The Wilderness Belt by Tactical Products LLC: A Forgotten Classic

Within the early 2000s I wanted a nylon belt to put on on the vary as a firearms teacher. I didn’t need a heavy responsibility belt or Sam Browne belt to lug round all day, but it surely needed to be stiff sufficient to carry an OWB holster and magazine pouches throughout repeated attracts and demonstrations. A number of seasoned brokers pointed me towards The Wilderness model from Tactical Merchandise LLC and the unique Teacher belts. Not like most nylon belts, they have been as stiff and heavy responsibility because the double thick leather-based belts, they might be worn seen or hid and, in contrast to leather-based, they didn’t discolor or get mushy and flimsy with time.

Shortly afterward, 9/11 occurred ,and I ended up in Afghanistan as a part of a small group from the Division of Justice. I wore a tan Wilderness belt to carry my sidearm and magazines day by day. It’s nonetheless hanging in my closet 20 years later, and nonetheless getting use. After Afghanistan, I transferred to a world coaching unit and bought the Wilderness Frequent Flyer belt as a result of it was all plastic. Name me lazy, however I didn’t wish to take it off after I went by means of the airports. Even this belt is considerably stiffer than most different manufacturers of teacher belts at present.

I not too long ago bought again within the health club and misplaced somewhat weight, so wanted a smaller belt. I had forgotten concerning the Wilderness belts and easily went searching for one. I discovered that belts with Cobra buckles didn’t let me lace my holster and magazine pouch simply. Different manufacturers, virtually all of that are copies of the Wilderness Belt, have been too flimsy. Nearly by mistake, I discovered Wilderness was nonetheless making the identical nice belts.

They’ve tons of choices together with width (1.5- or 1.75-inch), stiffness (three-stitch, five-stitch or polymer-lined), shade, Velcro on the within or exterior and normal or customized lengths. My desire is the polymer-lined belt as a result of it’s even stiffer (however far thinner) than the most effective, heavy-duty leather-based belts you should purchase. Don’t get the “Straightforward-Match” if you can be lacing on a holster. The tongue is simply too lengthy and it reaches clear again to your hip.

This firm by no means advertises, and also you by no means see them talked about, however they’re absolutely the crème de la crème for hid carry belts. The one time you have to to buy one other one is when your waist dimension adjustments.

Because it seems, they make lots of different merchandise like adjustable slings, the Ching Sling (in case you don’t understand it, you haven’t studied your Jeff Cooper), vary baggage, magazine pouches and an excellent heavy-duty bag known as Journey Prepared Package (ARK) to retailer your jumper cables, tow strap, tire chains, flares and all of your different emergency car gear for when SHTF. Their stuff isn’t the most affordable, but when they construct the whole lot as robust as their belts you’ll put on out earlier than it does.

Test them out at thewilderness.com or name 800-775-5650.