The bike IS balanced fore aft unloaded, it's a cyclocross bike that handles well being tossed around and shifting body weight back when descending rough terrain. Once you toss 25lbs behind the rear axle or far outboard things get funky. The type of panniers you get can address heel strike instead of relying on a long rear rack.
I can't find the Axiom Streeamliner DLX on their website but it still looks available elsewhere.
I tried a Topeak Super Tourist, Tubus Cargo, Tubus Logo and Axiom StreamLinerDLX on the Cross-Check and like the StreamlinerDLX the best. It's the old Streamliner not the Road or disc version with the forward cantilevered piece at the bottom.

http://www.treefortbikes.com/product...FUid4AoduDsA9w

It mounts straight down without the cantilever business of the existing Streamliner series. I had to use conventional flat ss. straps for the seat stay mounts in order to clear the fenders since the stock fittings hang so low. This rack feeis stiffer than a Tubus Cargo that costs 5 times as much. The distance between the rack and seat stays is very close so it's solid. Get some Ortlieb Front Panniers and you can mount them fairly far back for light loads and if you want to carry a heavier load carry them on low riders with tent or whatever on the rear rack.

Or... You may find that one of these frame bags can carry all you need for hotel touring.


https://www.revelatedesigns.com/inde...g&CategoryID=1

https://www.revelatedesigns.com/inde...=1&ProductID=5

I bet the large Tangle frame bag is all you'd need for hotel touring

I'm also using this rack in the front for heavy loads like an 24 pack of beer, it can also take panniers like the Ortliebs where the hooks can be adjusted. The Cross-Check can handle heavy loads on the front wheel with less deleterious handling than the rear, I don't think it's just because it forces you to keep both hands on the bars as much as the weight is closer to your control than off the rear wheel.

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.p...ront-rack.html