Best Weighted Vest Australia 2024

Last Updated on 31/01/2024 by Fit Shape Team

Nowadays, we must keep ourselves healthy and free from sickness. The pandemic made us stop doing all of the things we normally do every day and that includes exercising.

For some going to the gym or exercising outside was put to a halt as the pandemic spreads quickly and safety protocols were placed in every nation. Fortunately, we found ways to still do our exercise routine even if we are stuck at home.

But is it enough to just do the regular exercise routines at home to build up muscles? One of the easiest ways to make our workout challenging is by using a weighted vest. A weighted vest is the best solution to provide you an extra boost on your workout especially if you are looking to build your strength, muscles, and endurance.

If you think that your workouts seemed to be lacking, then you might want to consider investing in a weighted vest. The added weight from the vest is the best way to make whatever fitness routine you are doing more difficult. And if you really want to pump up those muscles, then here is your answer!

Here are the Best Weighted Vests in Australia 2021:

1. Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Adjustable Weighted Vest

The Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite Weighted Vest is an adjustable weighted vest that enables you to add up to 20 lbs (approx. 9.07kg) of weight that can enhance your fitness routines anywhere, anytime.

Adjustable

One of the things I love about the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite is that it is adjustable which makes it versatile. You can adjust the amount of weight you want to use from 10 lbs (approx. 4.5 kg), 15 lbs (approx. 6.8 kg), or 20 lbs (9.07 kg). So, if you are just a beginner when it comes to adding weights to your workout, this is a perfect tool!

Aside from that, you can also adjust the fit of the vest depending on the size of your body. Each side has a cord where you can simply loosen or tighten depending on your needs.

Breathable

It features a breathable, odour-resistant fabric and generous open side panels that provide ample ventilation to your body while doing your fitness routine. Hence, no need to worry about overheating because it keeps you cool all the way.

Design and fit

Since the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite is adjustable, the vest is unisex and can be worn by anyone. It has a snug and form-fitting design, so it allows you to customise the vest depending on your body size.

It also stays in place no matter what fitness you are doing from jumping, push-ups, and even running or walking. The body-hugging fit does not restrict your movement hence you can perform your workouts comfortably.

Hyperwear’s fabric control system features the heavy-duty Cordura material that can withstand even the toughest workout. The patented design flexes more horizontally and less in the vertical plane which allows more chest expansion while keeping the weights in place.

With its slim profile, you can also wear it inside your clothes without making it look bulky. It can also sit well over your clothes or jacket when you are exercising during colder seasons.

And if safety is your concern, it has a reflective side facing so you can still exercise even in low light conditions.

Additionally, the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite is available in different sizes where you can choose the weight and height range for better body suitability.

If you are looking for a versatile and perfect workout companion, the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite is the best choice to get your fitness regimen more challenging every day.

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2. Empower Weighted Vest

If you are a woman on a budget but are still looking for new ways to burn calories or add strength to your workout routine, then the Empower weighted vest should fit in your daily exercises.

Design

Women who love a challenge while working out will definitely love the Empower Weighted Vest. This vest is specifically designed for women to make their workout routine a challenge and fit on their body perfectly.

It has an X-shape design that evenly distributes the weights across your body without squishing or getting in the way of your chest. It also gives you a lot of breathing room for a more comfortable exercise routine. Pockets are placed comfortably at the back and front of the vest where you can insert the weight pouches.

Choose from 4 lbs (approx. 1.8 kg), 8 lbs (approx. 3.6 kg) to 16 lbs (approx. 7.2 kg) to add more resistance during your workout routine. The vest is made with a soft and stretchy neoprene fabric to keep you feel at ease while working out.  It also has shoulder pads so it won’t dig into your shoulders while you are exercising.

Adjustable side straps and weight

With its adjustable feature, the Empower Weighted Vest creates a snug fit on your body, so it keeps the vest in place while you exercise. So, no matter what exercise routine you are performing, whether walking, running, dancing, the vest stays in place, and no shaking or moving around your body!

Burn more calories as you insert weight pouches in the pockets provided. It also allows you to increase the resistance during the workout and even in your daily activities.

Never worry when doing your workout routine outside because it has reflective accents in the front and back of the vest to make you visible even if it is dark or has low lights.

The Empower Weighted Vest is the best choice for women who wants to be strong, healthy, and fit!

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3. Garage Fit Weighted Training Vest

Start your resistance training with the help of the Garage Fit Weighted Training Vest. It is an adjustable weighted vest that is best for running and fits both men and women.

Easily adjustable weights

The Garage Fit Weighted Training Vest features stretchable weight vest pockets that allow you to easily add or take off weights easily. It features an expandable design so that blocks and weights can easily fit on the pocket.

Hence, the weights are evenly distributed on the vest which is ideal in increasing the resistance of your workouts. Now, you can take your workouts to the next level wherever you are.

You can train every day without the risk of muscle injuries or compromising the type of workout routine you do.

Versatile

The versatile design of the Garage Fit Weighted Vests can fit both men and women. It has Velcro straps that make adjusting the vest easy and fast to fit your body perfectly. It features an evenly distributed 10 lbs (approx. 4.5 kg) weight design where you can remove or add depending on your resistance need.

Cool and comfortable design

Even if the vest is heavy-duty, you will be surprised at how you will feel comfortable throughout your exercise session. It is made with a breathable nylon fiber that allows your skin to breathe and feel cool while doing your workout routine. No matter how snug the vest is to your body, cool air penetrates which doesn’t result in too much sweating.

Start resistance training with the Garage Fit Weighted Training Vest and experience the added comfort, flexibility, and mobility no other weighted training vest provide.

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4. Harbinger Women’s Weighted Vest

Getting in shape demands a lot of patience and lifestyle change. If you are a woman who is in the pursuit of having better health and increased challenge in your workout routine, then the Harbinger Women’s Weighted Vest is the right fit for you.

Design and comfort

The Harbinger Weighted vest is designed for women who love to workout and bring their routine to the next level. The shoulder and chest area of the vest are both padded and have a large adjustable Velcro strap to secure the vest around your vest.

It contours your body without obstructing your movement or mobility while performing your exercise routine. This vest is perfect for running and other cardio workouts as it is made with breathable material to make your workout routine comfortable.

Adjustable

The Harbinger vest is adjustable in half-pounds increments of up to 10 lbs (approx. 4.5 kg). The weights can be easily removed or added for progressive training. It helps in increasing the resistance of your training to build additional speed, endurance, and strength.

No need to worry as it keeps the vest in place even if you are doing sit-ups, deadlifts, burpees, push-ups, and sprints.

Easy to clean

You will be surprised to learn that this weighted vest is easy to clean and maintain. The outer shell and the entire vest are machine washable (without the weights, of course), unlike most weighted vests. Other vests need to be hand-washed to get cleaned. And it is also scratch-resistant so even if you use the vest while doing rigorous workouts, the vest remains in pristine condition.

The Harbinger brand name is a trusted name when it comes to strength and fitness products. If you are looking to level up your workout and training routine, the Harbinger Weighted Vest is the one you can count on.

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5. Aduro Sport Weighted Vest

The Aduro Sport Weighted Vest is a high-quality and uniquely designed vest that is perfect for your running and cardio workouts.

Design

The Aduro vest has a different design than other weighted vests. It is a fixed-weight vest that is suitable for men and women You can choose from different models from 4 lbs (approx. 1.8 kg) to 30 lbs (approx. 13.6 kg) depending on the amount of resistance you need.

While the weights can’t be adjusted, the Aduro made sure that they are evenly distributed throughout the vest so you can receive the best amount of resistance you want.

Other vests put on too much weight on certain parts of the vest which makes working out uncomfortable. But not the Aduro vest! The weight comes in the form of iron pellets which do not hold odour and provides consistent weight, making your workout smooth and comfortable.

Adjustable

Aside from evenly distributed weights, the Aduro vest features adjustable buckles that look like a harness. The harness-like buckles are easy to adjust which can make you agile because you can do any kind of workout routine without obstructing or limiting your movement. It also keeps the vest in place so there is no worry that the vest might loosen up while working out.

The Aduro vest is made with breathable neoprene material that makes it cool and comfortable to wear even with rigorous workout routines. It also features a mesh pocket at the back of the vest where you can place your keys, cards, and cellphone to listen to your music while working out.

So, if you are looking for a fixed weighted vest, the Aduro Sport Weighted Vest is your best bet to provide you a durable, well-made, and comfortable vest to compliment any type of training needs you require.

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6. Ativafit Sport Weighted Vest

Build a stronger core, increase your speed for competitive sports and build a better body with the Ativafit Sport Weighted Vest.

Design

The Ativafit Sport Weighted vest has an ergonomic and non-slip design that can help people to build their strength, develop muscles and add resistance in their training.

It features weights that are made with iron pellets that are distributed evenly so your body will receive the same resistance throughout your body while working out. The non-slip design at the back of the shoulder helps prevent the vest from slipping or sliding while you exercise.

Another plus with the Ativafit is its safety reflective strips on the vest. This makes it suitable for people who are used to working out at night to make them safe and visible to others while doing their workout routine.

The vest is made with comfortable and high-quality material that makes it soft and breathable. Now you can do your workouts without sweating excessively and feeling overheated during your workouts.

There is also a front pocket available so you can use it to hold small objects like keys, cards, or your cellphone.

Adjustable

The Ativafit comes in 8 lbs (approx. 3.6 kg) or 16 lbs (approx. 7.2 kg) which is suited for both men and women. The adjustable buckle strap is placed on two sides so the users can adjust the fit of the vest according to their needs.

It provides a more comfortable and secure fit especially when running or doing other workout routines. More importantly, the buckle strap allows more room for movement, so you don’t feel restricted while doing different kinds of exercises.

Loose-fitting vests may cause blisters and other discomforts. But with the Ativafit vest, you will not experience any discomfort and you can adjust it firmly on your body to reduce skin irritations.

If you want to stay fit and active and be motivated, the Ativafit Weighted Sports Vest is your best companion to achieve your fitness goals.

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Buying Guide for Weighted Vest

If you are looking for a companion that will provide resistance and challenge in your fitness levels, then a weighted vest is the best option. It is an excellent investment especially if you are serious about your fitness training and want to develop muscles, strength, stamina, and speed.

Weighted vests are adjustable weight shirts that varies from 0.5 lbs (approx. 0.22 kg) to 30 lbs (approx. 13.6 kg) by removing or adding the attached weighted plates. They are the best option when it comes to bodyweight training and help increase the intensity of your workout.

These days, going out to the gym can be quite difficult due to the pandemic. Hence, having a weighted vest can help you optimize your workout routine every day.

The principle of using a weighted vest is very simple – add additional weight to your body to provide an ample amount of resistance thereby increasing the effort and strength you need to perform your workout.

Weighted vests are very helpful for those who play a lot of sports and for those who are looking to bulk up or gain a lot of muscle. But of course, these are not just for simply building muscles. They can also help in increasing your strength and stamina.

What are the benefits of a Weighted Vest?

Weighted vests provide a number of benefits when you use it during your workout routine. Among these benefits are:

• Resistance Training

Your muscles will grow faster and increase in size as against working out without a weighted vest. When adding resistance, like lifting weights or doing push-ups, you are adding weighted resistance against your body hence pushing your muscles to the limit. Resistance training can help you a lot especially when you have plateaued and not happy with the result you have been seeing.

• Vary in workout loads

Since you can’t do your workouts on a gym, weighted vests is a good alternative to adding weights in your workout. It adds variation because the weight is adjustable.

Your body gets used to the exercises that you do especially if you have been doing it for long. Therefore, the results to your body does not improve at all. This is where weighted vests provide you with what you need. It helps in varying between different weights everyday so that your body will get the resistance it needs.

• Increased strength and endurance

And because weighted vests provide varying weights, it can help in increasing your strength and endurance. Carrying an extra weight during your workout forces your body to use more strength and adapt to the increased amount of weight you apply.

The more weight that you carry, the better results your body gets since you are using a lot of energy, calories and oxygen. Your muscles will start to adapt in carrying more weight, hence building your endurance and strength.

But aside from strengthening your muscles, your bones can also benefit immensely. With the added load when using the vest, production of the osteoblast cells will create new bone elements. Regular use of the weighted vest will make your bones stronger hence developing strength that can handle new muscles formed in your body.

• Improved Cardio Function

Another amazing benefit you can get from weighted vest is improving your cardio function. The lungs and heart will benefit greatly since the vest provide an extra resistance in your body. It makes your heart and lungs work harder.

Using a weighted vest can increase the ability of your body to consume a lot of oxygen which allows you to workout longer at higher levels of exercise.

How to Use the Weighted Vest

The best thing about weighted vests is their versatility. They are not made just to fit to only one type of exercise, but you can use it with other workouts as well. In fact, they are the best partner for any type of workout to make you healthier and stronger.

Let me show where you can use your weighted vests:

• Bodyweight exercises

This is one of the workouts that weighted vests can provide amazing results.  Bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, and sit-ups are great forms of exercises that increase your strength level. Adding a weighted vest in this workout routine helps increase the intensity of your workout thus providing amazing results in your body.

• Weight lifting

Weight lifting exercise is already a challenging routine as it is. But if you have been doing it regularly, your body starts to get used to it which may not produce the result that you want. Hence, you may have already plateaued and no matter how you exercise, your muscles do not increase in mass and size.

Thankfully, weighted vests can up the ante by adding extra weight on your upper body. Training the additional muscle group will burn extra calories, put some pressure on your cardio system hence increasing the muscle mass that you want to achieve.

• Cycling

Another way to use your weighted vest is during cycling. It also helps in increasing your cardio fitness while strengthening your muscle legs. The weighted vest provide more resistance while you are biking especially in your upper body. Thus, your cycling workout will become more efficient and allow you to burn more calories quickly.

• Running

Running with a weighted vest adds another more dimension in your training and helps improve your performance. Basically, wearing a vest while running means that you are carrying more weight which makes running more difficult.

As your body starts to respond to the increased resistance and match the pace, running without using the vest will become easier due to the strength, endurance and speed that you have acquired while using the weighted vest. Hence, your body becomes more efficient and uses less energy when running.

• Hikes and weighted walking

If your goal is to lose weight, weighted vests can definitely help you with that as well. By wearing a weighted vest, more calories are getting burned since it increases the intensity of the activity you are doing.

Choosing your weighted vest

If you are looking to buy your weighted vest, you might want to consider some of these pointers so you can choose the one that is best suited for you.

• Adjustable

It is always best to look for weighted vests that have adjustable features. Although, most of the weighted vests are adjustable, look for those that can be adjusted according to your needs.

There are some weighted vests that have limitations in terms of adding weight. Some can only carry up to 10 lbs (approx. 4.5 kg), hence it is advisable to find one that can carry more weight, if building muscle mass is one of your goal when working out.

Other weighted vests only have a fixed weight and can’t be removed. It may be best to choose those that come with removable weight plates or blocks so you can make your adjustments safe, easy, and quick during your workouts.

In terms of the fit, look for those that can give you leeway when adjusting the vest in your body. Make sure that you have the right type of weighted vest so it will fit snugly and avoid loosening while working out.

•  Durability

Many weighted vests can carry as much as 60 lbs (approx. 27.2 kg) in weight. It is worth buying a good quality vests made with durable materials since the vest take in a lot of punishment during your workouts. The weighted vest should be able to take in not only the weight it carries but the body movements you are doing during workouts as well.

Look for weighted vests that are heavy duty and have dual fastening mechanisms. You might also want to check out different customer reviews to provide you an overview of the product.

• Comfort and fit

Comfort is one of the most indispensable considerations that you want to look for when buying weighted vests. They should generally fit the shoulders and are snugly secured in your body with the use of straps, clips or zips. Be sure that you buy weighted vests that allow adjustments to fit your body perfectly. It should also be secured, but not as tight so it will not restrict movement and breathing.

Your weighted vest should be made with breathable material so that you will be comfortable while doing your workouts.

Types of weighted vests

There are also two types of vest that you want to consider: the fixed weight vests and adjustable weight vests.

• Adjustable weighted vests are those where weights can be changed according to your preference. They are usually heavier and bulkier than the fixed vests. They are designed so you can remove or add additional weight depending on the resistance you want. These weighted vests provide you with a lot of room for growth and progress in your workout routine.
• As the word says, fixed weighted vests does not allow you to remove or add more weight because the weight is already fixed on the vest. It usually comes with a fixed bar or block and remains the same. Weights are already pre-built and they are usually lighter and not bulky.

Weighted vests according to use

Aside from considering the features, there are different vests that serves different purpose. It is not only the price but consider where you are going to use it for. While it is good in adding resistance, you might want to consider what type of workout you usually do.

There are weighted vests that are suited for strength training while others are good for running or walking.

• When using it for running, walking or hiking, choose weighted vests that are light weight and features reflective strap for safety. You can get a heavier vest for later when you have already built your resistance. Light weight vests are especially good if you are a beginner. Additionally, you can also use this for walking and good to wear when you are doing household chores for added workout.
• If you want to build more muscles, choose those that are heavy duty and can carry more weight in their pockets. Look for those weighted vests that carry 30 lbs (approx. 13.6 kg) until 80 lbs (approx. 36.2 kg). It should also have broad shoulder straps so you can perform exercises comfortably without hurting your shoulders.
• These days, there are weighted vests that is designed solely for women. These vests are designed to provide comfort and not squish the chest area while working out. The weights are just enough for women to carry and can fit perfectly with their curves and hips. Weighted vests for women are also the best for calisthenics.
• High-intensity workouts such as Cross fit training needs weighted vests that are heavy duty and hold-up well throughout tough workout routines without restricting your movement. It should also have extra features like pockets for phone and water that will come in handy when hiking or walking.
• Short length weighted vests is a great choice for those who wants compact options and keep the weight over their chest and shoulders instead of their stomach. Despite being small in size, the vest can carry weights from 20 lbs (approx. 9.07 kg) to 60 lbs (approx. 27.2 kg) more.

Style and accessories

Before deciding what weighted vest to buy, make sure that you have done your homework and compared the different weighted vests available in the market. High-end models may have more add-on features like special pocket to keep their phones while working out, extra soft padding, music players for entertainment or reflective straps.

Reflective straps are especially useful for fitness enthusiasts that enjoy running when the light is low. There are also a wide range of models that provide different designs and colours.

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FAQs on Weighted vests

Are weighted vests good for weight loss?

A weighted vest does increase the rate at which you can lose weight. It helps enhance the calorie-burning effects of different cardio exercise such as running. Although the primary use of a weighted vest is for resistance training, adding a weighted vest in your fitness routine such as aerobics will increase the weight loss effect.

The increased intensity of the workouts you do with the use of the weighted vest burn more calories. Hence, the more calories you burn, the more weight you lose. But keep in mind that you must also be careful in using your weighted vest. Do not overtrain. Use the vest in moderation.

Using your weighted vest too much may cause you to injure yourself because your body is getting used to the resistance it provides your body. Hence, you might feel that your workout is no longer enough which makes you work out more. This may result in straining or overstretching your muscles too much without you realising it.

How long should you wear a weighted vest?

If you are relatively new in wearing or using a weighted vest, use the vest for the least amount you need as a beginner. Starting a vest-wearing schedule is advisable so you will be able to gauge how long you should use it to produce the result you want to achieve.

Generally, you may start with using it for 30 to 60 minutes during your workout activity. Make sure that you remove it at least an hour before starting on a new workout routine.

Additionally, you should not wear your weighted vest for the whole day because it may likely cause soreness, muscle-burn and tiredness in your neck, shoulders, lower back, and legs.

Remember to take caution. If any of your muscles or joints start to hurt, take off the vest.

What exercises can you do with a weighted vest?

Since weighted vests are used for resistance training and most athletes use them to level up their workout routine, weighted vests are so versatile.

You can use your weighted vests in different workout routines such as cycling, walking, running, hiking, cardio workouts, aerobics, cross trainings and even calisthenics. There are many ways you can use these weighted vests.

But keep in mind that you should learn how to listen to your body. Do not overtrain or overexert because this will cause injury. If you think that you are experiencing soreness or aches, then stop for awhile and remove the vests. Allow your body to adjust to avoid further muscle or joint damage.

Are weighted vests bad for you?

Poorly fitted weighted vests can increase the risk of injury because you may be at risk in falling while doing your workout. That is why it is important to look for vests that fits you perfectly and does not loosen up when you are doing your workout.

On the other hand, if you have already suffered from previous injuries like back pain or knee pain, wearing a weighted vest may not be the best option for you. It can make such problems worse because it will overexert or strain your muscles and joints more.

But on the good side, weighted vests provide a lot of benefits in your body. Aside from providing resistance in your daily workouts, it can help you lose weight, add more strength and resistance while improving your cardio function.

How much weight should I put in on my weighted vest?

A weighted vest should not be more than 10% of your body weight. According to research, the suggested weighted vests should be around 4%-10% of your body weight in order to make the most out of the vest.

Hence, it is advisable to look for weight vest that has an adjustable feature so you will be able to choose the right weight for you. This will also provide you the right amount of resistance as you progress with your workout routine.

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Conclusion: Which one is the best weighted vest?

While there are a lot of weighted vests available in the market that you can choose from, the Hyperwear Hypervest Elite is my best choice. What makes the Hyperwear Hypervest Elite an excellent workout companion is that it combines the perfect combination of versatility and the right amount of training resistance I needed.

It hugs the body perfectly that even if you are doing rigorous exercises like jumping or push-ups, you will never worry that it will keep moving or swinging all over the place. The vest is fitted well, and the weight is distributed evenly unlike other vests.

This makes it more appealing to use during workout. What’s more, it is comfortable to wear because of its breathable material.

If you are looking to find and try out something different aside from lifting kettlebells, dumbbells, and barbells, the Hyperwear Hypervest Elite is the perfect companion to add load and resistance to your workout routine.

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