Rucking with a rucksack can cause back pain since the weight is not distributed evenly. It can also lead to poor posture and discomfort
Weight vests are a superior alternative to rucksacks as the weight distribution is spread equally between the front and back of your body keeping your center of mass identical to your body.
When looking for a weighted vest for rucking and hiking, here are a few thing to consider:
1) weight capacity
2) padding
3) comfort
4) longevity
Weight Capacity
Most weight vests can only hold up to 40 lbs, however there are benefits to walking with weights much higher than this. It can be considered great training to ruck with a weight close to your own bodyweight to train for extreme situations where you would need to carry another person. Therefore a weight capacity of at least your own bodyweight is recommended.
Padding
Since you will be walking and having the load on you for a long time, It is crucial to find a weight vest with proper support. This entails a wide shoulder padding to distribute the weight over a wider area on you shoulders.
Comfort
You want a weight vest made of comfortable materials and fabric during your rucks and hikes. You don't want any irritation or chafing to occur.
Longevity
You want to be able to ruck with your weight vest for years if not decades. You want a weight vest that won't break over time. You also want a vest you can easily wash after your rucking sessions.