9 Best Weight Vests for Murph 2025

Engineered for elite performance, the SPARTAN SHADOW 20lb Weighted Vest delivers military-grade durability and precision balance—a game-changer for CrossFitters tackling the Murph challenge. With laser-cut steel plates offering a perfect 50/50 front-back split and sitting close to your center of gravity, this vest mimics competition standards while reducing strain during high-rep movements. Its ultra-rigid 500D Cordura shell resists abrasion, sweat, and tearing, making it ideal for athletes who train hard and train often—no flimsy fabric or shifting weights here.

In real-world testing, the vest stays locked in place during 100 burpees, 2-mile runs, and pull-up sets, thanks to ergonomic elastic straps and dual-layer Velcro that adapt to your torso without pinching. The removable 20lb steel plates allow for quick transitions between workouts, and the breathable padding prevents overheating—even during the most grueling AMRAPs. While it’s built for 20lbs (the official Murph standard), it can handle up to 35lbs with added plates, giving room to scale. However, users under 150lbs may feel the base weight is aggressive for beginners.

Compared to the budget-friendly RUNmax or the lightweight Renoj models, the SPARTAN SHADOW dominates in stability, material quality, and competitive authenticity. It’s not just a weighted vest—it’s a battle-tested training partner designed for those serious about functional fitness. Where the Sportneer offers adjustability for new users, this one is built for intermediate to advanced athletes who demand zero bounce, maximum durability, and competition-ready design. It outperforms mid-tier vests in longevity and fit precision, making it the best overall choice for Murph and WODs despite a steeper entry cost.

Budget meets functionality in the RUNmax Weighted Vest, a no-frills workhorse that delivers core features without the premium tag—ideal for cost-conscious Murph trainees. It includes 20lbs of segmented metal weights that can be removed or redistributed, allowing partial loading for beginners building up to the full challenge. The dual front and back weight pockets promote balanced distribution, and the built-in water bottle holder and phone pocket add real-world convenience for rucking or long runs.

In practice, the vest performs well for moderate workouts but shows limitations during high-impact movement. Without shoulder pads, pressure concentrates on the collarbone during extended wear, and the single-layer Velcro closure can loosen during intense burpees or sprints. The 1200D fabric is durable, but the lack of breathable mesh leads to heat buildup on longer sessions. Still, for those testing weighted training or doing occasional Murph prep, it’s a solid entry point with expandable weight capacity up to 140lbs—though most users will never need that much.

Compared to the BAGAIL or MVRK models, the RUNmax trades long-term comfort and progression for affordability. It’s not built for daily 20lb WODs, but for someone dipping into weighted workouts or building baseline strength, it’s surprisingly capable. While the SPARTAN SHADOW offers elite fit and materials, this one wins on accessibility and expandability, making it the best budget-friendly option—especially for those who plan to scale up weight over time.

Perfect for newbies, the Sportneer Adjustable Weighted Vest is the ideal starter vest for those easing into weighted workouts or building up to the Murph challenge. With eight 2lb and one 1lb weight packs, it offers precise 1lb increments from 2–18lbs, letting you gradually increase load as strength improves—no guessing, no wasted weight. The zipper front design makes it easy to put on and take off, even when fatigued, and the reflective strips add safety for outdoor training.

In real use, the vest performs well for light rucking, walking, and beginner WODs, but struggles under full Murph conditions. The neoprene material is soft and sweat-absorbent, but the shoulder straps can dig in at higher weights, and the waist lock isn’t always secure during explosive movements. The 2–18lb range is too light for most athletes aiming to complete Murph with 20lbs, so it’s best seen as a progression tool, not a competition vest.

Compared to the RUNmax or ZELUS, the Sportneer shines in adjustability but falls short in max weight and durability. It’s not built for daily 20lb use, but for someone starting at 8–10lbs and building up, it’s invaluable. While the BAGAIL offers better progression to 40lbs, this one wins for beginner-friendly design and fine-tuned loading. It’s the best entry point for new fitness enthusiasts—just don’t expect it to carry you through elite-level Murph training.

Designed for customization, the Polyfit Fortify Vest is the best choice for athletes who want to build their ideal setup over time. Unlike pre-loaded vests, it accepts standard 13” x 11” weight plates (sold separately), letting you mix and match iron to hit exact loads—perfect for progressive overload. With a 40lb total capacity (20lbs front, 20lbs back) and rugged 600D nylon shell, it’s built for long-term use across rucking, running, and WODs.

In real-world use, the vest delivers a bounce-free, locked-down fit thanks to interior plate straps and a stretch waist belt. The breathable mesh and padded shoulders keep you cool during long sessions, and the lightweight design doesn’t drag when unloaded. However, the need to buy plates separately adds cost and complexity, and the minimal padding can press on shoulders at higher weights. It’s not Murph-ready out of the box—but it’s ready to grow with you.

Compared to the SPARTAN SHADOW or ZELUS, the Polyfit trades convenience for long-term flexibility. It’s not the fastest path to Murph, but for someone planning years of functional training, it’s smarter investment. While the MVRK offers more max weight, this one wins in mobility and modularity, making it the best customizable vest—ideal for serious athletes who want full control over their training load.

Engineered for progression, the BAGAIL 40lb Weighted Vest is the best choice for athletes committed to long-term strength building. With three preset levels (20/30/40lbs) via removable 2.5lb iron blocks, it allows structured, science-backed load increases—perfect for rucking, endurance training, or scaling up to Murph. The 1200D high-density nylon resists tears and sweat, while thickened shoulder pads and dual Velcro + buckle locks ensure a secure, comfortable fit even at max weight.

In real-world testing, the vest handled 40lbs during 6-mile rucks and WODs with minimal shifting. The front and back reflective strips boost visibility, and the breathable fabric reduces overheating. The adjustable chest strap fits a wide range, and the detachable logo allows for personalization. However, the 2.5lb increments aren’t fine enough for micro-loading, and the 40lb cap limits elite-level users.

Compared to the MVRK or Polyfit, the BAGAIL strikes the best balance between progression and practicality. It’s not as extreme as the 65lb MVRK, but it’s more structured than open-pocket vests. While the SPARTAN SHADOW wins for Murph-specific use, this one is superior for long-term training evolution, making it the best for progressive training—ideal for those building strength over months, not just prepping for one event.