When it comes to gear, a dump pouch is one of those items that can be a bit of a personal preference. Some people swear by them, while others think they’re unnecessary. So, the question remains: do you need a dump pouch on your battle belt?
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of having one and offer some tips on where to place it for optimal use.
What Are Dump Pouches?
A tactical dump pouch is, simply put, a small compact bag where you can “dump” (place/store) used magazines or other gear.
When we talk about a tactical dump pouch, we mostly mean a way to quickly store empty magazines. In a combat situation, you don’t have time to start putting empty magazines back into magazine pouches. And dropping mags on the ground isn’t the best option either.
A dump pouch is definitely not just for storing empty magazines. I can say from my own experience that there are many situations where you want to be able to quickly put something into your pocket, but you don’t have room for it then a dump pouch comes really handy.
Pros of using a dump pouch:
- Saves you precious time when reloading
- Keeps your empty (or partially empty) magazines safe
- Can be used to store other items such as food, small tools, etc.
Cons of using a dump pouch:
- Takes up space on your battle belt
- Can get in the way if not placed correctly
Overall I would say that a dump pouch is one of the most versatile and useful pouches you can integrate into your loadout!
Battle Belt – Dump Pouch Combo: Yes or No?
Wearing a dump pouch on a battle belt is quite a common configuration that many people use. And for good reason: it’s a very effective way to carry your dump pouch while also freeing up space on your main plate carrier or tactical vest. It’s also really easy to access it from a battle belt.
The main pros of having a dump pouch on a battle belt vs your vest/plate carrier are:
- Ease of access
- Frees up space on your carrier
- A dump pouch on a plate carrier can interfere with accessing gear on your waistline (belt).
- The lower position for the dump pouch allows for a more natural motion of dumping the mags.
What else you should keep in mind is how many MOLLE lines are on your battle belt and how many lines the dump pouch takes away. Not only in terms of width but also in terms of height. If the battle belt is narrower than the dump pouch, it won’t hold as well as it could.
Another reason not to wear a dump pouch on a battle is that it takes up extra space. Here, everyone has to find out for themselves where and if they want to wear it all. The best way to find out is to go and try out the gear yourself.
I think that a battle belt with a dump pouch is a good combo if you are looking for speed, simplicity, and practicality.
Where to Place a Dump Pouch on a Battle Belt and Why?
There are mainly two places to carry a dump pouch. One way is to wear it on your weaker side. What this option gives you is that you can put away your empty magazines quickly and in one smooth motion. In addition, since it is on your side, then it’s easier to access it.
Another way is to wear a dump pouch in the middle back of the battle belt setup. In this case, access is a bit more difficult, but it gives you one big advantage. You can reach it with both hands. This way, you can also place more important things further forward. If the dump pouch was on the side, then it would take up more space.
What Is the Best Dump Pouch for a Battle Belt?
There is no single definitive answer to what is the best dump pouch to carry on a battle belt.
It largely depends on how much space you have on your battle belt and which one is more convenient for you to use. On the other hand, it also depends on the material of the dump pouch. For example, the thinner the dump pouch, the less space it takes up. This means it may not be as durable.
What I personally use is a roll-up dump pouch the width of two MOLLE strips, which I can also make compact if necessary. If I make it as compact as possible, it will not be wider than two MOLLE widths.
If you want a solution that takes up as little space as possible and is very compact, choose a foldable dump pouch.
However, if you have more space and want the most durable dump pouch, choose a roll-up dump pouch.
In Conclusion
I personally think that the dump pouch has its place in almost any tactical loadout. Be it storage of empty magazines, food, or other supplies.
Whether the dump pouch should be on the battle belt or attached to the vest is up to your personal preferences. My opinion on the subject is that it is a great addition to the battle belt and offers many advantages.
When buying a dump pouch, you definitely have to keep a few things in mind. You must take into account how much space it takes up, how much space you have on your battle belt, which type of battle belt you have, what type of dump pouch you want, and how much capacity it offers.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you think a dump pouch has a place on a battle belt? Let us know in the comment section below!
