The Best Belts for Trail Building? We Put Arcade’s Atlas and Hardware to the Test
It’s easy to overlook a belt … until it fails halfway through a trail day. If you’ve ever had to re-tighten an old canvas belt mid-dig while balancing a McLeod on your shoulder, you know what I mean. That’s where Arcade’s belts come in. They’re not trying to be flashy. They’re trying to do their job and disappear into your day. And they do.
The Everyday Champ: Atlas Belt
Let’s start with the one I wear every day: the Atlas Belt. It’s simple, stretchy, and secure. There’s no metal to dig into your side when you’re crouching over a berm or leaning into a rock move. The quick-release buckle is low-profile, and the stretch is just enough to move with you, not against you.
I’ve worn it on the trail, on the bike, and during long days of travel. It holds tight without feeling tight. That’s the magic. Whether I’m out scouting new terrain, brewing a trailhead coffee, or on the bike, the Atlas stays put and stays comfortable.
The Rugged Workhorse: Hardware Belt
Then there’s the Hardware Belt, Arcade’s tougher sibling. This one is built with abrasion-resistant materials, a beefier buckle, and a no-nonsense feel. It’s the belt you throw on when you know it’s going to be a long day in the dirt. Moving rocks? Digging drainage? Chasing back that section of trail that just won’t hold? The Hardware doesn’t flinch.
It’s not stretchy like the Atlas, and that’s the point. It holds firm, keeps your pants up no matter what, and feels like it’ll outlast your work pants. I’ve worn it while mountain biking, too, and while it’s a little more rigid, it’s never been uncomfortable.
Final Take
If you’re looking for a belt that blends seamlessly into your trail building life, whether you’re digging, riding, or grabbing post-dig tacos, Arcade has something for you. The Atlas is my go-to for daily wear and light-duty days. The Hardware is what I grab when the tools come out, and the day’s about to get dirty.
No frills, no fuss. Just a couple of belts that do the job, so you don’t have to think about them.
Sean Benesh
Sean is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Trail Builder Mag. He is also the Communications Director for the Northwest Trail Alliance in Portland, Oregon. Sean also spends time in the classroom as a digital media instructor at Warner Pacific University.
Email: sean@trailbuildermag.com
Instagram: @seanbenesh
