Having just gone through something very similar, and buying 10 knives in the last month, I'll throw my vote out there. My list includes many of what you noted in the first post. Out of all I bought, a Griptilian 550 was what I decided to bring when I went camping. Plastic handles and all. When I got home from the trip I put some new scales on.
With that, your range and your valid concern over plastic handles, you should seriously consider the Griptilian 550-1. The G10 handles will go a long way, and you get the CPM S20V blade upgrade. I certainly would have went this route if I knew how much I would like the Griptilian.
Or, get an S110V Spyderco Military for a larger knife AND a mini-Griptilian 555-1. Sweet!!!