During my 75-pound weight loss journey, I had to find creative ways to switch things up in the gym. While there are plenty of tried-and-true ways to make this happen—from following a different workout split to incorporating new exercises into your routine—I discovered another simple but effective “hack” that paid big dividends: wearing a weighted vest.
Whether I was breaking a sweat on the stair climber or knocking out a few sets of walking lunges, I quickly learned that using a weighted vest made those activities much more challenging than I anticipated.
Of course, I’m not the only member of the GGR squad who’s used this training tool to their advantage. Editor and digital nomad Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, invested in a weighted vest to support her health and fitness goals as she lived and traveled in a camper van for two years with her husband.
In this Zelus Weighted Vest review, I’ll give the inside scoop on a budget-friendly piece of equipment that remains a staple in this busy new mom’s routine. So, whether you’re always on the go like Amanda or you’re looking for a way to level up your training in the comfy confines of your home gym, I’ve got you covered (literally).
Our Zelus Weighted Vest Review, Summarized
The Zelus Weighted Vest offers a good blend of affordability and longevity. Available in seven weight options ranging between 6 and 30 pounds, this fixed weight vest is made from a breathable material that allows for better airflow across your sternum. Although the Zelus Weighted Vest only comes in one size, Amanda was impressed with its fit and performance, and we believe it’s an excellent choice for those searching for the best budget home gym equipment.
How We Test Weight Vests
We look at how much weight the vest can hold and how adjustable that load is. A 3-out-of-5 score requires at least two weight options, or a modular system that allows for some progression and use across multiple activities. Higher scores go to vests that support heavier loads, as this will give you greater room for progressive overload.
Our adjustability category includes the fit, range of motion, and available size or adjustment options. To earn a 3 out of 5, a vest must offer some adjustability (such as shoulder or waist straps) and allow natural arm movement during workouts. We give higher scores to vests that offer maximum comfort and adjustability.
Build quality matters for something that’s going to absorb sweat regularly. Our team assesses the fabric strength, stitching, and hardware like zippers and Velcro. A 3-out-of-5 score indicates the vest uses generally durable materials, even if some components feel less robust than higher-end options. Weighted vests made from ultra-durable materials that should last for years earn a 4 or 5.
Our team has tested more than 50 weighted vests (and counting) using our comprehensive fitness equipment testing methodology. We utilized these vests for HIIT, CrossFit, and other types of workouts, evaluating key categories such as breathability, durability, security, and performance. Although they’re simple by nature, we carefully assess each component of a weighted vest to ensure you’re getting a good return on your investment.
The Garage Gym Reviews team includes certified personal trainers, Olympic-level athletes, and fitness enthusiasts who use a variety of tools and methods to enhance our training. Whether it’s weighted vests or ankle weights, we take great pride in giving you the complete picture of what to expect from a particular piece of equipment.
This budget-friendly weighted vest is available in One Size Fits Most variations between 6 and 30 pounds. Our tester also appreciated the open front design, which helped improve comfort and breathability when tackling bodyweight exercises.
What our tester says:
“Even the 30-pound model doesn’t dig in at the shoulders, and with multiple points of adjustment, it can fit a range of body shapes and sizes.”
Before You Buy
- The Zelus weighted vest is a fixed weight vest, meaning you cannot add or remove weights. If you want more flexibility, the REP Fitness Strata Weighted Vest is one of our favorite adjustable weighted vests.
- Although the 30-pound option has a list price of $80.99, you should be able to find it on sale for closer to $75 on Amazon.
- This vest comes with a one-year warranty, which is par for the course for this category.
Is the Zelus Weighted Vest Worth It?
Considering the most expensive version of this vest costs about the same as a couple tubs of protein powder, it’s hard to ignore the value you get with the Zelus weighted vest. From a design standpoint, it’s relatively straightforward, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, a weighted vest doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to fit comfortably, stay in place during use, and hold up well with repeated use.
While it’s not as rugged as a heavy-duty rucking vest like the 5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier, the Zelus weighted vest should still hold up well for most folks. Plus, it’s a fraction of the price of the 5.11 model and some of the other premium options.
Well-suited for weightlifting, running, and walking, this budget-friendly vest is a worthwhile addition to your training arsenal—especially if you’re not quite ready to go all-in on a top-of-the-line model.
Before we go over Amanda’s experience, let’s get familiar with the key features and specs for the Zelus weighted vest.
Zelus Weighted Vest: Key Features & Specs
| Price | $29.99-$80.99 (dependent on weight) |
| Fixed or Adjustable | Fixed |
| Weight Range | 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 25, or 30 lbs available |
| Weight Increments | N/A |
| Material | Neoprene |
| Sizes | One size |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Experience Using the Zelus Weighted Vest
As I mentioned earlier, GGR editor Amanda Capritto spent two years “on the road” traveling the country with her now-husband. That outdoor experience has obvious benefits, but it can also present some unique challenges.
Obviously, Amanda wasn’t able to easily access a commercial gym like us apartment or home-dwelling folks. Furthermore, she surely didn’t have enough space to store a bunch of equipment (camper van living maxes out at about 40 square feet).
So, she had to think outside the box and get inside a weighted vest.
The Zelus model appealed to her because of its affordable price point. Plus, she figured 30 pounds (the max weight available) would provide a sufficient challenge for push-ups, lunges, squats, and other basic bodyweight exercises.
Fast forward a few years, and Amanda is quite pleased with her purchase. Although the Zelus vest is far from perfect, it’s been a key part of her training routine even as she’s transitioned from camper van living to settling down with her growing family in the Pacific Northwest.
When I traveled full-time, getting to a gym was challenging, and I didn’t have a ton of space for equipment. A weighted vest, like the Zelus one I ultimately ended up buying, was a lifesaver in terms of maintaining my strength on the road. While I had plenty of opportunities to improve my aerobic fitness through hiking and trail running, staying strong was harder, and I attribute a lot of my success with that to this weighted vest.
Amanda Capritto, GGR Editor
Zelus Weighted Vest Rating
Weight Capacity and Versatility
Let’s be clear: The Zelus weighted vest is not the most inclusive option when it comes to weight capacity. After all, you can only go up to 30 pounds, which may not be sufficient for more advanced people who train intensely. Plus, this is a fixed weight vest, which means you won’t be able to add (or remove) weights.
That being said, we still award a 3-out-of-5 for weight capacity and versatility since you can choose from 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 25, or 30 pounds.
“The target buyer isn’t someone like a CrossFitter or military member who might be doing lots of different exercises that require changing the weight,” Amanda explains. “This seems more intended for walkers and casual exercisers.”
How do you know which weight to choose?
Heed Amanda’s advice:
“The lighter ones could be good for running because this vest even comes with a removable neoprene phone pocket that also fits keys and a small snack,” she says. “The heavier options are great for conditioning workouts, like a squat/push-up EMOM (alternating every minute, on the minute).”
RELATED: The 8 Best Conditioning Workouts for Every Exerciser
Adjustability and Comfort
Despite only being available in one size, the Zelus weighted vest still earns a rock-solid 4-out-of-5 rating for adjustability and comfort. We give a tip of the cap to the manufacturer for including adjustable straps that allow you to get a more secure fit.
“Even the 30-pound version is comfortable for me, and I’m pretty averagely sized at 5-foot-6, 145 pounds,” Amanda says. “It doesn’t dig at the top of the shoulders even with all of that weight. It’s also easy to adjust.”
Another reason we awarded a high score in this category is because of the even weight distribution. The iron sand filling creates a well-balanced vest that works well for different activities.
Still, we couldn’t quite give a perfect rating here because of one obvious callout.
“These vests say one-size-fits all, but we know that really means ‘one size fits some,’” Amanda says. “On me, it’s pretty loose. I definitely couldn’t run in it because it would bounce around like crazy, so this probably wouldn’t work great for petite people.”
Materials and Durability
As expected, you don’t get premium craftsmanship with something that’s aimed at budget-conscious buyers. Amanda says the Lycra blend material is kind of like neoprene, but not quite as plush as this common material used in other weighted vests.
“It’s not scratchy or anything and does breathe and wick sweat pretty well,” she explains. “However, it doesn’t seem super durable. It could get snagged and tear if you get caught on something, such as if you were trail running with it and brushed past some tree limbs sticking out into the path.”
RELATED: Best Trail Running Shoes
Earning a 3.5 rating in this category, the Zelus weighted vest isn’t the most durable vest we’ve tried. If you want the cream of the crop in that category, I recommend checking out the GORUCK Ruck Plate Carrier 3.0, which earned the nod from our team as the most durable weight vest thanks to its heavy-duty Cordura fabric and EVA foam padding.
Of course, that vest costs $115 without any weights, so you’ll end up spending quite a bit more than you would on the Zelus weighted vest. So, if you’re trying to keep your costs down, the Zelus is still a good choice.
“If you just plan on wearing it indoors for workouts or for walks on sidewalks or wide paths, it should hold up over many years without an issue,” Amanda says. “The one thing I can foresee an issue with is the buckles. They seem like pretty cheap plastic, so if this vest gets a ton of use, they could break.”
Breathability
Breathability is a key factor that can either encourage you to keep using a weighted vest or convince you to leave it behind. Luckily, Zelus designed this model with enhanced airflow at the forefront.
“It’s very breathable due to the fact that there’s virtually no side torso panel,” Amanda says. “The sides are just straps, so there’s no fabric around the sides of your torso or under your arms. The back is also semi-open, so airflow is terrific!”
Of course, that doesn’t mean you’re going to stay completely dry while using the vest. After all, the whole point is to add resistance to whatever activity you’re doing, which will ramp up the intensity. However, this vest does a great job of creating some much-needed ventilation during your workouts.
“I wore this for many walks in southern Louisiana in the summer, and obviously I did get sweaty because it was southern Louisiana in the summer!” Amanda acknowledges. “But my positive callout is that I don’t think I got any sweatier than I would have if I wasn’t wearing the vest for those walks.”
As a result, this vest earns a perfect breathability score.
Security and Performance
While the Zelus weighted vest met our benchmark for a 3 or higher in all other categories, this is the one area where it left us (aka Amanda) disappointed.
“As a very average-sized human, it fits quite loose and flops around the second I do anything besides walking or air squats,” she says. “Plyometrics are a no-go, as is running.”
Unfortunately for Amanda, this vest doesn’t stay in place well enough for more intense activities. However, she acknowledges that that may not be the case for other exercisers.
“On a larger person, this may not be an issue, but petite people should probably skip this one,” she says.
Price and Value
Ranging in price from about $20 to about $100, the Zelus weighted vest is priced very competitively. We appreciate small design nuances like reflective stripes for safety, detachable front zipper pockets to store your cell phone, car keys, and other items, and a rear mesh pocket for added convenience.
So, even though it didn’t blow us away in terms of security or versatility, it’s still a solid option, especially for the cost.
“If you’re just looking for a simple vest to walk or do bodyweight exercises in, I recommend it,” Amanda says. “It’s not worth the investment if you need something for CrossFit-style workouts, as you’ll end up buying something else when you inevitably realize this one isn’t comfortable for burpees, pull-ups, or running, and the material may not withstand movements like rope climbs.”
Customer Experience
The Zelus weighted vest comes with all the basics you’d expect when purchasing an item from Amazon. Prime members get fast, free shipping, which is a nice time- and money-saving perk. You also get 30 days to return the vest if it’s not to your liking.
It’s also worth noting that you may be able to find this vest on sale on Amazon throughout the year. We’ve seen the 30-pound model marked down as low as $74.99.
Overall, there’s nothing special about the customer experience, so we give a 3 out of 5 here.
Customer Reviews
The Zelus weighted vest has earned an average rating of 4.5 stars based on 18,181 Amazon reviews. Customers praise its comfortable design, adjustable straps, and convenient storage pockets.
Here are direct testimonials from Amazon purchasers:
Zelus Weighted Vest Vs
The Zelus weighted vest is far from the only option you should consider. If you have more room in your budget and want something a bit more secure, I’ll give you two contenders to keep in mind.
REP Fitness Strata Weight Vest
- Durable
- Hand-wash only
- Adjustable
First up: the REP Fitness Strata Weighted Vest. This adjustable weighted vest is made from 750D Cordura® nylon—a durable nylon fabric that, along with a padded interior, creates an ultra-sturdy vest. GGR senior writer Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC, tried the Strata out and gave it his firm stamp of approval.
“It didn’t move at all while I did dips and pull-ups,” he notes. “With the adjustable shoulders and waist, you can get this weighted vest to be as secure as you want, so I’d imagine very few people would have issues with it slipping around.”
Although you’ll have to pay more, you get a three-year warranty from REP Fitness, which adds more value to your purchase.
RELATED: REP Fitness Discount Codes
Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite
- Multiple sizes
- Micro-weights
- Compression fit
If you’re looking for something that’s well-suited for running, the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite is our top pick. This compression-style vest fits snugly and doesn’t bounce during use—something that can’t be said for the Zelus weighted vest.
GGR founder Coop Mitchell put it best, “My favorite thing about this vest is that it feels more like a weighted T-shirt than an actual vest.”
Be prepared to pay a premium for that type of performance. The Hyper Vest Elite ranges between $260 to $350, putting it in an entirely different category than the budget-oriented Zelus weighted vest. However, dedicated runners will appreciate the design elements that can enhance their training experience.
Check out our full Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite review for more details.
Final Verdict of Our Zelus Weighted Vest Review
The Zelus weighted vest offers great bang for your buck, especially if you snag it on sale on Amazon.
Is it the perfect training tool? Definitely not.
If you’re a smaller individual—especially someone who runs frequently—you should probably look elsewhere. Ditto if you’re a CrossFitter who needs something secure for burpees and other dynamic movements.
However, if you want to add resistance to your walks or bodyweight training routine, it’s certainly a viable option. Based on Amanda’s experience and our team’s collective experience testing different types of weighted vests, we feel comfortable recommending it as a good entry point into this category.
- One of my favorite ways to use a weighted vest is during a stairmaster or treadmill workout for added resistance (and the mental challenge!).
- While the Zelus weighted vest is a good option for beginners, I’d also check out the LifePro Weighted FlexVest with Ankle Weights, which is also quite budget-friendly.
- Check out Coop’s Best Weighted Vests YouTube review if you want a detailed deep dive on some of our favorite picks.
Zelus Weighted Vest Review: FAQs
What features should I look for in a weighted vest?
Look for a vest made with a durable, breathable material, adjustable straps for ensuring a secure fit, and storage pockets for your keys and phone (purely for convenience). Also consider whether you want a fixed weight vest like the Zelus or an adjustable weighted vest that allows you to add or remove weights.
Does wearing a weighted vest actually work?
Wearing a weighted vest can be a great way to add resistance to your activity of choice. Research shows that using a weighted vest can increase the overall metabolic response, exercise intensity, and loading of the skeletal system during walking1
Meanwhile, a study conducted on older adults suggests that weighted vests can be beneficial for balance and stability2 as part of a broader strategy, especially in weight management and exercise programs.
Is the Zelus weighted vest good for running?
GGR editor and Zelus owner Amanda Capritto cautions against using this weighted vest for running because it moves around too much. If you’re looking for a model that’s specifically designed for running, check out the Hyperwear Hyper Vest Elite.
References
- Puthoff, M. L., Darter, B. J., Nielsen, D. H., & Yack, H. J. (2006). The effect of weighted vest walking on metabolic responses and ground reaction forces. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 38(4), 746–752. https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0000210198.79705.19
- Paniak, I., Soni, D., Tsotsos, L., & Stoneham, S. (2025). Assessing the Impact of Wearing a Weighted Vest on Balance, Stability, and Quality of Life in Older Adults: A Pilot Study. Health science reports, 8(11), e71509. https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.71509
