Maybe erring on the robust side for a little trail riding..?

What’s available in this category..?
Does such a thing exist or should I be looking at a small hardtail frame build..?

Or could I put a flat bar on something like a salsa fargo without compromising the drop bar geo..?

Look at Thorn. They do some tourers in short for use with flat bars

Or maybe buy an old steel rigid MTB and the bung on new stuff

My wife toured on a Trek 970 years ago. I think her sister had one at one pioint as ell. I’m sure if you found one for sale the frame would be perfect. Small steel Kona etc. also good