7 Best Battle Belts: Secure Your Gear
Battle Belts have an interesting history. For the longest time, they were the number 1 way to carry load-bearing gear in pretty much every military force. We are talking about the days before you carried a gun. It was your belt that carried a sword. Until right after World War 2, belts still ruled, but then the Chinese forces created the first chest rig. From there, it evolved and continued to elevate.
Chest rigs became the norm across the world. This is especially true after the introduction of armor. Ballistic vests with MOLLE became the standard. Then, the vest shrunk into what we call plate carriers. Plate carriers had room for gear, but not enough. This is where the modern battle belt came back into play. You could move gear from the chest and place it on the hips. A belt and plate carrier working together became the new standard.
Battle belts have continued to evolve and improve, and it’s no longer chest rig or plate carrier vs battle belt. They often work in tandem these days to provide the user with the gear they need to complete their mission.
The Advantages of Battle Belts
We’ve covered the first advantage a little bit already. Battle belts allow you to carry more gear with minimalist plate carriers. They also offer a number of other advantages, especially in comparison to other methods of load-bearing gear.
Battle belts place weight on your hips rather than your shoulders and chest. This redistribution can make carrying gear and ammo easier. It can also help prevent fatigue and help prevent back and shoulder pain.
It can be easier to access the ammo on your belt than on your chest. In a kneeling or prone position, the gear on your belt tends to be easier to retrieve. For me personally, reloading from the belt is always a little faster than reloading from the chest rig.
Additionally, belts are really easy to put on and take off. Why is that valuable? In Afghanistan, we found it really easy to access our IFAKs if we could remove our belts. Being able to remove the belt allowed us to set out IFAK in front of us if it was ever needed.
Also, when crossing high streams, rivers, and more, we could remove the belt and drape it across our neck. This kept it from getting wet and submerged in the water. Being able to remove the belt can be pretty valuable and is often an overlooked advantage.
How We Chose the Best Battle Belts
I have been testing battle belts or other various load bearing equipment since I first started going outdoors and exploring. As a kid, it was to hold my first belt knife. As I got older and firearms were a larger part of my life, I really began taking battle belts seriously, either as part of my shooting hobby or my time in the military.
In the military you may not be given many options on what gear you will be using. However, you do get a lot of experience wearing your gear. This gives you time to think about what you would like that is different. As a civilian, or outside of the military, you can purchase whatever you want, you are only limited by your budget.
Through going to trade shows, trying different set ups at the range, and seeing what other instructors like to use, I have come up with a list of great battle belts that can be set up for your needs. This list has everything form a complete solution to belts that go over your existing tactical belts. You are sure to find one that will fit your needs, and as your needs change, these belts are adaptable and can change with you.
Gun University’s Choices of the Best Battle Belts
Best Battle Belts
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Best Battle Belts
Here is our list for the best battle belts:
- 5.11 Tactical Combat Belt
- AXL Eclipse Belt
- Blue Force Gear CHLK Belt
- Defense Mechanism Mech Battle Belt
- SALT Belt System
- Crye MRB 2.0
- Wilder Tactical Urban Defender Elite Package
Best Battle Belts – Reviews
1 5.11 Tactical Combat Belt
- Quality B+
- Versatility A-
- Rigidity B+
- Comfort A
Our Grade
A-
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TBD
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5.11 Tactical Combat Belt Specs
- Material 500D Nylon
- Number of Components 1
- Closure None
5.11 Tactical Combat Belt Review
For less than 100 dollars, 5.11 Tactical comes in swinging with the Combat Belt. A low price doesn’t mean low quality by any means. The Combat Belt is an outer belt that combines a belt pad for total comfort. The Combat Belt does require a duty-style belt of some kind to snake its way through the belt, but even with a well-made belt, you’ll still come in at under 100 dollars.
The 5.11 Tactical Combat Belt is an overt design that rejects minimalist culture. It’s designed to carry a heavy-duty load around your waist with ease. The four rows of spaced PALS attachments make it capable of toting double mag pouches, an IFAK, a holster, and much more. It’s a belt designed to function with a stiff internal belt to provide tons of support.
Most modern belts do take a modern minimalist approach, but the Combat Belt lives up to its name. It’s perfect for stacking on a complete combat load without the belt sagging or twisting. The pad helps displace weight and increase comfort. It’s tough to dislike, and while it might not look as high-speed as other options, including 5.11’s own Maverick Belt, its bigger is better mentality might be a better fit for those who prefer to have more ammo than less ammo.
The biggest downside to some will be the size. The trend of minimalist battle belts is going strong for a reason. However, the 5.11 Combat Belt keeps things beefy even when skinny is chic.
5.11 Tactical Combat Belt Pros and Cons
- Supportive
- Padded and comfortable
- Plenty of room
- Large
2 AXL Eclipse Belt
- Quality A-
- Versatility A-
- Rigidity A
- Comfort B+
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
TBD
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AXL Eclipse Belt Specs
- Material Tegris
- Number of components 1
- Closure G-Hook or Cobra Buckle
AXL Eclipse Belt Review
The AXL Eclipse Belt sits on the opposite side of the Combat Belt. While the Combat Belt is big, the Eclipse Belt is ultra minimalist. With the standard G-hook belt buckle, the AXL Eclipse weighs a mere 5 ounces total. That impressively low weight comes from the advanced materials used in the construction of the Eclipse. It’s light but still rigid.
The Eclipse belt achieves this lightweight, rigid design by using Tegris. Tegris is a thermoplastic material that’s quite flexible but also robust. Instead of using a traditional textile, the Tegris design gives it enough flexibility to be a belt without sacrificing the support offered by an ultra-thin and ultra-small belt design. The belt has two rows of MOLLE for attaching accessories, and it can use traditional MOLLE, modern polymer clips, and more.
Inside sits a row of hook material that’s designed to connect to an inner belt that wears loop material. The Eclipse doesn’t come with an inner belt, but plenty of compatible options exist. The belt uses a modular belt buckle design that makes it easy to place the buckle wherever you want it. This makes it easy to get it out of the way in one direction or another.
The belt allows you to pack on a pretty substantial fighting load, at least substantial to the average user. Fitting a couple of rifle and pistol mag pouches, as well as an IFAK holster and some tool pouches, won’t be a challenge. Heck, it even comes in your favorite colors, including M81, which just rules.
AXL Eclipse Belt Pros and Cons
- Ultra lightweight
- Rigid design
- Modular
- Inner belt purchased separately
3 Defense Mechanism Mech Battle Belt
- Quality A
- Versatility A-
- Rigidity A
- Comfort B+
Our Grade
A-
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Blue Force Gear CHLK Belt Specs
- Material Dyneema nylon and Rigid Composite Laminate
- Number of Components 2
- Closure Cobra Buckle
Blue Force Gear CHLK Belt Review
In the tactical world, the word best is often tough to use. It’s tough to say there is a best option when so many situations and unique individuals exist. However, if you had to pick the strongest option in the world of battle belts, you’d be hard-pressed to beat the CHLK belt from Blue Force gear.
CHLK stands for Combat Helo Load Rated Kit, and this belt was designed for helo assaulters who need to clip in. This ensures the belt is super strong and is the only belt on this list rated for such a need. Most of us don’t need to brace ourselves in a helicopter, but we all love rugged and durable, right? The CHLK belt is also a battle belt and a complete system. You get both an outer and inner belt.
The outer belt features three rows of MOLLEminus webbing from BFG for attaching many accessories. This belt can accommodate all kinds of pouches, from the old school Eagle pouches to the modern malic clip. The outer belt is contoured with a curve for better comfort and to reduce the ride up phenomenon. The inner belt runs through your belt loops and is reversible to be worn as a standard belt.
The CHLK belt is extremely well-made, incredibly durable, and very rugged. It’s also pricey and is one of the most expensive battle belts on the market. Every part of it is premium; from the MOLLEminus to the buckle. It’s a rugged and durable design.
Blue Force Gear CHLK Belt Pros and Cons
- Extremely strong
- Complete inner and outer belt system
- Easy pouch attachment
- Expensive
4 Defense Mechanism Mech Battle Belt
- Quality A
- Versatility A-
- Rigidity A
- Comfort B+
Our Grade
A-
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Defense Mechanism Mech Battle Belt Specs
- Material Thermoplastic Layered with Nylon
- Number of Components 2
- Closure Cobra buckle
Defense Mechanism Mech Battle Belt Review
Defense Mechanisms is a company that fits the saying, if you know, you know. Defense Mechanisms makes some of the best pieces of kit on the market. From their belts to their plate carriers, there is something for everyone. The Defense Mechanisms Battle Belt does something different with its style and setup to make it very user-friendly.
First, the Mech Belt does need an internal belt, and DM makes a great option. The Mech inner belt is a must-have. It features a layer of Tegris on the inside that ensures it’s rigid. The inner belt has tons of adjustability and excellent retention. Hook and look combine the inner and outer belts to provide excellent retention and placement.
The outer belt has two layers of Tegris for rigidity and strength. Finally, at first glance, you don’t see any MOLLE. The MOLLE panels are on the inside of the belt. It runs the complete length of the belt and provides enough room for tons of gear.
These integral MOLLE panels aid in the retention of the pouch and fit of various accessories. Your accessories are very well supported by the Mech Battle Belt, regardless of how big and bad they are. It also keeps the belt’s width and weight a little lower than average. Holding the belt together is a raptor belt buckle for easy on-and-off donning, but it’ll never snap off by accident.
Defense Mechanism Mech Battle Belt Pros and Cons
- Excellent support
- Innovative MOLLE system
- Excellent retention
- Inner belt not included
5 SALT Belt System
- Quality B+
- Versatility A
- Rigidity B+
- Comfort B+
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
TBD
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SALT Belt System Specs
- Material Nylon
- Number of Components 2
- Closure Cobra Buckle
SALT Belt System Review
Arbor Arms makes some absolutely fantastic gear, and the SALT Belt System is their entry into the wide world of battle belts. The SALT Belt System uses a 3-piece system. It’s a liner belt, a flat or padded belt, and an inner belt. With the SALT system, users can pick from a padded or flat belt sleeve. Flat gives you a lower profile design, but pads can be comfier and present your gear a little further from the body.
The inner belt is up to you, but Arbor Arms does make a great inner belt design. It’s rugged, reliable, and very easy to use. You can also provide your own Raptor belt or similar option. The system works by applying the liner belt around your body and to be the belt that holds your pants up. Your padded or flat belt sleeve will then wrap around your Cobra belt. The Cobra belt and belt sleeve then wraps around your inner belt.
With the SALT Belt System, we get a heavy-duty tactical belt design with four MOLLE loops that allow for increased support. It’s expertly stitched and designed to work in the most austere environments out there. It can hold a ton of gear and remain comfortable.
The system itself is highly customizable, with multiple options for the belt sleeve and inner belt. With that said, it does get complicated to ensure you have the right size for everything. It’s not as simple as just using your belt size. Arbor Arms does have a nice video on its product page, and I suggest watching it to make sure you understand the options.
SALT Belt System Pros and Cons
- Extremely supportive
- Incredibly durable
- Quite comfortable
- Complicated
6 Crye MRB 2.0
- Quality A
- Versatility A
- Rigidity B
- Comfort B+
Our Grade
A-
Reader’s Grade
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Crye MRB 2.0 Specs
- Materialy Nylon
- Number of Components 2
- Closure Type Plastic Buckle
Crye MRB 2.0 Review
If you want something that’s simple and an all-in-one option from a company well-known for its high-quality and innovative products, then the Crye MRB 2.0 is for you. The Modular Riggers Belt is a three-piece system that provides an inner belt, an outer pad, and an outer belt. I love Crye stuff, and it’s the tactical hipster in me that makes it easy to recommend Crye gear. Plus, this complete kit is less than 200 dollars from Crye.
It’s nothing too revolutionary, but it’s modular and fairly simple. The inner belt goes around your pants and holds’ ’em up. It also acts as a good belt just for basic belt purposes. The outer belt cover attaches to the outer belt, and the whole rig wraps around your waist. The outer cover provides a nice wide pad to attach your various goodies. It’s a big pad that won’t leave anything hanging off the belt.
The whole setup isn’t necessarily fancy, but it has a brilliance in the basics that appeals to the design. It’s simplistic, very well-made, and comfortable. It’s not heavy or uncomfortable and provides plenty of support for your ammo, your handgun, and anything in between. The Crye MRB 2.0 costs a little more than 150 bucks but is complete and ready to rock and roll. Plus, it comes in all the cool tactical colors.
Crye MRB 2.0 Pros and Cons
- Easy to use
- Complete kit
- Affordable
- Might not be high speed enough for some
7 Wilder Tactical Urban Defender Elite Package
- Quality A
- Versatility A+
- Rigidity B+
- Comfort A
Our Grade
A
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Wilder Tactical Urban Defender Elite Package Specs
- Material Many
- Number of Components 11
- Closure Cobra buckle
Wilder Tactical Urban Defender Elite Package Review
Last but not least is a literal complete kit. Let’s say you just want to click on it and buy it now. You don’t want to worry about pouches, inner and outer belts, or much less belt pads. You just wanted a battle belt for your AR and stock standard modern pistol. Cool, well, Wilder Tactical Has you covered. The Urban Defender Elite Package comes with literally everything besides your holster.
Here’s the complete list of stuff included with the Defender Elite Package.
- Urban Defender Belt
- Cobra FM Inner Belt
- Urban Assault Pad
- 2 x Urban Assault Pistol Magazine Pouch
- 2 x Urban Assault Rifle Magazine Pouch
- Dump Pouch
- Med Pouch 2.0 with Wilder Tactical IFAK and North American Rescue CAT-5 TQ
- Cobra Clutch Belt Hanger
- MOD UBL
All you need is your holster, your mags, and to fill the IFAK. It’s a simple, one-stop option for the average shooter. The holster clings to the MOD UBL and allows it to sit mid or low-height with most popular duty holsters.
The mag pouches are all super modern, with bungee-based retention and a design that allows you to fit many magazines. It’s not just AR, but can accommodate a wide variety of intermediate to even AR-10-sized magazines. The pistol mag pouches will accommodate all modern double-stack mags.
I’ve been using a Wilder Tactical Ultimate Operator Belt for years, and it’s been rock solid. The guys at Wilder Tactical are experienced professionals who really love what they do, and it shows. As you’d imagine, this kit is pricey, and it costs north of 600 dollars. However, it takes all the guesswork out and delivers you an extremely nice piece of kit.
Wilder Tactical Urban Defender Elite Package Pros and Cons
- Comes with everything
- Easy to setup
- Super modern
- Pricey
Do You Need A Battle Belt?
The battle belt is designed to provide an efficient and effective means of carrying your gear. They are easy to use and can be extremely effective for people who might not carry a firearm for a living. Battle belts are excellent as the just-in-case piece of load-bearing gear. If you want to carry your ammo to LARP or just in case of a SHTF situation, then it’s a great option.
If you like to train, then a battle belt makes tons of sense. In a range of environments, a battle belt provides a platform to make it easy to train with your rifle. At a range, it’s always wise to have an IFAK on hand.
Finally, if you compete, you know it’s all about the belt! The battle belt allows you to carry your spare and to reload under pressure and on the fly.
Summary
Watching the evolution of the battle belt has been fascinating, from ripping the belts off of issued Deuce gear to those big MOLLE belts to the most modern belts made from a thermoplastic material that is rigid but ultimately flexible. Battle belts are a highly effective piece of gear for a wide variety of purposes. Heck, they even break out of the gun world and have been used by firefighters in the wildland world. A battle belt can take you a long way. What goes with a great battle belt? A great set of tactical pants!
Frequently Asked Questions
Battle Belts have a rich history and were initially the primary way to carry load-bearing gear in military forces before the introduction of firearms. They gained prominence during and after World War 2, evolving from belts carrying swords to modern load-bearing systems.
Initially replaced by chest rigs, Battle Belts regained popularity when plate carriers became standard. Modern Battle Belts work in tandem with chest rigs and plate carriers, providing users with a versatile and efficient load-bearing solution.
Battle Belts allow for increased gear capacity with minimalist plate carriers. They distribute weight to the hips, reducing fatigue and preventing back and shoulder pain. Accessing ammo on the belt is easier in various positions, and the belts are easy to put on and take off for specific situations.
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About Travis Pike
Travis is a former United States Marine Corps Infantryman and currently a firearms writer, instructor, and works in Emergency Management.
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