Utility Belts: Questions, Answered

Got a utility belt? Next to a utility vest, a belt is a great piece of gear, and some might even say better since it a belt is lighter, less obtrusive, and more minimalistic overall.

So we rounded up some of the top questions regarding utility belts and took note of the answers. If you’re wondering something about a belt like this, you’re in the right place.

What Is a Utility Belt?

Broadly speaking, a utility belt is any belt that has pockets, clips, or other parts that makes it easy to store gear while maintaining a high degree of access to it.

The most widely recognized belts are duty belts, which are worn by law enforcement agents, but first responders, runners, firefighters, and others might also wear similar belts.

With that said, the gear you carry on such a belt will vary considerably based on what your employment is, or with respect to the discipline you are pursuing.

                   

Why Use One?

There are numerous use cases for these types of belts, not necessarily in replacement to other duty gear like a vest, but as a complement to one.

The greatest selling point of a duty belt is that it keeps your gear organized and within easy reach at your hip level.

In addition, a belt gives you extra real estate to distribute the weight of your gear without having to store it all on a chest rig, while offering the added benefit that it provides easier access than a pack or pouch.

How to Wear a Utility Belt?

One of these belts can be worn in much the same fashion as any other belt. There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong way to wear one.

Depending on the style and design of the belt, it may be intended to be worn through your pants’ belt loops, or not.

Some duty belts are made with quick-attach buckles that enable them to secure around your hips without the need for belt loops to keep them in place. These can be worn over the top of your pants.

How to Fasten a Utility Belt?

                       

That depends on the style of the belt. Some belts may have conventional fasteners, others are made with quick-release buckles that make it possible to wear them with basically any type of pants.

What to Carry in a Utility Belt?

What you’ll want to carry in your utility belt will depend heavily on your need for the belt. If you need a duty belt for your line of work, let your occupation dictate the required gear.

If you wear one of these belts for running or some other recreational discipline, what you will carry will be determined by the requirements of your pursuit.

If you’re wearing it as a tool belt, your trade will determine what to carry. For instance, if you’re a carpenter you might carry a box of nails, a framing hammer, a carpenter’s pencil, and a tape measure, among other things.

If you’re just wondering what EDC gear is good to have on hand and within easy reach, here’s a good place to start:

• A sidearm and spare magazines
• A small flashlight
• A multitool
• A knife
• A pen
• A pry tool

How Do You Organize Your Belt?

How you organize a duty belt should be determined by what gear takes precedence for fastest access.

For instance, if you carry a sidearm or a knife, that should be on your dominant side for easiest access.

In addition to speed of access, you should also consider ergonomics, which is a function of weight distribution. You shouldn’t keep all the heavy items on one side of the belt.

How to Make a Utility Belt?

Any belt can be transformed into a utility belt provided you outfit it with clips or pouches that ensure rapid access to your gear.

If you’re particularly enterprising you might also be able to make your own utility belt from leather, ballistic nylon, or even by weaving one from paracord or a similar material.

How Do You Decide What to Keep on Your Belt and What to Keep in Your Pockets?

What you keep on your belt and what you keep in your vest, pack or elsewhere on your person should be determined by what you need unfettered access to.

Your most essential duty items should be stored on your belt, and the rest in your vest or pack.

Where to Store Your EDC Gear When You Run Out of Room?

If you run out of room on your belt, you can store the rest of your essential gear in your pockets, or else in your jacket, vest, or pack.

Where to Buy a Utility Belt?

Looking for a high-quality utility belt? You’re in the right place. Check out our complete collection and get in touch with us if you have any questions about our products.