Belts are made for all ages and sizes so that they first of all serve a function and second of all add a bit of style. That second part isn't something duty belts are made for as these types of belts are used only for their versatility and ability to provide easy access to commonly used items.
That's why law enforcement, medics and the fire service all make use of such belts. These are durable belts that can accommodate different types of gear and accessories that suit the person's needs or profession. Duty belts are not even used to hold your jeans up, they're purely seen as a place to store common items in arm's reach.
What to Look for in a Duty Belt
Material
Starting off from the most important factor of them all, the material a duty belt comes made of determines its durability and affects comfort levels. You get to choose between leather and nylon heavy duty belts.
Leather duty belts in Canada are quite popular since they are durable and have a classic appearance to them. Leather belts are also comfortable and naturally fire-resistant. Nylon belts, on the other hand, are strong and lightweight while being resistant to wear and tear. Nylon belts don't require special care to last long but leather belts do while being more expensive too.
Compartments
What makes duty belts so versatile isn't the materials they come made of but rather the pouches and compartments you can have on one. The interesting part about them is that you can use any pouch and compartment you need to have a belt that is tailor-made for your tools and supplies. There are baton holders, general-purpose belt pouches, small first aid kits, knife holders, magazine holders and more.
Weight
Going ham on the number of pouches and holders you want on your duty belt can hinder your experience. While it's important to have frequently used tools and supplies that are easily accessible, having all of them on your belt can add a lot of weight and thus slow you down. A balance between access and agility is key here.
Thickness
What helps distribute the weight of all your supplies on your waist is the thickness of the belt. Thicker belts in Canada may be on the heavier side but they are also better at weight distribution. What also helps with the supplies you carry are buckles which when used help make removing pouches and compartments much easier.
Size
The size of durable belts is what can make or break the whole experience. If not of the correct size, you can have the belt slip and drag you down or be too tight and feel uncomfortable.
Access
Having easy access to your most important tools and supplies is important but that shouldn't come at the expense of uneven weight distribution or a belt that feels like it's dragging you down while walking. You can't have it all in terms of access since not every tool can be attached to your duty belt.
Duty Belt Maintenance Tips
Inspect
Prevention is better than cure and the same goes for heavy duty belts which you're better off inspecting from time to time than not. This way you get to see if any fraying or loose stitching is present and if so, taking care of them in the beginning is a much better approach than letting your belt get damaged to the point of no return. This way your belt stays usable and safe even in the most extreme situations.
Clean
Cleaning your belt is another important factor as a dirty belt can get stuffed with dirt and debris to the point of premature wear which is not something you want. Be it with a damp cloth or a soft bristle brush, you can get rid of all that gunk getting stuck, making your belt look like it's been on your waist for a decade rather than on and off for a month.
Cleaning leather belts is a bit more demanding as you need to use a leather conditioner, after cleaning them, in order to preserve the condition and appearance of the belt. Fortunately, though this doesn't need to be done every time you clean your belt. With nylon belts you need to be wary of fraying and when you notice it you should cut it off with scissors and you're good to go.
Tighten
Duty belts come with hardware that also needs to be kept in good condition in order for the belt itself to last a long time. This mainly involves tightening fasteners that can become loose after a long time of using the belt. If you have buckles you should tighten those too.
Storage
Storing your belt is best done in a dry and cool place as this also helps extend its lifespan. Exposing it to direct sunlight or high temperatures can easily shorten it.
