NEWB question: rigid vs suspension for touring.

[AdventureLlama]

So I just picked up my first new bike in over 5 years. A Salsa Fargo 3. I was really into mountain biking several years back, but got into running when I realized it was cheaper than biking. I recently got inspired to go for some ultra distance rides and races, so getting back into biking. My first race coming up is the CFITT here in FL, and I've already started planning for the Tour Divide next year. Alright enough rambling...

My question is for those who have tried touring on both types of set ups, which you prefer and why: rigid vs suspension.

Obviously the Fargo is rigid. I took it out on some local trails here in NE Florida, Fort CLinch State park, whick it relatively mild trail, except for some very rooty sections, and two small hills shored up with cobblestone. It wasn't terrible, but I am concerned that if I find myself on more technical terrain or long stretches of washboard road that the bike will get rattled to pieces. I will be adding a thudbuster seat post, but I'm considering switching out the Firestarter fork for an Fox F29 as well. I know this will add about 1.5 lbs ovearll to the bike, but at some point I will switch out the crank and get a lighter wheel set, so it should balance out. Goal is to keep the bike under 30 lbs.

[mbeardsl]

Carbon rigid will help a little with washboards but no replacement for proper suspension.  I go back and forth on this topic a lot, seem to think of I'm in it for leisure the suspension is nice but if I want to go fast the rigid is my choice.  Seems backwards but I feel like if I'm going to suffer anyways may as well as get some speed out of it.  I do get numb hands pretty often as a result...

[Arctos]

I have always voted for simplicity for biketouring particularly off pavement. For me handling is better with a rigid bike.

 With your Fargo just use tire pressure adjustments as your suspension. If I can ride the Divide on a rigid bike with 1.75/47mm Marathon XR tires you can manage well on a 2.3 tire on your Fargo as long as you keep your base weight low, use your Thudbuster and adjust your tire pressure for conditions.

[harryonaspot]

i am all about rigid forks. rode the divide and another 5000 miles all rigid the last 5 years. you will mostly be on reasonably good dirt roads. for the less than10% rough terrain why ride the other 90% on an inappropriate bike?if I were to do it again i would use 40 or 45mm tires on a rigid bike. it really isn't that rough. shit loads of climbing. the lighter more efficient you can be the happier you will be.