I have a Trek 7.3fx and it does fine on the packed limestone rails to trails around this area and it's on the road side of the hybrid spectrum. At somewhere around 26 pounds with a 28X32 low gear will probably be as good or better on the hill as anything else. It would not be suitable for loose gravel or mud so if the trails you are considering are in bad shape it wouldn't be a good candidate.

The other option as quattroG pointed out would be to get two bikes one new and one used. As your subject says, you have many options, which is much better than having two few.

Jim