Weight Vest vs. Plate Carrier

Are you looking to add a challenge to your cardio sessions or simply add some resistance to your workouts to improve your fitness goals?

There are a variety of ways to do this but in this article, we’ll review two excellent ways to spice up your workout.

Weight vests and plate carriers provide you with just that, extra weight to help you build strength with added weight on your body. 

What’s the difference between a weight vest vs. a plate carrier?

Though they are similar, they definitely have their differences, and depending on your needs, you will make your decision. We’ll give you some great options to choose from to make your decision easier! If you want to be build muscle, get stronger, and overall, improve your fitness goals, read on. Here, we’ll review plate carriers and weighted vests so you can come to a decision on which one is the best for your workout. 

I am going to compare both of these phenomenal pieces of equipment. Let’s talk about weighted vests first. 

Hyperwear Hyper Vest PRO Unisex

10-Pound Adjustable Weighted Vest for Fitness Workouts

This weight vest will help you make the necessary adjustments to take your training to the next level. It’s flexible, breathable, but also fits your body perfectly and snug so there is no shifting of the vest while you are killing your workout. It’s made out of Tyvek lycra nylon and its thin material provides you with a full range of motion during your workouts so you won’t feel uncomfortable. The fabric is also sweat-wicking and odor-resistant, with a side for ventilation. If you were worried about your sweat causing issues, don’t — this vest has the perfect material for a comfortable workout. Although it’s a unisex vest, the side lacing makes it for a highly adjustable fit. The Hyperwear Hyper Vest comes with 10 pounds of steel weights, but it has the capacity for more if you’re looking for a challenge. 

miR Short Weighted Vest with Zipper Option 20lbs – 60lbs

With the miR Short Weighted Vest, the 3-pound weights come included! It is extremely durable and very likely to last you a lifetime after a one-time purchase. It is very adjustable — the straps can adjust to all sizes and the weights can be added and changed at any time. This vest is also comfortable and flexible and the weight is distributed evenly throughout the front and back of the vest! 

Hyper Vest FIT Weighted Vest Weight Vest Comfortable Fit for Women Adjustable Weights Included, Body Weight Vests for Running, Jogging, Walking (5 lb – 10 lbs)

Hyper Vest FIT women’s weight vest is a vest made for women of all different shapes and sizes because one size does not fit all! It contains USA steel weights that are thin ½ pound containers filled with premium USA steel pellets that slide easily into the weight vest pockets. It is washable, durable, yet soft and comfortable. It is the best fitting for women because the weights are not placed over the chest area and it is sold in small, medium, and large to adhere best to any woman that wants to improve their workout routine with this vest. With its polyester-lycra blend, your sweat is wicked away so you won’t have to worry about sweat accumulation and odor forming. It is easily machine-washable 

So, can you build muscle with a weighted vest, and are they worth it?

After learning about a variety of weighted vests, it’s obvious that there would be several concerns regarding its effectiveness. If you’re wondering whether a weighted vest can help you build muscle… the answer is yes! Weighted vests put stress on your muscles (in a good way), which in turn, with the consistent use of the vest, will gain muscle with time. Also, by adding mass to your body, you exert a higher amount of energy in your workouts, and therefore, you burn more calories. Weighted vests are definitely worth it for various reasons. For one, switching up your workout routine never hurts. If you start with a low amount of added weight on your weighted vest and slowly add to it, you will see magnificent results with time. Additionally, you can perform all of your usual workouts and movements but this time, with some added weight to make it more of a challenge. Weight vests have great benefits and if I were you, I would look into my different options to find the best one to purchase! 

Moving forward to plate carriers, I’ll give you a few options for you to linger on. 

Rogue Plate Carrier

This Rogue plate carrier was co-developed with Dave Castro, who is the CrossFit Games director. If you’re concerned about aesthetics, it comes in 4 colors, 3 sizes and is compatible with fitness plates made by Rogue. The 4 colors are black, ranger green, coyote brown, and gray. It has extra-foam padding, stretch woven fabric, and adjustable straps to give you a perfect, snug fit that you need for a comfortable workout. 

Ruck Plate Carrier

Another smooth-running option is the Ruck Plate Carrier in which can accommodate a 20-30 pound ruck plate. It includes the appropriate padding on the straps to allow you to carry more weight, without the added friction of the straps on your skin. It has lumbar support that supports your back’s natural curve to avoid injuries or straining your back. This product is only compatible with GoRUCK’s ruck plates and is not meant to work with regular plates! 

5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier

The TacTec plate carrier allows you to perform at the highest level, while also remaining comfortable, lightweight, and mobile. With padded straps and perforated mesh, with built-in mesh airflow channels, it provides you with the needed range of motion needed for a great workout. It contains two ballistic armor plates, both medium, and large. It is flexible while also secure — heavy-duty, while also soft and breathable. This product is for both men and women and perfect for anyone interested in using plate carriers. 

Weight Vest vs. Plate Carrier Conclusion

Whether you choose a plate carrier or weighted vest, your decision makes sense. Typically, weighted vests are a cheaper alternative than plate carriers. They both add resistance to your workouts, and without the need to hold anything in your hand, and that’s what is important. 

I hope this article provided you with the necessary information to make a logical decision. Either way, they are both great options and I hope you choose one of them to reach your fitness goals! 

Working out with a plate carrier makes a lot of sense – if you have one on hand. Weighted vests