I enjoy my usual workout routines, but sometimes having an extra challenge is helpful, and an easy way to get that is with a weight vest.
In particular, the Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE Weight Vest is a quality weighted training vest that can elevate everyday exercises.
If you’re wondering whether it’ll help you, check out my review below.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Weight Vest
Weighted vests are a well-known tool in the exercise community, but if you haven’t used one yet and don’t know what to look for, I’ve compiled a list of features to consider that will help you come to a decision.
Types of Weight Vests
As you look for weighted exercise vests, you’ll notice there are two types: embedded and adjustable.
Embedded weight vests have the weights built into the vest itself. You can find them in a variety of weight ranges, and they’re seen as a simpler, straightforward option.
On the other hand, they don’t give you any room to add more weight or reduce the weight without having to buy a new vest.
As for adjustable weight vests, they do as their name implies. You can add more weight or take some out depending on your particular needs.
Despite the versatility of these vests, they might be a touch more restrictive compared to embedded weight vests.
Fit
No matter what type of weight vest you use, it needs to fit correctly. You don’t want it too loose to the point that it’s slipping as you move.
Alternatively, the weight vest shouldn’t be too tight as it may cause discomfort like overheating.
Also, consider who the vest is made for. Some are better suited for men, others for women, but many top-rated weighted vests have a unisex design for anyone to wear.
Material
Just as a quality weighted vest should fit well, it’s important to pay attention to the material in terms of comfort and durability.
Consider fabric that can withstand the use of light or intense workouts like High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).
Additionally, you’ll want the material to be breathable, and having moisture-wicking properties is another bonus to keep you dry and the vest fresh.
Also, check out vests made with flexible materials. This increases your range of motion so the vest won’t hinder you.
Weight Quality
A good, quality weighted vest has weights that remain where it’s supposed to be. You don’t want them to slip while you’re moving, forcing you to shift the vest around every so often.
Check out the weight distribution as well. You’ll want it even around your torso so you don’t experience any straining.
Introducing the Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE
The Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE Weight Vest is an adjustable weighted vest that allows you to add up to 20lbs to your bodyweight to enhance your workouts.
It’s snug-fitting with a unisex fit and weight that is meant to disperse evenly for a more comfortable experience.
This hugs the body well enough that you may wear it without a shirt, under your clothes, or over your clothes with no difficulties.
Pros
- Good weight distribution
- Snug fit without riding up
- Easy to secure the weights
Cons
- Material may not feel comfortable against the skin
- Cord locks may loosen
- Fabric could be more durable
Features & Benefits of the Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE
With the Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE Weight Vest, there are many standout features it has that can improve your experience.
Adjustability
Hyperwear has designed the Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE Weight Vest with versatility in mind.
First, you can adjust the amount of weight you experience. This vest is intended for 10lbs, 15lbs, or 20lbs.
It’s rather simple to switch out the weights too so you can manage the vest even if you’ve never used one before.
Next, you can adjust the fit of the weight vest. Each side has lacing that with pull cords that you can tighten or loosen as needed.
Fit and Style
The Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE Weight Vest boasts a unisex design so anyone can wear it. It is also snug and form-fitting, and with the added adjustability, allows you to get a customized fit.
This also helps it stay in place no matter what you’re doing from simply walking to jumping.
This manages to get such a body-hugging fit without restricting your movement thanks to Hyperwear’s distinctive fabric control system that offers 4-way stretch.
The flex is also more on the horizontal pane so that you can feel full chest expansion.
Meanwhile, the weights remain in place so you aren’t forced to readjust them as you intensify your routine.
With a slim profile, you may be able to wear the vest underneath your clothes without it appearing overly bulky.
This can also sit well over your clothes or even a jacket if exercising in colder conditions.
Also, for the side lacing, it’s made to be reflective. This way, you can stay safe if exercising in low light conditions and wearing the vest without a top or over your clothes.
Breathable Design
There is not much worrying about overheating while working out with the Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE Weight Vest since it aims to keep you cool.
The black CORDURA fabric is made breathable and the style pairs well with the large open side panels of the vest that further increases the ventilation you feel.
Comfort
Although the material may not feel the most comfortable against the skin, the Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE Weight Vest does feature moisture-wicking properties so sweat won’t soak into the vest and weigh you down or stick to your skin.
Most of the comfort comes from how well the weight distributes, more so as long as you use both the front and back pockets when filling the vest.
This even distribution along with the slim, snug-fitting design ensures that the weight is around your torso more rather than your shoulders.
Besides allowing you to move better, you may also breathe with less restriction.
What Others Think of the Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE
Many fitness enthusiasts have made use of the Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE Weight Vest, so to help you get a thorough understanding of the product, we searched for recommendations from like-minded individuals.
These unbiased comments should provide you a unique perspective alongside my review so you can decide if this vest is the right investment.
Review #1 – Lynn Bowen
This simple review praises how well made the vest is as well as the adjustability. They also mention their size in accordance with how it can fit someone smaller.
Review #2 – Jonathan A. Rein
This consumer enjoyed the low-profile of the vest and how you can still wear it under your clothes even if it’s filled with the full 20lbs. There’s even praise for how the vest sits on you with the reviewer mentioning the lack of shoulder strain. They did complain about the side cords, however, and that they don’t always stay tight.
Review #3 – Rodel S.
From this reviewer, they praised the stronger material in this vest compared to an earlier version of it. Even so, they did say that the tougher the material, the less comfortable it felt against the skin. They also touched on how the armpit area gets a bit sore, so they recommend wearing a shirt with a vest.
Review #4 – C. Swanger
This user speaks highly of how due to the small size of the weights, the vest is better able to contour to your body. They also enjoyed how it was designed to fit well on women, and they even enjoyed the safety of the reflective strips.
Alternatives to the Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE
Maybe after learning more about the Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE Weight Vest, you still aren’t quite sold on it just yet, and that’s okay.
This is why I sought out three alternative weight vests that can improve your performance.
I addressed how they differ from the Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE Weight Vest as well so you can compare the two before making a decision.
ZELUS Weighted Vest
The ZELUS Weighted Vest is a comfortable and versatile vest that uses embedded iron sand weights so you can’t adapt the weights themselves.
Rather, you must buy the individual vests. Their vest options include 4lbs, 6lbs, 8lbs, 12lbs, 16lbs, and 20lbs.
An equal amount of weight wraps around the straps and the middle of the back for even distribution.
It’s a useful weight for running thanks to the large mesh back pocket that can fit your phone, a set of keys, and any other small items you need to keep on you.
You can even use the detachable front pocket for more storage. Also, there are reflective stripes on both sides of the vest so you can exercise at night without issue.
As for adjustability, you can use the front buckle to slightly change the size. The elasticity in the straps further helps accommodate users of different sizes.
ZELUS Weighted Vest vs. Hyper Vest ELITE
- Embedded weight design
- Safety reflective stripes on either side
- Adjustable front buckle
- One built-in mesh pocket and one detachable pocket
CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest
Made from reinforced nylon and polyester, this weighted vest from CAP Barbell features a fully adjustable weight belt and adjustable padded shoulder straps.
You can remove or add individual weight packets, and each packet is 2.5lbs.
The sizes range from 40lbs to 150lbs. It’s simple to start with just a handful of packets and work your way up to the heavier sizes.
This CAP Barbell Adjustable Weighted Vest is a one-size-fits-all, but it is available in two styles: regular and short.
As for extra features, this has a reflective stripe for enhanced visibility, and there are anchor hooks in the back to accommodate parachute running.
CAP Barbell vs. Hyper Vest ELITE
- Adjustable weight range from 40lbs to 150lbs
- Single large reflective stripe on the back
- One-size-fits-all
- Padded shoulder straps
CROSS101 Weighted Vest
Another one-size-fits-most option, the CROSS101 Weighted Vest comes in two sizes: a 40lb design and a 20lb design.
The weights adjust in 4lb increments so you can add or remove them as you need to. Also, on appearances alone, you can choose from an arctic or desert camo style.
There are pockets on the vest that can easily fit your phone or a musical device. In addition to that, there’s a water bottle holder in the front that can fit 16oz bottles or smaller.
CROSS101 Weighted Vest vs. Hyper Vest ELITE
- Adjustable weights from 20lbs to 40lbs.
- Media pocket and water bottle holder
- Two color designs
- One-size-fits-most
Final Thoughts
Although there are other options out there, I feel the Hyperwear Hyper Vest ELITE Weight Vest is a well-made exercise weighted vest that can help you transform your workout routine into a more intense, cardio-burning experience.
You can adjust the weights as you need to from 10lbs, 15lbs, and 20lbs so you can better control your intensity.
It has a nice unisex design that’s easy to adapt to fit users of different sizes, and there’s minimal chance of overheating thanks to the breathable material and open side panels that increase the vest’s ventilation.
Feel free to check the product out yourself to decide if it’s a good option to add to your workout equipment.
