There’s fairly minimal weight difference between DSLR and mirrorless so long as the sensor is the same size, the primary weight savings is in moving to a smaller sensor, and so moderately lighter body and much lighter lenses. The longer the lens, the more pronounced the weight difference

There’s something to be said for taking a DSLR with, 20–50mm prime and just shooting with that. The last time I was in New Zealand, I had a full lens set, but realized that 90% of the shots I took were 20mm. I had a Nikon D600, and paired with the 20mm 2.4 D is a small and light package, especially if I ditched the L-plate.

There’s also something to be said for using the same (or same brand) camera for both studio and hiking. You don’t have to switch your reflexes from one system to the other.

If you don’t want to carry a tripod, there are monopods, or, given that you’re hiking, walking sticks that can double as a monopod. I use a Leki Sierra walking stick which works great for this. I also often bring a table tripod in case I want to do a long exposure (this in preference to a flat plate system as a tiny tripod does a better job on uneven surfaces).

I’ve also seen gadgets that can couple three walking sticks into a tripod, but have never used one.

Finally, if you care about weight, you want a tripod made of carbon fiber, which if both lighter and does a better job damping vibrations. It’s fine to ditch the remote shutter — just use the shutter delay feature on your camera.

It seems that tripods do not hold value the way that, say, lenses do — so if you’re looking for a decent CF tripod and cost is a limitation (it always is for me), check eBay or KEH — and both B&H and Adorama sell used gear. To buy used gear, you need to know WTH you are buying. For tripods, check the center column first, or the ‘accessories’ forum on dpreview. Personally, I particularly like Benro (Induro’s little brother) as I can get what I want with good flip locks — and I despise getting sand out of twist locks. Same CF tubes between Benro and Induro, same top mounts, feet.

I’ve gone on longer than I’d meant to…