Graeme, very impressed with yours and Malcolm's build skills. Very fast reflectors! I'm uncertain about the mirrors and openness for extensive touring needs though.
Pragmatism would dictate looking towards a budget short tube acro as MortonH and ZeroID have suggested. If it happened to get hammered on the trip I wouldn't be too concerned. I would be more worried about the eyepieces. Not impressed with the buy new package offerings on these with 45deg diagonals and bundled mounts.
The CN forums are awash with grab 'n' go and travel scope discussions with a lot a people talking up even 60-72mm quality scopes. Maybe not so useful in my light polluted backyard though.
I'm researching all options, even 4-6" SCTs and 4-5" Maks. I'll report back here eventually with whatever setup I go for as a reference point for others. Happy to keep the discussion going though!!!
I might even have to post a wanted ad in the classifieds
