I bought the 40 lb version with shoulder straps in April 2023 after using a 12 lb weight vest for trail hikes for some time. I really liked the removable weights, as it allowed me to slowly ramp up the intensity while allowing my body to safely adapt. I loaded the vest for 20 lbs for my first outing, and after 3 miles I was completely exhausted. What a workout! After that I slowly added an extra 4 lb bag every week or two until I finally hit 40 lbs. At first it was a real challenge to wear it for about 4 miles on flat ground, but now I comfortably hike 7 pounds with significant elevation changes. I definitely feel that I'm ready to step up to a heavier vest, but I can't recommend this product enough. The first is secure (although your shoulders will take some time before they stop hurting) and the quality has held up over the dozens of times I've worn this vest the last 9 months. Start small and gradually work your way up and you'll be amazed at your own perseverance and toughness.

Decent vest. I am assuming that each pouch is holding an equal amount of weight, I have not taken the time to weigh them to check. It has to go on over your head, which when you have a lot of weight in it can be a challenge if you are say in a basement with a lower ceiling and you are 6'5". Once on, I find the vest decently comfortable as long as I am standing. I am assuming it is a function of my size, but the vest sits very high on my torso, and does not come down to my waist as it looks to do in the pictures. Sitting in the vest can get uncomfortable, which is unfortunate as I am trying to just wear it throughout the day while I work at my home desk job, so that I get a little more out of the times I move around.
All in all it is does the job that I want with some minor complaints. I would recommend if you don't think the things I have mentioned would be a problem for you.

This an excellent workout tool, good quality canvas. Well thought out. Stitching is very good. I bought the 40 lb version probably an overkill for me but they have smaller weight versions. Mine came with five pockets in the front and five in the back. It came with 10 sand bags each sand is 4 lb each for 10 bags for a total of forty pounds. This is very versatile as you can add or subtract weight depending on your workout. I use it for lunges, squats, pushups, step ups and long walks. How ever I must advise caution. When going on long hikes you should start with a low weight and add weight ass you're body gets used to the extra weight. The extra weight can affect your joints (ankles, knees, pelvis) especially going down an incline plane. You're skeletal structure will get use to the extra weight with time and recovery. The body is an amazing thing just ease into it especially if you're older, have joint problems or being out of the game for a while. All in all this a great exercise tool at a reasonable price. Worth it!

Got mine today and it replaced a competitor vest with 30lb in it I had been using for a while, the older started to rip and rather than try to replace it, I wanted to try something new. So glad I did. The vest closes exactly how you would expect - a huge win vs the other. The straps on the other vest were pitiful to be honest.
Today was my first workout with it, 2 seperate 1 mile walks with an X3 workout in between. It was a little more intense in the shoulder but it was 10 more pounds. BTW, Do NOT skip the shoulder pads. You've been warned. You will feel pain if you are not used to it and skip. Heck, I may feel pain tomorrow from it, we'll see.

Now some grips. One reason I bought this one, place for phone or headphones. Water bottle, well it's practically in my arm pit almost. I was able to get one in, but this part needs a rethink. Getting it in and out while wearing the vest, not so much. The strap to tie it in....meh on its first time use. Also I can't figure out how the thing opens for the headset/phone. Like wth. Zipper? "Open says me". Also, I tend walk at night, a reflective tape on the flap in back cover the top of the weights would be a nice addition or a little sleeve/ thing to attached a light vs clipping it on the back of the vest. It popped off when I was putting the vest on the first time. Apparently my head is more rotund than allowed for, though the shoulder pads do take up some room. For some reason I thought the vest was a bit longer? At least from the pictures I expected the weights to be at belly height, the vest makes it halfway through my abdomen. I'm not that tall, 5'11". The folks in pic must be a lot shorter.

More positives...the quality is great. Thick pieces, velcro on the shoulder pads is good, they wrap tightly around the already sturdy shoulder parts.

So...not perfect but really good at it's core function. Based on what I see in materials and workmanship combine with my experiences with the other brand, it will last a long time.

I look forward to many many miles.

I bought shoulder pads, but don't need them. RUNMax is my third style vest, with the expensive V-Max being my first. It's a great vest, but nearly double the price of RUNMax. My third style vest I've lost track; it was OK, but too long, cumbersome, and not very comfortable. RUNMax offered a reasonable price and more weight than my V-Max, so I bought it. It fits well enough, rides well, and I can add or subtract weight as needed. I bought the 50-pound version and removed ten pounds, which I will add after I get used to 40 pounds. RUNMax is a good vest to begin weight vest walking or to increase the weight to your walking exercise.