If you looking for the best battle belt or battle belt setups, you’ve come to the right place!
Why? Because for most people, their belt choice simply comes down to how well it matches their clothes.
These folks are part of what we like to call “the fragile masses.”
Instead, YOUR belt should be more useful than just color coordination.
A belt should not only keep your pants up, but it should also carry a ton of self-defense and survival gear on it as well.
That’s way more important than just preventing an embarrassing “wardrobe malfunction.”
And for combat professionals, soldiers, and police officers, their very lives depend on their belt choice and setup.
A belt that will carry gear the proper gear to defend and protect – to make holes and plug holes!
That’s why I think you should invest in a quality battle belt.
And that’s why today I’m going to share everything I know about battle belts, specifically:
-
5 Best Battle Belts On The Market Today
-
Battle Belts Vs. Tactical Belts
-
The Proper “Philosophy” Behind Battle Belts
-
Why You Should Own A Battle Belt
-
Best Battle Belt Features
-
How To Build A Battle Belt System / Setup
As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.
5 Best Battle Belts On The Market Today
Looking online, you’ll find a wide array of battle belt designs. And each design has both its proponents and critics.
So, look for those with lots of positive reviews and with features that interest you most. Here are a few that we’ve like as a starting point for your own search:
High Speed Gear Sure-Grip Padded Tactical Duty Belt
For the past decade, HSGI battle belts have been a mainstay in the battle belt space.
The Sure-Grip padded battle belt is an excellent solution for those looking for an extensive belt. And it comes with a ton of attachment space.
The sleeve design accommodates up to a 2″ tactical or riggers belt. But the internal HDPE stiffener sheet makes the actual belt surface even wider.
It easily mounts large magazine pouches or medium radio packs without much difficulty.
The neoprene lining is grippy and does NOT slide around on your clothing, always keeping it in its proper place.
PROS
- Well-padded and comfortable
- HDPE stiffener sheet provides protection
- MOLLE/PALS compatible
CONS
- Sold as “sleeve only” and requires an additional belt
Condor Gen II Battle Belt
There are plenty of high-end belts with prices well above $100. But there are also decent battle belt solutions in a more budget-friendly range.
The Condor Gen II is a sleeve-style belt. But it requires you to provide your own tactical or riggers belt for closure.
The 100% nylon build is durable enough for occasional use. But you may find that prolonged use in rugged terrain and with a lot of gear will wear quickly.
The wide belt channel and lack of internal stiffeners allow it to roll over under heavier loads.
It’s MOLLE and PALS compatible but unfortunately doesn’t allow you to attach directly to the inside belt. So, gear such as holsters won’t connect as rock-solid as other belts on this list.
PROS
- Affordable
- The sleeve design allows you to choose the tactical belt that suits you best
CONS
- Not as durable as other options
- Mounting points are not as secure
- Belt rolls under heavy load
PETAC GEAR Tactical Molle Belt Rigger Belt with Cobra Buckle Gun Belt
The Petac Gear Tactical Rigger’s belt hits all the keywords in its name. But it’s best as a very light-duty battle belt.
It comes with an inner and outer belt system and a load-rated COBRA buckle with D-ring. It also has MOLLE-compatible webbing.
It’s very rigid and doesn’t roll over or sag under a load of ammo.
Unfortunately, the MOLLE webbing appears to be of a fixed length. So larger sizes will not have extra MOLLE capacity on the additional length of the belt.
Overall, it’s a solid belt, but a redesign could improve on some minor issues.
PROS
- Moderate price
- Good MOLLE attachments
- COBRA buckle and D-ring
CONS
- MOLLE attachments don’t run full length on larger sizes
- Innerbelt too large for non-military pant loops
MOLLE 1.75″ Double Belt Rig | Blue Alpha Belts
The Blue Alpha MOLLE 1.75″ Double Belt is an extremely high-quality inner/outer belt system. It has a comfortable Velcro-lined inner belt to hold up your pants. And a MOLLE compatible outer belt for mounting gear.
Like the Ronin Shuto, the Blue Alpha is best for lightweight battle belt builds. At 1.5″ for the inner belt, it’s much more suitable for non-military issue pants with smaller belt loops.
The COBRA buckle, with an optional D-ring attachment point, has a full bodyweight rating. But please note, Blue Alpha doesn’t rate it for rappelling for liability reasons.
This Blue Alpha belt is top-notch, and the company stands behind it for all warranty questions.
PROS
- Incredible build quality
- Very sturdy COBRA buckle with D-ring
- Extremely stable mounting points
CONS
- Expensive
- Too narrow for larger accessory pouches
Shūto Battle Belts
The Ronin Shuto battle belt is an incredibly well-built Inner/Outer style belt system.
It comes with a 2″ inner tactical belt attaching to a 1.75″ exterior battle belt. It also has MOLLE-compatible webbing.
The materials throughout are of high quality and it includes a metal COBRA buckle with ANSI certification.
It’s not as wide as some other belts on the market. So, it’s a good choice for anyone looking to build a very lightweight and fast system without a lot of large pouches.
Note, it’s on the pricier end of the spectrum, but the lifetime warranty and build quality are second to none.
PROS
- Lifetime warranty
- COBRA buckle
- Made in the USA
CONS
- Expensive
- Not wide enough for large accessory pouches
As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.
Battle Belts Vs Tactical Belts
Many use the terms “tactical belt” and “battle belt” interchangeably. But there are distinct differences between the two:
Tactical Belt
A tactical belt (and survival belts) typically serves as a discrete EDC (everyday carry) item. That’s why they’re often made to fit in the loops of your pants. But this design feature limits them to 2″ widths max – and sometimes even narrower.
So larger gear items will not fit through standard-sized belt loops.
That’s why most tactical belts won’t allow for permanent attachments – pouches, sheaths, or holsters.
Yes, you can put them on as you thread the belt into your pants. But that takes precious time and leaves you adding and removing equipment daily.
This act quickly becomes cumbersome and can be an organizational nightmare. Plus, it leaves you at risk of not properly securing each item as well as it should.
Battle Belt
Instead, you can wear a battle belt independent of (or in tandem with) a tactical belt.
A battle belt has NO width limits because they’re not designed to fit through belt loops. So, battle belts are free to provide a wider surface for more attachment points. And thus, more support for heavy items.
And they also tend to feature more rugged materials and stiffer construction vs tactical belts.
This upgrade helps to reduce the amount of sagging under heavy loads. And it makes them far more comfortable than a similarly loaded tactical belt.
Some battle belts feature padding as well. This feature further increases comfort by preventing your gear from digging into your hips over time.
As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.
The Proper “Philosophy” Behind Battle Belts
Now, before we get into specific features and battle belt setups, you must understand the “justification” behind wearing a battle belt.
First off, YOU get to choose WHAT to carry on a battle belt.
And this choice will be a very personal one. But there are two general guidelines to keep in mind to help you accomplish your battle belt goals.
- Battle belts are primarily for making holes and plugging holes
- The lighter, the better – so minimal fighting essentials only
Making Holes / Plugging Holes
First, a battle belt is ideal for combat-based survival situations. Times when your very life depends on the outcome of a fight.
In such as situation, a battle belt can be the determining factor on who gets to walk away. It can support a more aggressive attack. And success may come down to always having those extra magazines of ammo or a fighting knife at hand (“making holes”).
OR, if you or a teammate gets severely injured, you’ll be glad you attached a compact Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) to your battle belt. An IFAK with the right supplies to control significant bleeding (“plugging holes”).
Lighter IS Better
Secondly, a battle belt allows you to carry only a limited number of supplies – primarily those needed in a fight. So, it’s essential to resist the urge to attach EVERYTHING!
Now, many battle belts feature suspender attachment points. These setups are compatible with drop leg pouches and holsters.
But if you’re putting so much gear on your battle belt that you require suspenders and large accessory pouches… well, double-check how much gear you’re carrying. It’s probably way too much!
Remember, a battle belt isn’t your only way to carry things. Instead, you could easily dump some extra gear into a tactical pack or as part of a chest rig or plate carrier.
And tactical pants pockets are often a better location for smaller items, like a folding knife, notepad, or a cellphone.
Of course, none of these rules exist in a vacuum. So take the time to honestly assess the overall weight and bulk of your battle belt.
The bottom line is this:
It’s often both faster and safer to keep your battle belt gear to a minimum. Adding too much equipment for every remote survival possibility will only slow you down.
As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.
Why You Should Own A Battle Belt
A battle belt isn’t the kind of thing most of us wear in an office setting.
That’s because a battle belt is a visible piece of combat gear. It will draw attention wearing one in most situations. So, if you’re trying to remain inconspicuous, a battle belt will do the opposite.
Battle belts are NOT compatible with a gray man strategy.
But it’s one of the best ways to secure and organized all your combat essentials. A battle belt is a great way to keep them all in one place, ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.
You can throw one on as you run out the door, knowing that all the items you might need in a fight are in place.
Also, unlike a chest rig or survival backpack, a battle belt won’t hinder your ability to cool off under heavy exertion. And it helps keep your center of gravity lower for better balance.
So, if combat is inevitable and you’re not worried about staying unassuming, nothing beats adding a battle belt to your combat gear setup.
As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our #78 Item Complete Prepper Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.
Best Battle Belt Features
As with any piece of tactical gear, there are plenty of choices on the market.
Choosing the right one for your needs will have a massive impact on your comfort. And your ability to carry your load and your efficiency in a fight.
Independent vs. Inner/Outer Belt Systems
When it comes to battle belts, there are two different types you should consider.
Independent Battle Belt
The first is a stand-alone belt. These are battle belt setups you wear over whatever clothing you have on at the time.
They don’t rely on belt loops and are entirely independent of your tactical pants.
These systems allow you to wear them on the outside of extra cold or wet weather layers. And do so without any adjustments other than the overall length.
The second option is an Inner/Outer belt system.
Inner/Outer Belt System
This battle belt setup pairs a wider battle belt with a standard tactical belt. This configuration allows you to thread the battle belt through your standard belt loops.
These attach with a long strip of heavy-duty Velcro along the entire matching surface.
This design keeps your battle belt secure and in place without fear of any rotation around your body.
But the outer belt is often not as stiff as a stand-alone belt and relies on the inner belt for some rigidity. So, if used alone or over outer clothing layers, it may not be as capable.
Comfort
When carrying a load of ammo and medical gear, comfort is of utmost importance.
Because if you’re distracted by a holster digging into your hip or a sagging belt, your focus isn’t completely on the emergency situation.
And if this happens at a critical moment, you might find yourself on the losing end of the fight before it even begins.
A comfortable belt will keep your mind in the game and your critical gear at your fingertips.
Materials
As with all survival gear, you typically get what you pay for – so be sure to find a belt with rugged materials and construction.
Meaning, look for quality stitching and reinforcements in high wear areas.
If you settle for a cheap nylon belt, it will perform cheaply.
Closures
Similarly, any belt is only as good as the buckle.
I am a HUGE fan of the COBRA metal buckles because they are one of the only fast-release buckles with a full load rating.
These buckles have been making appearances on all kinds of tactical and rescue gear, including airborne med/evac litters designed for chopper rescues.
If you get a battle belt WITHOUT a COBRA buckle, make sure it’s strong and rugged. Look for a steel buckle or an aluminum one with “double-back” webbing.
Attachment Systems
The standard PALS, MOLLE, and other laser-cut mounting designs are all common in tactical gear. And most battle belt systems will accommodate one or more of them.
Be sure to check that you have enough space for all the attachments you plan to add.
Also, make sure the belt’s width supports even the widest one without having it rub too much on your skin.
Price
I hate to admit it, but in the end, price does play a role in the decision.
Factor in the cost of extra attachments (holsters, sheaths, magazine pouches) as well. When you are pricing out your battle belt – these attachments add up quickly.
If you find yourself over budget, DON’T skimp on the belt itself.
Why? Because you’ll likely change and reorganize your attachments over time. And you can always upgrade them later.
But changing the belt itself is usually the most expensive part, so try to get that right the first time.
As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.
How To Build A Battle Belt System / Setup
When it comes to building your battle belt, it comes down to personal preference. For example, the exact weaponry you plan to carry and how much overall weight.
Watch this video for an excellent tutorial on battle belt setups:
I’ve also found the following two references helpful in my approach to building a battle belt.
- The Practical Application of Tactical Gear, Load & Weight Considerations
- The Battle Belt: 3 Essential Tips for Carrying Gear Like a Boss
These articles help to provide a good compromise between agility and carrying for every eventuality.
These authors are both tactical instructors and former military. So, they’ve put systems through the wringer and determined what works best for them. But they both understand their approach might not work for everyone.
In the end, a good list for a battle belt setup starting point will contain:
- Handgun holster
- Handgun magazines x2-4
- Rifle magazines x2
- IFAK pouch
- Small dump pouch
- Tactical knife
From there, you’ll have to work with your belt and with the weapons you use in training.
You’ll soon find the right amount of weight and the tools that you can’t live without.
It will help if you read lots of these long-running online threads. These are resources where people discuss their own battle belt setups in extreme detail.
You’ll also discover that most people have an evolving battle belt. One with different weapons, pouches, and accessories showing up and disappearing over time.
And you may decide someday to branch out from what you can carry easily on your battle belt. That when you’ll want to research your options to build a chest rig, plate carrier, or tactical backpack.
Final Thoughts
A battle belt an ideal way to carry the supplies you need in a fight in a compact, lightweight system.
If you want to be agile and always ready, this is the kind of tool that keeps you from laboring under a heavy pack. Yet, it can be set up and ready at a moment’s notice.
It’s like a utility belt for the modern firefight. That’s why a battle belt is an indispensable part of wartime preparedness.
Jason K.
P.s. Do you know where the closest nuclear bunker is from your home?
There are a lot of natural nuclear shelters in the US that are absolutely free. And one of them is near your home.
Click here to see the Closest Natural Nuclear Bunker to Your Home?
Click on the image above to find out where you need to take shelter.
The post Best Battle Belts (and Setups) To Protect, Defend & Survive appeared first on Skilled Survival.