Do you all for the most part just go with a backpack? My uncles a pro photographer and he just hangs one of his older cameras around his neck inside his jacket.
I have my very large camera bag that is waterproof/element proof that holds all my bodies, lenses, and accessories. Just hike or carry it up on the lift on your lap and then set up station wherever.
Its not top of the line or anything but its comfy, tough, roomy and waterproof when you put the rain cover on. Its worth the money for the protection/usefulness it gives. It also easily carries a tripod
pelican case. its the only way to go; waterproof . indestructible (think?). mine camera is little - canon hg20+goproHD - so its easy to put the small pelican case into my backpack with out worrying about it.