Hello. I bought a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 in 2011 for this very purpose. Used it on Kilimanjaro. I can hang it in a small carrier on my chest strap or belt. Very happy with it. Very small, lightweight, with very powerful features built in. The lens is very high quality (made by Leica for Panasonic), and while it is a nondetachable lens, you can screw filters and lens attachments on it. The lens is exceptionally fast, so I very rarely use a flash ... I can use ambient light in almost any situation.

Here are pictures I took with it in the Eastern Sierras, while I was trying to figure out how to use it (and before I got extra filters, etc.)

http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/19273/Fall_Foliage_on_the_Eastside_i#Post19273

Here is a link to the camera. It does go on sale sometimes, as I paid a bit less for it.

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMC-LX5-Digital-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B003WJR69E

The specs say it is 9.8 ounces. I put it on my chest strap and forget about it.

If you do get it, think about picking up an aftermarket automatic lens cap for it (about $5). The lens cap that comes with it has to be physically removed before you turn on the camera to take a picture (the lens is retracted when the camera is off, making for easy pocket storage, and then extends when the camera is turned on). The aftermarket cap has leaves that open when the lens pushes through it when the camera is turned on, so you don't have to physically remove it. I have found that useful for one-handed shooting.