What I Will Cover in the Review
This is a concise and personal review of the Rogue Echo Weight Vest. I’ll cover:
- The exceptional quality Rogue is known for
- Product variations, including colors, sizing, and weight options
- Usability, including likes and dislikes
- Who would benefit from this vest and who should avoid it
Spoiler alert: This vest wasn’t for me, and I’ll explain why.
Introduction
The Rogue Echo Weight Vest is a compact, overbuilt weight vest from a company known for top-tier quality. It features multiple adjustment points, several sizing options, and a few different weight configurations for a customizable experience.
After using the vest for several months, there’s no doubt about its build quality, but if you’re considering this purchase, I recommend asking yourself a few key questions before committing.
Rogue Quality
Rogue is known for two things in the home gym scene:
✅ American-made craftsmanship
✅ Outstanding quality
The Rogue Echo Weight Vest checks both boxes. You’re paying for durability and reliability.
Materials & Durability
- Made from abrasion-resistant 500D Cordura®, an extremely thick and durable material
- Gel-padding and a smooth, flexible interior for comfort against bare skin
- Ultra-strong velcro used for multiple adjustments, including:
- Shoulder straps (with padded covers)
- Front and back weight pockets
- 3-inch wide waist straps
Adjusting the velcro requires effort—you can’t peel it apart with one hand, ensuring a secure fit during workouts.
Fit & Adjustability
The vest is designed to fit tightly without restricting movement. The waist straps are sewn to an elastic fabric (similar to a Mark Bell Slingshot) that allows for a snug yet flexible fit. A proper sizing chart is available to help select the best option.
Product Variations
Color Options:
The Echo Vest is available in three colors:
- Black
- Coyote Brown
- Ranger Green
All versions feature white reflective “ROGUE” lettering, making them great for visibility during night workouts.
I personally chose black and use it at night while walking near the road—the reflective letters are a great safety feature.
Sizing Options:
While the vest is adjustable to give you a tight fit, getting the vest that is made for your size will ensure you get the fit you want. Follow the sizing chart, which has you measure 12″ from your sternum, then around your body.
Types of Weight Plates
Rogue offers two types of weight plates:
- USA-Made Plates – Higher-priced but made in America
- Economy Plates – More affordable, not American-made
*I personally went with the economy weight plates. My mentality was, weight is weight, and you don’t see the weights as they are tucked into the vest.
Price Comparison:
| Weight Pair | Economy Plates | USA-Made Plates |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $55 | $90 |
| 10 lbs | $75 | $115 |
| 20 lbs | $140 | $170 |
I personally chose the economy plates—weight is weight, and they’re hidden inside the vest anyway.
Weight Options
Both plate types come in:
- 5 lb pairs
- 10 lb pairs
- 20 lb pairs
(USA plates also have 7.5 lb pairs available.)
When I purchased my vest, only 5 lb and 20 lb pairs were available. I went with 20 lb plates (40 lbs total).
➡️ Lesson learned: I underestimated how heavy a 40 lb vest would feel. While it’s great for rucking, it’s too heavy for bodyweight exercises.
Decorative Patches
Rogue offers 34 different patches, including military flags, Rogue branding, and specialty logos like the Aggro “monster” from their barbell line.
I didn’t purchase one, but they could make a great gift idea.
Usability
Weight vests are versatile training tools that add resistance to bodyweight movements like push-ups, pull-ups, and squats. You can also use them for rucking, walking, or even running.
Unexpected Discomfort
One issue I didn’t anticipate was trap discomfort.
- The first 10 minutes felt fine, but over time, the weight pressed down on my traps, making it uncomfortable
- I tried wearing just a back plate, but the imbalance caused the vest to ride up and become unusable
Who Should Buy, and Who Should Avoid
The Rogue Echo Vest is a well-made product, but it’s not for everyone.
✅ Good for:
✔️ People who regularly do bodyweight exercises
✔️ Those who ruck with weight
✔️ Walkers looking to increase intensity
✔️ CrossFit athletes who use weighted vests
I currently use the vest for walking my dogs and plan to wear it for yard work or outdoor workouts in the summer. If I can’t consistently integrate it into my routine, I may sell it.
❌ Not ideal for:
❌ Someone forcing it into their routine rather than naturally needing it
❌ People who think adding a vest will magically improve their workouts
❌ Those who prefer long-duration workouts—the pressure on the traps becomes uncomfortable over time
Too often, people buy fitness gear thinking they’ll adapt their workouts to use it. That rarely works. This is how “As Seen on TV” products like the Ab Blaster and Thigh Master ended up collecting dust.
Conclusion
The Rogue Echo Weight Vest is a high-quality, minimalist vest with a snug fit and durable build. If you’re already incorporating weight vests into your workouts, this is a great option.
However, if you’re forcing the purchase, you’ll likely struggle to use it consistently—just like I did.
Bottom Line: If you’re ready to integrate a weight vest into your routine, the Rogue Echo Vest won’t disappoint. If you’re unsure, you may want to reconsider before dropping the money.