My Long Haul Trucker spends about two weeks a year, give or take, actually hauling me and my gear between campsites. The rest of the time it takes me between work and home, around town, to the grocery store, basically everywhere. If I need/want to carry a lot, I'm glad to know that I can. A couple of full grocery bags are no problem. Everything I need to sit and enjoy some of the outdoor entertainment around the city can be easily accommodated.

Overkill? Probably. It's not fast, and it's not light. My first reaction after switching from an aluminum hybrid was that it was like biking around on my living room sofa. Solid, comfy, but neither speedy nor nimble. It suits me fine.

I think a touring bike makes perfect sense as a utilitarian, around-town bike. But if all you do is commute and take leisure rides, then its capacity for dragging around several pounds junk will probably not be appreciated or needed. I agree with others that perhaps sport-touring or cyclocross will suit you better.