I love this vest. it's just about perfect. Helps increase walk intensity / cardio output during walks, is a muchh nicer/more convenient way to train for hiking, slows me down naturally on walks so easier to match my partner's pace, provides a much more convienient / comfortable way to weight bodyweight exercises like pull-ups/dips/push-ups/sit-ups, washable vest material is a plus, ability to load the vest to the weight I want it is convenient .. all great. Many vests are non-adjustable in weight, and many fancier vests have a single large weight plate with only one weight option unless you buy additional plates to swap with - this vest allows you to have whatever weight increment you want as you add/remove little bars. It does require a moderate amount of strength to get the vest over your head comfortably at 60lbs, but is quite comfortable for me - basically I hook my hands under the shoulder straps and just clean it vertically up and past my head, then let it down over my head. Only downside is the velcro straps that help bind it around the body - pulling and adjusting one of them at a slightly askew angle, I tore out a fair amount of stitching on it. This shouldn't have happened, and I wish they'd reinforced the stitching better. But it still works fine and is otherwise very well made. The little iron weights are also so much better than sand. Also, I love that it doesn't interfere with my abdominal/lower-back/core area the way almost all other vests do, I can very easily do all of my exercises, and my walking/hiking technique is much more natural this way.