A war belt or battle belt is often worn as one part of a larger load-bearing system, so some of the equipment may migrate off the waistline and onto a chest rig, vest, or plate carrier. You might think every inch of these belts will be packed with gear, but that’s not necessarily true. This is where you’ll typically see more mission-driven gear loadouts, padded layers for comfort during extended wear, and in some cases, active retention holsters that restrict unauthorized access to a handgun. Even if you’re not literally going into combat, these setups are made to handle that level of physical activity and abuse. Buckles and webbing tend to be larger and stronger, since concealment is no longer a priority.įinally, battle belts or war belts are the most high-profile and full-featured category. Range belts sometimes feature a thin inner belt and detachable outer belt connected by hook and loop material, making it easy to tear off the entire loadout in seconds without dropping trou. These tend to be more overt and sturdy items that were stored inside the waistband (IWB) are now stored outside the waistband (OWB), and additional magazine and accessory pockets are added. Second is the category we refer to as range belts - the type you’d wear at a shooting class or competition. The pictured Agis appendix holster from Tier 1 Concealed distributes weight well thanks to two clips and a flexible midsection. EDC belts also offer higher load-bearing capacity for pants that are weighed down with anything beyond the normal phone, keys, and wallet.Ībove: A good belt makes it easy to carry gear without constantly stopping to hike up your pants. Most are intended to provide additional support for concealed carry of a gun, medical gear, and other items. Belt Categoriesįirst, everyday carry belts are designed to be slim and comfortable enough for daily wear. We've divided them into three categories: EDC Belt, Range Belt, and Battle Belt/War Belt, each for their own purpose. With this in mind, let’s take a look at three common categories of belts related to emergency preparedness and self-defense. They offer quicker access and more load-carrying capability than garment pockets, and can be configured in countless ways to meet the task at hand. Ever since those ancient times, utility belts have seen continuous use, carrying everything from primitive survival supplies and farming implements to swords and six-shooters. Pouches sewn onto his belt contained a scraper, drill, awl, and fire-starting kit with flint and tinder fungus. The frozen body of Ötzi the iceman, who is believed to have died between 34 BC, was found clad in a leather belt. However, the concept of storing tools on a belt is far older than that of carrying them in our clothes.
Many thanks in advance for your help.H umans have been making clothing with built-in pockets since at least 1200 AD, when our ancestors started cutting slits in their tunics to access coin purses or keys stashed in their undergarments. I'd really appreciate some feedback on what eyelet spacing is recommended and what mounting hardware has proven the most versatile, reliable, cost-effective, etc.
Perhaps good ol' 550 cord is a better option (?). I've noted that some folks on another forum have had mixed results with the MOLLE-Loks (e.g., some reporting that they have come unlatched) and others have recommended MALICE Clips as an alternative. Also, I would like the capability to mount my gear on PALS webbing, which is 1" wide on 1" rows (1.5" channels). I was hoping to use an eyelet spacing that would allow a variety of standard mounting hardware to be used. I'm ASSuming their hole pattern is compatible with that of the small Tek-Lok (?).Īnyways. I'd also like to acquire some Spyderco G-Hooks. The supplier was out of small Tek-Loks when I ordered, but I it is my understanding that they use 1/2" hole spacing and that most folks accommodate them with 1" hole spacing on their sheaths. I purchased a variety of the Blade-Tech hardware including a large Tek-Lok (3/4" hole spacing), large and small MOLLE-Loks (3/4"), J Hook (~1.15" spacing?), rubber IWB loop, and a KnifeKits pre-formed belt loop (1" spacing). I will be studying his work and that of unloved and others as great examples. Kiah obviously makes some well-thought-out sheaths.