A hip belt includes an inelastic center panel and first and second padded portions connected to the center panel and extending therefrom. Each of the first and second padded portions has a rear end proximate to the center panel, an opposed front end, and a face extending therebetween. Each also has an adjustable pulley assembly carried on the padded portion, and a strap secured to the pulley assembly over the padded portion for sliding movement along the face of the padded portion. A buckle is carried at the front end of each padded portion for coupling with each other.