Weights Vests For Hikers

Inside we compare weight vests vs backpacks and talk through if they are useful for a hikers training. 

​​Backpacks Vs Weight Vests: What Is Better When Training For Hiking 

​Today we’re answering a very common question from hikers in training:

"Are weight vests beneficial for hikers?"

Pretty much once a month, if not a couple of times a month, I get questions like:
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• "If I’m training for backpacking and carrying a heavy pack, is it better to use a backpack with weight or a weight vest?"
• "Are weight vests good for hikers?"
• "Is there any reason not to wear a weight vest?"
  
  

From the outside, it seems like a simple question. But since it comes up so often, it’s worth diving into.

Now, the answer is actually very simple.

At light to moderate weights, it doesn’t really matter if you use a weight vest or a loaded backpack. 

If you’re loading up a pack or loading up a weight vest and you’re just using light to moderate weight, both do the same job.

They load the body. They add resistance. They add extra challenge to your walking workouts.

So at light and moderate loads, it truly doesn’t matter whether you use a backpack or a weight vest.

And when I say light and moderate, that’s relative to you.

This means the weight isn't particularly:

• Uncomfortable.
• Stressful.
• Overly challenging.
  
  

If that’s the case, either option is fine.

But as you progress, and as the weights get heavier and more challenging, things change.

Once you move beyond a few kilos and start approaching a full day pack or heavier loads, it’s usually a good idea to transition to a backpack.

There are a few very simple reasons for this.

Benefits Of Loaded Pack WAlking For Heavier Loads 

First, most people notice that as weight vests get heavier, they stop sitting nicely.

They get heavy on the shoulders. They can restrict the chest and breathing. They can ride up the neck.

They just aren’t very comfortable at higher loads.

Backpacks, on the other hand, are intentionally designed to handle weight.
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They have hip belts. They distribute load through the hips. They’re built for comfort under heavier loads.

So if you’re wearing a vest and it feels like it’s pushing you down, switch to a backpack.

Second, weight vests can get sweaty and stinky.

Typically, they don’t breathe well. They hold smell. They’re kind of nasty once you have been training for months on end.

Packs breathe better. They're easier to wash. They're just nicer.

Those two reasons alone are why I generally lean toward backpacks as the weight increases.

Third, there is the specificity factor.

You're going to be carrying a pack on the trail, so training your body that way makes sense.

It’s not a massive difference, but there are some minor differences to how your muscles work between a pack and a vest. So if you are trying to prepare for pack hiking, it makes sense to try and get as close to it as possible.

When A Weight Vest Is Better For Hikers In Training

 There are only a couple of situations where I’d recommend a weight vest over a pack. 

The first is practicality.

If you’re going to a gym and they have a weight vest, and you don’t want to lug your pack there, that’s totally fine.

Use what’s available.

Just understand that as weight increases, a pack will be more comfortable.

The second situation is gym rules.

Some gyms, for whatever reason, don’t like people bringing backpacks inside.

I don’t understand it.

I’ve worked in gyms the majority of my working life, and it was never an issue where I worked.

But it does happen.

If you physically can’t bring a pack into your gym, use a weight vest there.

Then do your pack work around your neighbourhood, on training hikes, or wherever you can.

So when it comes down to it:

• Light to moderate weight, vest or pack, are basically the same
• As you get to heavier and more challenging weights, a pack becomes more beneficial

Simple - but I felt it was important to explore!

One last thing before I wrap this up.

If you’re a hiker looking to build up pack weight, get comfortable with heavier loads, and you want some help figuring out what type of training you should be doing…
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Then you can check out our online personal training for hikers here;

The Online Summit Program

Yours in trekking,

Rowan