A belt is not just a belt when you’re tackling a demanding trail or you’re deep in the woods. It’s a holder of essentials, and sometimes, it’s what keeps your pants up and your spirits high.
If you’re on the hunt for a belt that’s more than just a piece of fabric to secure your pants, I selected the most popular ten types of belts for hiking, focusing on those that bring something special to the table.
My personal favorites? Definitely the ones made from nylon for their durability and versatility. And let’s not forget about the belts that come with utility features like pockets or gear loops – absolute game changers for carrying extra gear or keeping essentials within easy reach.
10 Popular Types of Belts for Hiking
Nylon Belts: Durable and Lightweight
One of the biggest challenges we face on long hikes is the wear and tear on our gear. Nylon belts are built differently. They’re crafted to withstand the rough and tumble of the trail and they bend without breaking, quite literally.
But they’re also sweat-resistant. I’ve hiked in places where the humidity was so intense, my clothes were completely drenched and my nylon belt was the least of my worries. It dealt with the sweat and moisture perfectly, keeping me comfortable and focused on the path ahead.
Feather-Light Yet Strong
We all strive to cut down on weight. Nylon belts are incredibly lightweight, typically tipping the scales at around 4 ounces. It’s like they’re barely there, but they pack a punch in terms of strength and reliability.
Polyester Belts: Quick-Drying
Unlike their cotton or leather counterparts, polyester belts dry super quickly. This means less time worrying about a soggy waistband and more time enjoying your hike.
These belts are also resistant to UV damage. They’re built to withstand long hours under the sun without fading or weakening, making them a stellar choice for sunny day hikes.
Why Choose Polyester?
- Durability: Polyester is tough. It stands up to scratches and scrapes.
- Comfort: These belts offer a snug fit without digging into your waist.
- Versatility: If you’re scaling a mountain, crossing a desert, or exploring a dense forest, a polyester belt is your go-to. It adapts to your environment, just like you.
Leather Belts: Aesthetic vs. Practicality
There’s no denying it – leather belts have a classic, timeless appeal. Whether you’re sporting a rugged, distressed look or a sleek, polished finish, a leather belt adds a touch of class to any outfit.
Heading for a casual hike that ends at a nice lunch spot? A leather belt can transition seamlessly from trail to table.
Practicality on the Trail
When it comes to serious hiking, leather belts face some challenges. Ever gotten caught in the rain with your favorite leather shoes? In short, leather and water are not the best of friends.
Leather belts can soak up to 30% of their weight in water. Imagine adding that extra weight around your waist as you’re trying to navigate a tricky trail. Not ideal.
Discomfort When Wet
Ever worn wet jeans? Multiply that discomfort by ten when it’s your belt. A wet leather belt can become stiff and chafe against your skin, turning what was supposed to be a pleasant day hike into a lesson in endurance.
And if you’re thinking “No worries, it’ll dry,” leather takes its time drying out, leaving you with a damp and uncomfortable belt for much longer than you’d like.
Best Practices for Leather Belt Enthusiasts
If you’re still set on bringing a bit of style to the trails with a leather belt, here are a few tips to make it work:
- Choose Wisely: Opt for a belt made from high-quality, treated leather designed to resist water. It won’t be waterproof, but it’ll fare better than untreated leather.
- Maintenance is Key: Regularly apply a leather conditioner to keep your belt supple and more resistant to water.
- Have a Backup: If you’re expecting wet conditions, bring along a quick-dry, synthetic belt as a backup.
Elastic Belts: Flexibility and Comfort
Elastic belts make sure everything stays in place without squeezing the life out of you. They provide just the right amount of stretch, adapting to your movements and keeping your pants where they should be without any compromise on comfort.
What’s more, these belts usually come with a micro-adjustable buckle, offering a custom fit that feels tailor-made. Whether you’re a 24 or a 40-inch waist, these belts adjust to you, not the other way around.
Arcade Belts
Arcade Belts produce the best elastic belts possible. They are flexible enough to move with you, whether you’re climbing, jumping, or just taking a stroll through the woods. With a range of colors and patterns, they’ve also managed to make elastic belts look cool and stylish.
Belts with D-Ring Buckles: Simplicity and Lightweight
D-ring buckles are relatively easy to use, even with gloves on. Just pull the strap through the rings, loop it back on itself, and you’re all set. It’s so simple yet so effective, ensuring that you spend less time fiddling with your gear and more time enjoying the view.
Light as a Feather
Belts with D-ring buckles are lighter than traditional buckles, typically weighing less than 2 ounces. It’s such a small change that makes a big difference in how you move and feel on the trail.
Choosing the Right Material
Your D-ring belt should be made of stainless steel or another rust-resistant material. The last thing you want is a rusty buckle after a rainy day hike. Stainless steel is strong, reliable, and keeps your belt looking good as new, hike after hike.
Belts with Tri-glide Buckles: Adjustability Without Bulk
The tri-glide buckle belts are all about adjustability without the bulk. They can fit waist sizes up to 42 inches with ease. That means whether you’re layering up or down, you can adjust your belt on the fly, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit all day long.
These belts are suitable for multi-day treks without adding unnecessary weight to your gear. They’re barely there, but still doing the heavy lifting of keeping your pants where they should be.
Trim-to-Fit Belts: Custom Fit and Lightweight
Maybe you lost a bit of weight after several days on the trail, and suddenly, your belt doesn’t fit as snugly as it did?
You can trim these belts to size for a perfect fit, ensuring no flapping ends or loose fits. It’s like having a custom-made belt without the custom-made price tag.
One thing to look out for when choosing a trim-to-fit belt is the heat-sealing property. After you’ve trimmed your belt to the ideal length, the last thing you want is for the end to start fraying.
A good quality trim-to-fit belt will allow you to seal the edge with heat (think a quick touch with a lighter or match), preventing any unraveling and keeping your belt in top condition for miles to come.
Before you trim, wear your belt for a day or two to ensure you’ve got the perfect length. Remember, you can always cut more off, but you can’t add it back on.
Belts with Clasp Buckles: Security on Rugged Terrain
Clasp buckles offer the most secure option, often capable of handling forces up to 500 pounds.
Is it really necessary? For most casual hikes, probably not. But for those of us who venture into more demanding scenarios or engage in activities that require that additional bit of security, it’s quite useful.
Whether it’s rock climbing, mountaineering, or crossing challenging terrains, a belt with a clasp buckle keeps your pants where they should be and offers an anchor point for light gear.
Opt for aerospace-grade aluminum or stainless steel for that unbeatable combination of strength and lightness.
Belts with Utility Features: Hidden Pockets and Gear Loops
You need your hands free, but also, you’ve got stuff – keys, a whistle, maybe a small emergency kit. Where do you put it? Backpacks are great, but sometimes you need quick access, or maybe you just want to lighten your load. This is where utility belts step in, adding functionality without piling on the weight.
At the very least, your belt should have one hidden pocket. It’s perfect for stashing keys or a tiny emergency kit.
My top pick in this category is the Bison Designs’ T Lock Money Belt. It strikes the perfect balance between durability, comfort, and utility, making it my go-to for almost any hike.
Make sure the hidden pockets and gear loops are easy to reach without removing the belt. You want smooth sailing, not a puzzle every time you need something.
Belts with Quick-Release Buckles: Convenience During Breaks
Easy removal during breaks or when setting up camp is not just a convenience. It’s a necessity for any serious hiker.
These belts are typically operated with one hand and are made from durable plastic or metal. The beauty of a quick-release buckle is in its simplicity. A simple click to close and a press to release. That’s it. No fiddling, no fussing. Even with gloves on or in cold weather, these buckles work like a charm.
Make sure the buckle is easy to operate with one hand. You don’t want to exchange one form of frustration for another.
Conclusion
If you’re anything like me, you value gear that makes life on the trail simpler and more enjoyable. That’s exactly what specialized hiking belts do. Nothing more, nothing less. They might seem like a small addition to your hiking outfit, but they make a big difference.
Go ahead, choose a belt that resonates with you, and get ready to hit the trails with confidence.
Lukas Heller
Hey there! I’m Lukas, co-founder of BigfootHiking.com, alongside my adventurous wife Martha. Originally from Germany, I landed in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2015, where I’ve been scouting out new trails ever since (though they’re getting scarce!). By day, I’m a software developer, but my heart belongs to hiking – I’m always plotting our next trip. When I’m not coding or on the trails, you’ll find me hanging out with our Pit Bull, Zeus.
