The hardrock has pretty low end build. Not sure it'll take the stress. I'd shoot for deore or better. Watch out for deore hubs, recent ones have a history of dying. Note that MTB touring will stress you bike more than touring or mountain biking, so you want something rather rugged. Low end MTBs are built for bike paths.
I disagree with the need for a lockout. It'd be nice, but not worth spending more for.
My FS comment is the same as in the MTb forum, you need a higher-end bike to make this pretty built proof which seems out of your price range.