I have a 664 and I am looking for a cover. I'm looking at kings covers but they only offer one for the new viper. Was your cover for the old style viper or new style?
Outdoorsmans hands down is the best. But if you are looking for cheap and top quality slik 330dx is the 2nd best. I recommend after a season or 2 after saving up to swap heads on the slik tho
I have used a few poles over the past few years. The aluminum ones I used bent way to easy and were loud, but they were able to bend back an still semi usable. I use carbon now and I like them but the splintering thing scares me but they are quieter. Either way you decide i really reccomend cork...
I'm usually so tired I could pass out anywhere. But depending on you type of hunting you are doing. If in back country maybe try a hammock with ultra light pillow. Maybe try half a benadryl. Sleep on level ground and try a nice ultra light sleeping pad with a ultra light pillow.
I used to run 10 on chest with 15s in pack. I noticed I never used my 10s I was alway in my 15s I eventually decided to switch to 12s and when I really need the backup I pull out the spotter.