I'm toying with the idea of combining a load bearing vest (LBV) with my saddle. It would give the benefit of suspenders for long walks and would eliminate the need for a backpack. Still haven't found what I'm looking for though.
I've used LBVs before and am less of a fan than I used to be. The temptation is to load up all the MOLLE panels with pouches and whatnot, and the pouches cost more than they need to, and they're rarely the right size for what you're trying to hold. The trouble is that no matter how light you make MOLLE, it's going to be heavier and bulkier than a simple, appropriately-sized pocket sewn on to a vest. Another thing is, with your vest attached to your gun belt, you have an almost all-or-nothing torso covering. Maybe it was because I went with a cheap vest, but snapping the belt keepers to the belt while I was wearing them both was more of a hassle than I needed it to be, and if I wanted to take my vest off because it was hot, or my belt off for whatever reason, I had to go through the whole rigamarole every time and wound up keeping them separate, with occasional suspenders underneath. In this application, I think I'd rather be able to move my vest and whatever tools I have attached to it to the tree, rather than having it on me all day. I just think that would get uncomfortable.
I wound up going with a cheap turkey vest. Since I don't have a bunch of pouches on my Treehopper Recon I don't need suspenders for it, but if I went that route I think I'd just use light elastic suspenders guys are posting from Duluth Trading - I think the actual brand is Perry.
I also picked up a trap and skeet vest, with lots of mesh and a few pockets, with the idea that I could dye it "camo" and sew in channels or something to affix it to my XOP saddle/harness getup. I haven't done that yet but it's still a viable option.
Which is not meant to convince you not to this - you might really like what you come up with.
