Craghoppers mk 3 webbing belt recommended for replacement and new
The original (mk 1) of these belts came as standard on the Kiwi range of trousers, and apart from being slightly short and the catch sometimes slipping off if the stitched end wasn't present, they worked very well but looked just like everyone else's clip belt but with a discrete logo.
The mk. 2 was a disaster. The vertical release clip was replaced with a paddle push arrangement, and weaker components used. They did however provide a slightly longer belt and a better end to stop it pulling through the clip. It had 2 major problems. Firstly these are ACTIVE trousers, and when you are being active, leaving against things, wriggling through spaces, a small 'press' on the clip, and pop, the belt comes undone! The other issue was the webbing guides would snap rendering the belt useless. Over tightening caused this, or more than usual activity could also cause it. (I pretty much retired / removed / replaced all these useless belts)
Now, enter the mk. 3 THIS ONE! Yes, at last, Not only have Craghoppers reverted to the original clip style which requires vertical release (far less susceptible to accidental opening) they have lengthened the belt and added a tail to stop it pulling through the clip. BRILLIANT.
So, my advice to the owners of Kiwi with the mk. 2 paddle type clip, is recycle that useless belt and replace with this one. To the mk 1 users, if you need a bit of length or stop the end falling through the clip, replace it with this one.
So lets look at more advantages of this belt. The webbing is quite firm, it resists that uncomfortable rolling that can happen with thinner belts. It is TOTALLY PLASTIC so travelling through airports, no need to remove your belt, just tell the jobsworth security it is plastic and doesn't need to come off, and the scanners will prove that.
This belt is supplied as standard with the newer Kiwi range, but many Craghoppers, e.g. the active kiwi, bear grylls range, are not supplied with a belt, so this is a perfect, branded, functional belt for a waist up to around 40 inches.
One minor criticism is you can have any colour you like, providing you choose black. Maybe Craghoppers would consider grey, navy, khaki and brown as alternatives, and perhaps reds and pinks, or heck, why not a rainbow one?
In summary a perfect upgrade / replacement for the earlier belts, and a brilliant accessory for where you need a belt.
Verified purchase: YesCondition: New