looking for some upgrades for my Rockhopper

Sounds good
If u are going for the long distance rides a watter bottle holder is great to have.
Tyers are a good spot to start.
I like to also have good set of grips as they r where u drive the bike from so comfort and control is a expectation from them and a good set will allow this
I dont do a lot of trail riding so not to sure if this helps.

I would recommend looking into a nicer set of tires. It obviously depends on your riding style, but for me getting a more aggressive tread, soft compound tire made a huge difference in my riding. I also opted for a dual ply sidewall which is great where I ride here in Colorado where there are lots of sharp rocks and aggressive lines. If you don't have a dropper that is an amazing upgrade as well but a bit pricey. Contact points are another great place to start, having a nice saddle, grips and pedals can make a bike much more comfortable and improve your rides!

Don't throw too much $$$ on this bike. Just enjoy it as much as possible. When you'll find the bike limits your progression and you have the money, upgrade the whole bike for a better one.

For now:
- New tires setup tubeless (at least new front tire...you can use your OEM tires as a rear tire and burn them,
- Lock-on grips if you find the stock grips are crappy,
- Clipless pedals and shoes. You will transfer them on you next bike anyway.

I would say that's about it. Anything more than that simply means you didn't buy the right bike and you should have bought the next RockHopper in the line-up.

On thing you could consider is the brakes. A friend of mine purchased a similar bike a few years ago and the stock brakes (mechanical) were really terrible. He changed them for some Shimano XT he found for cheap online and it changed the bike entirely. I have no experience with the brakes you have on your bike. If you like them, just keep them.

Everything that has already been said, and pop those reflectors off the wheels too. Enjoy the new whip!

KS eTEN on Jenson for 116... externally routed sooo it should work on you bike.. i'm planning on getting one for my FS soon

I would say that grips will greatly increase ur comfort is you get the right pair for u..!

Nice bike , I have the same one. I love customizing everything that I have so im going all out with this one. Upgraded the following parts:
Egron grips
Kore durox handle bars 760mm 35mm rise
Hunson 7 degree stem
Lizard skin fork protectors
Selle Royal seat
Maxxis hookworm blue spoke skins
Specialized rim decals
Bonmixc pedals
I am in the works of upgrading:
1x8 drive chain (crank arms and chainring)
9 speed chain
Seatpost

I'd ride it until you feel that a part doesn't fit, breaks, or you can tell that it holding you back. If you can't feel the fork flexing, you probably shouldn't be spending money on a new stiffer fork.