RUNmax 20LBS - 150LBS Adjustable Weighted Vest Wtih Shoulder Pads Option for Men and Women

Some information first. I'm 71 and workout at home with adjustable dumbbells that range from 5 kg to 32.5 kg with increments of 2.5 kg. I had reached the max weight on the dumbbells doing seated squats, so I wanted to get more weight. I used my 40 lb (actually 41.3 lbs.) vest today and 12.5 kg on each dumbbell for my squats. I really liked have most of the weight on my shoulders instead of holding all the weight in my hands. I'm very happy with the purchase. A couple of other things to consider. If you wear glasses, take them off when put the vest on or taking off!! I had no difficulties putting on/taking off the vest. I did notice my t-shirt had interaction with the vest - nothing serious. The vest is completely smooth on the inside, so the problem is probably friction. I like the idea of the water bottle holder, even though I'll never use it. But - putting a full water bottle in there will throw the balance of the vest off a bit, maybe. 3/29/2026 update: I started using the vest for my H.I.I.T. workout on my elliptical. Tried the entire 40# the first time - NOPE! Cut back to 20# - I was able to do all 6 HIIT intervals. I'm confident that I will be able to work up to the entire 40#. Adjusting the weight is very easy - I really like this feature. The weight adjustments are 4# per "sand bag", which is good for me. 6/7/2026 update: I'm now at 32# in the vest for my H.I.I.T. workout. I anticipate going to 36# in a week or two. This has been so beneficial for my health. And I have lost some unneeded body fat. Another benefit for me: I play table tennis and I am able to get to the ball so much better. The other members who are near my age often compliment me for making the shot. It also helps that I'm 6'3".

Got mine today and it replaced a competitor vest with 30lb in it I had been using for a while, the older started to rip and rather than try to replace it, I wanted to try something new. So glad I did. The vest closes exactly how you would expect - a huge win vs the other. The straps on the other vest were pitiful to be honest. Today was my first workout with it, 2 seperate 1 mile walks with an X3 workout in between. It was a little more intense in the shoulder but it was 10 more pounds. BTW, Do NOT skip the shoulder pads. You've been warned. You will feel pain if you are not used to it and skip. Heck, I may feel pain tomorrow from it, we'll see. Now some grips. One reason I bought this one, place for phone or headphones. Water bottle, well it's practically in my arm pit almost. I was able to get one in, but this part needs a rethink. Getting it in and out while wearing the vest, not so much. The strap to tie it in....meh on its first time use. Also I can't figure out how the thing opens for the headset/phone. Like wth. Zipper? "Open says me". Also, I tend walk at night, a reflective tape on the flap in back cover the top of the weights would be a nice addition or a little sleeve/ thing to attached a light vs clipping it on the back of the vest. It popped off when I was putting the vest on the first time. Apparently my head is more rotund than allowed for, though the shoulder pads do take up some room. For some reason I thought the vest was a bit longer? At least from the pictures I expected the weights to be at belly height, the vest makes it halfway through my abdomen. I'm not that tall, 5'11". The folks in pic must be a lot shorter. More positives...the quality is great. Thick pieces, velcro on the shoulder pads is good, they wrap tightly around the already sturdy shoulder parts. So...not perfect but really good at it's core function. Based on what I see in materials and workmanship combine with my experiences with the other brand, it will last a long time. I look forward to many many miles.

Okay this should come with FBI or SWAT on the back. I wear an oversized hoodie and I walk early AM. I bought this because I lost 35 lbs since January and so thought it would be good to remind myself about carrying that weight. You can adjust weight but I’m a meat head so I started with the 50. I’m mixing 90 min walks at least 2x’s a week with my regular workouts. I do a few hills and this really helps making that walk a great workout. Very comfortable and plenty of adjustment. Would recommend to kick your walk or hike up a notch. 🙌🏻😎 adding research: 🦵 The Biomechanics of Weighted Walking & Knee Health Contrary to what you might expect, adding moderate weight via a vest can actually reduce stress on the knees—when done right. Here's how the mechanics work in your favor: 1. Improved Postural Alignment Wearing a properly fitted vest encourages a more upright posture. This redistributes load through the spine and hips, reducing compensatory stress on the knees. It also activates your core and glutes, which are key stabilizers for knee tracking. 2. Enhanced Muscle Engagement The added resistance increases activation in the quads, hamstrings, and calves, which support the knee joint. Stronger muscles absorb more impact, reducing the load that would otherwise be transferred to cartilage and ligaments. 3. Reduced Ground Reaction Forces Surprisingly, walking with a vest can lower impact per step because it encourages shorter strides and better gait mechanics. This reduces the jarring forces that often aggravate knee pain. 4. Bone Density & Joint Stability Weighted walking stimulates bone remodeling and improves proprioception—your body’s sense of joint position. That means better balance and fewer awkward movements that could strain the knees. 5. Metabolic Boost Without Speed If you’re limited in how fast you can walk (say, due to knee sensitivity), a vest lets you increase intensity without increasing speed, which is often the culprit behind joint flare-ups.

The RUNmax Vest is a workhorse for anyone looking to add serious resistance to their training. The sand-filled weight bags are easy to swap out, allowing you to scale your intensity precisely. It’s built from rugged nylon that holds up well to daily abuse, and the weight distribution between the front and back is well-balanced. The main drawback is the bulkiness, which can make floor exercises like push-ups awkward unless you’re using rings or handles. Also, the shoulder pads are practically mandatory for the heavier versions; without them, the straps tend to dig in during longer rucks or high-rep sets. It’s a great value for the price, provided you don't mind the "tactical" look and slightly stiff feel.

Impressed so far. I had a CAP 40lb vest. Poorly constructed. Fell apart and CAP offered northing apart from clinging to it's 30 day warranty. Only used about a dozen times before it started coming apart. This seems like a much better product.

Great

This adjustable weighted vest if very good. You can add or remove the weights to fit your comfort and strength level. You can put the sand bag weights in the front and back of the vest. This is a great method to improve your overall strength and conditioning. The vest came with 10 sand bags. I sweat a great deal when I use this vest. I usually just let it dry out outside. About once a week, I will run it through our washing machine (without the weights) on the delicate cycle to clean and deodorize. The vest is comfortable. I do use the shoulder pads to increase comfort. It fits great.

I got the 40 lb version with shoulder pads for about $63, and now I see it’s almost double that. Honestly, it’s still worth it. Each weight pouch (sand) is around 4 lbs, so you can easily adjust the load depending on the exercise. I use 16 lbs for my 4-mile weekend walks and it adds just the right challenge. I’ve also worn the full 40 lbs, and trust me, the shoulder pads make a huge difference. Without them, the weight would dig in too much. Pros: Adjustable weight in small chunks Shoulder pads actually help with comfort Feels secure during movement Good value for what you get No weird smell Seems durable and fits great Cons: Looks a bit intense from afar. A couple people thought I was a cop Might feel awkward the first time you wear it Once you get used to it, it just becomes part of your routine. This vest made my workouts more challenging without needing extra gear. I really like it and definitely recommend it.

I initially bought a weighted vest from a well known box store. The brand was reputable. It was a good purchase because it taught me what I want and don't want in a weighted vest. You don't want a vest that it going to bounce up and down on you as you move. You want a vest that has adjustable weight. You also want a vest that is easy to clean. I returned the big box store 20lb vest and ordered this RunMax Vest. I got the 40lb version at a price of $103. The vest is made of a heavy duty nylon which makes it easy to clean or just wipe off. It came with shoulder pads which just wrap around and velcro into place. The vest has ten pockets and each pocket has a 4lb nylon bag of sand. I've taken 5 of the bags out for now and am using the vest with 20lbs. There is a spot on the vest to set a water bottle which is kind of cool and I plan to utilize this feature in the future. There is also a place for your phone. The vest goes over your head and is secured to your body with wide velcro straps. wrapping around the front. My first hike with it was 6.5 kms. I did a combination light jog and walk. I had no issues with the vest at all. The should pads made it quite comfortable. The quality in this is ten times better than my big box store vest. You can vary the weight from 4 to 40 lbs. You won't regret this purchase.

Muy buena calidad de los materiales y se sujea muy bien al dorso. Los belcros no se sueltan y se ajustan bien. El peso es el indicado.

First vest for a 6', 200lb moderately fit male intending use for mat, bar and suspension calisthenics, possibly walking. Won't add much to the huge comment count and many Youtube reviews, but briefly on 1) comfort and 2) durability. First comfort: 40lbs is heavy and overhead mounting rather than front opening can be awkward. Once on the vest cinches simply and well, and feels surprisingly natural, much better and more stable than a comparably weighted backpack. Light use at first for conditioning and familiarizing at body angles, arms are free and no slipping around. The included shoulder pads seem needless and bulky for active upper body moves but may be very helpful walking, hiking or on stairs. But won't wear it without a full T or sweatshirt. Finally, contrary to stupid comments, this is nylon not neoprene and it doesn't smell. Second durability: the material and design seems impressively sturdy. My long experience with nylon sports clothing and gear has been that the material is wonderfully durable but stitching or grommets can be the fatal flaw. Unlike the vest, the removable sandbag weights are a very light nylon fabric, single stitched with polyester thread, and they are suspect for leaking over time, especially if removed and replaced often or subject to a lot of stress - the main reason for one star off. Would expect this vest to last long years if the sandbags will hold up. The good ratings here and some useful Youtube reviews are encouraging, but time will tell.

Llevo 2 años con el y lo uso todo el tiempo!! Solo que está empezando a despegarse bastante el Velcro. Bastante durable, no se usa para hacer abdominales pero si puedes hacer planks o incluso mountain climbers. Lo uso para todo, correr, burpees, push up, fondos, pierna y abdomen. Excelente opción!

This vest does what it’s supposed to and does it well. The weight is adjustable in clean increments, the fit is secure, and the shoulder pads make a real difference for longer sessions. Most vests skip that comfort layer or sell it separately—this one includes it, and it’s hard to find again once stock dries up. The nylon shell wipes clean easily, and the sandbag weights stay put without shifting. It’s bulky at full load, but the balance is solid and the straps hold firm. No bouncing, no awkward shifting, and no stitching failures so far. If you’re serious about adding resistance to walks, stairs, or bodyweight work, this is a reliable pick. Just don’t wait on the shoulder pad version—it’s not something you’ll easily source later.