Clothing

Trakline Essentials Belt

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Adjustable ratchet belt

I backed this belt in 2011 during their Kickstarter run, and it’s worked incredibly well for the last 3+ years. It provides a smooth, leather finish without holes on the front, and in the rear, several dozen zip-tie-like ridges that offer very granular adjustment. The buckle is super sturdy, has a belt quick-release lever, and a clamp for the belt so one can cut/adjust the belts, and/or buy replacements.

I find that standard leather belts with pre-punched holes don’t offer granular enough adjustment for one’s midsection. You can punch extra holes to compensate, but eventually, the holes stretch out, and the belt has to be replaced. Certainly there are fabric-based belts that offer infinite adjustability, but are often not an appropriate look for slacks.

Perhaps for the lucky few who fit into their clothes snugly without a belt, this is a non-issue, but for me, I carry enough gadgets that gravity is unkind, and my waist size goes up and down by at least an inch during the course of a month, so this belt has been super helpful.

The obvious downside is that the belt is proprietary, so you must purchase a replacement from them. ($30 for the first, $22 for any additional) The belt covers from 24″-44″, and they’ve introduced a 24″-54″ version as well. Also, while the belt can be cut to size, it can only accommodate so much of a midsection growth once you’ve made your cut.

-- Kaz Mori 06/3/16

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