I have heard of people using a clear shower cap to cover their camera in occassional rain. The nice thing about a shower cap is that it takes up almost no space in your pocket or bag.
My whole childhood was shot with a Nikonos Calypso. Despite weighing as much as a toolbox it is a brilliant camera. I never found it to be difficult to service. Quite the contrary! It's entire service life was spent in the bayou, on beaches, except for when we uaed it in swimming pools, on whitewater kayaking trips, or diving in the Bahamas and Central America.
My Pop was always worried that something bad would happen to his lens, like send it in to be serviced and have it return with an inferior lens. He loves this glass! Last x-mas I got him a second lens for $10, shipping included. It is a great camera.