb)
- CAP Barbell (HHWV-CB020C) Adjustable Weighted Vest, 20-Pound
- Gymenist Weight Vest With Adjustable Straps One Size Fits All (18 LB)
- CAP Barbell HHWV-CB040 Adjustable Weighted Vest, 40 lb
- ZFOsports Short Adjustable Weighted Vest (20)
- JBM Weighted Vest 12lbs Weight Vest Neoprene Quality Sand Filling Soft for Workout Crossfit Fitness Strength Training Gym Walking Running Cardio Weight Loss Muscle Building – One Size Fit Most Black
- Garage Fit Men’s Neoprene Weight Training Vest (Black, 10 lb)
Now that we’ve listed out the best cheap weighted vests, let’s take a closer look at the top picks
1. RUNFast RM_20 Pro Weighted Vest, 20 lb.
Technical Product Features
Brand Name: RUNFast
Weight Options: 12, 20, 40, 50, 60 Pound options
Colors: Black
The top spot on our list of the best affordable weighted vests goes to the RUNFast Pro Weighted Vest Series. This vest is a standard size one size fits most vest with five different weight options to select from 12, 20, 40, 50, and 60 pounds. The heavier 20 – 60 pound models have removable weights, and you can select either with or without shoulder pads, depending on your needs. It fits great and is pretty inexpensive compared to some other brands. The best thing about this is really the fact that they offer the heavier weight options, which many other brands don’t. We recommend you buy a heavier one, and then you can remove weights and make it lighter, to work your way up.
The pros of the RUNFast Pro Weighted Vest Series are:
Pros
- Very affordable
- Variety of weight options to select from
- With our without shoulder pad options
- Comfortable Fit
- Heavier models have removable weights
The cons of the RUNFast Pro Weighted Vest Series are:
Cons
- If you’re looking for something lighter than 12 pounds, this brand doesn’t offer it, so it really depends on the exercises you intend to do
2. Empower Weighted Vest for Women, Weight Vest for Running, Workout, Crossfit, Cardio, Walking, 8lb
Technical Product Features
Brand Name: Empower
Weight Options: 8 pounds only
Colors: Black
Coming in at number two on our list of cheap weighted vests: the Empower Weighted Vest for Women. This vest is specifically designed for women, coming in an X shape designed to fit contours. They only have one weight option of 8 pounds, but if you’re intending to use it for running your really shouldn’t be going heavier than this anyways. A nice feature of this vest is that it has reflective strips, so you can be visible when its dark out. That is a nice safety feature to have on a black vest. Overall this is a pretty great vest if you’re looking for something light.
The pros of the Empower Weighted Vest for Women are:
Pros
- Budget friendly price
- Comfortable one size fits all (designed for women)
- Reflective strips for safe walking/running in low light places
The cons of the Empower Weighted Vest for Women are:
Cons
- They only offer this in an eight pound vest option, which should be plenty for most movements
- This is designed for women only, if you’re a guy you will want to go with something else
- The weights are not removable if you are looking for an adjustable weighted vest
3. Tone Fitness Weighted Vest, 12 lbs
Technical Product Features
Brand Name: Tone Fitness
Weight Options: 12 pounds only
Colors: All Black or Black and Blue
Another one of the more affordable options to consider when shopping online for a cheap weight vest is the Tone Fitness Weighted Vest. This vest is made of soft neoprene material for a secure and comfortable fit. The vest itself is 12 pounds coming in two different color options: an all black vest, or a black and blue vest. This is a standard sized one size fits most weighted vest which also has a pouch for either a phone or MP3 player. The vest is lined with reflective strips for safe running in low light areas. Overall this is a pretty good vest if you’re looking for a lighter weighted option for walking or running in. If you’re looking for a heavier vest you may need to go with another option though.
The pros of the Tone Fitness Weighted Vest are:
Pros
- Reflective strips for safe walking/running in low light places
- Comfortable soft neoprene material
- Front pouch pocket is perfect for phone/MP3 Player
- Two color options
The cons of the Tone Fitness Weighted Vest are:
Cons
- The vest is only a 12 pound vest, if you’re looking for heavy weighted vest you may need to go with another option
- The weights in this one are not removable
4. RUNmax 12lb-140lb Weighted Vest (without Shoulder Pads, 50lb)
Technical Product Features
Brand Name: RUNmax
Weight Options: 20-140 Pound Option
Colors: Black
If you’re looking for where to buy a heavy adjustable weighted vest, the RUNmax weighted vest is one of the best options you will find. This is an adjustable weight vest with removable weights coming in a wide variety of weight options. They range from 20 to 140 pounds, which is great if you’re looking to build strength and power with heavy weighted movements. The vests themselves are a one size fits all standard size which will fit most people. They have a version with shoulder pads and a version without, depending on what you like in a weight vest. In terms of price, this one can get pretty expensive if you opt for a heavy weight, but since it’s adjustable, it’s nice because you can take out weights are work your way up in weight.
The pros of the RUNmax weighted vest are:
Pros
- Comfortable secure fit
- Adjustable weights, you can remove weights to increase or decrease the weight
- Carry heavy weight options that many other brands don’t have
The cons of the RUNmax weighted vest are:
Cons
- This one can get pretty expensive, if you decide to go with one of the heavier weight choices
5. CAP Barbell (HHWV-CB020C) Adjustable Weighted Vest, 20-Pound
Technical Product Features
Brand Name: CAP Barbell
Weight Options: 20 Pounds
Colors: Black
The fourth spot on our list of the cheapest weighted workout vests belong to the CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest. This vest is made from comfortable neoprene padding and breathable mesh for breath-ability. The weights themselves are removable in this 20 pound vest. It’s velcro fitted, so you can adjust how tight it is, depending on the exercise you are doing. This one also includes a pocket which is great for a phone or MP3 Player. Overall this is a pretty good affordable exercise vest, but there is a noticeable lack of weight options, which might steer some of buying this one. If you were already in the market for something around 20 pounds, then this is a great option to consider.
The pros of the CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest are:
Pros
- Adjustable vest, weights are removable
- Comfortable neoprene padding
- Breathable mesh material
- Pocket for Phone or MP3 Player
The cons of the CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest are:
Cons
- They only have the one weight option of 20 pounds, if you want something lighter, the weights are removable, but if you want a heavier one, you may need to go with another selection
6. Gymenist Weight Vest With Adjustable Straps One Size Fits All (18 LB)
Technical Product Features
Brand Name: Gymenist
Weight Options: 10, 18, 25 Pound options
Colors: Black/Red, Black/Blue, Black/White
Another affordable entry to consider when buying an affordable weighted exercise vest is the Gymenist Weight Vest. This vest comes in three different weight options: 10, 18 or 25 pounds. It’s a strap on buckle style vest that is adjustable enough to fit most people. There’s nothing really fancy about this one, it’s just a quality comfortable workout vest. The weights themselves are not removable, but between the three different weight options, this should be plenty for most exercises.
The pros of the Gymenist Weight Vest are:
Pros
- 3 Different weight options to choose from
- Adjustable strap on buckle allows vest to fit comfortably on most people
The cons of the Gymenist Weight Vest are:
Cons
- The heaviest vest they offer is 25 pounds, if you are shopping for a heavy vest, you will need to go with something else
- The weights themselves are not removable
7. CAP Barbell HHWV-CB040 Adjustable Weighted Vest, 40 lb
Technical Product Features
Brand Name: CAP Barbell
Weight Options: 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, 150
Colors: All black
The seventh spot on our list when it comes to the best inexpensive weighted exercise vests goes to the CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest. The best thing about this vest is they have heavy weighted vests options ranging from 40 to 150 pounds. If you’re serious about putting on strength with heavy pull ups and weighted movements, this is a great vest to consider. The weights in the vests are all removable, so you can work your way up to a really heavy weight. All the vests are a standard one size fits all with an adjustable belt to keep the vest tight. CAP Barbell is known for making quality exercise equipment, and this weighted workout vest definitely lives up to that standard.
The pros of the CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest are:
Pros
- Heavy weight options ranging from 40 to 150 pounds
- All weights are removable so you can work your way up in weight
- Adjustable belt keeps the vest secure to fit most people
The cons of the CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest are:
Cons
- They offer mostly heavy weighted vests in this selection, which are more expensive than some of the lighter options available on the market, if you’re serious about heavy weighted movements, it may be worth the money to you
8. ZFOsports Short Adjustable Weighted Vest (20)
Technical Product Features
Brand Name: ZFOsports
Weight Options: 12, 20, 50 Pound options
Colors: Grey or Black
The eighth spot on our list of the best cheap weighted vets for training is the ZFOsports Short Adjustable Weighted Vest. This weighted vest is a one size fits all vest with an adjustable belt for a secure and comfortable fit. It comes in three different weight options: 12, 20 or 50 pounds. The weights are removable, so you can adjust the weight as needed for your strength level. The vest has a pocket for your phone or MP3 player, and also has a slot to fit a water bottle up to 16 ounces, which is a unique feature that we haven’t seen before.
The pros of the ZFOsports Short Adjustable Weighted Vest are:
Pros
- 3 Weight option to select from
- All weights are removable so you adjust to your fitness level
- Adjustable belt keeps the vest secure to fit most sizes
- Pocket for phone or MP3 player
- Water bottle pocket
The cons of the ZFOsports Short Adjustable Weighted Vest are:
Cons
- This one is just a bit more expensive than some similar models on the list, it’s still pretty inexpensive though, and adjustable weight vests are always worth a little more in our opinion
9. JBM Weighted Vest 12lbs Weight Vest Neoprene Quality Sand Filling Soft for Workout Crossfit Fitness Strength Training Gym Walking Running Cardio Weight Loss Muscle Building – One Size Fit Most Black
Technical Product Features
Brand Name: JBM
Weight Options: 12 Pounds only
Colors: Black
If you’re shopping for a lighter weight vest, the JBM Weighted Workout Vest is a quality piece of exercise equipment. This vest ways 12 pounds, which is there only weight options. It’s a standard one size fits most with adjustable straps for a comfortable and secure wear. The vest itself is made from soft comfortable neoprene and has reflective strips for running in low light areas. The vest also has a big mesh pocket to store your personal items in. Overall this is a really good vest in terms of quality, though 12 pounds is their only weight option, and the weights are not removable, it’s still a great option when looking for something lighter.
The pros of the JBM Weighted Workout Vest are:
Pros
- Soft neoprene for comfort
- Adjustable straps keeps the vest secure
- Mesh pocket to store personal items
- Reflective strips for visibility in low light areas
The cons of the JBM Weighted Workout Vest are:
Cons
- They only have the option of 12 pounds, and the weights are not removable, so if you’re looking for something heavier, or with adjustable weights, you will need to go with a different option
10. Garage Fit Men’s Neoprene Weight Training Vest (Black, 10 lb)
Technical Product Features
Brand Name: Garage Fit
Weight Options: 8 or 10 Pounds
Colors: Black or Black/Silver
The final spot on our list of the best cheapest weighted exercise vests is the Garage Fit Neoprene Weight Training Vest. This vest is available only in lighter weight options of 8 and 10 pounds. This vest is designed with extra wide straps to disperse the weight, so that it is more comfortable. The vest has reflective strips for visibility in low light areas, and has an adjustable velcro buckle for secure fitting. If you’re looking for a lighter weight vest, this is a pretty well made vest to consider, but if you want something heavier you will need to look elsewhere.
The pros of the Garage Fit Neoprene Weight Training Vest are:
Pros
- Reflective strips for visibility in low light areas
- Wide shoulder straps to disperse weight for comfort
- Adjustable velcro buckle for secure fit
The cons of the Garage Fit Neoprene Weight Training Vest are:
Cons
- They only specialize in lighter weight options of 8 or 10 pounds, if you need something heavier you will want to go with another selection
Well that completes the list. We’re confident that no matter your fitness goals, one of these options on the list will satisfy your needs. The vests we chose are all pretty affordable and inexpensive considering just how much use you can get out of these things. Weighted vest training adds stimulation to all sorts of traditional exercises, and when added to a good and consistent training regiment, your results can skyrocket. You’ll only get out of it what you end up putting into it though, so remember to stay consistent.
