Far from necessary, but you would better served with a 20" barrel IMO. (And agree on 1:7 twist)
This is where I go. Great folks to deal with, better pricing and selection than new:
INGO Classifieds - Long Guns - Rifles & Shotguns
True. I wasn't even considering the hike.The 20" setups can get heavy. If used as a coyote gun, i prefer 18" since it balances and carries better. Some coyote outings i end up walking 3-5 miles, and a long 20" neven felt balanced.