Editor’s note: The original miR vest this review covered has been discontinued. This review now covers miR’s current Short Weighted Vest w/ Zipper Option, evaluated from its published specs, its verified Amazon listing and rating history — not a personal long-term test of this exact current model. See also my guide to the best weighted vests.
Often, those looking to lose weight or gain muscle will hit a plateau. Extremely competitive athletes are always trying to push their limits. One of the ways to push through this is to challenge your muscles to respond by adding more resistance to your normal exercises or confuse them. Utilizing a heavy, weighted vest in your workout can maximize results, rapidly burning fat, and turning it into solid muscle.
One of the top rated brands is MIR. They have long vests, slim vests, short vests, 20lb vests and up to 75 pound vests. There is a style out there for any athlete. In this review we are looking at the short model which should appeal to athletes who are looking to be extremely mobile and they don’t want a vest bouncing around on them.
Quick Facts
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What I Liked
- Weights are included, pre-cut into 3 lb units. No separate plate purchase. No guessing about hole sizing like older plate-loaded vests make you do.
- The short profile keeps the load high and centered. Squats, running, sit-ups — none of it shifts around like a longer vest does.
- Five weight options, 20 to 60 lb. Pick the one that matches what you’re actually training for.
What I Didn’t Like
- Each size is a fixed weight — you can’t add or remove capacity beyond swapping the 3 lb units within your chosen size, so pick the size for what you need now, not what you might grow into
- Price climbs fast at the higher end — the 60 lb zippered version runs well above the entry-level 20 lb option
Who Uses Weight Vests?
Weighted vests are meant to be highly functional for many different uses. Firefighters are known to use these types of vests in their exam training, to increase their muscle strength and endurance. They find that using the vest during their months of training makes taking the exam easier on their bodies. They also attest to the fact that these vests can prevent injuries while training, because of the vest’s evenly distributed weight.
People who lift weights love weight vests because they find that results are accelerated when the vest is in use. It can also be used in cardio workouts, allowing for simultaneous weight loss and muscle gain.
Runners especially love weight vests because it increases the intensity of their run, without having to worry about carrying weights in their hands. Runners also love the even distribution of weight, which allows for proper posture and joint health, and maintenance of balance while in motion.
Yoga enthusiasts are sometimes found wearing light weighted vests. These yogis love the equal balance they get in their poses and postures, and the extra challenge of holding the weight. Weight vests are also sometimes used while playing basketball, baseball, soccer, and more, and many people love wearing weight vests during their home workout.
Design and Weight Options
This vest is shorter in length, ending just below the pectoral muscle. This is a valued feature because it allows for greater mobility during a workout, especially when bending at the core is required. In addition to being breathable, the weight is kept high and centered, which keeps it off the shoulders and minimizes the movement of the vest. This prevents skin chafing because the vest stays securely in place while in use.
It comes in five weights: 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 lb, and several of those also come in a zippered version. The weights are solid iron, cut into 3 lb units, and they come with the vest.
Curious about current pricing? Check the MiR Short Weighted Vest on Amazon — all five weight options are available from the same listing.
Build Quality and Safety Tips
It has a reinforcement of 1200 D-Nylon throughout, with cross-stitched pockets holding the weights in place. For use at night, it is recommended to fix the vest with a reflective belt for added safety. This is easily done with the many available loops on the vest. Users are always advised to ensure, for safety, that they are using the Velcro closures properly, and added security can be obtained by running the Velcro closures through the middle of the weight pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the weights come included, or do I need to buy them separately?
Yes, they’re included: solid iron units in 3 lb increments that fit the vest’s pockets.
Can I add more weight later if I buy the 20 lb version?
No. You can take 3 lb units out to go lighter, but you can’t go over the weight of the size you bought.
Bottom Line
Overall the MiR Short Weighted Vest receives very few complaints. Weight vests can be used in endless ways to maximize weight loss and muscle gain. Whether you lift, run, or take part in yoga, you will absolutely love the results that you achieve with any weight vest.
As with any other product, our final recommendation is to look at actual customer reviews and note which features are most important to you. Different weight vests are more useful in different applications, so think about what you will be using your new weight vest for before you buy.
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