There seems to be a fair amount of folks here that carry an SLR camera around with them all the time. You guys post some amazing pictures! I think I'm getting a digital SLR for my birthday in a few weeks and need a little advice.

How do you carry it? Just toss it in the mess bag or backpack? A camera bag inside the mess bag? I want to be able to take it with me but don't want the camera bag taking up a lot of space. Any suggestions?