I'm going to offer a slightly different perspective. At 24 you still have plenty of time to determine your career path. You have plenty of time to redirect or change your career path. You likely have plenty of time that isn't committed to a spouse, children or financial obligations. As you...
There are people literally getting killed in football stadiums for wearing the wrong jersey and you're upset because your out-of-state state plate brought a predictable hand gesture. Grab a little perspective, tighten up your boots and keep hunting. You'll get over it.
This may be a moot point if you already placed your order, but if you've got ziplocks inside why do you need a dry bag? Go with a dyneema stuff sack and save the weight. Also check out OPSAK bags instead of your standard ziplock for minimizing smells.
Similar to a few other posts I returned to camp one night to find a knee-high critter had slashed it's way into my tent to retrieve...my inflatable pillow. I found it about 10 yards away with a fatal bite mark that made it pop. How I wish I had that on the trail camera!
When you load the pack heavy shorten the yoke so that the distance between your shoulders straps and hip belt is reduced. The heavier weight should pull you hip belt down into correct position and your load lifters should still provide relief on you shoulders. You'll probably have to do this a...
I'll offer one more recommendation that hasn't been mentioned yet, although it may be a few years until you can take advantage of it. If you can get your girls into a local 4H program (minimum age is 8 or 9) that will go a long way in helping then understand and make the connection between the...
Another way to look at this is how much the item contributes to your success. If performance was equal I'd probably spend $100 (or more) per ounce to save weight on my rifle but there's no way that logic applies if I'm buying a headlamp.
For a female specific frame you should check out Osprey and Deuter. My wife has used both and had good experiences. The Deuter was a slightly better fit. These are traditional backpacking brands and not hunting brands.
I've been on a similar quest and gone through half of amazon's stock already. I've got to go with the fishemen's slimvision. I don't know if they're the absolute lightest but they are super light, durable and somewhat flexible. I've used them the last 3-4 seasons, keep them in my cargo pocket...