Dr. Will Murtagh is a performance physical therapist and writer who helps Fitness Athletes elevate their fitness and train pain-free.
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Crossfit is comprised of intense workouts that incorporate body bodyweight exercises and strength training. In addition to the classic metcons that you see in the gyms across the country and in the CrossFit Games.
When you first begin CrossFit the emphasis is on learning the movements, moving well, and moving well consistently. But, then most people like myself, and the clients I coach inside my 1:1 Pain-Free Performance Program, begin to catch the performance bug.
You see the gains you are making in how you look and feel and now want to push how you perform higher and higher. One way to do this is by adding additional weight to your body weight in the form of a weighted vest.
In 2024, there are several options of weighted vests to choose from to help you increase the demand for your workouts and assist in pushing performance even higher, and help you achieve your fitness goals.
So the question is: what are the best weighted vests for crossfitters and which one should you choose?
In today’s blog post, we’ll dive into the top 5 best CrossFit Weighted Vests for training while taking into account essential factors like comfort, adjustability, durability, and the actual capacity of the vest to add additional weight.
Regardless of whether you are a CrossFit Veteran or a beginner looking to test the waters beyond just your body weight, this post will help you find the perfect weighted vest for your training. Let’s dive in!
What Is The Best CrossFit Weighted Vest In 2024?
Best overall: 5.11 Tactec Plate Carrier
Best Value: Condor Sentry Plate Carrier
Best For Durability: Rogue Plate Carrier
Best Backpack Style: GORUCK Plate Carrier
Best Minimalist Vest: Mir Air Flow Weighted Vest
My Top Pick: 5.11 Tactec Plate Carrier
Now that you have your answer on which weight vest I believe to be the best weight vest based on versatility, durability, and weight capacity, let’s now explore my top five picks so that you can make an educated choice on which is the best-weighted vest for you specifically.
1. 5.11 Tactec Plate Carrier
The 5.11 Tactec Plate Carrier, in my opinion, remains undefeated as the best weighted vest you can buy. This weight vest is designed to mimic the demands and functionality of true tactical vests.
Although I have no actual tactical experience myself, I do use this vest and I can attest to is quality. It is not a surprise that it is a favorite among both regular CrossFit enthusiasts and CrossFit Games athletes alike.
What CrossFitters Are Saying:
The reviews on the 5.11 Tactec Plate Carrier praise the vest for its easily customizable weight capacity through the use of weighted plates. The vest has a comfortable fit, padded shoulder straps, and even has reflective strips for nighttime training.
Key Features of The 5.11 Tactec Plate Carrier:
- Adjustable Weight Capacity: The Tactec Plate Carrier accommodates weighted plates, allowing you to customize the amount of extra weight you carry. It can hold up to 24 pounds of weight, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced athletes.
- Comfortable Fit: Its adjustable straps and padded shoulder straps ensure a snug and comfortable fit, preventing any unnecessary rubbing or discomfort during your workouts.
- Durability: Constructed from high-quality 500D nylon, this vest can withstand heavy use and rough workouts. It’s built to last, no matter how intense your CrossFit sessions get.
- Reflective Strips: Safety is a top priority during nighttime workouts, and the Tactec Plate Carrier has you covered with reflective strips that enhance visibility.
- Versatility: The vest’s design allows for a wide range of motion, making it suitable for various bodyweight exercises and functional movements. Whether you’re doing pull-ups, burpees, or squats, this vest won’t restrict your movements.
- Additional Features: It includes a water bottle holder and a mesh pocket, adding extra functionality to your CrossFit sessions.
2. Condor Sentry Plate Carrier
A close second in the best weighted vests is the Condor Sentry Plate Carrier. This was my first weighted vest and I got so much out of it. Like the 5.11 Tactec Plate Carrier, the Condor Sentry Plate Carrier is known for its sturdy build and comfortable fit.
The reason I did not have it as the top pick is that I felt that it did not secure to my body the way the 5.11 Tactec Plate Carrier did. As I would train it did tend to jump around a bit although I was able to improve this by tightening down the adjustable straps making a more snug fit.
What CrossFitters Are Saying:
The reviews on the Condor Sentry Plate Carrier are very similar to the 5.11 Tactec Plate Carrier. It is a sturdy and comfortable fit and extremely versatile as a weighted vest.
However, some of the reviews attest to what I mentioned above about the weight vest bouncing as you run and some complain about rearing under the plate holder.
Key Features of The Condor Sentry Plate Carrier:
- Adjustable Weight Capacity: The Condor Sentry Plate Carrier can hold standard 10″ x 12″ weight plates, allowing you to add up to 20 pounds of extra weight. This makes it suitable for individuals of all fitness levels.
- Secure Fit: The adjustable buckles and Velcro straps ensure a secure and snug fit, so you can focus on your workouts without any distractions.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality materials, this vest can withstand the rigors of CrossFit workouts. It’s designed to last, even when you’re pushing yourself to the limit.
- Comfortable Shoulder Straps: Padded shoulder straps enhance comfort during high-intensity workouts, preventing chafing or discomfort.
- Versatile Design: The Condor Sentry Plate Carrier offers a wide range of motion, making it ideal for various CrossFit exercises, including pull-ups, push-ups, and squats.
3. Rogue Plate Carrier
Any product that has the name “Rogue” on it is going to be a solid option for you as a CrossFitter. The company is known for its high-quality products and customer service. In fact, if you go with the Rogue Plate Carrier it may end up being the last weight vest that you buy.
What CrossFitters Are Saying:
The reviews on the Rogue Plate Carrier are overwhelmingly positive. True to its reputation, Rogue Fitness has put out a quality product in this weight vest with almost a perfect five-star rating. Some complained about a strap tearing but this was very far and few between. You do have to take into consideration the level of upkeep that takes place on weight vests.
Regardless of the very few reviews that were under five stars the Rogue Plate Carrier is a great option for you if you want the most durable vest for your money.
Key Features:
- Adjustable Weight Capacity: This plate carrier is designed to hold Rogue Echo Weight Plates, allowing for customizable weight options. Users can add the desired amount of weight to suit their fitness level.
- Comfortable Fit: It features adjustable straps and a snug fit, ensuring it stays securely in place during workouts without causing discomfort.
- Durability: Rogue is known for producing high-quality fitness gear, and this plate carrier is no exception. It’s built to withstand intense CrossFit workouts.
- Versatility: The design of the Rogue Plate Carrier allows for a full range of motion, making it suitable for a wide variety of CrossFit exercises, from bodyweight workouts to heavy lifting.
4. GORUCK Plate Carrier 3.0
The third iteration of the GORUCK Plate Carrier keeps sit s1000D Cordura construction while adding new features to enhance to functionality and comfort of the vest that is specifically designed for long-distance use as the name implies.
The GORUCK is a good option for CrossFitters who prefer to train shirtless due to less abrasive fabric and added lumbar support and shoulder straps. As well as those who prefer the “backpack” style weighted vest.
What CrossFitters Are Saying:
The GORUCK Plate Carrier 3.0 has almost a five-star rating by fellow CrossFitters. The reviews highlight that the vest is indeed comfortable and great for use in movements like the push-up, pull-up and other strict gymnastic movements.
However, one of the primary concerns was the lack of a hip strap which makes the vest a less total body fit for running of quick change of directions.
Key Features:
- Adjustable Weight Capacity: Designed to accommodate standard weight plates, the GORUCK Plate Carrier allows users to add or remove weight as needed, offering a customizable workout experience.
- Comfortable Shoulder Straps: Padded shoulder straps enhance comfort during workouts, preventing chafing and discomfort even during high-intensity routines.
- Durable Build: GORUCK is known for producing gear that can withstand tough conditions, and this plate carrier is no exception. It’s built to last through intense CrossFit workouts and outdoor activities.
- Versatile Design: With its versatile design, the GORUCK Plate Carrier offers excellent mobility, allowing users to perform a wide range of CrossFit exercises with ease. As well as enhanced lumbar support.
5. MiR Airflow Weighted Vest
The MiR Airflow Weighted Vest is known for a sleek and low-profile design that measures only 14″ x 15″ x 1″ and narrow 3″ shoulders. Making it a great option for CrossFitters who prefer to train with a weight vest that feels like they have nothing on.
Although the Mir Airflow Weighted vest aims to be a minimalist of sorts, the vest can get up to 32 pounds and is known for lacking the “jumping” of weights that some of the other options possess. It is also machine washable which is convenient.
What CrossFitters Are Saying:
The reviews for the MiR Airflow Weighted Vest are overall positive. Many CrossFitters highlight the numerous weight pockets that help to minimize the jumping of weights and the variety in how you can add additional weight.
However, this can also be cumbersome to some as dealing with the numerous pockets and ways to adjust the vest have confused some of the reviewers. Overall I think that if you prefer a high level of customization and want a convenient low-drag vest this is your best option.
Key Features:
- Adjustable Weight: The vest is available in various weight options, ranging from 8 to 32 pounds, allowing you to select the amount of added resistance that suits your fitness goals.
- Ventilated Design: Its unique airflow design prevents excessive heat buildup, keeping you cooler during intense workouts as well as a thin minimalist design.
- Snug Fit: The Mir Air Flow Weighted Vest offers a secure fit with adjustable straps and buckles, ensuring that it stays in place while you work up a sweat.
- Wide Range of Motion: Designed for optimal range of motion, this vest allows you to perform CrossFit movements with ease and confidence.
- Durable Construction: It is constructed with durability in mind, making it a reliable option for long-term use.
My Take On The Best CrossFit Weighted Vest:
When it comes to picking which weight vest you buy I think that it is very hard to pick a bad choice if you select any of the top five I listed. Each one will more than suffice in allowing you to load up weights and add additional challenge to your bodyweight workouts.
In my opinion, however, getting a vest that is sturdy, comfortable, and provides a snug fit is going to be the most important factor to consider. There is nothing worse than being mid-Metcon and having to slow down to secure the vest or having the vest slowly eat away at your skin.
I also don’t prefer having a vest that has many different weights. If you are a CrossFitter then the weighted options in Metcons will usually be 20 pounds or 14 pounds. All you need is a plate carrier that has the ability to slide 1-2 plates that total these amounts into the front and back of the vest.
The choice you make for your weighted vest should be in line with what you need for your goals and preferences. a great weight vest can help you build strength, and endurance and increase the intensity of your Metcons for the extra challenge you need to reach your next level of fitness.
But, remember that the vest is simply a tool. The best tool in the world is only as good as the methods and plan that you use it with. This is where working with a professional coach can help you essentially “skip the line” on your way to achieving your fitness goals.
If you’d like to learn more, I encourage you to book your free consult so we can chat about how my 1:1 Pain-Free Performance Program can help you train without pain and avoid injury while also enhancing your fitness level as high as possible!
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