Pretty good discussion here:
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/cpap-anything-new-for-backpacking-camping.259798/
I went with a Breas Z2 auto and the Renogy 7200 mah battery. Used it at 11,000 feet and after the 4th night the battery still showed 50%. Could have gone longer but I switched...
There is a consensus that the Tikka is preferred over a Howa. I was in my lgs a while back and saw a CZ 600 on the rack. The action felt about halfway between the Howa and Tikka in terms of smoothness/quality. The CZ has a lot of preferred features that come standard: vertical grip, parallel...
I'll echo the 77 outdoor light. I used one on a 10 day hunt and it worked great. I especially like the shade of the red light. It is a true deep red color. My buddy has a Fenix and it is also a great choice. The difference in the red color between the two is noticable though. You could buy a few...
I have a pair of 8x42 Toric UHD and would recommend them. I've never looked through Meostars outside of the store so can't speak to those. If you keep an eye on the Tract outlet you can find them for a lot less than your budget. At that price they can't be beat.
We spike camp for 3-4 nights then come back to resupply and either go back or switch areas. Elk hunting is about covering ground and you can do that a lot faster without weight on your back.
I have both the Leupolds and Tract, both are 8x42. To my eyes they are pretty close optically. The Leupolds are more comfortable to handhold with an open bridge. The Tracts sit better on a tripod. The Leupolds are lighter and would be better for smaller hands. The Tracts feel larger and more...