I've used Cabelas binoculars a time or two, a friend has a pair. They were pretty good but I don't remember the model. I would guess that my friend did not spend $300.00 though, he's way too tight for that.
In binoculars I look for a few things. Roof prism (straight line tubes) binoculars will cost more that porro prism (off-set), they cost more to manufacture.
What that means is you can get higher quality optics in porro prism than you will get in roof prism for the same money. The advantages for roof prism are that they may be more durable and more compact. If you want to carry the binoculars in a pocket, go with the roof prism.
I look for BAK 4 prisms. They may even have higher numbers than that now.
I also look for waterproof, fogproof, and most importantly, FULLY MUTI-COATED lenses, not just Fully coated. The multi coating will greatly reduce glare and give you a very sharp image. There are numerous choices in your price range, I like Nikon, Burris, and Steiner (1st choice), At least you know who really makes them and you can get these off of the internet in your price range.
And remember, the higher the number (8x40 eg) the more light they will gather and generally speaking, the more they will cost. I will say that you get what you pay for in anything, but $300.00 can buy a decent pair of binoculars that should last you forever with reasonable care. Just do some checking around, Google, there are all kinds of sales going on right now.
Anyway, just my two cents worth, hope this helps.