The rule of thumb for hub motors when ascending is you must keep the speed st 50% of the max or else too much energy is being transferred into heat. If the hill is short, no problem. Almost everyone agrees for steep climbs a mid-drive excels. The BBS02 (should cost < $450) is excellent, and combined with a good battery (you shouldn't need more than 5 ah for your trip), will be < $1,000. You'll still need to pedal IMO, but not excessively hard. My wife and I ride off road on our similarly-equipped bikes and use only about 100 - 125 wh for a 14 mile (7 up, 7 down) ride with 1500' of climbing (BBS02, 52V, 6ah battery). There are easy on, easy off systems, but at this time all are hub AFAIK (look at Clean Republic and Superpedestrian)..