I'm closer to db. I'm not big on gadgets. Only thing on my belt is my Gerber multitool fishing pliers. I use a Sitbacker canoe seat, and if I had a lot of stuff on my belt, I wouldn't fit in the seat.

Bear spray? Never carried it anywhere but Alaska, and never missed it. Water bottle tucked in elastic pocket on my daypack, which is within easy reach. Bug spray in another pocket on daypack. Camera is in same pocket with bug spray and sunscreen. Different ways of organizing, different strokes...

I would also guess that wearing a lot of stuff on belt might interfere with carrying some packs...