Hiking with a Weighted Vest: Pros and Cons

Using a weighted vest for hiking is a good idea if you are going on relatively short hikes, have already been hiking for some time, and are interested in overall fitness. In fact, many people who hike with weighted vests report that using a weighted vest for hiking is even more advantageous and has even brought some unique benefits for their overall fitness. 

However, it is important to pay attention to the following:

• Know when to choose a weighted vest for hiking, and when to go for a rucksack
• Understand the unique advantages and limitations of using a weighted vest for hiking
• Know what weighted vest size to use for hiking
• Know what features to look for when choosing a weighted vest for hiking

Weighted Vest for Hiking: Benefits

There are three main benefits of hiking with a weighted vest: the vest distributes the weight more evenly than a rucksack would, the weighted vest is better for overall fitness, and it is more flexible, allowing for a wider range of body movements and maneuverability on more challenging paths. 

1. A Weighted Vest Distributes the Weight Better During Hiking

Unlike a backpack or a rucksack, which tends to focus the weight on the back, a weighted vest distributes the weight evenly throughout the upper body. This is a major advantage of using a weighted vest for hiking: it makes hiking more comfortable, as the weight is not intensely focused on one part of the body.

Lopsided and unequally distributed weight can be inconvenient and frustrating during long hikes, but may also adversely affect your health and posture.

2. Hiking with a Weighted Vest is Better For Overall Fitness

A weighted vest for hiking is also better for calorie burning and overall fitness. Because the weight covers more area, it works out a wider variety of muscles, especially in the upper body, and speeds up calorie burning.

Users of weighted vests for hiking have said that they enable more engaged use of their abdominal muscles, increase stamina, and help their glutes and hamstrings.

3. It is more Flexible/Maneuverable

A weighted vest grips the body more tightly than a rucksack or backpack, and also tends to be less cumbersome. In hiking, this is good because it enhances maneuverability, allowing you to traverse paths that may be steeper or more challenging with ease and greater nimbleness.

Weighted Vest for Hiking: Setbacks and Cons

1. Not Suitable For Hiking Long Distances

The greatest setback with using a weighted vest for hiking is that it does not provide space for carrying necessary supplies like water, a blanket, and tents, which may be needed during long hiking trips.  So you can only realistically use it for shorter hiking trips.

Some users of weighted vests for hiking report that they limit their hikes to under 6 miles, especially in hilly areas and challenging terrain.

This puts you at a huge disadvantage because: 

• You can only hike a limited distance, where you may not need to carry a lot of items
• You may need to carry along another backpack for necessities, meaning more weight.

All in all, a weighted vest may not be the best option if you are going on an extensive multi-day hiking trip where you need to carry a lot of items. For those, you need a rucksack.

2. It Does Not Prepare You For Long-Term Hiking

Another setback with a weighted vest for hiking is that it is not conducive to building the skills you may later need in hiking. If your objective is to prepare for long-term hiking, then a weighted vest may not teach you basic skills like how to organize your rucksack, how to adjust the weight, what to bring along, etc. 

It would be better to get a rucksack, or at least a backpack.

3. Hiking with a Weighted Vest Might Be Too Intense for Beginners

Also, a weighted vest can be very intense, which makes it not very suitable for people who are just new to hiking. A weighted vest is best for people who have already been hiking for a while and have built up some endurance. 

A beginner may fatigue very quickly when hiking with a weighted vest, and might even be tempted to give up hiking altogether. To avoid this

• Start with a backpack rather than a weighted vest
• If you must choose a weighted vest, go for an adjustable weighted vest where you can reduce the weight when it gets too intense.

If, however, you are not hiking long distances, which means there is no need to carry too many necessities, then a weighted vest is great and will suffice.

Choosing a Weighted Vest for Hiking: Top Tips

When choosing a weighted vest, be it for hiking or anything else, it is recommended to stay within 5-10% of your body weight. For the average adult male in the United States, that is about 8 lbs to 18 lbs. 

• For most adults in decent shape, a 10 lbs weighted vest would be ideal for short hikes where you don't need to carry too many additional items. 
• However, it is advisable to go for a 5-8lbs weighted vest for longer hikes, where you may need to carry an additional bag for essentials like sunscreen, water bottle, etc., as these may add an extra 4-5lbs to the total weight.

The ideal solution is to go for an adjustable weighted vest between 5-20 lbs. 

Best Recommended Weighted Vests for Hiking

1. The Classic Y-Shaped Weighted Vests 

The Classic Y-Shaped Weighted Vests are the best weighted vest for hiking, both for beginners and hikers with more experience. These specially designed Y-shaped adjustable weighted vests from Zelus feature two models, which are ideal for hikers with different levels of fitness and experience:

• The Y-Shaped 4-10 lbs Adjustable Weighted Vest is best for beginner hikers who have no or limited prior experience hiking with a weighted vest.
• The Y-Shaped 10-20 lbs Adjustable Weighted Vest is best for more experienced hikers who have had some previous experience hiking with weighted vests, and are looking to increase weight/intensity. 

Both weighted vests are made of comfortable but durable neoprene material, feature a convenient pocket for storing your essentials during longer hikes, reflective stripes for visibility in less exposed hiking routes, and come with a free jumping rope for some variety. 

2. The Classic U-Shaped Weighted Vest: Best For Beginners

The classic U-Shaped 8lbs Weighted Vest is the best weighted vest for hiking for absolute beginners. Its 8lb weight is lighter and more forgiving, and the exclusive U-shaped design frees chest space, with zero pressure for women. It is also made of non-toxic iron sand and features a little pocket to accommodate essentials like phones and keys on a longer hike.

3. Z-Fit™ X-Shaped 10lbs Weighted Vest

The 10lbs Z-fit weighted vest is an ideal weighted vest for short hikes where you don't have to carry too many items. It is made of soft iron material, which evenly distributes the weight to prevent shifting and reduce friction during hiking. 

Its ultra-thin, flat design ensures a snug and comfortable fit, giving you more freedom of movement compared to a traditional iron and vest.

In addition to being the right weight, these Zelus weighted vests for hiking feature the following:

• A pack for carrying essentials like your phone or keys. 
• Proper weight distribution: it must be evenly filled, preferably front and back.
• Made of non-toxic, and (preferably) washable materials.
• Comfort features like padded shoulder straps, adjustable buckles 

Final Thoughts on Hiking with a Weighted Vest

If you already have access to a weighted vest, and you have been hiking for some time, then hiking with a weighted vest is a great way to make the best of what you have. Except you are going on long hikes, or planning to get into more intense hiking in the long run, a weighted vest is a decent option for your hikes, and can even be beneficial for your overall health and fitness in unique ways. 

The key is to know how to choose a right-sized vest, with some space for storing limited essentials (keys, phone, etc), and all the essential comfort and durability features.