wilderness instructor belts -- what for?

S

storyville

Joined
Aug 11, 1999
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I'd like to get a belt that is a little less bulky than my leather belts for dayhiking and backpacking. No climbing or anything like that. Are these wilderness belts light? Do they stretch out or weaken over time? Any comments on plusses/minuses would be appreciated. Thanks --Glen
 
I've had an Original Wilderness Tactical Belt for about 5 years.

The velcro started having some noticeable wear about 1 year of use. I flame the velcro that is fraying with a lighter. I've had to sew back on the velcro at the tip of the belt. Even so, the belt still works.

It's a good stiff belt for holsters and knife sheaths.

I don't use it that much anymore. I have since started using leather belts again since I changed my CCW method.
 
Storyville, The Spec-Ops brand "Better BDU Belt" is less bulky than a leather belt or The Wilderness belts. The low profile works well with most packs. It's a little overpriced IMO but still my favorite belt.

http://www.specopsbrand.com/main.html

If you plan on wearing a pistol or a heavy knife I would go with The Wilderness products though. The velcro is a deal breaker for me on their products though. I don't like velcro much, and I especially don't like it on something where it will be fastened and unfastened on a regular basis.
 
Yes the wilderness belts are light and pratical tactical. However, it is not a substitute for a properly fitted leather belt. I like the feel of leather, and leather on leather when carrying my knives and side arms which are in leather sheaths themselves. Perhaps most important is that leather breaths. I never get itchy irritated skin like I do when using any kind of nylon or synthetic garments. For me its leather belts, and cotton and wool for clothing. Finally theres nothing better looking than a nice wide naturally tanned brown leather belt with a shiney buckle sporting my favorite blades.:cool:
 
Glen, I have had the 5-stitch Wilderness instructors belt for over a year now (worn daily, up to 10 hours at a time) and for ME it is good to go. No stretching or fraying and it is very affordable. One minor gripe is the large buckle. My two-cent opinion.
 
i too have a WEB and have had good luck with it, they work great for concealed carry with a holster, i dont know if i would want one if i didnt have to wear a holster though, too stiff, oh its not bad with a holster, but not as comfy as a std belt imho,
 
SIFU1A said:
i too have a WEB and have had good luck with it, they work great for concealed carry with a holster, i dont know if i would want one if i didnt have to wear a holster though, too stiff, oh its not bad with a holster, but not as comfy as a std belt imho,
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That's the nice thing about the aforementioned "Last Chance/Light Duty" belt from Bison Designs. The single layer of 40mm nylon is pliable enough for comfort but wide enough to perform well.

I have heavier leather and reinforced nylon as well as leather belts for use with holsters when necessary.
 
Thanks for the great replies and apologies for getting back here so late -- work keeps me busy and I don't get to spend enough time on the forums. I really appreciate a good leather belt, too, but want a nylon belt for backpacking that I don't mind getting wet, muddy or scuffed up. The SpecOps belt looks like it may just be the right one for me; thanks Paul and everyone else for your input! Glen
 
I hope you like it Glen. In California you may be able to find a retail shop that carries them, so you can try it first. They have a list of dealers on their website but my knowledge of CA geography is fairly limited.
 
acwire_2125 said:
Any idea if Blackhawk sells any of this belts?
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Blackhawk sells a riggers belt, which is similar.

I bought one from the sadly missed javahed, and have worn it for the last 3-5 years or or so. The velcro tends to get a bit mixed ub with fluff/crud, but I never have any concerns about it.
 
acwire_2125 said:
Any idea if Blackhawk sells any of this belts?
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Blackhawk sells a similar belt as mentioned before. I never bought one because I already had the Wilderness belt. I know several guys that wear the Blackhawk belts and they seem to work fine.
 
The Wilderness belt 34.95 made in USA, I want to say the original, but can check

Specops 39.95 for a riggers belt made in USA


Blackhawk import 31.95

Above prices do not include shipping

I don’t know anything about Bison but price was 15.00
 
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