I tried on a mountainsmith Tour pack and didn't like the water bottle set ups. Its just drawstring cords which are not very secure.

I am reconstituting my LBE with two nalgene water bottle holders instead of canteens, ammo cases to old odd/ends and my buttpack for storage. Unless I find something different, I will start to manufacture my own suspenders and belt to old all this gear, just to get the GI style off it. It would certainly be lighter.

My dad has an older USFS wildfire belt & suspender kit that he is looking for. Always liked those too and will try that out.