If you are going back to rei then try out the Mazama. It's disc like you want and is set for ooffroding which is apparently important to what you want to do.


No harm in riding the Randonee too. It's a solidly spec'd touring bike with wheels that are made to handle packed weights and comfortable geometry.
No disc brakes, but the cantis work well. They aren't spongy, at least not when I rode the latest model.