I'm going hunt bear in Alaska and i'm starting to put together all the hunting gear I'll need.

I'm looking for a good pair of binoculars, I've got a Burris Landmark 8x42 and like the roof prism, size, etc. but I think I might like a step up in optics. I'm looking at Nikon Monarch and Leupold Cascade. Is one of these superior? Other recommendations in this price range?

Thanks for any help you can give.

Grizzly

You need to make the final decision with your own eyes. Some other possibilities to look through:
Audubon Equinox HP 8x42mm $280
Bushnell Legend 8x42mm $230
Celestron Noble 8x42mm $277
Minox BV 8x42 BR $289
Olympus Magellan EXWP I 8x42mm $164, the overachiever of the group

I personally would take the Nikon Monarchs over the Cascades. I think that the Nikon Monarchs and the Bushnell Legends are top of the best buys right now.

Another idea: You can get a better view in like priced porros over that of roofs. The Swift Audubon 820 8.5x44mm porro ($280 @ DigitalFotoClub) has been referred to as the "poor man's Swarvoski EL." http://www.betterviewdesired.com/Swift-8-5x44-Audubon.php The Swarovski EL 8.5x42mm roofs cost $1900.