Chuck, I know you've got a whole binocular shop selection at your ready disposal so I'm probably going to grab the 8×32 SV
If I have to choose out of the 10×, it's probably going to be the Swaro 10×50 SV - but I'd want to carry it on a chest harness or sling or something. The difference between 3/4, and a kilo, is not that great, and the 10×50 seems to have that immersive almost 3-D like Wow view. I'm figuring in terms of brightness it's going to be pretty close, so that's not really a factor.
I'm also figuring that the extra EP of the Swaro is going to make for easier eye placement and more comfortable viewing - especially if the going gets heavy and you are breathing pretty hard. That, and the sharper to the edge Fov is utimately what swings it the Swaro's way. :king: On a personal note, I love the hand filling ergonomics of the big open bridge Swaro - I can hold that one rock steady. I'm really not a fan of unibody type closed bridge ergos - not sure if that is a factor for you .... ?
In the event that you run into dangerous biteys or recalcitrants, then having a kilo of metal in your hand to wield could give you a fighting chance too ! :eek!:
Do you wear snow shoes /old tennis racquets to get around ? and how far is the hike likely to be ? Is the environment going to be wooded, or open ? Mostly flat ? Undulating ? Up hill down dale ? Or true mountain goat country ? Are there any expanses of water involved ? Are you carrying other things - food /water /clothing /camera, etc ? Are you packing a sidearm or something too ?
Chuck, I think contemplating such choices means that you've got the bug hard - and you may need to seek psychiatric treatment - like the rest of us ! :-O
Chosun :gh: