Remember, you don't have to find the "best" one, only one that is good enough. Find one that meets your requirements and then stop looking and buy it. I would say that you can't go wrong with either a Trek 520 or a Surly LHT. Both are extremely popular. Of course, there are a few dozen other ones that will work well too.
If you need a tie-breaker, buy one that is well supported by your closest and best and most helpful bike shop. Don't let yourself get talked into something they happen to have on their floor that doesn't meet your needs.