Ultimately I think the most minimalist setup is individual or mix of the following;
3: All non fighting/evading essentials in backpack.
This can be dumped prior to a forward objective or in the event of an ambush.
2: Operators belt - Velcro inner to rigger outer, supported with a PLCE yoke, this will full support load, sit flush under or over any other gear.
No padded liner - adds bulk and is not necessary when the belt is Velcro’d in place.
Run most of your fighting essentials on this and/or;
2: Low profile plate carrier, FC slick Slickster or similar.
I know you say they restrict your breathing but PCs like these are (I find) extremely comfortable, you don’t have to run training plates, the sides are elasticated so breathing/mobility is easy, the shoulders sit thinly and flush - so comfy under backpack/other gear.
You can also easily from the front slacken the grip for more breathing room on exertion/tabs etc
With no additional pouches you can carry your radio, some mags, tourniquet, other random.
You can slip a flush triple shingle in the front for more or better mag placement/indexing.
Additionally i run a 1.5L Source hydro inside the cummerbund, a med and general pouch at the rear side cummerbund.
And lastly an easy access admin pouch up top/front.
All of the above is so low profile it’s ridiculous.
1: A decent combat smock, should be the base layer, carrying all essential survival and navigational gear.
Good read hopefully 😂
Super low pro -
More mags -
Hydration -