Just making the decision that much harder

So, recently I was thinking about how I like to go riding in places that aren't necessarily all nice road surfaces... off the beaten track, gravel, dirt, sand. This may mean I should look instead at a mountain bike instead of a typical touring bike.

It's a compromise between touring comfort and ... not having to push the bike when the going gets tough...

And whether I can still carry front panniers. I definitely don't want to go the Bob trailer route...

Decisions, decisions...