For years, I’ve tried to avoid wearing a belt. If your pants fit well, there’s no need for one, right? Plus, if your shirt is untucked, no one even notices. The downside, however, is that sometimes your pants might stretch too far and pop buttons off, or the fabric gets damaged. But belts are so easy to wear and practical, so maybe they’re worth reconsidering after all.
The real challenge comes when wearing a backpack with a hip belt. Adding an extra layer of pressure from a bulky leather belt creates an uncomfortable pressure point right at your hip bone, especially when your backpack is tightly cinched to distribute weight. Wouldn’t it be great to have a thin, durable belt that fits seamlessly under a backpack’s hip belt? Well, it turns out, someone has made just that, and it’s called the Arcade Adventure Belt.
I got my hands on the “Midnighter” model, and let me tell you, it works even better than I expected. Here’s why.
A Simple and Functional Design
The Arcade Adventure Belt is a minimalist’s dream. The “Midnighter” model is sleek, all black, and understated—perfect for those who want a functional piece without unnecessary adornment. Made from elastic, the belt feels like a soft, thickened waistband, roughly 3mm thick. It comes in two widths: 1.5 inches and 1.25 inches, with a maximum waist size of 40 inches.
The belt features a quick-release buckle, commonly seen on hiking backpacks, which makes it incredibly convenient. It’s made of plastic, so you can easily pass through metal detectors without hassle. There’s no bulky end flapping around, and while it may not win any fashion awards, the belt is practical, functional, and very reasonably priced at $28. Plus, it’s machine washable, so you don’t even need to remove it when doing laundry.
A Minor Design Flaw: Too Many Logos
One thing that bothers me is the presence of multiple logos. There are three visible logos on the front and a fourth on the back. Why so many? Fortunately, some of them are small and can be reversed or hidden, but I would prefer it if they kept it simpler. The logo on the buckle is unobtrusive, but the rest could certainly be toned down.
The Elasticity: Just Right
One of my biggest concerns with elastic belts is that they can be too stretchy, leading to a sagging waistband. The Arcade belt, however, avoids this problem. Even though the belt is elastic, I never felt the need to constantly adjust it or pull my pants up—something that happens when I go without a belt. When sitting down or leaning over, the belt expands comfortably, making it ideal for long flights or athletic activities.
The Belt-on-Belt Problem
When using a regular thick leather belt, the hip belt of your backpack can create an uncomfortable pressure point right on your hip bone. This is where the Arcade belt truly shines. Its thin and flexible design means you can wear it beneath your backpack’s hip belt without the painful pressure. Most nylon webbing belts feature bulky buckles that protrude, making them harder to adjust, but the quick-release mechanism on the Arcade belt makes it flat and easy to use.
Another small convenience is that the loose end of the Arcade belt is tucked inside, so it never gets in the way. Once adjusted, you won’t need to fiddle with it again, and you can even reverse the end if needed.
Lightweight and Packable
The Arcade Adventure Belt weighs just 2.6 oz, about a third of what a leather belt weighs, and because it’s so flexible, it packs down small. If you’re traveling light or need a quick-change from hiking to business attire, switching belts won’t be a hassle.
A Flaw in the Buckle Design
Unfortunately, there is one issue with the buckle that can be a little frustrating. The male end of the buckle is the same width as the female end, which means you have to align them perfectly to connect them. Even a tiny misalignment makes it impossible to latch them together, which can be annoying. Other buckles with a tapered shape allow for some margin of error, but the Arcade’s buckle requires precision.
However, there’s a trick to make it easier: by positioning your thumb and forefinger along the edges of the buckle, you can feel the shape of the other side and slide the pieces together more easily. It’s not as intuitive as it could be, but it works once you get the hang of it.
The New and Improved Buckle
Arcade has since updated the buckle design, and it’s a major improvement. The new buckle is much more user-friendly, with a larger, more aerodynamic plate that makes it easier to use in low-light or stressful situations. The updated design also offers more room for alignment, making the buckle simpler to connect without having to be precise.
For those who want a more streamlined experience, the updated buckle is the one to go for. It’s a subtle improvement that makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m a big fan of the Arcade Adventure Belt. While elastic isn’t the main reason I love it (as many non-stretch belts work fine for me), its low-profile design and quick-release buckle make it an ideal choice for active people, travelers, or anyone who needs a comfortable, unobtrusive belt. The belt does a great job under a backpack hip belt without creating uncomfortable pressure, and the added stretch makes it even better for activities like hiking, traveling, or long commutes.
The new buckle design is a definite improvement, and I would recommend going for that version instead of the older one. It’s easier to use and more reliable. The only real drawbacks are the multiple logos and the slight difficulty in getting the adjustment just right at first. However, once you’ve got it set, you’re good to go.
If you’re in the market for a belt that’s both functional and comfortable, the Arcade Adventure Belt is definitely worth checking out.
