Hunting pack: I'm looking to buy the Stone glacier sky 5900 because it's rated to 150lbs and has a good meat shelf design.
EDC: I have an old camelback which carries a suppressed 45 for dispatching deer that I encounter while choring.
I'm happy with my Alps inflatable pad. I grew up with therma rest, which are fine, but I like the extra air cushion height with the alps. I don't find the foam ones comfy enough to be worth the space.
My $0.02 is brand loyalty.
I liken it to a beat-up Jeep from the 70s going for $10k.
I'd say to take advantage of the cult following and use the funds for the new scope.