Review: Arcade Elasticized Webbing Belts
Perfect under backpack hipbelts
Arcade Belts are worth a close look if you hike or backpack and want a comfortable, low-weight, no-fuss belt that will keep your hiking pants up. Made with elasticized webbing and flat plastic buckles, they lay flat under hip belts and won’t slide down underneath. I’m a complete convert and wear mine all the time for hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, fly fishing, and even for business meetings. They’re available in numerous styles and colors for any occasion!
- Model: Atlas A2 (pictured above)
- Weight: 2.5 oz
- Gender: Unisex
- Material: Webbing made with 85% post-consumer recycled polyester
Comfort and fit
Arcade’s elastic webbing is the headline feature. The stretch lets the belt move with your body while hiking or scrambling without digging into your hips. That gives a noticeable comfort advantage over rigid webbing or leather, especially when carrying a hipbelted pack or wearing multiple layers. The elastic helps maintain a consistent hold on clothing even when you shift gear or change posture, while the low-profile buckle minimizes pressure points when you sit or shoulder a pack. There are also no belt holes on their belts, so you can micro-adjust them tfor a perfect fit.
If you’re a hiker, you may want to stick with the belts that have plastic buckles and not their new magnetic buckle because it is strong enough to affect a magnetic compass if you’re a dinosaur like me and still carry one. Not only will it affect the accuracy of a magnetic compass and but it can even throw off its polarity. If you don’t use a compass or carry one, you should be safe, as long as you stay away from anyone who does.
Retention and security
These belts use a combination of elastic strap and a polymer buckle that locks the strap at the desired tension. For trail use, the retention is reliable and the strap doesn’t slip under load.
Durability and Care
The elastic webbing holds up well to abrasion and wet conditions. I’ve worn mine every day for months and haven’t noticed any loss of elasticity or holding power. The elastic webbing dries quickly when it gets wet and still provides an excellent hold.
Arcade’s belts are also washable, so you can keep them on your pants, even when you hit a town laundromat to wash your clothes while thru-hiking or section hiking.
Adjustability and Washability
The single-piece design and simple buckle make adjustments fast. The elastic stretch means you don’t need micro-adjustments when sitting, breathing hard, or layering clothing. For hikers who change baselayers or add insulation frequently, that convenience is a real plus.
TSA (Take Stuff Away)
If you are a frequent traveller, you’ll be happy to know that the plastic Arcade buckle does not trigger an alert when passing through TSA airport screening. I love that! I never have to take off my belt when going through security or fumble to get it back through my pants loops on the other side.
Bottom Line
If you want a lightweight, comfortable belt that keeps your pants in place, feel good under a backpack hip belt and reduces pressure points, Arcade’s elastic performance belts deliver. Given the comfort, low weight, and long service life they represent good value for hikers and backpackers who prioritize comfort without compromising function.
Disclosure: Arcade donated belts for review.
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I purchased one a couple of years ago to use when backpacking, and I agree with all of the positive attributes highlighted in your review. Unfortunately I think it has one flaw that has made me reconsider using it on warm weather trips – once it gets wet it takes forever to dry and I tend to sweat a lot around my waist. And yes I have the same issue with the elastic waist bands on most “techie” boxer-brief style underwear.
I love mine! The one complaint I have is that it’s a bit wide and is almost impossible to get through the belt loops on some of my pants. Oh, but I’m noticing on their website that they have a slim version – why didn’t I get that one to begin with? Guess I’ll be ordering another one soon.
Oh, the other issue I have is that it’s a bit tricky to adjust the size on it because unlike most belts the tail end of the belt – the part you pull to adjust – is underneath the belt instead of on top. This is a nice feature in that it means that the tail isn’t flopping around while you hike, but it makes it harder to pull. I’ve dealt with this by sometimes wearing the belt inside out, although mostly when you get the right fit you don’t have to adjust it too much; only when you put it on the first time do you have to pull it too much.
I have 2 large and 1 small. Love them and being elastic make them so comfy.
When I was doing the Pemi loop a couple of summers ago, I was wearing hiking pants that were snug around the waist. After sweating profusely, & with the pack pushing them down, I had the worst plumber’s crack in the White Mountains. I fashioned myself a paracord belt, which didn’t work so well. The paracord suspenders worked much better, but a lightweight belt like this would be much easier.
I also use and love these belts for backpacking and hiking. I upgraded to their model that includes built-in REECO tech. As others and noted Some models come in a narrower version. I have always Irdered the regular width and not had problems. I Should know that my standard hiking and backpacking pants are “tactical” style pants I like lots of pockets.