I know what you mean, bro. I can get down to a GI compass pouch, but I feel like a lot is left out. I have become a dedicated fan of Fat Boys. The ergonomics are so good - at least on my body - that it is more comfortable than the M2 would be threaded onto my belt.

I would think that the M2 would not be too bothersome, I mean, it's smaller than a GI conteen, for example. 'Course, I don't know how you are carrying water.

I've never been a big fan of fanny packs, but the Maxpedition Devil Dog looks promising -- it converts to a shoulder bag, which I am quite used to, anyway.

Any Devil Dog users out there?