EDC Belt, Vary Belt, and Battle Belt Setups

Humans have been making clothes with built-in pockets since at the very least 1200 AD, when our ancestors began chopping slits of their tunics to entry coin purses or keys stashed of their undergarments. Nevertheless, the idea of storing instruments on a belt is much older than that of carrying them in our garments. The frozen physique of Ötzi the iceman, who’s believed to have died between 3400 and 3100 BC, was discovered clad in a leather-based belt. Pouches sewn onto his belt contained a scraper, drill, axe, and fire-starting package with flint and tinder fungus. Ever since these historical instances, utility belts have seen steady use, carrying all the pieces from primitive survival provides and farming implements to swords and six-shooters. They provide faster entry and extra load-carrying functionality than garment pockets, and may be configured in numerous methods to fulfill the duty at hand. With this in thoughts, let’s check out three frequent classes of belts associated to emergency preparedness and self-defense. We have divided them into three classes: EDC Belt, Vary Belt, and Battle Belt/Battle Belt, every for their very own goal. However in case you’re in a rush, try this video on one man’s customized vary belt setup:

Belt Classes

First, on a regular basis carry belts are designed to be slim and cozy sufficient for every day put on. Most are supposed to offer further help for hid carry of a gun, medical gear, and different objects. EDC belts additionally provide larger load-bearing capability for pants which can be weighed down with something past the conventional cellphone, keys, and pockets.

Above: An excellent belt makes it simple to hold gear with out continuously stopping to hike up your pants. The pictured Agis appendix holster from Tier 1 Hid distributes weight properly thanks to 2 clips and a versatile midsection.

Second is the class we seek advice from as vary belts — the kind you’d put on at a taking pictures class or competitors. These are usually extra overt and durable; objects that had been saved contained in the waistband (IWB) at the moment are saved outdoors the waistband (OWB), and extra journal and accent pockets are added. Vary belts typically characteristic a skinny internal belt and removable outer belt related by hook and loop materials, making it simple to tear off your entire loadout in seconds with out dropping trou. Buckles and webbing are usually bigger and stronger, since concealment is now not a precedence.

Lastly, battle belts or conflict belts are probably the most high-profile and full-featured class. Even in case you’re not actually going into fight, these setups are made to deal with that degree of bodily exercise and abuse. That is the place you’ll sometimes see extra mission-driven gear loadouts, padded layers for consolation throughout prolonged put on, and in some instances, lively retention holsters that limit unauthorized entry to a handgun. You may assume each inch of those belts will probably be filled with gear, however that’s not essentially true. A conflict belt or battle belt is commonly worn as one half of a bigger load-bearing system, so a number of the tools could migrate off the waistline and onto a chest rig, vest, or plate service. Discuss with our article “Entrance Towards Enemy” in Difficulty 36 for an intensive have a look at every of these techniques.

Now that you just perceive the divisions between these three varieties of belts, buckle up and browse on as we present a number of the choices and issues for every. All the following belts and equipment from Carbon Ways, G-Code, and Snake Eater Tactical are made within the USA.

On a regular basis Carry Belt

Whether or not you’re carrying a swimsuit and tie or denims and a T-shirt, there are EDC belt choices that complement virtually any sort of apparel. I are inclined to fall into the latter class more often than not, so my belt stays hid beneath the hem of my T-shirt. Fortunately, this implies I’m not restricted to kinds that appear to be they belong on the shelf at Males’s Wearhouse.

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Above: A robust magnet embedded within the BadgerStrap causes the break up buckle to snap along with a satisfying click on.

The Basis: I picked up two belts from Carbon Ways, an organization that designs and manufactures its merchandise in my house state of Arizona. The primary is named the BadgerStrap, and consists of a intelligent break up buckle that’s held in place utilizing a robust magnet and CNC-machined, interlocking latch. Though the BadgerStrap was lately discontinued, Carbon Ways affords the Quicky with an analogous magnetic mechanism, in addition to the brand new Cipher, which augments the magnetic latch with a tensioner dial. All the firm’s belts can be found with single-layer (extra versatile) or double-layer (extra inflexible) nylon webbing in your alternative of black, grey, or coyote brown. A hybrid Biothane choice can be provided, integrating an outer layer of polyester webbing coated in robust thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). I selected this selection because it prevents fraying or staining, and makes the belt barely stiffer than a single-layer fashion.

The BadgerStrap’s magnetic buckle is rock strong — allegedly robust sufficient to elevate a motorbike — and I like the truth that its styling is comparatively inconspicuous. The nylon and Biothane hybrid building is supportive with out being excessively stiff. I seen the BadgerStrap tends to loosen barely all through the day, particularly when it’s loaded with a holster or different heavy objects. The brass slider on the male facet of the buckle doesn’t grip the webbing as securely as I’d like. That stated, this belt is a superb alternative for many who want minimalist loadouts with out an excessive amount of weight on the waistband.

Carbon Ways additionally offered a second belt, the Epoch, which demonstrates a heavier-duty EDC choice. This belt’s CNC-machined buckle contains a trigger-shaped launch mechanism on the feminine facet of the buckle. This appears cool, and permits for straightforward one-handed opening. Apparently, the filmmakers behind the 007 sequence additionally preferred the design, since this belt is featured within the current film No Time to Die. One other advantage of the Epoch is its capacity to suit via belt loops; not like the split-buckle BadgerStrap and Quicky fashions, you received’t want to slip the Epoch’s buckle off the webbing to swap it between pairs of pants. As for the webbing, this belt options double-layer Coyote Brown nylon.

Carbon Ways Epoch Coyote Double-Layer 

Above: The Carbon Ways Epoch contains a distinctive set off launch mechanism, however our favourite half about this design was the truth that it’s slim sufficient to slip via belt loops with out eradicating the buckle.

I discovered the Epoch buckle design to be extra comfy and handy than the BadgerStrap; it’s slimmer and has built-in flexibility between the female and male halves of the buckle, permitting it to contour to my waist. I additionally didn’t have any points with this belt loosening in the course of the day, even with a holster, spare magazine, and trauma package inside my waistband. Some customers could discover the double-layer nylon to be too stiff — it holds a semi-rigid oval form always. It may be ordered with single-layer or hybrid webbing, relying on the consumer’s choice and load-bearing wants.

EDC Loadout: Holster Choices

I attempted out two completely different holsters with these belts — one made particularly for appendix carry with a spare magazine, and a extra conventional stand-alone choice with a separate magazine service.

Notes: The Agis is designed for appendix carry, and features a removable journal service. Many colours and configurations can be found; proven is Storm Grey Kydex arrange for a Glock 19 and Streamlight TLR-7A weapon gentle. With its canted spare journal, adjustable clips, concealment claw, and versatile midsection, I discovered this holster to be extraordinarily comfy and simple to hide beneath a T-shirt.

Tier 1 Hid Agis Holster

Notes: Modular appendix holsters aren’t everybody’s cup of tea, so I additionally tried out a stand-alone holster and magazine service from VEIL Options. This holster is ready up for my G19/TLR-7A, and it really works properly for both appendix or strong-side carry. The MOD Wing helps scale back printing, and the non-obligatory Discreet Carry Ideas clips be certain it doesn’t transfer round on my belt. The C2 magazine service is similar sturdy Kydex design featured on the conflict belt/battle belt setup later on this article, however reversed for IWB put on.

Above: VEIL Options’ Mantis light-bearing holster supplies a minimalist strategy to carry my Glock 19 and Streamlight TLR-7A. Its steel DCC clips guarantee it received’t budge or slide on my belt.

VEIL Options Mantis Holster and VEIL Options C2 Glock Magazine Provider

EDC Loadout: Particular person First Help Package (IFAK)

I consider each ready particular person ought to have fundamental medical gear and Cease the Bleed or equal coaching. I all the time carry a much bigger package in my backpack, however an IWB IFAK ensures I’m by no means with out probably the most vital life-saving gear.

Instant Casualty Care Min-E-Med IWB Flat

Notes: Once I first noticed this elastic med package, I wasn’t certain if it’d find yourself being too cumbersome to put on on daily basis. I quickly discovered it’s surprisingly slim and cozy, even whereas sitting in a automobile for prolonged durations. It curves to suit my waist and holds a C-A-T tourniquet, H&H mini compression dressing, Celox hemostatic gauze, and gloves. Two steel clips maintain the package securely in place. My solely gripe is that the TQ’s hook materials typically snags on the internal hem of my T-shirt, inflicting it to fray; switching the C-A-T for a SOFTT-W will alleviate this.

Different Gear

Though the remainder of my EDC gear isn’t immediately hooked up to the belt, it’s not directly supported by it. The extra you fill your pockets, the extra help you’ll want.

• POM Industries pepper spray (hid contained in the waistband)
• SureFire E2D LED Defender Extremely flashlight
• Microtech Ultratech single-edge pocket knife
• Zippo lighter with butane torch insert
• Fossil leather-based pockets with hid Serepick Bogota Titan lockpicks
• Tuff Author carabiner
• iPhone in Otterbox Commuter case with Nite Ize magnetic mount

Vary Belt

There are numerous situations the place the quantity of drugs you may carry, and your ease of entry to it, is extra vital than how discreet it seems. You is perhaps climbing, tenting, or searching within the backcountry, otherwise you is perhaps in a setting the place overt carry is anticipated, corresponding to a gun vary. For the sake of simplicity, we’ll seek advice from this class as vary belts. They sometimes embrace two or extra journal pouches for major and secondary weapons, a bigger med package, and an OWB pistol holster, plus some other pouches or instruments you could want. Competitors-oriented belts, corresponding to these utilized in USPSA or 3-Gun matches, would technically fall into this class, however they’re way more specialised than the multipurpose setup seen right here.

Above: When you’re in search of your first vary belt, G-Code affords the Scorpion Low Viz belt as an entire package with virtually all the pieces you’ll want. They’ll even ship it to you absolutely assembled — simply clip on the RTI holster of your alternative, and also you’re good to go.

The Basis: Though it’s definitely attainable to piece collectively a variety belt setup from off-the-shelf parts, there are additionally a number of firms that provide vary belt starter kits. I chosen this G-Code Scorpion Low Viz Belt system, which is predicated round a two-piece Contact Sequence Operator’s Belt. Its 1.5-inch-wide internal belt matches via regular belt loops, and is Velcro-lined to connect to the outer belt. A G-hook secures the belt as soon as it’s tightened. The outer belt is made out of dual-layer 1.75-inch nylon, with the outside layer wrapped in wear-resistant Cordura. A sturdy Cobra buckle is normal. Belts can be found in black, OD inexperienced, coyote tan, wolf grey, MultiCam, or MultiCam Black.

Every Low Viz Belt package comes with three G-Code Scorpion rifle mags, three Scorpion pistol mags, an Optimum Drop RTI pistol holster platform with elastic leg strap, and an RTI Rotating Belt Mount for an adjunct of your alternative. The latter two objects are appropriate with removable holsters, pouches, and equipment that characteristic G-Code’s RTI mounting system. I discovered the belt package to be very versatile, and have used it at Metal Problem and 2-Gun matches, in addition to for a number of the pistol and carbine courses featured in my Ultimate Weapon column.

Vary Loadout: Holster

G-Code’s RTI mounting system options three posts that lock into holes on the belt-mounted RTI plate. This permits the wearer to simply swap between holsters for various weapons with no want for particular instruments or elimination of the belt. Many producers provide RTI-compatible holsters, however I made a decision to get a holster straight from G-Code together with my belt.

Above: The included Optimum Drop RTI mount positions the pistol grip even with the belt line, making it simpler to attract rapidly. It’s not practically as cumbersome as an old-school drop-leg holster.

Notes: The OSLr contains a pre-installed RTI hanger and durable Kydex building in your alternative of black, OD inexperienced, coyote tan, grey, or MultiCam. A tender “fuzz” end is non-obligatory in case you want that over naked Kydex. This holster feels well-made, with a constructive click on as my G19 slides into place. G-Code doesn’t provide a model that’s appropriate with my present Streamlight TLR-7A carry gentle, so I went with the SureFire X300-U. I additionally chosen the RMR reduce choice ($5 additional) and black anodized {hardware} (one other $5). Paired with the Optimum Drop platform that got here with the belt, the OSLr sits comfortably close to the pure resting level of my hand, making it simpler to attract rapidly. The elastic strap prevents the holster from shifting as I run, kneel, or go inclined.

Vary Loadout: Journal Carriers

A complete of six tender journal pouches had been included with the Scorpion Low Viz belt package.

G-Code Scorpion Low Vis Belt Package

• MSRP: $361 (As Configured) / $136 (Simply the Belt)

G-Code OSL RTI Kydex Holster

• MSRP: $83 (As Configured)

G-Code 6-Pack Scorpion Softshell Package

Notes: These magazine carriers are made out of rubberized polymer woven along with elastic shock wire, which may be loosened or tightened to regulate retention. The rifle carriers can accommodate AR-15, AR-10, and AK magazines; the pistol carriers match single- or double-stack mags and can be found in Tall or Quick (we selected Quick for Glock 19 mags). It is a notable benefit over onerous Kydex magazine carriers in case you plan to make use of your belt with a wide range of weapon varieties. The elastic design does a superb job holding mags in place, and permits them to be eliminated by pulling straight up or levering outward to interrupt retention. R2 and P2 Operator mounts may be hooked up on to the belt, or they are often stacked atop one another to preserve belt area.

Above: Removing of the G-Code belt is easy: Disconnect the Cobra buckles on the belt and leg strap, then pull the hook-and-loop materials aside. The internal belt will hold your pants the place they belong.

Vary Loadout: Particular person First Help Package (IFAK)

To utilize the RTI Rotating Belt Mount, I picked up an RTI-compatible med pouch from G-Code. Alternatively, a normal med pouch may very well be hooked up on to the belt utilizing clips or MOLLE-compatible tender loops.

Notes: Measuring 6 by 5 by 2 inches, this zippered clamshell pouch is lined with an array of elastic loops for medical provides. I stuffed it with provides for main trauma and range-day cuts/scrapes: C-A-T tourniquet, Rescue Necessities strain dressing, QuikClot hemostatic gauze, NAR S-rolled gauze, HyFin Vent chest seals, shears, medical tape, assorted Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, gloves, and a mini Sharpie marker. The pouch itself is nice, however I’m not bought on the RTI mounting system for this software — it causes the med package to stay out additional off the belt, making it really feel a bit of cumbersome. A direct-mount package would work higher, until it’s worthwhile to swap pouches ceaselessly.

G-Code Contact Med Pouch

Different Gear

I completed off the vary belt setup with the next objects:

• Blue Power Gear Ten-Velocity Dump Pouch for shotgun shells or different unfastened objects
• ITW Grimloc carabiner to retain Mechanix gloves

Battle Belt / Battle Belt

A conflict belt or battle belt takes the idea of a variety belt to the following degree, providing a platform that may be worn in knowledgeable context together with different load-bearing gear. You may put on a variety belt just a few weekends every month, however obligation belts for regulation enforcement and army personnel want to resist steady every day put on. That features high-intensity actions like operating, climbing, and hand-to-hand preventing, in addition to lengthy durations of strolling, standing, or sitting. Sturdiness and luxury are paramount, as is retention of all tools — I shouldn’t have to clarify why dropping management of your weapon or different gear in an actual struggle can be disastrous.

Above: We mixed the Snake Eater Tactical three-piece Battle Belt with a Stage 2 retention holster and Kydex magazine carriers from VEIL Options. This setup is maneuverable and cozy sufficient to put on whereas operating, leaping, climbing, or crawling.

Huge, padded belts are normal on this class, since they supply probably the most consolation and help for heavier loadouts. Essentially the most conventional strategy is to slip a belt via a padded sleeve that’s coated in MOLLE webbing. These sleeved techniques may be worn over untucked shirts or jackets since they aren’t hooked up to the consumer’s pants. Nevertheless, they’re cumbersome and will shift or rotate throughout bodily exercise — that’s not excellent in case you look forward to finding your gear in the identical place each time.

Suspenders (as seen on previous U.S. army ALICE techniques) and belt keeper loops (as seen on many LE obligation belts) have been used to forestall motion, however Velcro hook-and-loop layers are a extra fashionable answer. The belt I chosen comes from Snake Eater Tactical, and options three layers related on this method.

Snake Eater Tactical Battle Belt System

The Basis: The SET Battle Belt Three-Half System begins with a skinny and lightweight piece of 1.5-inch Hypalon cloth, with a easy pass-through loop on one finish for tensioning. This is absolutely the minimal wanted to carry up a pair of pants, however it’s efficient. Subsequent, a 4mm-thick layer of closed-cell foam is wrapped in breathable nylon mesh, with hook materials sewn to 1 facet and loop materials sewn to the opposite. This creates a skinny but breathable padded layer between the internal and outer belts. It’s wider than the opposite belt layers so as to present cushioning for holster mounts and different onerous equipment. Lastly, the 1.75-inch outer belt is constructed from a double layer of Sort 13 nylon parachute webbing, with an internal layer of hook materials and a black Cobra buckle. Closely bolstered stitching all through this belt reveals that it was constructed with longevity in thoughts. The SET Battle Belt is made to order; at time of publication, with a lead time of 4 to eight weeks.

This three-part system can be utilized as a two-part system. For instance, the center and outer layers may be worn over a jacket or untucked shirt, very like a standard padded belt (with the aforementioned drawbacks). The center layer may be eliminated for a barely slimmer waist profile, however after carrying the total system, I can’t think about carrying it with out the padding — it makes an enormous distinction. The SET Battle Belt is head and shoulders above an everyday vary belt for long-term every day put on.

Battle Loadout: Holster

Given the character of this belt setup, an lively retention holster is a logical alternative. Passive retention, as seen on the opposite holsters on this article, depends on friction induced by the form of the holster to maintain the weapon in place. Pull onerous sufficient, and it’ll come out. Energetic retention provides at the very least one gadget that should be launched earlier than drawing the gun. It ensures the gun received’t get knocked unfastened whilst you’re operating round, or extra importantly, received’t be simply accessible to any unhealthy man who tries to take it.

Above: Urgent the thumb break lever causes the retention hood to snap ahead, permitting the gun to be drawn usually. This takes some getting used to, however it beats dropping your gun.

Notes: The Fett contains a thumb break — primarily a small lever on the within fringe of the holster — that should be pressed firmly to launch a spring-loaded hood. When the hood flips ahead, the gun may be drawn usually from passive retention. Every holster is drilled for varied mounting patterns together with Safariland, G-Code RTI, and Tek-Lok; I picked the ever-present Safariland Mid-Journey hanger ($20 additional). It’d be simple so as to add a thigh strap to this setup if desired, however I felt it was secure sufficient with out one. Although I’m not working at an LE company or different job that requires a retention holster, I respect the peace of thoughts it supplies. You by no means know if you may need to do some tactical cartwheels. When the hood isn’t activated, the Fett works nice for vary follow or competitors.

VEIL Options Fett Responsibility Holster 

Battle Loadout: Journal Carriers

Whereas my vary belt got here with three rifle mags and three pistol mags, I picked up two and two for the conflict belt. It is because I’d sometimes put on it with different load-bearing gear that comprises extra magazines, corresponding to a chest rig or plate service.

Notes: Common magazine pouches have professionals and cons, however application-specific, molded Kydex carriers present probably the most safe match and retention. They’re additionally sturdy and simple to scrub. VEIL Options’ C2 sequence, which stands for Competitors & Carry, is on the market with a reversible polymer belt clip or an non-obligatory Tek-Lok clip ($8 additional per service). The pistol carriers can be found for Glock, SIG, HK, CZ, 2011, and B&T purposes; the rifle carriers can be found for AR-15, AR-10, and AK mags. Quite a few finishes and colours are provided, from plain black to Rhodesian Brushstroke. I’m a fan of the slim profile and powerful retention offered by these C2 carriers.

VEIL Options V2 Pistol Magazine Carriers/Rifle Magazine Carriers

Battle Loadout: Particular person First Help Package (IFAK)

Very like the magazines, this medical gear is supplemented by gear in my chest rig or plate service. This belt IFAK serves as my first-line trauma gear. Second-line trauma gear and “boo-boo” package objects are saved elsewhere.

Notes: The Micro TKN consists of an elastic sleeve and a tear-away insert that may be pulled out utilizing the tabs on both finish. It may be bought absolutely loaded or empty; I packed mine with an H&H mini compression bandage, QuikClot hemostatic gauze, HyFin Vent Compact chest seals, medical tape, and gloves.

North American Rescue C-A-T Holder

Since my micro trauma package doesn’t have room for the standard TQ, I picked up this service from NAR. It attaches securely to the belt with snap straps, and has an elastic cowl that protects the Velcro on the C-A-T tourniquet from filth or abrasions. The straps on the again provide a handy place to retailer a set of shears.

Different Gear

Simply since you can load down your conflict belt with six AR mags, 4 pistol mags, throwing knives, and shark-repellent spray doesn’t imply you ought to. The one merchandise I’d contemplate including is a dump pouch if the scenario referred to as for it. It may be used for biking via a lot of partial mags throughout reload drills, selecting up brass on the finish of a variety session, or carrying unfastened ammo for particular weapons (e.g. shotguns).

Above: A conflict belt will typically function one piece of a bigger load-bearing gear system, corresponding to this Tyr Tactical PICO-DS plate service. See our article Right here for an in depth have a look at all of its parts.

FAQ

• Q: What’s a variety belt?
  A: A secure platform that holds gear, however can be versatile for consolation, and durable sufficient to help a holster and different heavy objects.
• Q: What’s a MOLLE Belt?
  A: A purposeful load bearing utility belt designed to carry holsters, magazine carriers, pouches, and different important gear.
• Q: What’s the greatest shooters belt?
  A: That’s extremely depending on what the belt goes for use for. However a superb belt will probably be sturdy, able to carrying all the pieces that’s required, and can stand as much as abuse.

Closing Ideas

Very like the emergency preparedness “line gear” Tom Marshall wrote about in Difficulty 38, it’s not unreasonable to have just a few belt setups for various functions. A lot of you studying this text received’t must spend an enormous chunk of change on a full-blown conflict belt. Just about everybody wants a superb on a regular basis belt, until you put on a bikini or silkies 24/7, through which case we hope you’re good at hand-to-hand fight and MacGyvering your approach out of hazard. As a substitute of constructing a jam-packed belt that may make Batman jealous, contemplate the conditions you face most frequently, and give attention to discovering probably the most environment friendly strategy to carry what you really want.

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Written by Patrick McCarthy