Hiking with my SLT-A77VQ

Hi all. I am planning to do some hiking with my DSLR (SLT-A77VQ) instead of my trusted DSC-HX5V. The hike will include 8 mile round trip and around 3000ft elevation gain.

Crazy, you say, maybe, but the DSLR is such a wonderful camera and I really want to stretch its legs. I would prefer not to hike with the camera in the backpack and am looking for the least obtrusive carrying case which would allow me to access the camera quickly. It has to of course be durable and protective.

Any suggestions welcomed.

Here is a pano from my last trip in 2010 (With the HX5V)

Summit - Bare Mountain - Snoqualmie Pass

On the way up

On the trail - Bare Mountain - Snoqualmie Pass

Half way

Looked easier than it was