I have two suggestions:

Look for an early 1980s Trek and have the entire bike retrofitted with Ultegra, brifters, etc.- whatever you want. Look for a frame with Reynolds 531 steel.

The frames were beautifully made and are really great for sport touring - carrying 20-25 pounds. They are sturdy bikes - real classics. This route should cost around $1,500 - buying the old bike just for the frame and then the retrofit.

Another route is to buy a Terry Isis Sport - very light steel with carbon fork. The bike has eyelets for a rear rack.

I have gotten into a mid-life bike collecting phase and actually have done both options, and have done 50 plus mile segments on each of them. They are both comfy in their own way. I chose the bar end shifters for the Trek, because I like the option of switching to friction shifting on a tour - uncomplicated.

I test rode the Surly LHT, and also thought too heavy - and without the charm of the old Treks.- but maybe that's my age showing. Also go with down bars - you can use a taller stem-Nitto- to raise the bars to a more upright position.

Hope this helps.