I’ve been debating buying a a Xvest or other weight vest for some time. The good ones are pretty expensive from $150 to as much as $300, and honestly I didn’t know how much I’d really train with it.
I knew I could use a water pack, aka Camelbak, so I went shopping at Paragon here in NYC. Ok, short answer, this was a really good idea.
Truth is anyone who runs for more than 20 minutes is probably slightly dehydrated, and this affects your energy and performance. If you run for an hour without water you’re probably really dehydrated. Camelbak, problem solved. But it also means you’re running with weight, not too much, but a bit to push the envelope.
Not enough you say, throw in a couple of 2.5 or 5lb wrist weights in the back. Water by itself is 2.2lbs per liter, and this pack holds 3 liters, so that is 6.6 lbs gradually decreasing as you run. Throw in another 2-5lbs, and this is ideal. These things cinch perfectly across your chest, and belly, making them really hold nicely.
During my mid-run weight training work, I do 5x sets of 10 pullups, 20 pushups, and parallel bars training. Usually combinations thereof. Plus the Camelbak makes it easy to carry a jump rope, therabands, or other equipment you might want to have. The added weight when doing pullups and pushups really helps challenge you if you’re already reaching competence with these exercises.
I’m wondering now why I hadn’t thought of this before.
I’d still say for intense weight above 15lbs you’ll probably want to get an Xvest. Also for inversions, such as handstand pushups and so forth, it definitely won’t match a real weight vest. For starters though, the Camelbak is really perfect.