I have seen people tour on much worse than a brand new Hardrock. The only real weak points for that bike might be the rear wheel because it is a freewheel and the fork might get a little slop in the bushings by the end but it will likely be more than ride able. It is interesting he has nearly as much money in his panniers as he does his bike. There is a pic floating around here somewhere of a guy loaded down very heavy on a dept store bike.