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Ever been hiking and your belt isn't quite doing the job?
What seems like a little inconvenient at home, can become incredibly annoying when mile after mile you have to hitch your pants up. It's compounded when you carry a backpack as it will rub against your waist. Nobody wants to have to adjust a heavy backpack with their pants around their ankles.
The answer is obvious: make sure your belt fits. What may not be as obvious, is the array of hiking belts on offer that are especially good for hiking. Keep reading to see what cracking choices we have uncovered.
How We Uncover The Best For You
So we had thought: 'A belt is a belt, is a belt'. But reading through review after review, it became clear to us that there is more to consider here than just color and style. When you are looking for hiking belts, it's worth giving some thought to functionality.
Now it is a big job going garment shopping! With such a focus on style, it's easy to overlook functionality. So we spent the time looking for the best hiking belts we could find. Now you don't have to, and can spend more time hiking!
Best Heavy Duty Hiking Belt
We Chose This Because:
- Robust
- Reliable
- Comfort
Things We Love
The Arcade Adventure Belt is the perfect accessory for any adventure, big or small. Made from stretchy, comfortable elastic belt material, it's designed to move with you, not constrict you.
It's also soft and comfortable to wear, with a snap closure buckle that makes it easy to take on and off. The plastic buckle won't dig into your stomach, as some metal buckles do. Whether you're scaling a mountain or going on a bike ride, the Arcade Adventure Belt will help you do it in comfort and style.
Things To Know
The Arcade Adventure Belt is the perfect accessory for any adventure, big or small. Made from durable, high-quality materials, this belt is built to last.
Plus, there are 21 cool pattern and color options to choose from, so you can find the perfect look for any occasion. Thread it through the belt loops of your pants and you're set.
And when the adventure is over and it gets dirty, no problem - just throw it in the washing machine. So go ahead and let your inner explorer loose - the Arcade Adventure Belt is ready for anything.
Best Lightweight Hiking Belt
We Chose This Because:
- Lightweight
- Easy to Clean
- Adjustable
Things We Love
The Fjallraven Canvas Belt is a great choice for hikers who are looking for a well-made belt with a simple design.
This belt is made from 100% acrylic, which makes it lightweight and easy to clean. The textured webbing belt weighs just 3.88 ounces!
The Fjallraven hiking belt is available in 4 different colors. It has a sleek look that can be used for all sorts of occasions, not just hiking.
Things To Know
Although it comes in just one size, the Fjallraven Canvas Belt is also a great choice for hikers who want a belt that is easy to adjust. This belt has an adjustable flip closure buckle that allows you to customize the fit which means no more saggy pants.
In addition, attaching your gear to the belt is the perfect way to carry your essentials if you don't want too much heavy gear to carry.
Best Leather Hiking Belt
We Chose This Because:
- Classic design
- Durable Leather
- Versatile Use
Things We Love
The Timberland PRO Men's Belt is a great choice for hiking or casual wear. It's made of 100% raw tanned leather, so it's soft to the touch and will last long.
The Timberland PRO Men's Belt is also pretty stylish. You can wear it hiking, camping, or just around town. The Timberland PRO Men's Belt is a great choice for hikers who are going for the classic look leather belts offer.
Things To Know
The Timberland PRO Men's Belt is a great hiking accessory. It's made of sturdy materials, so it can withstand the elements, and it has a sturdy buckle that will keep your pants securely in place.
The belt is available in all sorts of sizes, so you're sure to find one that fits you perfectly, and it's even machine-washable for easy care.
Plus, at only 7.05 ounces, it won't weigh you down on the trail. So if you're looking for a hiking belt that's both functional and comfortable, the Timberland PRO Men's Belt is a great choice.
Best Budget Hiking Belt
We Chose This Because:
- Great value
- Fast Drying
- Durable
Things We Love
The WYuZe Web Belt is a great choice for anyone looking for a comfortable, lightweight belt for hiking. Made from 100% nylon, it's soft and breathable, but also made with strong webbing material that can stand up to lots of wear and tear.
It's great for hiking in that if it gets wet on the trail, it dries quickly. Whether you're hiking or just running errands, the WYuZe Web Belt will keep you feeling comfortable all day long.
Plus, it comes in two colors: grey and black so you can choose the perfect match for your hiking pants every time.
Things To Know
The WYuZe web belt is a versatile belt that is perfect for hiking or any other outdoor activity. The plastic buckle is easy to latch and unlatch and makes the belt adjustable for length and comfort.
The 4.16-ounce weight makes it perfect for those who want a light, comfortable belt that will last for years.
Additionally, the webbing is made from high-quality materials that are built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors, making it an ideal choice for anyone who loves to explore.
Whether you're hiking in the mountains or at a National park, the WYuze web belt is a great choice for those who want a reliable, comfortable webbing belt that will help them enjoy their time outdoors.
Best Belt For Hiking Overall
We Chose This Because:
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Durable
Things We Love
The Groove Belt by Groove Life is great for hiking as it's easy to adjust the size and get a snug fit. The aluminum buckle with earth neodymium magnets is designed to close easily.
It comes in 16 different color variations, so you can choose the perfect match for your hiking pants every time. This belt comes highly recommended, it's stylish, comfortable and easy to use.
Things To Know
The Groove Belt by Groove Life is a most comfortable and durable belt to own. It's made from high-strength 100% nylon webbing, so it's built to last.
It's also surprisingly lightweight, weighing in at just 5.71 ounces.
It doesn't chafe or rub as some belts do, and it never feels like it's going to break. And if you ever have any issues with it, they have a no BS 94-year warranty. I highly recommend this belt to anyone looking for a high-quality, long-lasting belt.
Best Hiking Belt For You?
Here is a Buyer's Guide to help you choose the best belt for your needs. By keeping these key features in mind, you can be sure to find a belt that will help you make the most of your next hike.
Should I Wear A Belt When Hiking?
Although not always a necessity, a hiking belt can be of real benefit. When it comes to choosing the right hiking belt, there are a few things you need to take into account.
Comfort
First and foremost, the belt should be comfortable to wear, even when carrying a heavy load. It should also be adjustable so that it can be a good fit. It should fit snugly around your waist without being too tight, and the fabric should be soft and breathable.
Material
The first thing you need to consider is the material the belt is made from. It should be made from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of the trail. There are a variety of materials available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
For example, leather belts are very durable but can be quite heavy, while nylon belts are lighter but not as durable.
A good hiking belt should be water-resistant so that it won't get wet in bad weather.
Size
Another important consideration is the size of the belt. You need to make sure that the belt is not too tight or too loose. If it is too tight, it will be uncomfortable to wear and may cause chafing. If it is too loose, it will not provide the support you need and may slip down during use.
Price
The last thing to consider is the price. Hiking belts vary widely in price, from a few dollars to over one hundred dollars. It is important to find a belt that is affordable but also of good quality. With so many options available, there is sure to be a hiking belt that is perfect for you.
Features
A reflective hiking belt can be seen in low light conditions, making it safer to wear on night hikes.
The Best Hiking Belts - Your Questions Answered
Sometimes you have this niggly little question that would help you make a choice if someone would just answer it! We know that, so we try to include some of the questions frequently asked by other hikers, looking for hiking belts.
Your Answers Are Just A Short Distance Away, Keep Reading!
Should I Wear A Belt When Hiking?
The first and most obvious is to keep those pants from falling around your ankles! This is especially true if you are carrying a backpack as it will tend to push your pants at the waistband level.
But hiking belts have a few other uses you may not have considered:
First, A belt can help keep your gear close at hand, which can be especially handy when you're hiking with a heavy pack.
Attaching gear to your belt can free up your hands for other tasks, which is necessary when you are hiking. It can be dangerous for mountaineers to climb whilst carrying things in their hands.
Some hiking belts have belt loops or clips that can be used to attach a water bottle or other small items like a flashlight.
Many hikers use them to carry a camping knife. Often you can attach the knife sheath to the belt itself.
And finally having a belt handy is invaluable in emergencies where you may need a tourniquet or a makeshift sling.
With so many different uses, it's no wonder that hiking belts are one of the most popular items among outdoor enthusiasts.
What Is A Trekking Belt?
A trekking belt is a wide, adjustable belt that is worn around the waist. It is usually made from nylon or another durable synthetic material, and features a number of pockets and compartments of different sizes.
Trekking belts typically have a quick-release metal or plastic buckle for easy on and off and are adjustable to fit a range of waist sizes.
Trekking belts are useful pieces of gear for anyone who enjoys spending time in the wilderness. They allow you to carry everything you need for a safe and enjoyable hike without having to lug around a heavy backpack.
Additionally, they keep your hands free so you can focus on your surroundings and have a better time exploring.
What Is A Backpacking Hip Belt?
A backpacking hip belt is a belt that helps distribute the weight of your backpack evenly across your hips, which can make it easier and more comfortable to carry your pack.
A hip belt is helpful when hiking because it provides extra support to your waist and abdomen, which can help reduce the strain on your back.
Finally, many hiking belts are designed to help stabilize your backpack and prevent it from shifting around too much as you walk. This can help to prevent back pain and fatigue, both of which are common problems for hikers.
Hip belts are usually adjustable and come in different sizes to fit different body types. They may also include pockets for storing small items like snacks or a phone.
How Do I Keep My Belt From Riding Up?
There are a few things you can do to keep your belt from riding up. Make sure the belt is the right size for you. A belt that's too large will move up more easily than a belt that's the right size. If you need to add some holes to your belt to make it a snug fit, there are punches especially made for this purpose.
Make sure that your belt is fed through all the available belt loops.
You can also try tucking your shirt or blouse into the waistband to help keep the belt in place.
Where Is Your Hip Shelf?
For those of you who don't know, your hip shelf is the bony protrusion at the top of your hip that you can feel when you put your hand on your waist. It's important for hikers as it basically provides a shelf for your backpack, hence the name.
Your hip shelf is made up of a few bones: the ilium, the ischium, and the pubis.
The ilium is the larger bone and it's what you can feel if you press hard on your hip.
The pubis is the smaller bone that's located just below the ilium and the ischium is the bone located towards the back.
When you have wider hips your hip shelf is sufficient to hold up your backpack. When you have narrower hips you may find you need to add a hip belt or waist strap to help distribute the weight of the backpack.
Can You Add A Waist Strap To A Backpack?
Yes, you can add a waist strap to a backpack, but it's not always necessary. Many backpacks, especially those made for hikers on a trekking adventure, come with waist straps. These tend to be more comfortable and distribute the weight of the pack more evenly, but they can also be more cumbersome to carry when not needed.
If you're looking for a way to make your backpack more comfortable to wear, try using a waist strap. It may take some getting used to, but it'll be worth it when you're not carrying the extra weight on your shoulders.
Which Leather Belt Is Best?
Leather is a good material for a hiking belt because it is durable and can withstand the elements.
If you are looking for a leather belt to wear hiking it's best to think through what you plan to carry. A hiking belt will also have extra loops and buckles to attach gear to, such as a flashlight or water bottle. Avoid patent leather if possible.
We like the Timberland PRO Men's Belt, reviewed above, but of course, this is in large part a personal design choice as much as it is a functional one.
Are Ratchet Belts Better?
It really depends on what you're using your ratchet belt for. For example, if you're going hiking, a ratchet belt can be a lot more comfortable and secure than a traditional belt. Because they are adjustable, they can be made to fit snugly around your waist without putting any pressure on your stomach or hips.
This is especially important when you're carrying a heavy load, as it helps to distribute the weight evenly and reduces the chances of getting chafing or blisters.
On the other hand, if you're just using your ratchet belt for everyday wear, you could just as easily go for a traditional belt.
What Are Earth Neodymium Magnets?
Neodymium magnets are a type of rare earth magnet made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron. They are the strongest type of permanent magnet created and are used in a variety of applications, including electric motors, generators, wind turbines, MRI machines, and speakers.
Neodymium magnets are also increasingly being used in hiking and camping gear as they are incredibly lightweight and can be used to attach things like lights or water filters to backpack frames.
The Groove Belt, which we rated best overall in the above review, contains Neodymium magnets.
After a lot of research which made us think about hiking belts with new eyes, we found some we are excited to share with you. We took care to think about you, the hiker, when we made our choices. Functionality was a key consideration.
Our Choice For A Heavy Duty Hiking Belt
Our Choice For A Lightweight Hiking Belt
Our Choice For A Leather Hiking Belt
Our Choice For A Budget Hiking Belt
Our Choice For Best Overall
I hope you found this article useful. We are proud to share our findings with you. Choose yourself a great belt and don't get caught outdoors unprepared, because that would be pants! Maybe one day we will meet out on the trail, and neither of us will be having belt issues!
Keep Asking Questions And We Will Keep Finding Answers For You.
