How heavy should a weighted vest be for walking?

There is no universal number

You will see rules of thumb online, often expressed as a percentage of body weight. They are starting points at best. Your experience, body, joints, walk length and terrain all matter more than a formula.

What to consider

Before choosing a weight, think about:

• How long your usual walks are
• Whether your routes include hills or stairs
• Whether you already do any strength or endurance training
• Any joint, back or health considerations (check with a professional)
• Whether you want to wear it for the whole walk or only part of it

Why lighter often works better for walking

Heavy vests are often designed for short, intense gym sessions. For a 30- to 60-minute walk you do most days, a moderate weight you can wear comfortably tends to be more sustainable than a heavy one you avoid putting on.

Fixed vs adjustable weight

Adjustable vests let you add or remove weight, but they are usually bulkier and need weights stored and balanced. A fixed weight is simpler: nothing to configure before you leave the house.

Why WALK 4 uses 4 kg

We chose 4 kg as a moderate, fixed weight: noticeable on a walk, light enough to wear for the whole walk, and simple. It won't be right for everyone, and we don't claim it is the optimal weight — it is the weight we designed around for everyday walking.