Tactical Belts
A belt isn’t just a belt. A proper heavy duty tactical belt doesn’t just keep your pants up – it can be the thing you rely on to give you easy access to a tool (or weapon) that just might save your life. Tactical belts are designed for carrying gear comfortably and securely, even when you’re on the move. There’s a reason why tactical belts are worn by law enforcement officers, (some) members of the military, and folks who do hard work with their hands. They’re a practical solution that can give you easy access to your gear without encumbering your hands constantly.
A high-quality tactical belt seems like a small piece of gear, an afterthought almost. But if you’re carrying a sidearm all day on a ten-hour shift or using your belt to store extra mags, a flashlight, and extra kit, then you’re going to want a solid reinforced nylon or leather tactical belt.
Like all survival and tactical gear, there are hundreds of options out there when it comes to tactical belts. From premium all-American leather to budget-friendly nylon belts, there’s every kind of design, material, and price point out there.
Whichever belt you go for, make sure to take a close look at the specs as each tactical belt is a little different. I’ll outline a few key factors to keep in mind when you’re comparing the belts, plus a list of the top tactical belts out there. I’ll give a quick outline of each belt’s specific features as well as the pros and cons of each.
Key features of a tactical belt
To find the right tactical belt, take a look at the following key features. Whether it’s the material, width, buckle design, or MOLLE attachments, tactical belts vary between models. Keep an eye on each belt’s specs to guarantee you find the right one for you.
Material
Most of the tactical belts you’ll see on the list are 100% 1000D nylon. Most premium designs come with reinforced stitching to ensure the belt can stand up to whatever you need. You’ll also see leather tactical belts. Although they’re more expensive, they look classier and feel awesome. Keep an eye on the material to help find the right tactical belt for you.
Buckle
The buckle is really what separates the quality tactical belts from the rest. Some tactical belts come with simple plastic buckles, while premium belts come with genuine Condor buckles made out of steel with superb quick-release designs, that are easy to use and effective at less than a second.
2-in-1 belt systems
Some of the tactical belts you’ll see are premium 2-in-1 belt systems. The inner, lighter belt fits under your belt loops, providing a secure attachment base for the outer, reinforced outer. A 2-in-1 belt system provides a sturdier, stronger attachment base for heavy equipment like a firearm and extra mags.
Extra features
Tactical belts are pretty simple tools. Even so, keep an eye out for extra features like D-rings for attaching gear, as well as warranties and money-back guarantees. Some belts have plenty of size and color options, while others only have a few.
Top Tactical Belts
Out of all the tactical belts out there, these nine are the best of the bunch. Some of them are premium tactical belts made from high-grade American leather, while others are budget nylon belts. They’re all good belts, though, and are more than suitable for work, camping, and emergencies.
You’ll see a decent variety of prices, features, and qualities, and I’m sure one of them is the right tactical belt for you.
Features:
- 100% Nylon
- Stainless steel buckle
- Tensile strength up to 5,100 lbs
- Multi-functional design
- Fade and rip-resistant
- 7 sizes
- 8 color options
The 5.11 Tactical Trainer is about as good as you can get with tactical belts. The 100% nylon construction is super strong with a mesh design with heavy stitch reinforcements, making the 5.11 fade and rip-resistant, and stiff enough to support a holster.
The 5.11 has a standard 1.5” width, making it suitable for most tactical and work pants. The stainless steel buckle is tested for tensile strength up to 5.100 lbs, giving this awesome tactical belt its name. You can get the 5.11 with a black matte or stainless steel buckle.
The 5.11 comes in eight color options, from black to sandstone to green, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect one for you. Like most tactical belts, the 5.11 converts to a tie-down, carry strap, or emergency harness, making it useful in a range of situations, and it’s perfect for operational or recreational outdoor activities.
The ergonomic design makes the 5.11 comfortable and functional. Sizes run small and the manufacturer recommends ordering a size up from your pant size. The price, features, design, and quality of the 5.11 Tactical Trainer easily make it the best overall tactical belt.
Check price of the 5.11 Tactical Military Trainer Belt
- Heavy-duty construction
- Suitable for holsters and packs
- Ideal for concealed carry
- Stiff but comfortable
- Plenty of options
- Nylon rather than leather
Features:
- Nylon
- 1.75” width
- 2-ply webbing
- Multi-functional design
- Velcro hook and loop
The Wolf Tactical is a sweet nylon belt with an even better price. The stiffened 2-ply nylon construction with reinforced stitching for added rigidity makes it strong enough for work, outdoor activities, and emergencies. The nylon tensile strength is good up to 3500 lbs.
The Wolf Tactical has a 1.75” width with a choice of riggers buckle and D-ring or quick-release buckles. Either way, the buckle is strength-tested up to 2000 lbs. The simple, effective design makes the Wolf Tactical easy to convert to a tie-down, carry strap, or tactical harness in emergencies.
A nice little feature is the Velcro hook and loop which secures the running end, helping the belt stay cinched and never slip. With a no-hole design, the Wolf Tactical is fully adjustable, giving users a custom fit to size with your choice of firearm, gear, and accessories.
Check price of the WOLF Tactical Heavy Duty Riggers Belt
- Great value
- No-slip design
- Fully adjustable
- Choice of 2 buckles
- Lower strength test than more premium belts
Features:
- Full-grain US Leather
- 14 oz.
- 1.5” width
- Made in USA
- Lifetime warranty
- 10 sizes
The Relentless Tactical is everything you want from a tactical belt and more. Made from premium 14 oz. full-grain American leather, the Relentless Tactical, helps you look good while staying safe on the job.
All you have to do is look at a few customer reviews to realize how awesome the Relentless belt is. One of the only tactical belts to be made in the USA, Relentless take pride in making some of the best products on the market.
With over ten different sizes, there’s definitely a Relentless belt that will fit you. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty – another standout feature, which separates the Relentless belt from the rest of the pack. If you want a premium belt and don’t mind paying for it, then look no further, because the Relentless Tactical is unbeatable.
Check price of the Relentless Tactical Ultimate CCW Gun Belt
- Made in USA
- Full-grain leather
- Plenty of size options
- Lifetime warranty
- Great customer reviews
- Pricier than other options
Features:
- Nylon
- V-ring quick-release buckle
- 1.5” width
- 3 colors
- 6 sizes
- Gift box
Another solid contender is the Tactical Rigger Belt from Fairwin. The 1000D nylon has a maximum weight of 1100 lbs, so should withstand anything you can throw at it. It’s a standard 1.5” width and comes in plenty of sizes and three color options.
The metal V-ring quick-release buckle can deploy in a second, is easy to use, and could potentially save your life. Plus, the Fairwin belt comes with a nice two-year warranty in case you need to switch it out.
It comes in a nice gift box, making the Fairwin belt a great idea for a gift. If you’re looking for a solid, reasonable rigger belt with a quick-release buckle, then the Fairwin Tactical Rigger is a solid choice.
Check price of the Fairwin Tactical Rigger Belt
- Great value
- Metal buckle
- Quick-release
- Not leather
- Cheaper buckle than premium belts
Features:
- 100% nylon
- Rip-resistant
- 5 sizes
- 5 color options
- Available in multipacks
The Tactical Belt from CQR is a nice and basic, inexpensive nylon belt. The material is rip-resistant nylon and comes in five sizes and five color options. If you want a simple, bare-bones belt, then the CQR belt is a great cheap option.
The CQR belt comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s not as strong, sturdy, or stiff as some of the more expensive tactical belts on the list, so probably isn’t suitable for sidearms or heavy pouches. It’ll hold a phone or a knife no problem, and will definitely keep your pants up.
If you’re looking for a simple, effective tactical belt for camping or a kid’s birthday present, then the CQR belt is a perfect option. It comes in packs of one or two belts, and won’t break your bank account.
Check price of the CQR Military Style Tactical Belt
- Low cost
- Simple and effective
- Decent size options
- Multipack option
- Relatively flimsy
- Plastic buckle
Features:
- Nylon
- 1.75” width
- D-ring
- Cobra buckle
- Two-belt system
- Molle loop
- 3 colors
- 3 sizes
The tactical belt from Emerson Gear is a sweet, two-belt system. With a 1.75” ultra-tough nylon inner belt, and a 2” outer belt, the Emerson Gear can be used separately as two belts or as one, super-tough 2-in-1 system.
The Emerson Gear belt comes with a genuine Cobra quick-release buckle, one of the best buckles on the market. There’s also a nice Molle loop for radio, pouches, mags, holster, medkits, etc., making the Emerson Gear belt perfect for operational or recreational activities.
If you’re looking for a solid, 2-in-1 premium belt system that can handle concealed carry, mags, medkits, and more, then the Emerson Gear belt is perfect for you. It has fewer options than some other manufacturers, with 3 colors and 3 sizes.
Check price of the emersongear Tactical Rigger’s Belt
- Innovative 2-in-1 belt design
- Cobra buckle
- Super solid
- Reputable company
- Relatively expensive
- Only 3 size options
Features:
- 1000D Nylon
- 1.5” width
- Quick-release buckle
- D-ring for fixing gear
- 3 colors
- 5 sizes
The no hole, 1000D nylon belt with double stitching from Mozeto is a decent basic tactical belt for basic use. The non-slip quick-release plastic buckle lays flat, making the belt comfortable and easily adjustable, meaning it should fit almost any user.
The Mozeto belt comes with a D-ring for fixing gear, although it probably won’t stand up to anything too heavy as it’s not as sturdy as some of the premium belts. Mozeto do include a 30-day money-back guarantee and a solid 180-day product replacement warranty.
If you’re looking for a simple, effective, inexpensive belt that can hold basic equipment and keep your pants up, the Mozeto is a perfectly good option. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty belt for carrying a firearm all day, maybe look for something sturdier.
Check price of the MOZETO Men’s Tactical Belt
- Inexpensive
- Comfortable
- Quick-release
- Plastic buckle
- Not as sturdy
Features:
- 2” width
- Laser-cut slots
- Cobra buckle
- Removable inner anti-slip pad
- 2-in-1 system
- 3 sizes
- 3 colors
The Condor belt is another awesome premium tactical belt. The 2-in-1 belt system comes with a genuine Cobra buckle. The outer is a 2” wide belt with webbing throughout, as well as laser-cut slots for modular attachments, making the Condor perfect for work, play, and emergencies.
The inner belt is reinforced with scuba webbing and has a removable inner anti-slip pad, making users feel secure and comfortable. The Condor can be used as a two belt system or as two separate belts.
With 3 sizes and 3 colors, you should be able to find the right Condor belt for you. If you want a solid, 2-in-1 belt system with a genuine Cobra buckle and don’t mind paying a little more, then the Condor is perfect for you.
Check price of the Condor LCS Cobra Gun Belt
- Sturdy and heavy-duty
- Genuine Cobra buckle
- 2-in-1 system
- Reinforced
- Relatively pricey
- Only 3 size options
Features:
- 2-in-1 design
- 1.5” inner width
- 1.75” double stiffened MOLLE outer
- Metal quick-release buckle
- 4 colors
- 3 sizes
The Krydex 1.75” is another sweet 2-in-1 belt system. It comes with a 1.75” double stiffened MOLLE outer and a 1.5” inner. The Krydex can be used as two separate belts or integrated as one, super solid belt.
The soft, comfortable, loop-backed 1.5” inner web belt fits easily inside your belt loops, providing a stable attachment platform for the heavy-duty 1.75” double stiffened outer. There’s a solid metal quick-release buckle which feels secure and is easy to use.
If you want a premium, 2-in-1 belt system, then the Krydex 1.75” tactical belt is an awesome option. With four colors and three sizes, it doesn’t have the most options, but you should be able to find the right Krydex belt for you.
Check price of the KRYDEX 2 in 1 Utility Belt
- Metal buckle
- 2-in-1 system
- Super tough design
- Versatile and comfortable
- Only 3 size options
- 2-in-1 not ideal for everyone
Buyer’s Guide
Take a look at these key points to keep in mind when you’re buying a tactical belt. Whether it’s for hiking and camping, working in the field, or just keeping your pants up, answering a few simple questions will guide you towards finding the right tactical belt for you.
What’s your tactical belt for?
Is your tactical belt for hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping, operational work, or DIY? If you want to carry a concealed weapon on the job, you’ll want a heavier-duty, 2-in-1 belt system. If you just want to carry your knife on a hunting trip, a lighter, nylon belt should do.
Think about how you’ll use your belt, and let that determine which tactical belt is best for you.
How much do you want to spend?
The price is probably the easiest way to narrow down the choice of anything. Do you want to splash out and get the best tactical belt money can buy? Then check out some of the premium belts like the Relentless or Condor. Or, maybe you want a low-cost budget tactical belt like the Sheffield Wolf Tactical.
What gear will your belt be carrying?
If you want to wear a tactical belt to carry a firearm along with extra mags, you’ll probably want to go for a heavy-duty tactical belt like a 2-in-1 belt system. If it’s just to keep your pants up, you could go for a lighter, cheaper option.
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