[D9 (RIP)]

My 0.02:

For smoke and similar items, I have frankly always used a GP pouch: one of those zippered blow-out kit sized pouches.

I use very good, comfortable magazine pouches that I can easily access without looking down at my kit, and I do not skimp on either magazines or pouches.

As for the rest: I use two Nalgene carriers, and GP pouches.

A GP pouch will fit 2 or more smoke grenades. And with a little electrical tape securing the grenades to the straps intended to hold Kerlix, they don't tumble out randomly when you unzip the pouch. If I've got to throw a smoke, I probably at least have time to look down at my LCE and work the zipper.

The good thing about those GP pouches is that they are "GP" pouches. 48 hrs later when the next FRAGO comes down, you've got to head back out, and you're carrying 2 smoke instead of 4, you will be able to grab a little more rack instead of re-tooling your LCE. You can put anything in those GP pouches.

IMHO, unless you are in a unit with a very specific and limited set of missions, keep your kit as flexible as your mission set.

That means pack the universal: ammo, water, blowout kit --- and make the rest GP carrying pouches. Adapt those to your purposes.

It's way easier and more practical downrange than retooling your kit every time your load-out changes.