ARCADE Atlas Belt Review: Keep Your Pants Snug

For as long as I’ve worn pants, I’ve needed a belt, but I’ve never found one that I loved, until now. The ARCADE Atlas Adventure belt has quickly become one of my top 3 favorite belts for casual wearing, travel, and hiking. I’ll explain why in this ARCADE Atlas Belt Review.

Specs & Core Features

• Width: Standard (1.5”) or Slim (1.25”)
• Length: Standard (30” – 40”), Long (38” – 48”), and Youth (16” – 30”)
• Colors: Black, Medium Brown, Navy, Coral, Ivy Green, Heather Black, Heather Navy, Charcoal, Heather Velvet, Khaki, Icelandic, Burgundy, Emerald, Blush, Mint, and Jalapeno
• Materials: A2 contoured high-density plastic buckle and 85% post-consumer recycled REPREVE polyester webbing 

Fit & Comfort

I’ve been wearing the ARCADE Atlas belt for several months now, including on several long car rides (15+ hours), and haven’t had an issue with the fit. Typically, when sitting for long periods in a car, my belts rub or, at the very least, get incredibly uncomfortable, but that’s not the case at all with the Atlas.

I forgot I was wearing it for most of the trip because it stretches just enough to maintain a comfortable fit, without letting your pants drop low. 

Rating: 

9/10

Buckle Design & Usability

The quick-release buckle was great for those times when I tried to hold my bladder a little too long on long road trips. So even though I was shifting around in my seat, doing an awkward potty dance, my belt didn’t make the situation worse. Simply pinch the sides, and it quickly releases.

Rating:

8/10

Rigidity & Load-Bearing Capability

Since this belt is stretchy, it doesn’t support holsters or tools very well, but it wasn’t designed to either. It was designed to remain comfortable and move with your body as you travel throughout your day. It’s not an EDC belt, nor do I recommend using it as one.

Rating:

5/10

Adjustability & Fit Options

I love the Atlaz belt because it grows and shrinks with me throughout the day. If I’ve just eaten a big meal, it will stretch with me. Or, I can quickly adjust the overall length if I need to lengthen it, but I’m not worried about it loosening on its own. It’s especially nice that it doesn’t restrict you to the traditional holes like a leather belt, so you can get as snug or loose a fit as you prefer.

Rating:

9/10

Durability & Materials

After wearing this belt for several months, it still looks new. It doesn’t show any signs of fraying or stitching issues, and the buckle still functions flawlessly. It’s handled various conditions from fishing and hiking to Sunday morning church services, and I plan on wearing it while deer hunting this upcoming season. 

Rating:

8/10

Versatility & Everyday Use

It’s also a belt I can confidently wear to church or out to dinner without it being glaringly obvious I’m just a good ole country boy (my camo hat or shirt usually gives that away). I can wear this belt to a nice occasion or while I’m working in my yard. However, it’s not a belt I like to strap my EDC gear to because it is not rigid enough to support a pistol or spare mags. A pocket knife in a sheath is about as heavy an object as I get with this belt, before it begins stretching too much. 

According to ARCADE, the Atlas is an adventure belt, but it’s also a great belt for travel, especially airport travel. One of my least favorite things to do is take off my belt at the airport (I know it’s goofy of me). Since the Atlas utilizes a plastic buckle, I should no longer be forced to take my belt off by the TSA, but it remains to be seen if that’s the case. 

Since it comes in a myriad of colors, you can purchase an Atlas belt for any number of occasions, but thanks to its stretch, it shines best for travel and high-mobility activities.  

Rating:

7/10

Value & Competition

At $40, the Atlas belt is well within a competitive price point. Even though it’s relatively inexpensive, it’s replaced several of my belts (but not all; the ARCADE Hardware Alu and Grip 6 Buffalo Belt are still in rotation).

Rating:

9/10

Overall Rating: ARCADE Atlas Belt Review

Now you see why the ARCADE Atlas Performance Belt has become my go-to belt for just about everything. It’s comfortable, durable, and well worth the money. It’s a good all-around belt, but it’s not ideal for EDC due to being too soft and flimsy. 

Wesley Littlefield

| Christian | Husband | Father | Outdoorsman | Freelance Outdoor Writer & Content Creator | @KayakKid on YouTube |