I have a waist size 34-35 and a large belt: it fits well, it's almost too big but not too big. Hell yes, this belt is awesome. I use this belt for hiking, river crossing and river swimming as well as sprinting on advanced trails and hiking. I don't have a holster or pistol, but I imagine this belt can carry the weight of the pistol and holster very comfortably. I could imagine attaching a bear club to it or a machete to protect against mountain lions when I'm alone on my hikes.