I like padded belts, you can wear them for days with comfort. I find hybrid/2 piece belts to be tough on the hips with the 500D belt webbing and there are some 1000D out there. Also, having a big chunk of metal right in your gut is not fun when you're at altitude, in weather, or in the cold. Padded belts can also be worn overcoat.

Check out ATS Tactical, good prices and they put up with a couple of prima donna units out of Ft Cambell so their stuff is made right.