Review: Magpul Tejas Gun Belt

If you're one of those who make a habit of leaving the house with more personal protection than your wallet, car keys and cell phone offer, you're probably also one of those who worry more about what belt you wear than most people. Wearing a concealed carry firearm, knife, tourniquet, or other piece of EDC gear on a normal leather or nylon belt is not always the most comfortable endeavor. Standard belts contort and bend and cannot support the added weight of a pistol, or for that matter anything substantial, hung on them. You really need to purchase a belt specifically designed for a gun or EDC in general. These belts are usually either extremely thick leather, double stacked nylon, or a combination of leather/ nylon with internal reinforcement through Kevlar or similar materials.

Magpul made a large leap out of the firearm magazine and accessory realm this year with the release of their line of apparel and apparel accessories. Within that line are two made in the U.S.A. belts specifically with the gunslinger in mind. The Magpul Tejas gunbelts come in a variety of colors. The “El Original” uses top grade bullhide leather with polymer reinforcement to offer the classic look of a nice thick leather belt, with a much higher weight carrying ability. MSRP on the “El Original” is 84.95 which is more than reasonable for a high quality American made leather belt.

If you are more a more budget minded shooter Magpul also realeased their “El Burro” gunbelt, made from a single thick layer of waterproof polymer that retails for $59.95. This thick polymer belt offers a much more budget oriented option still capable of supporting a light pistol. Magpul always seems to be expanding their product line with affordable, well-made options and these belts are no different.

Being much more of an old fashioned guy I chose to purchase the “El Original” in light brown. I regularly carry a HK 45c with an extra magazine inside the waist band. That isn’t necessarily the lightest carry pistol. The belt has performed very well so far, with no sagging or change in shape due to the added weight. Whether crawling under my pickup, shooting IDPA competitions, or just spending the day out with the family, the belt has remained comfortable and held up to anything I asked of it. Having owned gun belts from a couple other makers that cost much more than the Magpul version, I am extremely happy with the belt performance for the money.

Belts may not be as glamorous as a new knife or pistol, but if you choose to carry regularly your belt will prove an important purchase. A comfortable and well-made belt can make your day much more enjoyable than one spent suffering an ill-fitting belt, or the discomfort of wearing one that cannot handle the weight of a pistol. Magpul did their research with their options on this thing; I recommend taking a look at their belts if you are in the market for one.

For more information check them out here.