check out the exo k3 1800. i have the 4800 for a western trip this fall and love it. looks like the 1800 is a great day pack and would be able to handle your gear (and also meat for when you're successful). they all use the same frame, so you can upgrade to a bigger pack if the opportunity arises.
got my exo k3 last fall - been training with 50+ pounds for an elk hunt this fall. i've run it everywhere from a day trip deer hunting to 4-5 days worth of gear. Very versatile and user friendly.
I just picked up an inReach mini for my elk hunt in september. haven't set anything up yet, but based on talking with Garmin and reading some threads out here, it will be the perfect solution. I can't wait to put it to use.
I have the maven B.1 in 10x42. It's the first nice glass i've purchased, but i'd also say they are the last. They are incredible, particularly at the price point. My hunting partner ended up getting the same thing as a result of using mine in the field.
I've now drunk more of the cool-aid and...
First time out west for me as well. Lots of deer and turkey hunting in kentucky... Trying to draw in montana and wyoming, if we fail there, headed to Idaho OTC
following. currently have the danner pronghorns, but i feel like the toe box is just too big. a friend has the crispi thors and they seem like a much sleeker boot. leaning towards crispi colorados or summits...but are they worth the price tag?
We're planning our first hunt for 2020 as well. spent lots of time in the whitetail woods, but never hunted out west. I look forward to following this thread and seeing what other advice is given.