Escape and Evasion Belt Design Prototype and Update of Contents 

I was using a Tatonka 42mm TEC belt but found two problems with it. One the buckle was metal. This can also act as an advantage by storing metal items close to the buckle when being additionally searched with a hand wand, but I found the heavy buckle uncomfortable for all day use and difficult to remove quickly. The other problem was that the belt needed to be removed to access the internal items, as the zip was sown on the internal flat side of the belt. 

I changed to a BDU 38mm belt with fastex plastic buckle. Lighter to wear all day and the smaller buckle doesnt dig into the stomach. This is the type of belt I use on a day to day basis. What I did is have a backing of seat belt webbing sown onto the rear with a zip sown onto the top lip of the pocket, acting as a seam allowing for entry into the storage area without having the need for removal of the belt or undoing the buckle. Simply slide the belt around to which section needs to be accessed. 

I made a couple of mistakes with the initial prototype. I used seat belt webbing and should have ordered a longer belt to use the additional waste material so as to appear made of the same type of webbing. The zip was sown on upside down, so I now have the adjustable end on the right hand side. Not a big deal just, have to get used to using it left handed. I also choose a longer than neccessary zip at 27 inches. Lots of storage room but not really needed. Half the length would have worked. If going for something needing this much storage it would have been better to use two smaller zips and make two pocket systems. This would allow access from both sides, when sliding the belt around to miss the pants belt loops.  

This will be included in my next design. I'll try and have some pics done but having trouble with the lighting to show black on black. 

I dont worry about non-metalic items. I dont pass through enough metal detectors to make it worth it and metal lasts longer. Having said this I use all the other non-metal items as backups, hidden in other pieces of clothing incase the primary stash is found. I stick to having two different sets of handcuff keys for Smith and ADI cuffs. Im not a good lock picker. I have shims located else where for a backup, only because I already own them. Everyone I know always double locks their cuffs. Shims become useless if double locked. 

The Widgy pry bar in its smallest form always comes in handy even as a digging tool or potential weapon system. The sparklite fire starter has been cut down to make smaller, making it harder to find in a pat down. The SOG V cutter vs the Colonial rescue hook. Ive stuck with the SOG only due to size of the storage pocket. If using thick heavy duty zip ties the the colonial has a larger opening. 

I havent worried about picks or jigglers in the belt. For one Im not good enough yet and two there are so much easier and faster ways to break into buildings or cars. Jigglers only work on older vehicles. The newer models all have imobilizers, needing the key belonging to the vehicle to deactivate the lock before starting. 

Buton Compass, Photon Micro Light are always handy items to have on hand and have remained along with cordage. Ive swapped to using bow string material. This is cheaper in a dacron material over kevlar and available in black. Im still testing several newer model wire saws that have happened onto the market. The solka being the best so far. 

Of knives the titanium dog tags stand out as not rusting being near sweat compared to 10 series steels. Also any cuting edge needs a sheath to prevent wear to the webbing. The dog tags have the thinnest sheath system with a rubber lip around the entire blade. This once again helps with the prevention of finding items with pat downs. 

Of other items I keep on the exterior of the belt are a small LED tactical flash light, Gerber Multi Tool and a NOK Peregrine. The main internal items being; a way of lighting a fire, cutting tool and methods of opening two types of handcuffs or cable ties. The compass, pry bar and light may be secondary equipment, but shouldnt be overlooked. 

http://www.kitbag.com.au/prod884.htm