What is the best hardtail I can get for around �800?

I've recently had my Kona Shred stolen and am looking for a replacement. The bike was originally a gift a few years back and I loved it but found it really heavy on long rides-although the DHs were fun! I ride the 2 miles to and from work each day and like to go out on long rides at the weekends (mostly off-road), so I need something durable and able to take the inevitable battering it's going to get. I am looking to work on and upgrade the bike over the next year, so I'm looking for a good place to start. Any ideas folks?