Returning to backpacking after a longgggg reprieve. More or less, seems like gear is the same except some better materials (Ultra200x, etc.)

For shorter trips with better water access, it looks like the Durston Kakwa 40 could work really well for me. Still need to try it though.

But several of my trips will be 2-3 nighters in waterless rough regions (Arizona, Southern Utah, Joshua Tree). Therefore, am really considering a ULA Ultra Circuit or Ultra OHM. I know the OHM rec max carry is 30 lbs, but wondering if anyone has pushed it to 35ish and how that felt.

Few data points:

• Base weight = ~ 13 lbs
• Water carry could be for 2-3 days :/
• Want framed, and ideally U or curve one piece frame
• Will carry water for myself and sometimes my partner
• Ideally want something sooner than later, therefore long lead times aren’t ideal (e.g, the SWD bags look incredible but yeah)
• Would be nice to have decent back ventilation, but that seems like a mirage with most UL bags. Therefore, would be nice to have something that does not absorb sweat at all.

Thanks y’all! Been mad helpful to me as I get back into this lifelong beautiful pursuit of gram counting!