Recently I saw a guy running along the beach with a weighted vest on and decided I needed to do the same thing. Running in a plate carrier with plates when I don't have to gives me a pretty gnarly heat rash.



Later that day while out and around I found a weighted vest and made a secondary decision that I didn't need to spend $50.00 to $120.00 that badly.



This is what I came up with instead, using a MOLLE military load bearing vest/equipment, some magazine pouches, bricks, and sand. I am active duty military and have extra gear sitting around all over the place, however, you can easily find a LBV/LBE at a local surplus store or online. Keep in mind that brand new brand name tacticool gear won't save you any money and some surplus stores attempt to rob you blind.



It took me approximately 2 hours to make and I don't have a store bought vest to compare it to. Personally I prefer the idea of being able to move the weight around on the MOLLE webbing, eliminating hot spots and carrying the weight best for your body. You can also add or take away weight as needed without having to purchase another vest in the next weight range.



Thus far it has worked well.



DISCLAIMER: Listen to your body. Carrying too much weight too quickly will do you no favors. Backs can be very prone to injury during high impact exercises without adding extra weight. I am in no way responsible for any injury/damage resulting from use of this system.