Hey, it’s Doug with Backcountry Pilgrim, and in this video I’m outside testing a different way to add load to training: a weighted vest. I’ve talked before about using a rucking backpack to boost your exercise, but a vest spreads the weight all the way around your torso instead of just loading up your back. That centered weight can make it a better option if you’re not used to carrying weight on your back, and it’s a really simple way to make familiar movements harder without changing what you do—just how hard it is. I also cover why weighted vests can be useful for bone and tendon stress (think density and resilience), posture, and core engagement. Because the load is more even, you get more vertical compression and less risk of spine shear compared to uneven loading. Another big advantage is safer progression: with small sandbag weights, you can scale up in smaller steps than you typically can with ruck plates. I walk through the Sportneer adjustable weighted vest features—front zipper, adjustable shoulder and waist straps, neoprene fabric, reflective strips—and I share my experience with comfort (I even wore it at work with my standing desk). The main limitation: no pockets, so your phone and snacks need to go elsewhere.