I’ll admit it—I’m that guy.
You can spot me if you have the eye. Knife clip exposed in the front pocket, paracord survival bracelet, a multi-function survival watch, multi-tool on my organized key chain, trucker hat, beard. You get the picture.
So the survival belt from Slidebelts is right up my alley. With a knife, firestarter, flashlight and bottle opener stashed inside the buckle, the belt is basically a one-item EDC kit. But I already carry a lot of stuff every day. So before I added this belt to the list, I put it through some tests.
The first test was the same test I give every new belt: can it hold my pants up? Unlike traditional belts, Slidebelts use a sort of ratcheting system to cinch the belt down. The teeth in the system are strong (they’ve been strengthened in the new belts), so the belt holds its shape in any setting. It’s sturdy and efficient, and it makes it possible to use the belt as a strap or as a tourniquet.
Wearing the belt is comfortable and secure. Even with a knife and firestarter in the buckle, there’s no real additional weight or awkwardness with this belt simply acting as its original intent.