Hi,
I now find myself changing to "I think" touring bikes. I want one for shortish, but multi day trips, with rack, mudguards, paniers etc for a tent and the like, plus ok for trips to the shops for a bit of shopping now and then - approx a 6 mile round trip.
Seems touring bikes (flat bars for me) fit the description - was thinking hybrid, but seemings not, as touring bikes have mudguards, racks (or fittings for such).
J
A big plus 1 from me on an old MTB, or reusing your existing one.
For racks, most, if not all will have mounts for a rear rack. Then there are racks that attach to the front via the Quick Release skewer. But clamps can be improvised too.
For mudguards - I use plastic mudguards on my converted MTB. They're probably not as good as the tighter fitting aluminium ones, but they do the job and I have no issues in selecting tyre size.
Panniers, I can carry up to 4 and a rackbag depending on what I am doing.
An MTB gives you such flexibility in terms of tyres for all surfaces.
Bombproof, strong, stable as said above.
Plus an older MTB is less attractive to thieves than a fancy tourer - especially if popping down to the shops.
Bear in mind, that once you dip your toe in touring, the experience you're looking for can change over time.
Today it might be all about road tours and getting as far away as possible. Tomorrow, it might be more canal paths etc, slower and a tad more difficult. Next week it might be more rugged, off-road, get away from it all! The MTB can do it all! (Or else get yourself a new bike every time! :-) )
You can also tour on a hybrid. I've done a few on a no-brand cheapy aluminium, with front suspension, the longest being about 6000km.
When it started to die, I had made up my mind that I wanted steel, 26in wheels and my research led me to an old MTB.
Good luck & enjoy your quest!