I'll chime in - got a free RockHopper a while ago. Definitely struggling a with the long top tube to make it a drop bar conversion: TourHopper
- but you can't beat free. I've not set the height since I installed the bars, so they won't be as high as in the photos. It's been too icey to get out and dial in the fit a bit. If I don't like these RANDO bars, I want to try the rivbike Albastache, I think.

On the other hand, I'm working over this Nishki sport thing ($25 frame/fork on CL): CLICK ME (in process - no tape or brakes yet; need to paint the seat tube/down tube & logo it)
I think it could be an OK-tourer - but no cantilever brakes. I brazed on rack bosses and shifter bosses before powder coating it, but couldn't put enough heat to it to do cantilever brake bosses.

TO the OP: cantilever brakes or disc brakes if you want to go heavy touring.
Go 700mm wheels for road touring; 26in wheels for off road touring; and dealer's choice for dirt road, but fenders rattle a lot on dirt roads.
Go with steel if you're going 'round the globe; steel or aluminum if you're staying first world.
I like the insight at this website: Tom Allen?s Bike Trip ? Adventures and experiments in two-wheeled travel

have a nice day