The Cross101 20LBS weighted vest is a popular pick for people who want to add resistance to their workouts without dealing with sandbags or heavy rucksacks. If you’re into rucking or just looking to make workouts a bit more challenging, this vest might be what you’re looking for. Here’s my honest take after using it for 3 years—the good, the bad, and who I think it’s best for.
Cross101 20 lbs. adjustable camouflage weighted vest
Design & Build
The Cross101 has a simple, straightforward design. It’s made from tough nylon material with pockets to hold removable weights(2.5lb sandbags), and the 20 lbs are spread pretty evenly across the front and back. This helps keep the weight balanced, which is a nice touch when you’re moving around.
The vest is compact enough that it doesn’t feel bulky or get in the way, and you can adjust it on the sides with Velcro straps to get a snug fit. There is also an elastic water bottle holder that is a little flimsy but was nice of them to include it.
Something they don’t call out but I found just playing around was the secret pocket on the front flap. If you lift the velcro holding the sandbags on the front, there is a small velcro pocket on the inside of the flap that is perfect for holding a cell phone, wallet, and/or keys. I use it a lot now that I have found it.
Because it is so compact, I have been able to slip large sweatshirts over it for cold morning rucks which I love. The velcro straps around the waist are not the strongest I have used which has led to it becoming loose when bending over or stretching.
Comfort
Comfort-wise, it’s solid for shorter rucks or fitness sessions. The weight stays centered on your chest and back, so it doesn’t throw off your balance. The shoulder straps have a bit of padding, which helps, but I’ll admit they’re not super cushy.
For a quick workout, it’s great, but if you’re planning on wearing it for an hour or more, you might feel it in your shoulders. I sometimes throw a thin towel under the straps on longer rucks for a bit more padding, and that does the trick.
Also, with just one waist strap, the vest can get a little “bouncy” when you start to pick up the pace. Again, you will notice this in most rucksacks or weight vests but this one is a little extra.
Durability
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how durable this vest is, especially for the price. I have used it off and on for over 3 years and it is still in good shape. It has been through sweat, rain, snow, and more and hasn’t started to fall apart yet.
The stitching is solid, though I do feel the Velcro straps are not as strong as they used to be. This is not unique to this vest as all velcro wears down over time and is one of the trade-offs you suffer for how affordable this vest is.
Versatility
This is where this vest really shines! The 20 lbs of weight makes this vest good for a range of workouts beyond rucking.
It’s solid for strength moves like squats, lunges, and push-ups. Since the weight is maxed at 20 lbs, it’s a good middle-ground option—challenging, but not so heavy that it’s intimidating.
A nice feature is the individual pockets of 2.5 lbs of sandbags. This allows you to easily remove or add weight for different activities.
I’ve used this vest for rucking, CrossFit, treadmill, elliptical, and even mowing the lawn. I love to throw a thick sweatshirt under it and get a really nice sweat going.
Price
One of the best things about the Cross101 is the price. For an entry-level weighted vest, it’s really affordable, and you’re getting solid quality for what you pay.
It doesn’t have all the fancy features of higher-end vests, but it definitely does the job. If you’re just getting into rucking or trying out weighted workouts, it’s a good buy.
My Take
If you’re a beginner and getting started with weighted vests or want something affordable to level up your workouts, the Cross101 is a solid pick.
It’s easy to use, works well for general fitness or rucking, and is priced right. Advanced ruckers might eventually want something heavier or with more padding, but if you’re just getting started, this is a great first vest!
