(Apologies, long post incoming)
I do have to start out with another nod to CPK like a few others suggested, they really are superior. My FK2 and DEK have replaced all that came before as primaries for all things outdoors. Moving on though as they are outside your budget.
EESE-4 is a good knife, and I don’t feel is as hard to care for as you’re thinking. I’ve used mine a lot and don’t do much other than generally not let it sit around wet, and clean it after extended use, it’s still in perfect shape. The EESE is also rock solid and going to handle abuse/batoning without batting an eye. My only issue against the EESE-4 is the shortness of the handle. When pressing down with my thumb on the blade for leverage, the end of the handle is pressing into my palm rather than extended past the end. I can’t comment on a -5 as I’ve never held one to know if it’s better. I also have a -3, (same size handle) and agree with
@GB940Rookie that the thinner blade is a bit more practical for most camping tasks, unless you’re more about hacking up firewood/shelter construction, then the -4 is better.
I have a F1 Fallkniven, also a great knife but honestly haven’t used it nearly as much as my others so experience is lacking to give it specific comment.
Someone suggested a Helle Temagami, another great knife. I’ve used this and a Helle Gaupe quite a lot outdoors. Their handle ergos are really great and a joy to use for extended periods. I wouldn’t baton with a Gaupe, but the Temagami is full tang so is good to go. These are scandi grind compared to the above suggestions so different in that respect, but a scandi does have some pros for certain outdoor tasks. (Oddly, for having a lot of knives, I don’t get too hung up on grind types. Any good sharp knife is going to cut most things regardless of grind type.)
All that said, my actual recommendation is going to follow those that have said Mora. I have many Moras and considering the price, you simply can’t go wrong. Seeing as you are just starting out, this gives you a chance to learn what you like and dislike and your most common use cases before you get into something more expensive. IMHO everyone that spends time in a “bushcrafting” capacity should own a Mora Companion. They are great for most tasks, excellent for food prep, and you can get them in stainless or carbon steel to check out pros and cons of that as well. Best of all, entry level Moras have a price point that almost makes them disposable without issue. For a bit more money I’d recommend a Mora Garberg. Another excellent knife, full tang, that I have used a lot outdoors and has performed very well. A Garberg surprisingly batons wood very well. Mora sheath options also lend themselves well to different carry configurations. I recommended a Garberg to a friend recently who was also just starting out and he’s been very happy with it.
I’d say any of the knives that have been recommended in this thread are going to easily handle almost any task you throw at them when just starting out. The important thing is to just go with one and get started. Unfortunately it is only through experience and use that you will really be able to zero in on what you need, what works best for you and what you prefer and value most in an outdoors knife. Forum suggestions and reviews are indeed helpful but, your personal sweet spot needs to be discovered.
P.S. if you’re progressing to overnights, consider a small folding saw and maybe an axe. Your knife is not always the right tool for the job (it pains me to say that
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