For touring why would you then buy an xt group? This just needs a good clean, tyres, guards, racks, maybe a bar and stem and some tlc. Groupset all works bar needing a chain/checking wear to sprockets!
He's planning on going to places without many bike shops and wants to make sure everything is as easy to replace and as bomb proof as possible. Hence 8 x 3 Deore xt.
For touring why would you then buy an xt group? This just needs a good clean, tyres, guards, racks, maybe a bar and stem and some tlc. Groupset all works bar needing a chain/checking wear to sprockets!