TW, this is gonna sound stupid, but here we go.
I'd recommend a simple MOLLE FLC. If you don't mind the zipper / desert tan version, you can pick one up new (including delivery) for about 15 bucks off of ebay. Like here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=330284397447&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=014
Personally, I don't like the zipper on the newer revision. The older version just had the buckles - which I like.
All that is, is a chassis.
Then get whatever you want to pack on there, as modular pouches. This gives you the capability of trying out all kinds of arrangements. For modular stuff, I like HSGI and Diamondback Tactical mostly, although I will admit to having used Marsgear mag pouches (didn't know it was chicom until it arrived) with some mods. Tip: the larger M60 pouches hold a 2-quart flexible canteen.
I'm "somewhat vertically challenged" (at the national average for height), and don't like vests made for taller people riding up too high under my arms. And you've gotta have it somewhat high, or else the waistbelt on your ruck will fight for airspace with it. Nor can I tolerate pouches or adjustments up around my shoulders - I like CLEAN access to where the buttstock touches my shoulder, and I'm picky about the thickness of the shoulder pads as well. Hated the old deuce gear pads, always battling the buttstock for realestate LOL!
Anyway, once you get things laid out the way you like them, it's QED to find a vest that is laid out identically / similarly. Or just have one custom-sewn.
The biggest problem you'll have taking this route is getting a hydration carrier on the back. Not that one can't be rigged (GRIN) - especially if you live in a town big enough to have someone sew the straps for you. It's QED to have some 1" nylon webbing sewn into the top of carrier, to connect to the top vest adjustments instead of the "stock" webbing. MOLLE to the waistbelt portion of the vest. Except my rigger moved away....... down side to living in the middle of nowhere.
Oh yeah - and on hydration pouches, watch for a couple of things. When you've got MOLLE bars on them, you can add stuff that you're not going to get into often - like your blow-out kit and NVDs. Can't leave 'em there when you ruck up, but for a patrol or something. The other thing is watch how high it rides on your back. Went prone once, and had the hydration pack push the back of the kevvie pot down in front of my eyes. That's considered "not good" LOL! I wound up going with a short / wide Camelbak reservoir.
But that's the reason I recommend going modular at first: you get a chance to WORK every arrangement. If something messes with your weapon mount, you can take it off and not destroy / molest a high-dollar sewn vest. People are too individual (in my estimation) to have a "one size fits all" solution. Just work it hard, and you'll come up with the right system FOR YOU.
My heavy vest is an Arktis. It's nice, durable, not terrible on ventilation, and works for me OK. I'd change a couple of things if I could, but it's a good vest as-is. If I'd had to pay anywhere near full price for it, I would have had one custom-sewn to mimic the FLC I worked up instead though.
FWIW