[DrKnow65]

Glad to see other guys coming back to rc (like me :-)

Though I'd recommend something 1/10 scale for backpack use as even a 1/8th buggy is heavy loaded with batteries, radio, tools and spare parts. I would say a RC10T4.1 running 2s on a brushless 5700kv motor would hold up well to minor abuse bashing and be track worthy for light racing. Just make sure to get the version with a geared differential vs ball as it will cut down on maintenance. (this weekend castle creations has the mamba max/motor combos on sale for $150 minus 20% for black Friday. Can't beat that, period.)

A pair of hard case 5000mah 2s lipo's with a 40c constant rating should give you better than an hours worth of play time without a recharge... If you can go that long without breaking something :-)

If you wanted to do some HARD bashing without breakage then I'd go 8th scale buggy, 6s lipo, and not carry many spares/tools in the pack. Three or four spare batts for run time, a nutrigrain bar and an energy drink to get you home if there are hills involved hahaha :-)