Battle belts are an essential piece of tactical gear. They have been used s by military personnel, hobbyists, airsoft players, hunters, and shooters for years. A good quality battle belt provides tactical storage, so some are bulkier than others. In this article, we will cover the basics of how to wear a battle belt effectively.
Wearing a battle belt for optimal effect can be a challenge without experience. The size, shape, and style determine how to wear yours. As does your body weight, height, personal strength, and what’s most important, the tactical gear you keep on it. But hopefully, by the end of this guide, you will know all you need to wear a battle belt as efficiently as possible.
What are Battle Belts?
A battle belt is a specialized load-bearing gear that allows you to carry tactical items, weapons, and additional gear.
Just like a standard belt, a battle belt fits around your waist. However, battle belts can be heavy and are made heavier with more kit. In this case, you can fit suspenders to accommodate the extra weight.
Because of their added utility functions, battle belts are popular among the military, law enforcement, and emergency services. However, they are also handy for hobbyist target shooters and those who enjoy legally hunting wild animals.
There are numerous types of battle belts, and the one you wear is determined by your needs. For example, you might use a lighter belt for quick response where time is of the essence, such as in a rescue operation.
Or it might be a better choice to strap on a more rugged design for carrying heavy equipment. But there is always a right battle belt for the job, and they aren’t always offensive. For example, civilian operations commonly use minimalist straps to attach devices and personal defense weapons. These include security guards and paramedics.
OUR TOP 3 BATTLE BELT PICKS
Why Use a Battle Belt?
You might need quick and easy access to any essential equipment. All battle belts are designed to provide optimal efficiency in case of rapid response to any situation. Whether it’s giving battlefield medical assistance or cuffing a suspect. Here are some top reasons for using one:
- Good quality belts provide an easy on and off way of using your weapons and gear.
- You need to carry more equipment but require the use of your hands at all times.
- They Keep your gear and weapons within reach for when you need them.
- A battle belt keeps dangerous items such as your gun secured from a third party.
- Helps protect and store sensitive items that could be damaged through rough traversal.
These are just some of the genuine reasons for wearing a battle belt. Essentially, it all comes down to safety and allowing you to perform at peak efficiency when you need to. A standard belt just won’t cut it for anything more than a single knife. But how do you wear a battle belt?
How to Wear a Battle Belt?
The entire point of your battle belt is to take the weight off your shoulders, both figuratively and literally. But if you configure your belt the wrong way, it can lead to strain and injury if it’s too heavy.
Additionally, you must carefully consider where to place items if you require a belt with suspenders for heavier equipment. It’s always helpful to plan what you need to put on your battle belt setup, depending on the mission or scenario. If you just load up your belt with the extra gear you don’t need, you end up looking like a poser or someone just trying to look cool in fatigues.
A battle belt is a tool and should be treated with the same respect as any other. Additionally, taking items you don’t need just slows you down. For example, suppose you are assigned a mission for recon. In that case, your belt requires the essentials (primary and secondary mags, a medical pouch, and a knife) for optimal efficiency.
However, loading up with extras such as medical gauze, scissors, and a space blanket is also a good idea. Placement is also essential. So get a feel for where your items are individually for quick access in a situation.
How Should a Battle Belt Fit?
First and foremost, your battle belt should fit sturdily around your waist and support your items, gun, and knife. So, don’t wear it low like a Clint Eastwood movie. This will only slow you down when time is essential and prevent you from accessing what you need.
You’ll also find that drawing a weapon from a low holster goes against all your shooting range training. So don’t waste your time. You will find that thicker belts typically handle more weight, but they’re not always the best option. Of course, the best choice depends on your unique situation.
For example, minimalist belts offer durability and lighter weight. They can handle the weight of a sidearm, a knife, and other smaller medical or defense devices. But a battle belt should also be comfortable to wear and shouldn’t slip downwards with prolonged use.
So fit a strap with extra padding and grip for a more comfortable fit. Additionally, your belt should fit in a way that prevents your gear from bouncing. So choose a product with good quality MOLLE webbing. MOLLE webbing is essential and forms a strong bond between any equipment attached.
Tips for Wearing a Battle Belt
There are many scenarios and situations that call for a battle belt. Armed forces, law enforcement, and target practice are common. Here are some tips for wearing yours effectively:
- Choose a battle belt that suits your unique situation, such as your job or mission.
- Always consider a battle belt when items might be damaged by traversal.
- Choose a belt that fits comfortably and doesn’t slide down your waist or legs.
- Carefully consider the weight-to-strength ratio of the battle belt you choose to wear.
- Secure your items and weapons using a battle belt with MOLLE webbing.
Securing and fitting the correct weight to your belt is vital when choosing your items. With an encumbered belt, you risk it becoming uncomfortable, slipping, or causing injury and strain.
OUR TOP 3 BATTLE BELT PICKS
Key Takeaways
A battle belt is a commonly misunderstood tool. Many people think you just load one up and go. But this can be dangerous and foolhardy. So here is a summary of how to wear a battle belt.
A Battle belt is a tool for many rapid response situations
A battle belt is a vital tool for combat and response situations. Without one, you would not be able to carry all the necessary equipment nor have quick access to life-preserving devices.
Fit and wear your belt according to the mission at hand
It’s essential that you treat your belt like a tool. Trying to look “tacticool” or wearing one inappropriately will slow you down. Or worse, prevent access to what you need.
Consider the comfort and grip of your battle belt
Your battle belt should fit securely to your waist. But also comfortably. Try not to overload your belt. And consider extra padding and grip in addition to MOLLE webbing for the best support.
Wearing a tactical battle belt isn’t as straightforward as you think. And should always be configured based on the mission at hand, how much you need to carry, and the comfort.
