+1 on the Helinox. I have a Cot light or Cot Tall that I take on horse packing drop camps. Light and comfortable. The tall version makes for storage room underneath in my tipi.
I would be happy to win the Vapor Stormlight. (Partly because I already have and use an Uncompahgre Puffy.)
It would be put to good use deep in the Pasayten Wilderness this coming September. Last year we were 20+ miles in and saw a moose (unexpected), mountain goats, and ended up filling a...
Consider the Wiggy's rectangular series. We have several of his regular mummy bags and they hold up very well for synthetic bags.
http://www.wiggys.com/sleeping-bags/rectangular-style-sleeping-bags/
You may want to check out the Cabela's "Teck-lite". It is similar to the Kuiu with the added benefit of being able to attach the top (shoulder) straps to either the binos or the top of the pack/case.
I also use the SpaceRain and find that it works very well. It is somewhat fragile so it is not well suited for brush crashing, but it is also relatively inexpensive.
I would skip the VBL, unless you are anticipating an extended duration of nights well below 0 temps. A LW bivy will add some extra warmth and provide protection from shelter condensation drips or other external moisture onto your down bag, but at the penalty of the weight and the potential to...
Take a look at these two pictures of the Cabela's Teck-Lite bino harness. The first picture shows the upper straps attached to only the binoculars, like the Kuiu.
The second picture shows the upper straps attached to the case.
This would provide a way to run the harness either way...
I also use the Opti because I prefer the CR123 batteries. I don't carry charging equipment in the field.
If you choose one that uses AA batteries, take the pain and buy the expensive lithium version of AA. They last longer and are lighter.