@WildNevada I’ve used each size Kifaru pouch on the belt itself. Small and medium are ideal. Large does work but falls pretty low below the belt.
Out of all 4 sizes…don’t forget the utilitarian Mini…I definitely use medium most frequently because it falls basically even with the bottom of the belt. It’s the most natural fit, if you will.
I’ve found my patience with the large is highly dependent a couple things. First is the terrain I’m tackling. If technical, steep, or bushwhacking, the greater the annoyance factor of the large because my quads hit the bottom of the pouch during high steps and exaggerated movements. If improved trails or gentle slopes, it’s less of an issue. Second is the payload/need for the payload. Hard to beat the quick access to whatever is needed and sometimes a large is all that will cut for the items. Another factor is placement on the belt. The farther back you can get the large, the less intrusive it is during movement as opposed to the large in a more forward position (which happens if running a water bottle pocket + belt pouch on the same side).
Even though the medium is my go-to on the belt a vast majority of the time, the room of a large is appreciated at select times. Your example of cold weather is a good one…thick gloves, balaclavas, neck gaiters are much easier to stow in the capacity of the large. Those same things in a medium or small can actually feel larger on the waist in a smaller pouch as they become more “bulbous” when overstuffed.
I prefer using belt pouches as I don’t need to doff the pack as much for quick access items. Not only does this save time, but less I have to doff the pack, the less I have to think about the suck of a loaded pack when putting it back on…