I love my 27.5 Giant XTC 2 hard tail (2014) because it is light and nimble for the XC type riding I love to do. On rocky technical terrain it requires good sized tires. I recently upgraded to Maxxis Ikon 2.35×27.5 for here in Southern Arizona: loose, dry, rocky
An addition to my stable of bikes soon will be a FS and possibly back to 29 in order to have better clearance over the rocks. I’ve been considering the Giant Anthem series amongst others.