You asked for any input and I will tell you what works for me. I have much similar uses for my bike including the climbing part. I have a few bikes and of different types and I never thought that my bike of choice would be my touring bike when unloaded as an all-around bike.

Old school road like frame with drop bars and modern brifters. High spoke count wheels like a mountain bike but modern 700 wheels that are wider and can handle a lot more than road bike tires with street tread. Crank is more like a road bike with a low granny triple. Cassette and RD is more of a wide spaced mtn bike range for amazing climbing gears. Frame has space and lugs for fenders and racks if needed. You won’t get the tight spacing on the cassette many road riders like but you will have lots of range. The geometry is a little more relaxed something I personally like.

It’s an idea that might not be for everyone but something to think about. I have a Windsor Tourist but there are lots of similar touring setups out there.