Are you looking for a touring bike as a bike that will be tough around town, or one that you will frequently load up for extended trips?
If you just want a tough bike that could handle some touring every now and then expand your search to include some cross bikes too, like the Surly Cross Check of even the Soma Double Cross (the Soma fork even has lowrider rack mounts). Both will handle a load pretty well and ride a little sportier unloaded. If you do decided on a sport tourer or a cross bike be sure to check for heal clearance! This is often over looked when searching for a bike that will have a rear rack and bags.
If you plan to load it up a lot, touring bikes are great. I did a TransAm trip with a friend last summer, me on a 520, her on an LHT. After putting both bikes through the paces and looking at their parts spec, I think the LHT is a better deal. It's spec'd a little better for a touring bike (IMO), and the wheels held up much better. The only weak spot was the tires.