Many people ask me which firearm they should get for concealed carry protection. Fewer ask me which holster I recommend for concealed carry. And even fewer ask me which belt they should get for concealed carry. Why is that?
Far too many people that conceal carry a handgun don’t seem to think about a good concealed carry belt. They seem to write it off as something that is not needed. They’re of the mindset that their $13 faux-leather belt from their local Wal-Mart will do just fine. Will it work without incident? Maybe. Is it ideal? Not at all.
Handguns add extra weight and stress to your belt. If your belt isn’t rigid and designed for conceal carry then it may allow the handgun in its holster to lean away from the body. This increases the chances of printing and just overall doesn’t keep the holstered weapon nearly as stable. I currently carry a Sig Sauer P365 with an extra magazine in a Black Arch Holsters Entrada holster as an appendix carry. And let me tell you, I’ve got a little bit of a gut (6’2”, 230lbs with very little exercise, currently). But my belt/holster combo keeps that holster very tight to my body. I don’t think appendix carry would be possible for me if I didn’t have my current setup. I think it’d lean out and print far too much with my gut.
There are many different EDC gun belts out there designed for concealed carry. Some use traditional (albeit thicker) leather with holes in them, some use a synthetic material with internal reinforcements, and some do a combination. My favorite EDC gun belts are from KORE Essentials. Why are they my favorite?
- They’re reasonably affordable at around the $60 mark
- They all have a durable reinforced inner core to maintain rigidity
- They have a traditional leather version and a stronger, stiffer, tactical version (and then a Garrison version for you first responders)
- They’re one size fits all from 24” to 54” waists
- No belt holes. Uses a ratcheting system for those all you can eat sushi days where you need a little extra room.
Now, I know what you’re thinking right now. Is this a sponsored ad? No, it’s not. I personally have been using KORE Essentials gun belts for a few years now, and I have been very happy with them. I love that they’re made of quality construction, have a wide range of adjustment, and can quickly and easily be slightly adjusted depending on how my weight fluctuates or if I transition from a standing/sitting position and want the belt a little looser or tighter for comfort. No awkward fiddling with your belt buckle. Just a quick, subtle adjustment thanks to the ratcheting system.
I also like that if you are a businessman and want a good EDC belt but need to keep that professional look then they have really nice looking reinforced belts for you. Maybe you’re more rugged or active and you want a stiffer, more tactical belt? They have that, too. I personally use the X5 tactical belt right now because my belt is rarely seen and I like the extra rigidity it offers.
Whichever manufacturer you choose, I ask that you pick one that is rigid, durable, and will keep your holstered firearm as stable as possible. We are all responsible for the safety of our firearm. Let’s handle and maintain it well.
If you want to check out KORE Essentials for yourself, you can find them here: https://www.koreessentials.com/