There’s no guaranteed formula for converting your regular belt length into a battle belt size.
The general rule of thumb is to take your pants size and add 3-6 inches depending on your load. Keep in mind, that different brands of battle belts use different sizes.
It is important to consult the size chart provided for the belt before making a purchase. The width of the belt will be dependent on your mission set.
Why’s It Important To Have The Right Size Battle Belt?
It is important to purchase a battle belt that is the right size for you. A belt that doesn’t fit properly can offer many challenges. Its primary purpose is to distribute the bulk and weight of extra gear. The belt also provides support while you are running or engaging in other physical activities.
- A battle belt that fits correctly will be less likely to injure the wearer.
- The belt is much more comfortable to wear if properly fitted.
- You’ll be able to deploy all of your equipment effectively.
- There won’t be excessive movement in your equipment during running and general movement.
- With the correct width, gear will attach snuggly and will not have excessive slop.
Too large of a battle belt
If a military battle belt is too large, it can become irritating and difficult to wear. If your military battle belt is too large, it’s important to take action. Wearing a military battle belt that is too large can impede movement and reduce performance in various ways.
- If your battle belt size is too large, it can cause discomfort.
- Extra slop will be present between the belt and the hips of the wearer.
- When drawing a magazine for use, there’s a chance the belt will rise with the magazine. This causes irregular consistency during use.
- There’s a greater chance of injury.
- The belt has the opportunity to slide around on the hips, causing uncomfortable friction and potentially throwing the wearer off balance.
- If the width is too large and doesn’t match your attachments, you’ll be unable to install your gear to the belt.
- The belt can interfere with your ability to move freely.
- Too large war belt size can add unneeded weight to your overall kit.
Too small of a battle belt
There are several potential problems that could arise if a person is wearing a military battle belt that is too small. Some of the same concerns of a regular pants belt that is too small, apply for gun belt sizing as well.
- If your battle belt size is too small, it can cause discomfort and pain.
- There’s a greater risk of injury.
- If the width is too small, a gear attachment may have excessive slop between itself and the belt.
- If the width is too small it may not provide adequate support.
- It may not be able to be worn at all.
How To Choose The Right Size Battle Belt?
There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re looking for the correct size belt. The width selection of your battle belt will be dependent on your size, personal preference, and loadout. If you’re someone who likes to carry a lot of gear around your hips, it’s best to opt for a wider war belt, but if not, then you can opt for a narrower or medium-width belt.
If you have the opportunity to try different style belts out before purchasing, I highly recommend this.
I drew from my own experience customizing my personal belt to fit the various jobs I had to undertake. I also used knowledge from other users in the military, competitive shooting, and tactical law enforcement. I made sure that each war belt size would carry the load I liked efficiently. I also assured that I could fit the pouches easily and once the pouches were in place, they didn’t slip or have excessive slop
If you are a beginner, try consulting active users of military tactical belts. They can give you the practical knowledge they get through the field. Sometimes you can get information from people you can’t find online.
You can also find out if a specific military tactical belt is right for your needs by reading other people’s reviews.
Some companies will produce custom-made tactical belts to fit your desired needs, including MOLLE layout.
OUR TOP 3 BATTLE BELT PICKS
How To Measure For a Battle Belt?
There are different techniques for measuring a perfect battle belt size. It’s not as confusing as it seems and the general ideas are all the same. I would recommend actually measuring yourself. Don’t go off of your general pants size or what you think you are. Keep in mind that almost all gun belt sizes are adjustable to a certain degree. Although, it is ideal to be as close as possible
If there is no inner belt to the product you’re considering purchasing, you will want to take measurements with clothing on. This means if you’re planning on wearing your battle belt over another belt, pants, and underwear, you’ll run the tape measure around all three.
Take the measurement at your high hip, this is approximately the top edge of your normal belt’s resting position. This will give you the measurement for a single outer tactical belt.
Typically if a war belt design has an inner and outer belt, another measurement is needed. To avoid having to return a belt, measure your waist directly through your belt loops. Use this number when you go to reference sizing charts.
Be aware that some companies desire a different measurement, so be sure to research how they do their sizing.
Key Takeaways
Having the right size battle belt is critical to maintaining operational readiness. Before making the final decision on your war belt size, consult the manufacturer sizing chart and have a general idea of your load out.
Width and length play a factor in the size of your belt. Most battle belts have room for adjustments; try to find a belt that can be adjusted a little smaller and larger than your actual size. Remember to stay up to date on new gear and tactics. Stay Safe
