Hyperwear made the Inc. 5000 for the second year, ranking No. 2,210. The weighted-vest maker is expanding into sandbags and evidence-based training education.
Hyperwear, an Austin-based designer of weighted vests and strength-training equipment, ranked No. 2,210 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies. It marked the company's second consecutive appearance on the annual ranking, following its first recognition in 2025.
Hyperwear also placed No. 166 in Consumer Products, No. 240 in Texas, and No. 74 among companies in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos area. Founder and CEO Dirk Buikema joined other Inc. 5000 founders at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square for the official list unveiling and the Nasdaq Opening Bell ceremony.
"Earning a place on the Inc. 5000 for a second consecutive year is a meaningful recognition of the creativity and resilience of the Hyperwear team," Buikema said. He cited the company's focus on weighted resistance science and its recent appointment of a Science Advisor, Dr. Kristen Beavers.
The recognition comes as weighted vests move beyond sports performance into walking, rucking, strength training, women's health, active aging, and longevity. Hyperwear's product line includes the Hyper Vest series, designed with washable performance fabrics and thin adjustable steel weights, and its newer platform, workout sandbags. The company recently launched pre-filled, no-leak Hybrid Race Training Sandbags in 10 kg, 20 kg and 30 kg weights compatible with HYROX race training.
Hyperwear was founded in Austin in 2011 and sells through Hyperwear.com, Amazon, and commercial channels. The Inc. 5000 ranks companies by percentage revenue growth over three years.
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