Here's a really neat idea for stabilizing your camera (vertically, at least) when you don't have a tripod. ...could totally be improvised on the trail as well.

The idea is to use a piece of string anchored under your foot and attached to the camera via a screw at the tripod mount. Just pull up taught, and shoot. This Metacafe video demonstrates:

$1 Image Stabilizer for any Camera

Isn't this just one of the most "simply elegant" ultralight ideas you've seen in awhile?

Cheers,

Kekawaka