The 26/36/48 crankset and the 11-32 cassette on the LHT’s doesn’t give you the climbing gears you need? what's the gearing of your mountain bike? The LHT meets your requirements for your touring. If you aren't going to carry heavy panniers and do lighter 'credit card touring' perhaps slightly less relaxed angles like a sport touring geometry for more responsiveness, faster day rides as well as touring....maybe a Waterford, Rivendell etc.