How to Choose the Right Weight: 20 Lb vs 40 Lb Weighted Vests for Home Workouts

Wondering whether a 40 pound weight vest is too much or just right? We break down 20 lb vs 40 lb vests so you can choose with confidence.

Updated 9 Sep 2026 4 min read 8 sections

Choosing between a 20 lb and a 40 pound weight vest comes down to your current fitness level, your training goals, and how progressive overload works for your body. A 40 pound weight vest delivers serious resistance for pull-ups, push-ups, lunges, and weighted carries, but if you cannot yet perform those movements with clean form using bodyweight alone, starting with a lighter load is smarter.

What a 40 Lb Weight Vest Does for Your Training

APEXUP SHOP weighted vest 40 lbs — Weighted vest 40 lbs$89.99Image from the merchant

A weighted vest 40 lbs adds enough load to challenge intermediate and advanced athletes without requiring a barbell or dumbbells. The key advantage is that the weight is distributed across your torso, which keeps your hands free for pull-ups, plyometrics, or running. If you are looking at the 40 lbs weight vest from Apexup, check the strap adjustment and test the fit on your shoulders before burpees or box jumps.

For anyone doing bodyweight circuits, a 40 lb vest can turn a set of 15 push-ups into a legit strength exercise. It also works well for rucking, just add the vest to a short walk and you will feel your core and glutes fire harder than a standard backpack load.

20 Lb vs 40 Lb Weighted Vest: Which Weight Is Right for You

Factor	20 Lb Vest	40 Lb Vest
Best for	Beginners, rehab, lighter cardio	Intermediates, strength work, rucking
Bodyweight test	Can you do 10 clean pull-ups?	Can you do 15+ pull-ups?
Core demand	Moderate	High
Recommended movements	Walking, lunges, push-ups	Pull-ups, dips, sprints, carries
Adjustability	Can be too light quickly	Can be loaded progressively if vest has removable packs

If you are still building base strength, go with the lighter option first. Build a base of bodyweight strength before you move up to a 40 pound weight vest, and keep your push-up form strict under load. The smartest path is to master your bodyweight exercises, then add the 20 lb, and only move up when your reps stay clean and controlled.

APEXUP SHOP apexup weighted vest — Apexup weighted vest$64.99Image from the merchant

For advanced users, the apexup weighted vest in the 40 lb version offers removable weight packs. That means you can start at 20 lb if you want and gradually work up. This makes it a more future-proof buy.

Who Should Buy a Weighted Vest 40 Lbs

The 40 pound weight vest is ideal for:

CrossFit athletes who need a hands-free load for WODs
Runners who want to increase bone density and VO2 max with loaded carries or hill sprints
Calisthenics enthusiasts who have outgrown bodyweight pull-ups and dips
Hikers looking to simulate a heavier pack without the bulk

If you have been training consistently for six months or longer and can do at least 15 bodyweight push-ups with perfect form and 10 strict pull-ups, you are ready for a 40 lb weighted vest. If those numbers are not there yet, give yourself a few more weeks of bodyweight work, then revisit.

Materials and Build Quality to Look For

When you shop for any weighted vest, pay attention to three things:

Stitching and fabric: A 40 lb vest takes real abuse during dynamic movement. Look for reinforced seams and heavy-duty nylon or ballistic polyester.
Weight distribution: Evenly packed pouches prevent the vest from bouncing or sagging. The design used in the apexup weighted vest places the weight high on the torso, which keeps your center of gravity stable.
Adjustable fit: Chest straps and shoulder straps should let you dial the fit snugly. A loose vest at 40 lb will chafe and throw off your balance.

How to Care for Your Weighted Vest

A weighted vest that costs this much should last years. To keep it in good shape:

Wipe down the interior padding after sweaty sessions, salt buildup breaks down fabric over time.
Store it on a hanger or laid flat, never balled up in a gym bag, or the weight packs can shift out of alignment.
Check the stitching around the weight pouches every few months. If you see loose threads, catch them before the pouch tears.

APEXUP SHOP reusable poncho — Reusable poncho$12.99Image from the merchant

You can also pair your vest workout with a reusable poncho for outdoor training in wet weather. The waterproof fabric keeps you dry during rucks or runs without trapping sweat, and it folds down small enough to stuff in a hydration vest pocket.

How to Snag the Best Deal

We always recommend checking the current price before buying because fitness gear prices fluctuate with stock. You can grab the code on the Apexup store page to get 10 percent off sitewide. That brings the 40 lb vest closer to what you would pay for a mid-range 30 lb option from big-box retailers.

For more expert testing, both OutdoorGearLab and Garage Gym Reviews have ranked vests across price points and weight ranges, which is useful background reading before you commit.

Accessories That Pair Well With a Weighted Vest

If you are building a home gym kit around your weighted vest, a few extras round out the setup:

APEXUP SHOP 9 inch exercise ball — 9 inch exercise ball$12.99Image from the merchant

The 9 inch exercise ball works great for core activation before you strap on the vest or for stability work between sets.
For leg day isolation, the cable kickback ankle strap is useful if you have a cable machine or band setup. It holds firm under load and avoids the pinching you get with cheap Velcro straps.
The ankle weights 10 lb can supplement lower-body moves without increasing your vest weight, which is a good way to add load gradually if your shoulders need a break from the vest.
And if you train outdoors, the reusable rain poncho is our pick for staying dry during rest intervals or cool-down walks in unpredictable weather.

The Bottom Line

Choose a 20 lb vest if you are new to loaded movement or rehabbing from injury. Choose a 40 pound weight vest if you have a solid strength base and want a single piece of gear that upgrades every bodyweight exercise you already do. The right vest is the one you will actually use consistently, and with the removable packs on the 40 lb model, you can ease into it while still having room to grow.

Questions

Can I use a 40 pound weight vest for running?

Yes, but start with shorter distances and a brisk walk-jog pace. The added load increases impact on your joints, so progress slowly and pay attention to your knees and ankles.

How do I clean my weighted vest without damaging it?

Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Do not machine wash or submerge the vest, as water can degrade the filling and stitching over time.

What is the difference between the apexup weighted vest and cheaper no-name vests?

The apexup vest uses reinforced stitching, evenly distributed pouches, and adjustable shoulder and chest straps. Cheaper vests often shift during movement and wear out faster at the seams.

Can I use a weighted vest 40 lbs if I weigh 150 pounds?

Yes, 40 lb is a reasonable load for a 150 lb person if you have a solid strength base. The general rule is to keep added weight to about 25 to 30 percent of your bodyweight for safety.

Will a pink weighted vest handle the same abuse as a black one?

Color does not affect durability. The pink weighted vest uses the same nylon fabric and stitching as the standard colors, so it holds up just as well under heavy use.

How do I know if I need the waterproof poncho for outdoor training?

If you train in wet climates or during rainy seasons, the reusable rain poncho keeps you dry between sets and during cool-down walks. It is not essential for indoor use.