Rogue Load Trainer vs Mir weighted vest

This is a comparison between the of the Rogue load trainer and the MiR weighted vest including pros, cons, and alternatives. This was originally posted in which weighted vest to get from Rogue.

Overview and review of the MiR weighted vest

This is an overview of the Mir weighted vest including pros, cons, and alternatives. This was originally posted in which weighted vest to get from Rogue.

Overview of the MiR weighted vest

Price $165 - $359

The MiR weighted vest is the vest in the Rogue shop with the maximum weight capacity. It ranges from 50lb to 120lb in 3lb weight increments. This vest is pretty long compared to comparable vests and also uses more straps. This can be robust, but also quite restrictive on some workouts. The full specifications of the MiR Weighted vest are:

Adjustable Weight Vest
1200D Reinforced Nylon Construction
Dimensions: 16” (shoulder width) X 16” (upper chest) X 13” (lower chest) with total adjustable length.
Double Padding and lining throughout body and shoulder, ventilation for airflow
Solid Iron Weights Included - 120 LBS Max Weight capacity in increments of 3LB (see price range based on weights ordered)
Mid-chest Belt for maximum hold: no bouncing and no shifting
Weights are loaded at front & back for even weight distribution
Adjustable Straps - Easy Access D-Ring adjustments
Color: Black

This is the right vest for you if you want to maximize added weight, have it equally distributed, and do not mind to be restricted for twisting body.

Pros of the MiR weighted vest

Pros of the MiR weighted vest are:

High maximum weight
Very secure
Very robust

The MiR weighted vest is one with the highest maximum weight from the Rogue shop you can get. With its two straps, the weight is very tight to your body and will not go anywhere. The vest can also take a good beating in total. If you want the maximum weight for your bug, this is a good option to get.

Cons of the MiR vest

The cons of the MiR vest are:

Restrictive
A lot of moving parts
High price

While the advertising is more transparent for this vest than for the 100lb straightjacket, it is still a high price to pay for adding some extra weight to your body. This vest is especially attractive if you think that more weight is better. If that is the case we are talking $360 here for the maximum weight. Besides, you also have quite a few moving parts on this vest. You have to load it in increments of 3lb in multiple pouches and close two straps. This does not make it a great companion for a quick change of the loadout. To top this off, this probably one of the most restrictive vests out there.

Alternatives to the MiR weighted vest

Alternatives to the MiR vest are:

The 100lb straightjacket plays in the same league as the MiR when it comes to maximum weight. The design idea is completely different. While the MiR is long to achieve the extra space for additional weight, the box straightjacket goes for a double layer of weight. It does not achieve the same maximum but comes close. In return, you get more freedom to breathe and move while still having the same amount of added weight.

The Tactec plate carrier is a great option when you want to do things fast. Change weights fast, move around fast, and also get the vest on and off fast. The Tactec plate carrier is my number one recommendation for weight vests as it covers all the bases and delivers on them perfectly. The only shortfall is that it can only be loaded up to 30lbs. So if you are looking at the MiR for its maximum weight capacity the only other vest to consider would be the straightjacket.

A 120lb is an overkill for most people. Have a real honest look at your training, body, and how often you use a weighted vest. If you already have abused the heck out of the one you own, then you are probably really in the market for a straightjacket or MiR. If this is your first vest, go with something small like the short version of the MiR and work your way up. Otherwise, you might be throwing money down a hole.

Conclusion for the MiR weighted vest

The Mir weighted vest is a solid option for maximum weight. Especially if you want it to stick to very good and you will not move around a lot, this vest is great. If you do want to be fast and still go for a lot of extra weight, the box 100lb straightjacket might be the better option. Mere mortals should stick to a vest that does not weigh more than 50lbs. In this category, the Tactec is the best option in my opinion, if you have $200 to burn.

Overview and review for the Rogue Load Trainer

This is an overview of the Rogue Load trainer including pros, cons, and alternatives. This was originally posted in which weighted vest to get from Rogue.

Overview of the load trainer

Price: $199.50

The load trainer is a metal frame with a plate pin that you can strap to your back. This makes it a great tool to train with very specific weights for marches without putting all of that expensive equipment into your backpack. It also enables micro loading and limits the amount of cheating in tests, as it is visible, how much weight someone is carrying around. The full specs of the load trainer read as followed:

Made in the USA
Designed by Naval Special Warfare Operator (SWCC)
Olympic Plate Compatible Weight Pin
Weight of Load Trainer: 6.5LB (10LB when mounted to ALICE Frame)
Hitch Pin for securing plates
Mounting Hardware included (need only a 7/16” or 11MM wrench)
Loading Pin Length: Plate to the center of first hole = 4.5", Plate to the center of the second hole = 5.5". The overall length of the pin is 6.5"
Color: Black

This is a great tool to train marches with the additional load. Especially if the heavy equipment that will be transported is very expensive and should stay where it is unless necessary. This is also the best option from Rogue to maximize the training weight.

Pros of the load trainer

The pros os the load trainer are:

Simple to use
Virtually indestructible
High maximum weight

This is as easy as 1,2,3 go. No complex pouches to fill, no velcros to close that open during exercise, no elaborate bags that only fit into a certain slot. Just a pin and as many plates as you want to throw onto your own, or some poor devil's back. As this is a metal frame with straps, you will also not destroy it, unless you drive over it with a tank. All of this makes the Load trainer a great tool if you want to add a challenge to a hike or march.

The cons of the load trainer

The cons of the load trainer are:

Cumbersome design
High injury risk
Unbalanced load

What you get with this product is a backpack that you can make ludicrously heavy without breaking it or having to fiddle about when getting read. The problem of the design is that you are strapping weight plates to your back to do exercises that have not been designed to fit with your body. If you fall on your back with the load trainer, it will hurt or maybe even injure you permanently. While this is a good tool to simulate any kind of heavy backpack for a march, it is not recommended for obstacle courses or Crossfit like exercises. Of course, there are always some nutters out there, but this is not recommended.

Alternatives to the Load trainer

Alternatives to the load trainer are:

The MiR Pro weighted vest is the maximum weight vest in the Rogue shop at the time of writing. It goes up to 120lb and therefore has 20lbs over the 100lb straightjacket. If maximum weight is what you want and you want to be more mobile and balanced than with the load trainer than this is a good option.

The 100lb Straightjacket is the heaviest option out of the box vest assortment. This vest gets to 100lbs by stacking two layers of weights on top of each other at the back and the front. Compared to the MiR this makes this vest shorter for more mobility, but less balanced. Compared to the load trainer you will have an easier time moving and climb.

The Tactec plate carrier is the best option from Rogue for all purposes. You get plenty of color and individualization options for a vest that can go up to 30lb. It will also withstand any abuse you put it through. The plates which can be used with this vest are ergonomic and made out of one cut. No need to load many mini plates up to train.

The Hyper vest elite is the most balanced vest option from Rogue that can go up to 20lbs. This vest has been designed with gym athletes and runners in mind. Comfort to wear and mobility is maximized at the expense if maximum load. If you want to do backflips and long-distance runs with resistance, this is the vest to get.

Conclusion for the Load trainer

The load trainer has a very specific application for very heavy rucksack training. I do not see a lot of applications apart from training to march long distances with a ton of stuff on your back. While useful for these scenarios it is not the best option for most gym owners.