For years, I’ve been EDC’ing with Spec-Ops Brand’s Better BDU Belt (which I originally got because I hated issue BDU belts).  While they’re great belts, easy to adjust to any length, last forever, and have no metal in the buckle, I found myself needing to readjust the belt every so often during the day.  They also can dig into my skin on days with a lot of time on the road.  Another shortcoming is the older versions were a bit too flexible, and I was having issues when carrying heavy firearms such as full size steel 1911’s, Glock 20/21’s, HK USP’s and the FN45.  Holsters and mag holders tended to also easily slide around on the slick webbing.

Despite it’s hefty weight, this holstered Wilson Combat 10mm doesn’t shift around at all

For all those reasons, plus the fact that a BDU belt doesn’t go too well in anything but a casual setting, I set out to find a new EDC gunbelt.  I first found out about FirstSpear’s Line One Belt via Soldier Systems.  The idea of a belt that looked like leather, but wouldn’t crack or peel, or stiffen up in below-freezing temperatures, along with a cerakoted buckle, seemed to fit the bill.

Specs

Here’s the skinny on the belt via FirstSpear:

Borrowing its name from an old NSW term for first level of clothing or gear, the Line One Belt has amazing tactical performance that maintains the high level of comfort and mobility usually associated with leather. Urethane covered Nylon provides superior strength and weather-resistance – this belt won’t crack, peel, or become stiff in frigid temperatures. Specially tempered, non-slip coating eliminates “break-in” time and allows for flex like leather, yet it is impervious to sweat and water and will not stretch or lose its original shape. An excellent platform for concealed carry or for just keeping your pants up with style!

Sizes:

• 30-34″
• 34-38″
• 38-42″
• 42-46″

Price:  $67.68

Close-up of the coated nylon webbing

The textured material looks nice, but is much more functional and durable than leather

The cerakoted buckle hasn’t scratched or worn at all despite being in gravel and dirt

Impressions:

I ordered a size up, so as to accommodate any IWB carry situation.  With a price of $67.68, it was right in the range of other EDC belts I was looking at.  When the belt arrived, I immediately noticed that the BioThane coating gripped anything I slid on the belt quite securely.  The belt has proven to be just stiff enough, not overly so.  I used to have clipped items, such as flashlights, constantly getting bumped off my BDU belts.  This hasn’t been an issue with the Line One Belt.  Items have stayed where I put them.  No more having to adjust my EDC gear throughout the day, or worrying that something might come off or shift while I’m running.

The belt is plenty stiff…

but not overly so

The Line One belt also has shined when I have to spend a lot of time on the road.  Over a 5 day road trip, I never had discomfort despite carrying IWB the entire time.  I also wore the belt through a 2-day combat rifle and pistol course at Hughston Shooting School.  Running, shooting, and getting down in the dirt and the gravel did not damage the belt in any way or shift my gear around.

This full compliment stayed put during the course

I’ve worn this belt for two months hiking, shooting, and recreating in the rocky mountains, and there is hardly a scratch on it.  Sweat hasn’t affected it at all either.  The only point I have noticed any wear is some uncoated nylon fraying around the prong. It holds up either EDC or heavy gear equally well.  I heartily recommend FirstSpear’s Line One Belt to anyone who needs a good, durable EDC belt.

light fraying around the prong, nothing that compromises the integrity of the belt

New definition of tree-hugger