Keeping SLR camera accessible when touring?

I have a recurring dilemma: How to keep my camera handy while touring. Currently my options are (1) let it dangle from my neck (annoying for the uphill and not practical for the downhill), or (2) keep it in my pack (where I end up not using it because it's a pain to access).

Ideas, anyone?

I use a top-loading bag with a chest harness setup, similar to this:
Lowe Pro and others have these in different sizes. It's a slight chore when I want to don or doff layers on my upper body, as I have to take off the camera bag first, but I've found it to be reasonably comfortable and it keeps the camera very handy.

This is something I have thought about a lot and perfected over the years. It is a bit dependent on your pack and the loops available. But if necessary, you can add loops by burning a hole in a tab or strap.

I use the smallest case possible with a flip lid on top. These are actually harder to find now. When I last looked, all cases only closed by zipper rather than a snap buckle. I attach the case to the side of my pack with reusable cable ties (something like this: www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home...&is=REG&Q=&A=details . Too high and you won't be able to reach it. Too low and it will swing around a lot. In this position it is possible to reach around and pull out the camera without looking or taking off the pack. It definitely enables fast photography. Additionally, since it is attached to the pack it is easy to change layers.

Other options are to get a coat with a large pocket. I don't use a SLR, but a micro-fourthirds (DMC-G2) which is slightly smaller. This works better on days when it is very cold or wet, as I can zip it from the weather easier.

I use the Tamrac 515 compact zoon pak holster with chest harness.  Works great and access is easy. Also has some options for expansion for add'l lenses, etc.

www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/195226-RE...ompact_Zoom_Pak.html

They also make one that's bigger for use with longer lenses, but the 515 works fine for a lens up to about 5 inches.

Here's a photo from Diamond Peak last weekend with the pack....

Thanks for the replies, folks. Looks like I definitely have some options to explore. For those of you that use a chest harness, where does your beacon go? (Mine is always strapped to my chest)

I keep my transceiver in my right pants pocket which is closed by a zipper. That works pretty well. The only way I'd lose it is if my leg gets torn off. Don't put it in a cargo pocket as they aren't sewn into the pants. If I'm wearing my lighter weight pants that don't have a zippered pocket then I'm usually not wearing my transceiver either as its probably a late spring or summer tour so I'm not worried about getting pasted.