For those who take their everyday carry (EDC) and concealed carry weapons (CCW) seriously, a reliable gun belt is a non-negotiable part of the gear. At CarryHard, we understand the importance of a belt that not only holds your firearm securely but also offers comfort, durability, and style. We’ve tested some of the best belts in the market, scoring them across essential categories: Fit, Support, Comfort, Buckle Security, Draw Speed, and Construction Quality. Here are the top contenders:
TOP 3 OVERALL PICKS
1. Kore Essentials Gun Belt
- Fit: 5/5
- Support: 5/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Buckle Security: 5/5
- Draw Speed: 4.5/5
- Construction Quality: Full-grain leather, tactical nylon and licensed Multicam models, and featuring a made in the USA collection
Best Features: Kore Essentials has revolutionized the gun belt game with its micro-adjustable ratchet sizing system. It offers users 40+ sizing points to create a perfect fit every time, making it very comfortable. Their belts are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and heavy loads with their proprietary Power-Core center giving the belts extra support as well as durability. It also means no sag or rollover and they’re virtually indestructible. Lots of choices of interchangeable buckles make the belts versatile for both tactical and casual environments. Rated the Best All Around gun belt for OWB, IWB or AIWB.
Negatives: Stiffness lasts a bit longer than other belts
2. Hanks Gunner Belt
- Fit: 4.5/5
- Support: 5/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Buckle Security: 4.5/5
- Draw Speed: 4/5
- Construction Quality: Full-grain leather, made in the USA
Best Features: The Hanks Gunner Belt is a beast of a belt, crafted from 14 oz full-grain leather that screams durability and ruggedness. It’s a no-nonsense belt that can carry the heaviest of firearms without sagging. The classic, robust buckle is as tough as it looks, ensuring your firearm stays secure. This belt is perfect for those who want a reliable, long-lasting belt that will perform under pressure.
Negatives: On the thick side and pricey. Not a precise fit.
3. Blue Alpha Gear Hybrid EDC Belt
- Fit: 5/5
- Support: 4.5/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Buckle Security: 5/5
- Draw Speed: 4/5
- Construction Quality: Nylon webbing, made in the USA
Best Features: Blue Alpha Gear’s Hybrid EDC Belt is built for versatility and comfort. The hybrid design features a low-profile buckle that offers both quick adjustability and a secure fit, without the bulk of traditional buckles. The belt is crafted from durable nylon webbing, making it ideal for all-day wear, whether you’re at the range or out on the town. This belt is a great choice for those who need adaptability and reliability in their EDC gear.
Negatives: Overtly tactical and somewhat pricey.
REMAINING CONTENDERS
4. 5.11 Tactical Operator Belt
- Fit: 4/5
- Support: 4.5/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Buckle Security: 4/5
- Draw Speed: 4/5
- Construction Quality: Nylon, made in China
Best Features: The 5.11 Tactical Operator Belt is a solid choice for tactical enthusiasts. It features a durable nylon construction with reinforced stitching, providing excellent support for carrying firearms and gear. The belt’s stainless steel buckle is robust, ensuring that your gear stays secure even in the most demanding situations.
Negatives: Questionable quality, buckle tension can slip over time.
5. BigFoot Gun Belts Steel Core Belt
- Fit: 4.5/5
- Support: 5/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Buckle Security: 4.5/5
- Draw Speed: 4/5
- Construction Quality: English Bridle leather with steel core, made in the USA
Best Features: BigFoot’s Steel Core Belt is engineered for those who carry heavy. The embedded spring steel core provides unmatched support, preventing any sagging and ensuring a comfortable, secure fit. The belt’s English Bridle leather is as tough as it gets, promising years of reliable service. This belt is for the serious carrier who demands the best in structural integrity.
Negatives: Overtly thick, not comfortable when worn for long periods of time, expensive. Not a precise fit.
6. Bullhide Concealed Carry Belt
- Fit: 4/5
- Support: 4.5/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Buckle Security: 4/5
- Draw Speed: 4/5
- Construction Quality: Bullhide leather, made in the USA
Best Features: The Bullhide Concealed Carry Belt combines craftsmanship with functionality. Made from thick, durable bullhide leather, this belt offers excellent support and comfort. Its classic design is paired with a strong buckle, ensuring that your firearm remains secure and easily accessible. This belt is perfect for those who value traditional aesthetics with modern functionality. Shop Bullhide
Negatives: Overly Thick, not as comfortable. Not a precise fit.
7. Hunter Constantine Tactical Belt
- Fit: 4/5
- Support: 4/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Buckle Security: 3.5/5
- Draw Speed: 4/5
- Construction Quality: Nylon, made in the USA
Best Features: The Hunter Constantine Tactical Belt is a practical choice for everyday use. Made from durable nylon, it offers a good balance of comfort and support. The belt’s design includes a simple, effective buckle system, although it may lack the high-end security of other options. This belt is great for those looking for a reliable and affordable option for daily carry.
Negatives: For appendix carry only, it doesn’t do well for outside the waistband carry on the hips, on the expensive side and overtly tactical models only. .
8. Magpul Tejas Gun Belt
- Fit: 4/5
- Support: 4/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Buckle Security: 4/5
- Draw Speed: 4/5
- Construction Quality: Polymer-reinforced leather, made in the USA
Best Features: Magpul’s Tejas Gun Belt is a fusion of traditional and modern materials, combining a polymer-reinforced leather body for added stiffness and durability. This belt is designed to handle the weight of a firearm while maintaining a classic leather appearance. It’s ideal for those who appreciate the aesthetics of leather but need the performance of modern materials.
Negatives: Polymer-reinforced leather construction. Not a precise fit.
9. Nexbelt EDC Belt
- Fit: 4.5/5
- Support: 4.5/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Buckle Security: 4/5
- Draw Speed: 4/5
- Construction Quality: Nylon, made in the USA
Best Features: Nexbelt’s EDC Belt stands out for its unique PreciseFit™ ratchet system, offering infinite adjustability for a perfect fit. The belt’s nylon construction provides excellent durability and support, making it a reliable choice for carrying firearms. This belt is ideal for those who value precision and ease of adjustment in their EDC setup.
Negatives: Slated as a Kore knock-off belt, with less styles & options than Kore Essentials and tactical belts tend to fray overtime.
10. Tenicor Zero Belt
- Fit: 4.5/5
- Support: 4/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Buckle Security: 4/5
- Draw Speed: 4/5
- Construction Quality: Nylon, made in the USA
Best Features: The Tenicor Zero Belt is designed with a minimalist approach, focusing on simplicity and efficiency. It features a streamlined buckle and durable nylon construction, making it a solid choice for those who prefer a low-profile belt. This belt is perfect for everyday use, offering a balance of comfort and functionality.
Negatives: Overtly tactical, limited options, not suited for OWB carry.
11. We the People Gun Belt
- Fit: 4/5
- Support: 4/5
- Comfort: 4/5
- Buckle Security: 4/5
- Draw Speed: 4/5
- Construction Quality: Leather, made in the USA
Best Features: The We the People Gun Belt is crafted from high-quality leather, offering a traditional look with modern performance. It provides good support and comfort, making it suitable for daily carry. The belt’s strong buckle ensures your firearm stays secure, making it a reliable option for those who appreciate classic leather belts.
Negatives: Tend to be overly stiff, difficult to thread buckles through belt loops, expensive and overtly tactical. Not a precise fit.
Didn’t Make The Cut: Groove Belt
The Groove Belt, while innovative and comfortable for everyday wear, falls short in the EDC and CCW categories. It tends to sag under the weight of a firearm (esp owb carry), and the buckle, lacks the necessary security (pops open) and durability to secure a weapon. We recommend this belt for light-duty casual wear rather than for carrying firearms.
Conclusion
When selecting a gun belt, it’s crucial to consider your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a belt that offers maximum support, comfort, or style, there’s an option on this list for everyone. For those who prioritize a blend of style, durability, and security, Kore Essentials, Hanks, and Blue Alpha Gear stand out as top choices. Each brand offers unique features and high-quality construction, ensuring your firearm stays securely in place.
For more information and to shop for these top-rated belts, visit the provided links. Remember, the right belt can make all the difference in your EDC setup, providing both peace of mind and a reliable carry solution.
