toured 1000's of miles on my old Schwinn Sierra hybrid style before getting my first "real" touring bike. It wasn't to bad. I had the gearing for touring... I had the wheels for it. Was it perfect? Not really but it sure was fun.

Sturdy wheels and gearing are the key... Everything else you can really work with. I added bar ends for more hand positions and that really helped me.

First and foremost.... gear up and go.