Wheel set recommendations
 

Currently running 3T carbon disc brake set on my No22 Ti Great divide. These are great but looking to get a set of aluminium wheels as riding in Cambodia soon and a tad fearful of damage. So 'ideal wish list':

- Hard wearing ( bullet proof ).
- thru axle.
- straight pull bladed spokes ( feel and seem more durable as I've had a few breaks with J bend ).
- I like 35mm rim depth ( currently fitted and good looking IMO ). Nothing deeper.
- cartridge bearings so not Shimano.
- no need tubeless ready as prefer clinchers ( will be running 28mm Conti 4 Seasons in Cambodia).

I like Hunt wheels but they are J bend and I'm unsure of hub quality?

Am I being 'too prissy' on spoke demand?

Don't want to spend more than £400 ish.

Welcome views / thoughts and opinions.

I would personally avoid straight pull spokes for a touring wheel because it makes finding replacements significantly more difficult. The upside is that sometimes you can replace straight pull spokes without removing the cassette.

Aside from that, conventional recommendation would be DT hubs (350s are great, 240s are a bit lighter) laced with 36 or maybe 32 double butted spokes and brass nipples. In your application I'd probably pick some conventional touring rims like Velocity Dyads (which can be had with non machined sidewalls). Most importantly I'd go out of my way to find the best wheelbuilder possible in my area.

If this seems heavy, you're right. But you mentioned remote travel and a desire for durability. If you qualify your durability needs it may become apparent that this is overkill.