Tactical load bearing belts have become quite a hot item in recent years.  Shooters now have a comfortable middle ground in between “full fighting gear” and “mags in your pants pockets”.  If carrying only the essential gear while maintaining a maximum of comfort and reliability is what you’re after, odds are something like Gadsden Dynamics‘ War Belt is what you’re looking for.

But today I’m not looking at something like Gadsden Dynamics’ War Belt, I’m looking squarely at the no mess-around, actual thing. I’ve had plenty of time in the old ALICE pistol belt and a bit of less time spent in more modernized offerings from other manufacturers: let’s take a look at what the War Belt has to offer.

Gadsden Dynamics describes this as an ultra-light belt and it’s easy to see why: with the heaviest version coming in at 10 oz, this doesn’t add a lot to your mission weight.  The overall package is very slim and yet feels extremely durable.

The inner lining is a very rubbery fabric which grips the body well and yet offers a little “give” against the waist so you aren’t rubbed raw like with the old ALICE belts.  While an ITW plastic buckle is standard, the  fantastic AustriAlpin Cobra buckle is available as an optional upgrade.  Four plastic loops are arranged along the top of the belt to allow for the inclusion of a set of suspenders if one so desires.

Gadsden Dynamics makes the entire belt in the USA (aside from the optional Cobra buckle).  When a small company is making a quality product here in the land of purple mountain’s majesty and charging a very competitive $44 for the base model ($70 with Cobra buckle), it’s hard not to get excited.  I’ll be taking this out to the range, on hikes and out on the hunt and will report back with an update.

Stay tuned..