When looking for a duty belt, much depends on what you're expecting to use it for. If you've got a full-size, all-metal pistol with a 20-round magazine and two back-up magazines that you're carrying in addition to a smartphone and a knife, you want something made from thick leather or reinforced kydex to hold up under all that weight.
If, however, you're carrying a single-stack polymer 9 mm in a kydex IWB holster, with a reload in your pocket, the belt doesn't have to be able to withstand End of Times. In fact, the lighter as a whole your kit can be, the more likely you'll be to put it on, as a general rule of thumb.
The First Tactical's BDU Belt is a sturdy, well-built belt that is reinforced in all the right places, allows rapid on/off with a simple over/under buckle and comes at a price that will make you look twice (because it's affordable). With a tapered leading edge reinforced for repeated use, extra stitching on the top and bottom and reinforcement at the buckle, the BDU Belt is built to last. It's also lightweight and rolls up into a small overall area.
That's another thing. We are all familiar (or should be) with the expression "Two is one, one is none." Basically, it's an admission that Mr. Murphy can and will have his way with you at the most inopportune time. Having extra gear, whether it's a couple spare magazines, more ammo or even a second firearm, ensures you'll have something when you need it.
That's all fine and good when it comes to basic gear. Who couldn't use an extra magazine or three, or even a couple spare mag carriers? Holsters we almost all have covered - I have several boxes filled with old holsters that could be pressed into service at any given moment. But what about other gear? For the price and size of the First Tactical BDU Belt, having an extra one on hand just in case is a solid plan.
MSRP: $14.99.