[SHOT 2026] Safariland HOLLE Belt System & SafariMesh Communications

Safariland Group unveiled two new products at SHOT Show 2026 that solve distinct problems in the duty and tactical space. Full disclosure: tactical gear isn't my usual beat, so I'm going to stick to reporting what these products do rather than pretending I run a duty belt daily.

The HOLLE (Hole Optimized Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) Duty Belt combines a traditional duty belt profile with an integrated modular mounting system. The core concept is simple: accessories mount directly to the belt without keepers or threading pouches on and off. The belt uses a hole pattern that allows 1-inch incremental adjustment for accessory placement and prevents accessories from shifting during use.

According to Safariland, the HOLLE system offers stronger pull resistance than traditional CUBL2 attachment methods and minimizes hook-and-loop interference issues that typically weaken how inner and outer belts connect. The platform is backwards compatible with current Safariland gear including the ELS and QLS mounting systems we are all used to.

Pouches designed for the 4-hole HOLLE pattern can be oriented vertically or horizontally depending on user preference, and traditional CUBL2 hard-mount options are available in mid-ride and hi-ride heights. Both buckled and buckleless versions are offered.

SafariMesh Key Specifications:

• Military-grade AES-256 encryption
• Supports up to 50 users with 4 simultaneous talkers
• 200 hours continuous operation on single USB-C charge
• Voice-activated transmission (VAD/VOX)
• Push-to-Talk or All-Talk modes
• Low detectability and secure network formation
• Automatic device pairing with push-button control
• Compatible with Safariland Liberator and other communications headsets
• MSRP: $750 - $1000

The mesh architecture adapts dynamically to terrain, obstructions, and user movement to maintain voice and data links. According to Brad Medine, Safariland's communications product category director, the design priorities were simplicity in operation, mission flexibility, and field reliability. The compact form factor integrates with Safariland's Liberator headset series and legacy models for hands-free operation. No pricing announced.

"Safariland’s SafariMesh is a next-generation communication device engineered for mission-critical operations where infrastructure is unreliable or unavailable. Built on a decentralized mesh architecture, SafariMesh empowers operators with secure, flexible, and resilient connectivity without the need for towers, repeaters, or centralized networks.

Unlike traditional systems that rely on a single point of failure, SafariMesh distributes network intelligence across every node. This self-forming, self-healing mesh adapts dynamically to terrain, obstructions, and movement, ensuring uninterrupted voice and data links in even the harshest environments. Whether coordinating across mountainous terrain, inside multi-story buildings, or expansive facilities, SafariMesh keeps teams connected."

Both products target duty and tactical users dealing with specific operational challenges. The HOLLE belt addresses belt sag and accessory retention while the SafariMesh solves communication in areas without infrastructure or where centralized networks are unreliable. Do you run duty gear regularly, and if so, are these the kind of solutions that would actually improve your setup? Let us know in the comments below.