Bikepacking bike

[Cornholio]

Pushing 60 and retiring soon. Mainly a road cyclist, but I?ve become interested in bikepacking. Several times a summer, I backpack with one son, and go to  a mtn.bike parks  with another (he shreds, I dial it back considerably). With an RV on the way, my wife and I will have access to the whole country! Basically, I?m not willing to go all in ($) on a first bike- if I get seriously hooked, I?ll upgrade. I?m definitely going with a hard tail, and don?t want to spend more than $2000. I?m pretty much set on getting the Giant XLR 29?r. Yes, there?s dozens of others that are equal or better- but are there any solid reasons why this wouldn?t be an acceptable entry level bike to get my feet wet. Most rides will be in the 2-4 day bracket, dirt roads, some singletrack, 20-30 mile a day stuff. Will have to tame rides with my wife down a bit, but will crank up the difficulty a bit when riding with buddies. Nothing crazy tho- those days are in the dust. Also, I?d be using this at a bike park now and then.
Any help, opinions, thoughts are welcomed. Thanks in advance!

[offroute]

Exciting times!

It looks like a decent starter, but a XC race-leaning bike will probably not be super comfortable for extended riding. For similar $ you could get a versatile steel hardtail that has attachment points for racks, more bottles, etc, and room for bigger tires. Jones and Surly bikes are not entry-level, but are reasonable (some under $2k) and could spare you an early redirection. Other brands offer models with a similar bent. Marin Pine Mountain, used Salsa El Mariachi. Something like a Surly Karate Monkey would do everything you want. A buddy has had one for a decade and uses it for everything. These are more purpose-built for what you want to do than the bike you're looking at, and they are great for trail riding -- arguably more comfortable for that than a race-y bike.

I'd stick with 29" wheels and pop for a carbon fiber handlebar.

Any bike will work for bikepacking, but the pursuit is more enjoyable with a bike/setup that somewhat mitigates discomfort. Have fun ramping up.

[Cornholio]

 Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your reply was the kick-in-the-ass I needed. Lots more homework was required, and you got me to start digging. Needless to say, I feel quite a bit more informed, and feel i have made a much wiser purchase. I was looking at a new Orbea ALMA- but wasn't available until October. Screw that- NEXT! So, with a little determination, I found a brand spanky new Surly Krampus in Delaware.  Super cool bike shop ( kudos Garrison?s Cyclery!) were nice enough to ship it to N.H. for me. It is all put together, and waiting for spring in New England to arrive. Can't wait to get some bags to throw on it,and get out there.
Your kind, informative response is very much appreciated. Thanks SO much. (yeah, I went a tad over budget.... big deal)

[offroute]

Congratulations; I am super stoked for you! That bike will serve you well and the frame will probably never wear out. Have fun kitting up and planning. Surly sells Revelate-made frame bags for your exact frame.

I just picked up a used Krampus (and new frame bag) myself, so I can dig the excitement! Cheers.