8 Best Weighted Vests for CPAT Training 2025

This high-performance neoprene vest delivers exceptional comfort and durability for CPAT candidates seeking reliable resistance during stair climbs, hose drags, and ladder work. With 12 pounds of evenly distributed iron sand, it minimizes neck and shoulder strain—critical during prolonged drills—while the double-stitched construction ensures it can survive repeated bunker gear use and sweat exposure. The breathable padding and padded straps make it surprisingly wearable for long sessions, solving the chafing issues common in entry-level vests.

In real-world CPAT prep, the vest performs solidly on treadmills, ruck marches, and bodyweight circuits. Its elasticated mesh back pocket and removable front pouches let you carry keys or a phone securely—handy during outdoor drills—though the pockets aren’t large enough for gloves or a radio. At 12 lbs fixed weight, it lacks adjustability, limiting progression, and may feel too light for advanced users. Still, the reflective stripes boost visibility during early-morning or night training, adding a safety edge.

Compared to heavier plate-based models like the PETAC GEAR, this one trades customization for simplicity and comfort, making it ideal for beginners or those focused on endurance over strength loading. It’s not built for 40+ lb loads, but it excels as a lightweight, low-profile option for consistent, moderate-intensity drills. While the ZELUS and Henkelion vests offer more flexibility, this model stands out for all-day wearability and softness against the skin, especially under turnout gear.

For CPAT aspirants on a budget, this Zikopomi vest punches above its price with double-stitched neoprene durability and even iron sand fill, delivering a balanced load that stays stable during dynamic movements. The dual elastic adjustment straps provide a surprisingly secure fit across chest and torso, reducing bounce during stair runs—key for simulating fireground exertion. Its front and back reflective strips enhance visibility during low-light drills, addressing a real safety concern for trainees practicing in dimly lit facilities or pre-dawn rucks.

During testing, the vest held firm through 30-minute ruck marches, burpees, and weighted lunges without shifting. The iron sand dispersion minimizes hot spots, reducing fatigue on the spine and shoulders over time. However, the lack of internal pockets or plate slots means no customization—once you hit your max weight, upgrading requires a new vest. It also has a slight odor out of the box, but this fades within 48 hours of airing. While it performs well for moderate loads, anything above 20 lbs begins to stretch the material, risking long-term wear.

Against the APEXUP or Henkelion models, this vest offers similar weight options but fewer storage features. It’s best suited for trainees needing a no-frills, dependable vest for foundational conditioning—not for those planning to scale past 20 lbs. Compared to higher-end tactical vests like PETAC GEAR, it sacrifices plate compatibility and ruggedness but wins on affordability and ease of use, making it a smart pick for budget-conscious recruits starting CPAT prep.

The ZELUS 20 lb vest strikes an impressive balance between durability, adjustability, and value, making it a strong contender for CPAT candidates who need a mid-range vest that won’t break the bank. With iron sand filling and double-stitched neoprene, it handles repetitive impact and sweat exposure without sagging or tearing—critical during hose advance simulations and stair climbs. The one-size-fits-most design with buckle straps secures tightly across chest sizes 31.5” to 45”, accommodating both lean and bulkier builds common among firefighters.

In training scenarios, the vest remained stable during high-knee runs, rucking, and ladder drills. The dual storage pockets—zippered front and stretchy back—keep essentials secure, a small but meaningful detail when carrying a phone or keys during outdoor drills. The even weight dispersion reduces fatigue, letting you focus on form rather than discomfort. That said, the fixed 20 lb load isn’t adjustable, limiting progression unless you buy a second vest, and the neoprene can trap heat during long sessions in full gear.

Compared to the Polyfit or PETAC GEAR vests, the ZELUS lacks plate compatibility and advanced airflow, but it outperforms budget models in long-term resilience and secure fit. It’s ideal for intermediate trainees who’ve passed the beginner phase but aren’t yet loading above 25 lbs. While the Henkelion offers adjustable sandbags, this one wins on build quality and consistent weight feel, offering better bang for the buck than entry-level options and nearing the performance of premium vests without the steep cost.

Engineered for serious CPAT contenders, the Polyfit Fortify vest is a game-changer thanks to its plate-compatible design, letting you scale resistance from 10 to 40 lbs with standard 13” x 11” plates—perfect for progressive overload during stair climbs and hose drags. The 600D nylon shell and reinforced stitching stand up to bunker gear abrasion and ruck friction, while the internal locking straps eliminate bounce, a critical advantage during high-speed drills where vest movement can throw off balance.

Real-world testing shows it excels in WODs, rucking, and bodyweight circuits, staying locked in place even during sprints and sprawls. The breathable mesh lining and padded straps reduce heat buildup and shoulder pressure, a must for extended drills in turnout gear. The waist and chest pockets offer quick access to small tools or gloves, adding tactical utility. However, plates are sold separately, increasing total cost, and the hook-and-loop closures require regular maintenance to stay effective after heavy sweat exposure.

Against the PETAC GEAR or MVRK vests, it offers similar plate versatility but at a lighter base weight and lower max load. It’s best for trainees focused on scalable strength and endurance, not max-weight conditioning. While the PETAC GEAR supports heavier loads and MVRK goes up to 45 lbs, the Polyfit wins on mobility and airflow, making it the top pick for high-rep, high-movement CPAT drills where freedom of motion and breathability are paramount.

The PETAC GEAR vest sets the gold standard for tactical-grade CPAT training, combining military-inspired durability with shirtless-comfort engineering—a rare win for firefighters who train in extreme heat or without base layers. Its 600D fabric and laser-cut MOLLE panels allow attachment of gloves, patches, or training tools, while the TPE foam padding prevents chafing, even during hours-long drills without a shirt. The ultra-thick, dual-density shoulder straps eliminate digging, a lifesaver during 30-minute stair evolutions.

In performance tests, it handled 42 lbs of iron blocks with zero shift, thanks to multiple fixation points and front-back balance. The side belt pockets fit a phone, gels, or spare keys—ideal for long rucks—while the water-resistant coating shrugs off sweat and rain. Unlike sand-filled vests, the modular iron blocks let you dial in exact loads, from 14 to 42 lbs, supporting true progressive training. However, the vest is bulky, making it less ideal for tight spaces or rapid donning, and the MOLLE system adds complexity for beginners.

Compared to the Polyfit or ZELUS, it’s heavier and pricier but unmatched for tactical realism and heavy-load endurance. It’s best for advanced CPAT trainees or fire academy candidates needing military-grade resilience and customizable resistance. While the MVRK vest goes heavier, PETAC GEAR wins on comfort under load and shirtless usability, offering a performance-to-comfort ratio that justifies its status as the best overall choice for serious candidates.

For maximum resistance training, the MVRK 45 lb vest is unmatched—loaded with 20 removable iron weights (2.18 lbs each), it’s built for firefighters pushing past standard CPAT loads to build elite-level strength. The 100D fabric and TPE foam offer surprising flexibility for such a heavy vest, allowing full range of motion during pull-ups, squats, and hose drags without restricting movement. Its compact design minimizes bulk, a critical advantage when simulating confined-space rescues or wearing turnout gear.

During testing, the even weight distribution and secure Velcro closures kept the vest locked in place, even during high-impact drills. The removable weights let you scale down for endurance days or ramp up for strength phases, supporting true periodization. However, the sheer weight makes it overkill for beginners, and the lack of breathable mesh leads to overheating during long sessions. Also, hand-washing is required—a hassle after intense workouts.

Against the PETAC GEAR, it offers 5+ more pounds of max load and simpler weight removal, but lacks MOLLE or tactical features. It’s ideal for advanced trainees or strength-focused firefighters preparing for extreme scenarios. While the Polyfit allows customization, this one wins on raw load capacity and dense weight profile, making it the best heavy-duty option for those whose CPAT training demands more than 40 lbs of relentless resistance.

The Henkelion vest shines with true adjustability, starting at 11 lbs and scaling to 20 lbs via six 1.5 lb iron sand bags—perfect for CPAT trainees progressing from aerobic base to resistance intensity. The premium iron pellets and metal rock fill resist clumping, ensuring consistent weight distribution during stair climbs and ruck marches, reducing strain on the lower back. Its ergonomic pocket layout—three front, three back—keeps loads balanced, a smart design for maintaining posture under fatigue.

In real use, it performed reliably during 5K rucks and circuit training, with minimal bounce and solid strap security. The reflective strips on shoulders and back enhance visibility, crucial for outdoor night drills. However, the neoprene traps heat, making it uncomfortable during long sessions in full gear, and the pockets lack zippers, risking loose sandbags if overstuffed. While it adjusts well within its range, it can’t exceed 20 lbs, limiting long-term scalability.

Compared to the APEXUP or ZELUS, it offers finer weight increments and better material quality. It’s ideal for intermediate trainees needing precise load control without jumping to plate systems. While the Polyfit allows higher loads, this one wins on plug-and-play adjustability with included weights, making it the best choice for progressive CPAT prep where incremental gains matter more than max resistance.

Tailor-made for newcomers to CPAT training, the APEXUP vest offers three distinct weight ranges (4–10, 12–18, 20–32 lbs) with included sandbags, letting beginners start light and scale up without buying new gear. The soft neoprene and reinforced stitching provide a gentle introduction to weighted movement, while the large front mesh pocket holds a phone or keys—handy during solo drills. Its one-piece design and reflective straps enhance durability and visibility, addressing key safety and longevity concerns.

In practice, it’s stable for walking, light rucking, and bodyweight drills, but begins to sag above 25 lbs due to strap stretch. The iron sand fill prevents hot spots, though the vest lacks airflow, leading to sweat buildup. It’s not built for 30+ lb sprints or stair runs, and the hook-and-loop closures degrade faster under heavy use. Still, for those testing the waters of resistance training, it delivers solid performance with zero guesswork.

Compared to the Henkelion, it offers a wider max load but less precision in increments. It’s best for absolute beginners or casual trainees building foundational fitness. While the ZELUS or PETAC GEAR offer better long-term value, this one wins on entry-level versatility and risk-free trial, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee and graduated weight system, making it the best starting point for new CPAT candidates.