I'm torn on this one. I love having my SLR with me but I ruined by film model when I dumped my boat. Can't chance that anymore with the digital.

I love having pics but if the camera is tucked away when I need it I can guarantee you it will stay there. I have a cannon A720, mid sized ( I hate teeny tiny cameras) with image stabilizer and 6x zoom. Not National Geographic quality anymore but good enough for me to remember what happened ("Oh yea I remember standing on that point now").

I house my camera in a carrying case from Duluth trading co. Lots of good stuff there. The case is made from the same material firehose is made out of and closes with velcro and rides on my hip (fast, easy and tough.......kinda like me ::)................Ok, maybe one out of three  ;D )
ANYWAY, it's right there when you need it. Out and back........in a flash!