Weighted Vest Buyer’s Guide: 10kg, 20kg or 30kg Weighted Vest?

Wearing a weighted vest is one of the simplest ways to make calisthenics harder without changing the movements. Add load, and suddenly push-ups, pull-ups, dips (and even going for a walk!) feel very different.

But not all weighted vests are created equal. If you’re looking at the Gravity Fitness Weighted Vest, you’ll notice we have three options: 10kg, 20kg, and 30kg. Which one should you choose?

This buyer’s guide breaks down what each weight is best for, how to choose based on your training goals, and how to use a weighted vest to improve calisthenics strength and fitness.

What is a weighted vest and what is it used for?

A weighted vest is a resistance tool that you wear. It’s designed to add external load without the need to hold dumbbells or a barbell. The weight is distributed across your torso so you can add intensity and keep your hands free.

Gravity Fitness Weighted Vests are great for calisthenics and street workout, gymnastics-style strength training, functional fitness and Crossfit, bodyweight strength progression, and loaded conditioning and walking.

With removable solid metal weights, a low-profile design, and fully adjustable Velcro straps, our weighted vests allow full range of motion with the load close to your centre of mass, great for calisthenics strength work.

What’s the difference between the 10kg, 20kg and 30kg weighted vests?

The main difference is, of course, the weight, but that affects how the vest fits into your training.

Our 10kg weighted vest

Lightest option
Best for beginners or lighter athletes
Easy to use for higher-rep work and longer sessions
Weighted blocks can be removed to adjust the total weight

Our 20kg weighted vest

The most versatile option for most people
Significant load for strength progressions
Suitable for upper and lower body work
Useful for strength and cardio
Weighted blocks can be removed

30kg weighted vest

Heaviest option, for heavy or advanced athletes
Best for serious strength progression
Allows heavy loading of squats, lunges, dips and pull-ups
Weighted blocks can be removed for bespoke weight

All three versions of our weighted vests for calisthenics are made of durable nylon with foam padding and an adjustable fit. The weight comes from several removable weighted blocks, so you can add or remove blocks to adjust your vest weight. The difference is the top weight, 10kg, 20kg, or 30kg.

Which weighted vest is best for your training?

Which vest is best for you depends on your weight, strength, experience level, and what you want the vest to do.

Choose the 10kg vest if you:

Are new to weighted calisthenics
Want to add light resistance to basics
Train higher reps or longer sessions
Weigh >70kgs

Choose the 20kg vest if you:

Have solid bodyweight strength
Want one vest that can adapt with you
Train pull-ups, dips, and squats seriously
Want strength and hypertrophy benefits

Choose the 30kg vest if you:

Are an advanced athlete
Regularly do weighted pull-ups or dips
Want maximal strength overload
Train legs hard without free weights
Are a heavy bodyweight

Best exercises to do with a weighted vest

Weighted vests come into their own when you keep movements simple and controlled.

For upper body, they’re a great tool for pull ups and chin ups, dips, push ups (including ring push ups), support holds and slow negatives.

For lower body, they’re great for squats, lunges, step ups, Bulgarian split squats (thank us later), walking lunges.

Weighted vests are also a good tool for loaded carries, conditioning circuits, incline walking, hiking, and rucking.

Strength vs cardio: what are weighted vests best for?

Gravity Fitness Weighted Vests are designed mostly for strength and calisthenics, not high-impact running. Because they use solid metal weight blocks rather than thin weight plates, the load is more rigid and stable which is great for strength work but might not be your preferred choice for outdoor running.

If your main goal is running with weight, a plate-carrier style vest with flatter plates that sits flat to the body might be better. For calisthenics strength progression, Gravity vests are the best choice because they sit high on the body.

How does a weighted vest improve calisthenics training?

A weighted vest allows you to train progressive overload without holding weights in your hands, changing movement patterns, or even changing tempo. This is valuable in calisthenics, where progress often means moving onto harder skills.

The benefits of doing calisthenics in a weighted vest include:

Increased strength in familiar exercises
Better transfer to advanced bodyweight skills
Improved bone density and joint resilience
Increased muscle mass
Better training efficiency

How to choose a weighted vest

If you’re not sure what type of weighted vest (or what weight) to go for, ask yourself these questions:

Do I want strength progression or conditioning?
Can I already do multiple clean pull ups and dips?
Do I want one vest for long-term progression?
Will I use this mainly for calisthenics or for cardio?

Whichever weight you choose, a weighted vest is a great way to level up your calisthenics training, adding intensity without needing to master a more advanced version of the movement.

The Gravity Fitness 60-day returns promise

All Gravity Fitness products come with a 60-day extended return (and 5-year warranty).

Weighted vest FAQs

Can beginners use a weighted vest?

Yes, as long as you choose an appropriate weight. Beginners should start light and focus on technique. A 10kg vest (or a partially loaded heavier vest) is ideal for adding resistance gradually without compromising movement quality.

How should a weighted vest fit?

A weighted vest should sit snugly without bouncing. Gravity Fitness weighted vests are fully adjustable and designed with a low-profile fit so you can squat, push, pull, and move freely.

Is it worth buying a heavier weighted vest?

If you already have good bodyweight strength, choosing a heavier option gives you more wiggle room to progress. Just remember you don’t have to load it fully straight away. With our weighted vests you can remove a few weight blocks for a bespoke weight.