So we're off to do the EBC trek next month. I already own a Canon EOS 40d, I've traveled all over the world, went up Kili and Rainier with it and I love it. However it is a bit too weighty and gets tiring on the shoulders. I expect EBC to be difficult and I don't want such an unnecessary hinderance. On the other hand, I'm doing some research and there aren't any compact size cameras that are jumping out at me and making me think it can match my DSLR. Important features are durability in high altitude/low temperatures, long battery life, hopefully lightweight, etc.
Should I stick with my 40d? If I do, are there any smaller camera bags (somethign like a lowepro) that I can just barely fit in it (I have a 18-35 mm lens on it). Preferably I would want to be able to stash the camera in the bag attached to the hip strap of my trekking bag.