Bart,
I'm also new here, but not new to high quality lights. I've recently begun playing with the lower priced Chinese made lights at home, and learning more about the myriad options they offer is why I'm here. However, you're looking for a tool to use a place that can be rough, and not a toy. I've owned multiple Surefire lights over the years, and still own several. The ones I no longer have were passed on to friends and family when I bought a newer SF. As far as I know, all are still in service.
I bought a Surefire E1e in 2006 while I was deployed to Iraq. The E1e was purchased as a pocket sized alternative to the 6P I'd bought two years before, and carried on a previous deployment. In '08 or '09 (can't remember exactly) I upgraded it to LED with the KX1 conversion head, which turned it into the same light as the current E1L. I just bought a new model EB1 backup to replace it as my EDC light. That E1e/L rode in my pocket, banging against keys and and knife, everyday for nearly seven years. Other than upgrading to LED for higher output and better run time, I've not replaced a part on it. The finish is worn, but the light still works perfectly. I only bought the EB1 because once again I wanted a brighter pocket sized light. Nearly seven years of everyday use without a single failure has earned my trust of Surefire.
The lowest price I found on the EB1 was $156 and free shipping from BH Photo Video. The E1L runs a little bit less. I realize that these two lights are at the top of your price range without even adding batteries. I really like the deep carry bi-directional pocket clip on the EB1, but you can get this clip from SF and put it on the E1L. The CR123 E2L Outdoorsman is another light that slightly exceeds your budget, but the lower output combined with a 2nd battery give it great run time. The E2L AA version is within your price range, still gets good run time, and uses a more widely available battery. Those are all smaller diameter, easier to carry lights from SF; and all are dual output.
Alternately, for under $90 you can get a Surefire 6PX or for under $70 a G2X. These are essentially the same light, with 6P version having an aluminum body, and the G2 having a plastic body. Both are available in high out put only Tactical variant, or dual output Pro variant. I've run both the current G2X Tactical, and the previous G2 LED in weapon mounted setups using very basic ring mounts. The plastic body G2 lights have proven themselves to be quite rugged, so I have no issue recommending them to keep the weight down on the light, and keep your wallet heavier. The G2 is also available in a variety of including bright yellow if you value easy to see over subdued colors for tactical / defensive applications. The prices on the 6PX and G2X leave plenty of room in your budget for spare batteries, SF factory lanyard kits, or aftermarket pocket clips.
Last, don't skimp on the batteries. These lights pull quite a bit of current, and cheaply made CR123s, while rare, have been known to blow up at times. At around $25 for a pack of 12 the Surefire SF123 batteries aren't that expensive. For a few dollars less you can also get Panasonic CR123A batteries in bulk industrial packaging. I actually prefer the Panasonic cells in the industrial packaging because it's individual blisters with plastic fronts, and foiled paper backs. This packaging is fairly water resistant, and even if one or two blister packs are compromised your whole supply isn't ruined. With their 10 year shelf life I'd go ahead and take a 12 pack on your trip, and keep whatever you don't use for future use.
I know that was a long, but I hope it was helpful.
