Might want to talk to Big Mikey about hose...he's a big dog too, and he offers a few things for sale that might suit.

Most kilt belts I've seen are in the 2-1/4" or 2-1/2" size. You can likely wear a 3" belt...some guys, I've even seen wider...all depends on proportion. A belt that wide would look out of place on me, a 2-1/4" might look out of place on you.

Whether you have a keg, a gut, a dunlop, or just a paunch, the way the kilt hangs will slim you down...hanging from the natural waist, it breaks the gut line.

Personally, I have neither belt loops nor a third buckle. Some people want them, they're not necessary to hold up your kilt or your sporran, nor does the belt stay in place any better than without...I've never had my belt shift nor lost a sporran (I wear mine on a strap vs hangers). Read up on why or why not, just so you're making an informed decision, whatever you happen to choose.

Lastly...this is very much an opinion, but FWIW...if you can swing the additional couple hundred for the 8yd wool, go that route. You mentioned festivals, hiking and casual wear, and 16oz wool is very, very durable. I've hiked up a few mountains in mine, worn it in hail and heavy downpour, walked up creeks and through brush and brambles, washed it and straightened the pleats and then worn the same kilt for solo piping a few days later (it looked great). I've worn it casually out and around, and so far only for one "formal" occasion, and it's been great. I only own the one kilt, and other kilts will be "want" items, not "need".

-Sean