Hiking is one of my and many people’s favorite forms of exercise. Not only does it allow me to strengthens my muscles and get some quality exercise, but it also allows me to take in the wonders of mother nature.
And after a couple of solo trips and hikes with my friends, I decided to take it up a notch. That’s when I learned that there are quite a few people out there using weighted vests on their hikes to increase the difficulty of the hike.
But is hiking with a weighted vest good for you? Both from research and personal experience, I found that hiking with a weighted vest can be very beneficial as it not only strengthens your bones and muscles but also significantly improves your stamina and cardiovascular health.
In this article, I will also go over whether or not you should hike using a weighted vest, how to choose the right one for your needs, the best weighted vests on the market right now, and other helpful information.
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What Is a Weighted Vest?
Just like the name suggests, a weighted vest is basically a vest that has weights added to it. The weight is normally sandbags, which have been carefully and evenly distributed throughout the vest.
The sole purpose of weighted vests is to make movement more difficult for the wearer. This artificially added weight to the hikers own body weight will help the individual strengthen key muscles and bones as well as the respiratory and cardiovascular system, so that when the weighted vest comes off, the hiker can hike significantly easier and for longer.
That being said, participating in the hiking sport with a weighted vest isn”t for everyone, and in the next section, I’ll tell you why that is.
Should I Hike with a Weighted Vest?
If you’re new to the hiking world and don’t have that much experience, I advise against a weighted vest. It’s easy for beginners to underestimate how hard it can be to hike up a trail, and you don’t want to have anything that weighs you down and makes the hike harder than it is.
With that said, if you’re an experienced hiker, wearing a weighted vest can offer a whole lot of benefits and make you break a sweat. The biggest of these benefits is probably the fact that these vests can help you build muscle, endurance, and strength, which are all qualities you need if you want to be a successful hiker.
But the benefits don’t end there. Wearing a weighted vest while hiking can also improve your balance and cardiovascular ability. But I’ll get into more detail on that later.
While weighted vests can be beneficial for a lot of hikers, they aren’t for everyone. If you’re an unexperienced hiker thinking about wearing a weighted vest on your next adventure, it might be best to try it out on an easier trail first. That way, you can get used to the feel and also test it out to see if it’s the right option for you.
When I first started hiking, I didn”t wear a weighted vest. The first time I wore a weighted vest was about 12-18 months into my hiking adventures.
How Much Does a Weighted Vest Weigh?
Weighted vests come in various weights. Generally, weighted vests start at around 20 pounds, but you can always opt for heavier options if you’re looking for a bigger challenge.
There are vests on the market that weigh as much as 150 lbs, which a lot of military personnel train with. We won’t pay attention to those as most hikers are more likely to sustain injuries than reap the rewards of wearing a weighted vest.
How to Choose the Ideal Weighted Vest?
When wearing a weighted vest, you need to find the right weight for you. As I mentioned earlier, most weighted vests start at around 20 pounds.
This is the weight I started with when I used this gear when hiking, and I highly recommend that you start out with this weight as well. It will not only help you stay fit but you also won’t need to bring that car camping heater to keep warm if the temperature is on the lower end.
It can be easy to think that you need a heavier weight when hiking, especially if you’re a larger person. But remember, your body isn’t used to hiking with that much extra weight just yet, so it’s best to take it slow and allow your body to fully adjust to the feeling of hiking with a weighted vest before going for the heavier weighted vests.
Benefits of a Weighted Vest
There are a ton of benefits of wearing a weighted vest when hiking. Below, I’ll go over the two biggest benefits of using a weighted vest when hiking your favorite trails.
Build Muscle & Strength
The biggest benefit to wearing a weighted vest is that you will not only start to build more muscle particularly around your legs, but you will also strengthen them. This means that your lower body will not only be shaped more like an athlete but will also be less prone to injuries.
Improves Cardiovascular Ability
Hiking is a cardiovascular exercise. So, when you add the challenge of extra weight to your hike, you force your cardiovascular system to work a bit harder. This is great as it helps build your stamina and overall health while you go out on your regular hikes.
The Best Weighted Vests for Hiking
CROSS101 Weighted Vest – My Top Choice
My favorite pick on the market for weighted vests is the CROSS101 weighted vest. Most weighted vests on the market come in a plain black color, which is completely fine, but it isn’t the best fit for my tastes and my camping gear and tent color. This vest comes in a great camo colorway which is a great fit when you’re on the trails hiking.
On top of that, it fits pretty snugly. I mentioned earlier that you don’t need a snug fit when hiking in a weighted vest, but it’s definitely more comfortable. While this costs extra, it’s very worth it if you’re looking for a comfortable weighted vest to wear while hiking.
These vests start at 20 pounds but go up to 80 pounds. So, they’re ideal for those who want to start with a slightly heavier weight than usual while also catering to experienced hikers and runners looking for a stronger challenge.
- Padded shoulders for more comfort
- Removable weight
- Weight evenly distributed throughout the vest
- Hook closure for more stability
- No weighted vests option under 20 lbs
- Hook closure
- The vest comes with the 20lbs of added weight
- Weights can be removed if necessary
- Padded shoulders for added comfort
Zelus Weighted Vest – Best for Beginners
If the Cross101 model doesn’t quite meet your needs, you could also try this Zelus Weighted Vest. This model is significantly cheaper and comes in a sleek black colorway.
It also starts at a lower weight (6lbs), which is great if you want to start as light as possible. However, it’s also available in heavier options up to 30 pounds.
If you go for the lighter options, the vest will feel more like a heavy backpack when you use it on a hike, which could be the extra challenge you’re looking for.
- Made out of durable materials
- Weight distributed evenly
- Designed for maximum comfort and durability
- Adjustable elastic straps
- No weighted vest option over 30 lbs
- Even weight distribution
- Made out of durable neoprene rubber fabric
- Designed for maximum comfort and mobility
- Adjustable elastic straps
Tips for Hiking with a Weighted Vest
If you’re hiking with a weighted vest for the first time, it’s important to practice it safely. Going in with the wrong technique or wrong vest can cause injuries and get in the way of your hike. So, here are a couple of tips to keep in mind when hiking with a weighted vest:
- Start with a lighter weighted vest and easy trails to get your body used to the vest
- Stay hydrated on your walk
- Keep a slower pace to prevent exhaustion
- Don’t hike with a weighted vest all the time to ease the stress on your joints
- Pay close attention to your posture when hiking
Conclusion
Hiking is a fun activity, and if you want to make it more fun and challenging, then you can wear a weighted vest on your next adventure.
However, keep in mind that this gear isn’t for everyone and you may want to take it slow when using it for the first time. That way, you get to improve your muscles and strength without the risk of getting an injury.
