a thought, if you are going to bike more in general, but try touring once in a blue moon, consider getting a bike that is lighter than a lht but that can still take front and rear panniers and a reasonable load (lets say 40lbs max).
I mention this opinion simply because if 90% of the life of a bike will be unloaded or lightly loaded, you will have (perhaps I should say "may") have more fun on a more responsive bike, depending on what kind of riding you do, or think you will be doing mostly.

just another consideration. (but do always keep in mind that a triple and fairly wide cassette will leave you with better gearing options than a double front crank bike that a store employee may say "oh, sure , this will be fine for touring too...")