A weighted vest is one of the simplest yet most powerful training tools you can own. By adding external weight to your body, it instantly increases the intensity of any workout—from a basic walk to advanced CrossFit conditioning sessions. Unlike dumbbells or barbells, a weighted vest doesn’t occupy your hands. Instead, it makes your body itself the resistance, turning every step, jump, or push-up into a harder and more effective version.
Training intensity is the main driver of progress in both strength and conditioning. When you wear a weighted vest, every movement costs more energy:
This extra intensity means you reach training zones that normally require running faster, lifting heavier, or training longer—without changing the movement itself.
One of the easiest applications of a vest is walking. Add 8–10 kg and a normal stroll becomes an effective conditioning and strength workout. You’ll feel your legs, core, and cardiovascular system working harder, even though the movement itself hasn’t changed.
For people who dislike running or high-impact conditioning, a weighted vest is a game-changer: it makes low-impact activities like walking or hiking both time-efficient and results-driven.
Currently, we see weighted vests used more by men, but women may actually benefit even more. The reason is bone density. After the age of 30, bone density gradually decreases, and for women the decline accelerates after menopause due to reduced estrogen. Weighted vest training provides the additional load that bones need to maintain strength and resist osteoporosis.
Adding external load through regular walks or training sessions with a vest stimulates the skeleton in a safe and effective way—something especially important for women who want to maintain strength, posture, and resilience as they age.
It’s worth distinguishing between rucking and weighted vest training.
Both methods increase intensity, but a weighted vest is more versatile, safer for long-term use, and integrates better with both strength and conditioning programs.
Not all weighted vests are equal. The right vest should be durable, comfortable, and adjustable to your body. At Gear 9, we focus on two categories:
The Pactical Plate Carrier Vest is the one and only original weighted vest designed to last a lifetime. It’s highly durable, fully adjustable, and surprisingly comfortable even during long workouts. If you want a vest you’ll never have to replace, this is the standard.
For those looking for an affordable way to start, the Picsil Ingot Weight Vest offers a lightweight, sleek design that still provides the training intensity boost you’re after. It’s ideal for athletes who want to test weighted vest training without committing to a higher investment.
A weighted vest only works if you actually use it. That means it needs to feel comfortable on your torso, stay in place when you move, and handle sweat and friction without wearing down. The Pactical Plate Carrier Vest excels in all these areas, while the Picsil Ingot provides a clean, entry-level design for new users.
Both options give you access to the benefits of weighted vest training—but only if you make it a consistent part of your program.
Adding a weighted vest doesn’t just make workouts harder—it makes them smarter. You can increase intensity without changing movements, protect bone health (especially important for women), and unlock new levels of conditioning with minimal impact. Whether you’re walking, squatting, or tackling a CrossFit workout, a weighted vest multiplies the results.
Choose wisely: the Pactical Plate Carrier Vest if you want the original, lifetime-lasting solution, or the Picsil Ingot Weight Vest if you’re starting out. Either way, strap on a vest, feel the difference, and experience how a simple tool can transform your training.
