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Walking is one of the quickest ways to burn calories. You can burn up 25% more calories by walking or running outdoors than through other exercise forms. The Best Weighted Vest For Walking yields even better results.
Weighted vests are just like regular vests, but they have pocket-like slots for putting in weights. They increase the intensity of your walk, just like walking with dumbbells or ankle weights. The advantage of weighted vests over other endurance weights is that the added mass is evenly distributed over your shoulders, chest, back, and core.
Weighted vests force your body to work harder as you walk to manage the added weight. They are ideal for strength and distance training.
Note, however, that not all weighted vests are ideal for all exercise forms. We have highlighted the ten best weighted vests for walking below and each vest’s pros and cons.
Why Should I Buy Weighted Vests For Walking?
Weighted vests improve cardio, muscular endurance, and overall strength. They are ideal for body conditioning through walking. One research study among a random group of women showed that walking with a weighted vest burned 12% more calories than walking without one.
Even if you are a keen walker, your body may get used to your walking routine and hit a fitness plateau. A weighted vest will force your body to work harder as you walk and help you to overcome that fitness plateau.
Weighted vests are also less likely to cause injury to the feet, arms, and ankles from repetitive motion or unnatural movement than other weights. The added weight on weighted vests is evenly distributed throughout your torso.
A walking vest allows you to combine your fitness routine with daily activities like chores. For instance, wearing a weighted vest while walking your dog or running errands will enable you to get stuff done while keeping fit.
Besides, weighted vests can also be used for walking by people with osteoporosis to help improve their bone density and impede further bone density erosion.
However, persons with weak joints and overweight people should consult a physician before walking with a weighted vest.
Buyers’ Guide—What To Consider When Shopping For The Best Weighted Vest For Walking
Weighted vests can be used for a wide variety of workout options. However, not all weighted vests are ideal for all workout options. The best weighted vests for walking have unique features that qualify them for walking. A few personal considerations also matter.
Below are the common features and factors to consider when shopping for the best weighted vest for walking.
1. Adjustability
Some weighted vests have adjustable weights, while for others, the weight is not adjustable. Adjustable weight vests feature weight pockets that hold weight packets while non-adjustable weights have no room for weight alteration. The advantage with adjustable weighted vests is that you can alter the weight either upward or downward to suit your ideal heaviness. The disadvantage, however, is that the alterations can cause uneven distribution of weight.
Non-adjustable weighted vests are often contoured for even weight distribution. However, they are not ideal for weight progression.
2. Fit
Some weighted vests are more streamlined than others. While bulky vests are quite cumbersome while walking, well-fitted weighted vests work great.
3. Weight Material
In some weight vests, the weight bags are filled with sand, while others are filled with compact metal shots. While both materials are fairly accurate in mass, sand tends to be bulkier, especially in adjustable weighted vests.
4. Design
Most of your walking is likely outdoors. The design may seem like a non-issue, but if your vest is ill-fitting and looks ridiculous, you will probably be self-conscious and find yourself walking less than you should. Comfort features like padding, breathability, and fit also fall under design.
5. Fitness Level
Your fitness level determines how much weight you can bear. If you are not sure how much weight you should use to generate significant resistance while walking, please consult an expert. You may end up harming rather than helping yourself.
The Top 10 Best Weighted Vest For Walking
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Aduro Sports Weighted Vest Workout Equipment for Men, Women, and Kids
- Weights workout equipment is perfect for cardio and weight training, increases the intensity and efficiency of your workout
- Aduro weighted vest adds extra resistance evenly to body weights, it will not slip and slide during any activities
- We designed Aduro weight vests for men, women or kids with an adjustable front belt and soft neoprene material for comfort
- Mesh pocket on the back of this workout equipment saves room for you to add extra weight pockets if needed
The Aduro Sports vest is made for lighter workouts like walking. It helps to improve the cardio benefits you get from walking.
The form-fitting vest evenly adds resistance to your walk and other bodyweight exercises. It is comfortable enough for natural body movement and allows you to throw in some squats, lunges, or pull-ups as you walk. The form-fitting design and sturdy buckle closures keep the vest firmly around your body as you walk or exercise.
The vest is made from comfortable, breathable neoprene material that allows sweat to evaporate as you walk. It is also odor-free hence gives you the confidence to keep walking among other people even when you have broken a sweat.
The weight in this vest is not adjustable; however, the vest is available in 8 different sizes ranging from 4lbs to 30lbs. It also features a mesh pocket for some extra weight.
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RUNmax Pro Weighted Vest with Shoulder Pads Option
The RUNmax pro weighted vest gives a bit more than just extra weight. It comes with extra shoulder pads and additional sandbag weights, a phone pocket, and a water bottle holder.
The vest is fully adjustable and features eight weight pockets, four in the front and four at the back. Its design allows for even distribution of the weight throughout your torso.
The vest is made using strong heavy-duty ballistic nylon material. Its stitching is also seamless hence durable. The weighted sandbags included in the package are also covered with a robust industrial nylon shell to keep the sand from spilling.
The vest features sturdy velcro closure along the abdomen that keeps it firmly in place as you walk. The hone pocket and the water bottle holder included in the vest’s design are a nice touch to make your walk more comfortable.
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CAP Barbell (HHWV-CB20C) Adjustable Weighted Vest 20lbs
- Adjustable conditioning vest with steel-shot weight packets, weighing approximately 1 lb
- Helps you gain strength and burn additional calories
- Adds up to 20 pounds of resistance
- Neoprene padding for comfort; Integrated pocket for cell phone
The CAP HHWV-CB20C weighted vest offers 20lbs of resistance to help you get more cardio and burn more calories as you walk. The adjustable vest features removable steel shot weight packets, each weighing 0.75lbs. The weight packets are evenly distributed throughout the vest to make the 20lbs weight. They are also very firm and secure within the pockets, so there is no uncomfortable jiggling as you walk.
The weighted vest features neoprene fabric padding for added comfort and mesh material for ventilation. The fabrics make it comfortable for light exercises like walking and a few squats and lunges.
For a vest with a one-size-fits-all design, this one fits pretty well. It features two adjustable velcro straps and an adjustable clip for a firm fit.
The weighted vest also features a reflective strip to keep you visible when you go for early morning or late evening walks.
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NZFOsports Weighted Vest 30lbs to 80lbs
If you want to improve the impact of your walking routine and other bodyweight exercises, this weighted vest will help you do just that. The ZFO weighted vest is available in four different sizes ranging from 30lbs to 80lbs
The weight vest is fully adjustable and features 20 weight bags, ten on the front, and ten on the back part of the vest. The vest itself is made from thick, sturdy material. It is fairly lightweight, though, and comes with 20 weight bags according to the respective size. Adjusting the weight is fairly easy.
The vest is quite easy to put on thanks to a wide top opening hole. Its shoulders are also padded for comfort. The shoulders feature velcro closure, as does the waist belt for easy adjustability and a custom fit.
The vest evenly distributes the added weight along your torso for a comfortable walking experience.
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Zelus Weighted Vest with Reflective Stripes
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If you want to condition your body through walking or stair ascending, this weighted vest will suit you just fine. The vest is stuffed with chemical-free iron sand to give you some resistance as you walk or perform other simple bodyweight exercises.
The vest’s exterior is made from premium chloroprene rubber. Chloroprene rubber is used for bonding metal parts partly because of its high-strength and weather-resistant properties. Strong fabric is nothing without craftsmanship; the double stitching on this weighted vests makes it even more durable. The vest is also hand-washable, allowing you to keep it fresh after reasonable use.
The vest is designed to fit users of varying sizes. It features elastic straps along its edges that stretch according to each user’s waist size. Heavy-duty plastic buckles fasten the vest in place and keep it from twisting around your body as you walk.
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CROSS 101 Weighted Vest 20lbs-80lbs With Shoulder Pads Option
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Hundreds of stellar reviews online suggest that this is the best weighted vest for walking. The vest is available in a variety of sizes ranging from 20lbs to 80lbs.
It features removable sandbag weights that can be adjusted to meet the user’s weight need. With the way this vest is constructed, it can easily carry more than its recommended weight.
The weighted vest is one of the comfiest and secure weighted vests in the market. It features a sturdy Velcro belt that can be adjusted for a snug fit. The vest does fit and looks pretty elegant for one with a one-size-fits-most design. Thanks to the incredible fit, the vest does not bounce around or while you walk.
You can either purchase this weighted vest with or without shoulder pads. Word on the street is that the shoulder pads are a worthwhile investment.
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CAP BARBELL 20-150lb Adjustable Weighted Vest With Regular and Short Options
Two words accurately describe this weighted vest; functional and durable. While it is among the best weighted vests for walking, it can withstand way more than just walking and other bodyweight training activities.
The weighted vest is made from reinforced nylon and polyester fabric. Reinforced nylon and polyester fabric is famous for its high strength to weight ratio.
The vest uses iron ore fine weights to supply the necessary weight needed to create resistance. The iron ore weights are less bulky than sand weights. They are quite difficult to insert into the weight pockets since the pockets are rather slim. However, once you manage to slip in the weights, they fit like a glove and will not jiggle around while you walk.
The vest is available in the long and short design. The short design offers a wide range of motion for natural movement.
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Swift360 Weighted Vest for Men
Walking can also help keep your cholesterol and blood sugar levels down. If you are struggling with either of these weight-related issues, this weighted vest will serve you just fine.
It is available in two different sizes, 20lbs and 40lbs. Each vest in either size has four weight pockets on the front part and four weight pockets on the backside. The even distribution of the weight vests also aids in even distribution of the weight’s vest.
The weight pockets hold sandbag weights that create the necessary resistance to intensify your walk. The sandbag weights are secured in a strong material to ensure the sand does not spill.
The vest has a wide and tough adjustable Velcro closure for a snug finish that keeps the vest firmly around your body.
This is the best vest for walking to get your heart rate up and condition your body.
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Hypewear Hyper Vest Elite Adjustable Weighted Exercise Vest
- ✅ MOST COMFORTABLE highest quality fully adjustable metal weight vest includes 10 to 20 pounds of small thin steel weights flexible unlike plate carrier tactical vestzips on and off quickly for muscle building calorie burning workout at home or gym
- ✅ ADVANCED design based on Hyperwear patented technology hugs torso removing stress from shoulders and great for cardio training and weight loss with tiny 1/7 of one pound weights allowing total control so you can adjust to any weight 6, 8, 12, 16 etc
- ✅ THINNEST PROFILE with soft feel and comfort for a perfect athletic fit - the only workout vest that comes sized in small, medium, large and extra large for women, men and kids and can be invisible under a shirt with weighted vest weights inserts
- ✅ DURABLE Cordura nylon sleek black fabric keeps its shape with performance stretch, strong reflective zipper, and colorful reflective orange elastic side laces for full fit adjustment creating an open mesh side to keep you feeling and looking cool
Streamlined form-fitting weighted vests are the best weighted vests for walking because they do not have cumbersome weights inhibiting your natural stride. The Hypewear Elite vest is as streamlined as they come, and it looks fantastic too. It features ultra-thin galvanized steel weights that fit into weight pockets inside the weight vest rather than on the outside.
The vest is made using unique Cordura fabric, which is stretchy but strong. The advantage of this fabric is that it supports a wide range of motion. The manufacturers of this vest are pioneers in the weighted vest market. They utilized a patented technology to design a vest that hugs the torso and takes undue pressure away from the neck and the shoulders.
The vest also features mesh-like elastic strings on either side to keep you well ventilated while you walk. The elastic strings are also adjustable for a firm fit.
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RitFit Adjustable Weighted Vest with Neoprene Fabric for Men and Women
The RitFit weighted vest is a fine fusion of fashion and function. It is the best weighted vest for walking outside because it looks fabulous. If your vest looks ridiculous, you won’t be confident to walk outside your home.
But fashion appeal aside, the weighted vest is quite comfortable for walking. It is made of breathable neoprene material for comfort and ventilation. It is also contoured for even weight distribution.
The vest features a fully adjustable Velcro belt along the waist that can be adjusted to fit varying weight sizes. It also has an adjustable buckle closure along with the chest areas. The two closures prevent chafing and ensure a firm fit.
The vest is stuffed with chemical-free and odor-free iron sand. Manufacturers observe quality and safety standards. Another safety feature on this weighted vest is the reflective strip to keep you safe as you run in low light.
Parting Shot
Weighted vests generate significant resistance for bodyweight workouts, which include walking. They provide a simple way to intensify your walking routine without any equipment. They can also be used on a treadmill to increase walking intensity.
We have highlighted the best weighted vests for walking above. We hope you will identify the best weighted vest for your routine. If you would rather keep looking, our buyers’ guide for the best weighted vest for walking should land you the vest for you.
Last update on 2023-05-10 at 11:18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API