I am definitely going to upgrade to the 3 piece belt as soon as they are available. LOVE my Stone Glaciew pack (I have the Solo and Terminus). The Terminus rocked on my Dall sheep hunt last year.
Always choose hunting , I know guys that have more gear, guns, bows etc. that gripe every year about not being able to hunt cause they can't afford. I just shake my head and go hunting.
Smartwool, Minus 33 and Icebreaker for me. I would be embarrassed to admit how much I have spent on different companies merino, but these will be all that I buy in the future...well, until something new comes along ;)