For the wilderness wanderer or the mountaineer, the minor details of hiking gear choices can make a major difference. When it comes to keeping your trousers aloft and your bulging backpack balanced, the debate between belts and suspenders might seem trivial, but it’s far from that. Each strappy solution to a common hiker’s dilemma presents its own set of advantages and conundrums. Here, we explore the differences between hiking gear with a focus on belts or suspenders.
The Bare Essential Belts
Hiking belts are the silent heroes of on-the-trail gear. They quietly do their job, provide comfort, and often go unnoticed. But how do they stack up in real-life trekking conditions?
Benefits Galore
When your pack pulls on your shoulders and hips, a sturdy, comfortable belt can make all the difference. It helps to secure your load and keeps pressure distributed evenly and ergonomically. Plus, it can do double duty as a carrying aid for smaller gear like water bottles or safety knives.
What to Look for When Choosing a Hiking Belt
The belt’s width and material are crucial—you’ll want something wide enough to provide support without digging into your waist and durable enough to withstand rugged trails. Look for belts with features such as quick-release buckles for ease of use and adjustable sizing to fit your changing layers.
Suspenders: Up and at ‘Em
Some view suspenders on the hiking trail as shameful or embarrassing because they bring a different tune to the hiker’s symphony. But they may serve you well if you have a need.
Advantages Over Belts
The primary boon of suspenders is their potential to ease the weight of your pack off your hips and onto your shoulders without compromising on pack stability. This can be a godsend to those with hip injuries lower back pain, or for long-haul trekkers who need to redistribute the pack’s weight.
The Devil’s in the Detail
When it comes to choosing suspenders, the most significant detail to consider is how they attach to your pants. Clip-on varieties are typically more convenient, especially for changing conditions or layering, but may not offer the same security during an activity as those that require loops sewn into your hiking trousers.
Navigating the Trail: Belts vs. Suspenders
The right choice between belts and suspenders often boils down to personal preference and specific hiking conditions. Belts are the classic, no-frills option. They’re versatile, functional, and common.
When choosing a hiking belt, consider the material and durability and how well they suit your performance. If you’re a day hiker without back or hip issues or looking for something minimal to do the job, a belt is likely your best bet. However, suspenders could be the comfort ticket for long-distance hikers or those with pack-related discomfort.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing belts or suspenders, but knowing the differences between hiking gears benefits everyone. The best way to make the final call is to try both and see how they mesh with your hiking style. Whether you’re optimizing your gear for comfort, function, or storage, the goal is to enhance your hiking experience. Grab your gear, head out, and hike on!
Dianne Pajo is a writer based out of the Chicagoland area with a passion for music, combat sports, and animals. She enjoys competing in amateur boxing and kickboxing, but in her other leisure time, you can find her performing music around the city. She is also a dog mom of 2.
