I first spotted the GPM KIT Combat Applications Belt on Instagram. I sent Patrick, the owner, a message and he ended up hooking me up with two of the belts. One in black and the other in their camo pattern. I like innovation. Their product looked like a smart move to me.
What red-blooded American doesn’t like gear? Particularly well made gear. I was curious to know how these belts would do. Many companies have to anticipate what the market is. Blackhawk did just that with their basic tactical riggers belt and came out with a winner. Companies following their lead began to make a bloated product, heavy belts burdened by burly buckles, that often look great but were impractical for general use.
Certainly having a riggers belt is important but not everyone needs to have one. Those who need a good-looking, durable belt for their duty belt or a belt to carry just a basic holster should take a look at this product.
GPM KIT went the other way and trimmed it down. In my opinion, simple gear is best, because the user needs to be able to utilize it in every condition, rather than specific missions. Keep in mind, this is a trouser belt and not a riggers belt.
First Impressions
True to his word, Patrick sent me two belts, and they were light weight! But this doesn’t mean the material is a pansy-weight. The material is thick and sturdy. They clearly made a simple belt that makes sense for a user who wants an unobtrusive item that doesn’t get in the way of performing one’s duties.
Review
First, the belt is very light-weight. GPM KIT figured a way to remove the buckle while still allowing the belt to be cinched to hold up your pants or trousers. Ingenious. This is done by using moly loops. Check out the accompanying video below.
Why do buyers purchase a particular item? Cost is a factor, weight is another, and durability is very important. Many people purchase a belt because they see others wearing one and they want a belt too. Some do it for fashion, others for practical reasons and many for both. Whatever your reasoning, be sure to give this belt a try, because those who are looking to reduce weight on their hikes should be testing the Combat Applications Belt.
Stitching really plays a big role in overall fit as well. If product material uses high-quality stitching, it means it’s will hold up. This also means the construction will allow it to fit well on your body. The GPM KIT belt meets this and then some. In fact the whole idea of having a buckle-less belt falls apart if the stitching is poor. They use a super strong nylon material. Good material and good stitching means the piece will lay against your body properly without irritating interference and the material won’t fray. Some heavy buckled belts can do this. The belt feels comfortable on the body no matter what you affix to it; for example, a flashlight, a holster or an Iphone holder. Moly loops give you an adjustable size and the belts come from 32″-38″.
The belt is not as affordable as I’d like but this is understandable for a small company trying to become more scalable. GPM KIT is a veteran owned company making quality gear and I support small-businesses that are just getting their name out there. In the end it is a good price to pay and it is USA made gear!
Fit is excellent. It lays down when you shoot in the prone position and there isn’t a buckle that pushes into your stomach. The public at large has an obsession with tactical gear. Bigger and louder seems to be better but that’s not always the case. For people who want a simple belt to hold up their pants, and can also be used with a holster, this belt works.
Those who desire concealed-carry to minimize their profile can easily use a holster and gun with this. It will seat well on your waist and can’t be seen beneath an article of clothing because it lays flat, and doesn’t have a protruding buckle. Good for backpacking and law enforcement wear. There is a black colored belt that will fit right under your duty belt. One other thing I like about the belt is not having to remove it if I enter airport security.
Overall, I think this is an excellent product. Well made, light-weight, durable, American made, and comfortable. How can you go wrong?
Product Scores
Functionality: 5/5
Weight: 5/5
Durability: 5/5
Cost: 4/5
Comfort: 5/5
