Looking for a new Tool Belt

[ChrisLS8]

I am getting tired of my McGuire Nicholas bag I bought on a whim becuase it's not ideal for how I like to carry my tools. I do metal framing, drywall, lathe, acoustics for theatres, venues etc and I'm looking for a new 2-3 bag setup with shoulder harness

Most of the guys run either Occidental or a local place called Bob's Leathers. What I usually carry at any given time is the following.
7" speed square
35' DeWalt tape
4 pairs of 6" and 2 pairs of 11 c clamps
Midwest snips
Torpedo
#2 bits
Shinglers hammer
Impact driver
3/4 cold chisel
Small square
Hex and panhead self tappers
Long needle nose
Utility knife
Chalk box
Along with some other random tools depending on the job

I need suggestions on any good ones I don't know about or overlooked since I plan on getting a quality bag that I will use for years.

 

[johndeereman]

Another carpenter/metal framer here, I run a set of occidental leathers w/ 2 bolt bags.
w/ back pad all attached to a full body harness just my set up.

 

[ChrisLS8]

yeah Occidental seems to be the trade standard but I figured there's got to be a smaller outfit out there that makes stuff that's just as good.

I just don't like the fixed position of my current bags

 

[spike99250]

Diamondback toolbelts are my choice

 

[ChrisLS8]

Just checked those out, they are quite pricey for being made out of canvas/poly etc. Do they have any specific features other brands lack?

 

[oldwino]

Once you’ve used Occidentals you will never want anything else. I use the Oxy-lite with heavy nylon bags and leather corners and reinforcement. Wears great and customizable

 

[spike99250]

Just checked those out, they are quite pricey for being made out of canvas/poly etc. Do they have any specific features other brands lack?

Their pocket layout works perfectly for me, they are lightweight and washable.
I cannot attest to their belts or suspenders but I have two sets of bags and really like them.

I had a leather set that resembled the Occidentals (I cannot remember the name) and they were too heavy for me. I have looked at a lot of the occidental bags and the pocket layout is wrong for me.

Everyone is different and I see a lot of Occidentals on job sites. I think they make great products(. I wear their suspenders) I just don’t like their bag layout.

 

[cheechi]

I don't wear a belt most of the time, but most recently I have been using the Veto TP3 and TP4. For me they are great because they have a flat bottom and if I don't need a whole belt I can put it on a table or bench with what I need. Probably not ideal for you day to day but if you have some things you use less often one might be useful to you.

 

[ChrisLS8]

So my GF ended up getting me the AWP HP leather rig along with the Occidental suspenders. It's been about 2 weeks and I'm liking it so far. Light but seems extremely sturdy. Good pockets for pretty much everything I carry. I added a monster hook and I'm happy with it

 

[FigureItOut]

So my GF ended up getting me the AWP HP leather rig along with the Occidental suspenders. It's been about 2 weeks and I'm liking it so far. Light but seems extremely sturdy. Good pockets for pretty much everything I carry. I added a monster hook and I'm happy with it

Glad you like your new bags. Not that it matters, but did you know that McGuire Nicholas makes the AWP stuff?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930AZ using Tapatalk

 

[ChrisLS8]

Yeah and doing some research MN also relabelled an Occidental bag or two about 6-8 years ago