Replying to Anybody backpack with a DSLR before?

This coming fall/winter/spring I'm going to be backpacking for around 8-9 months. Checking out a lot of really cool places I've always wanted to see since I was just a kid. Since I'm going to be gone so long I'm going to try to pack as light as possible.

When I'm gone I'm going to be building a newer, better portfolio than what I've got right now, and also I'm going to start up a travel/photo blog for my down time on the trip. Hoping all that will help me into the school I want.

Wondering if anyone has experience traveling with a DSLR? I've got a D7000 and as much as I know it would be worth it to bring, I'm wondering if it would also be a hassle. I was thinking if I brought it, I'd bring just one lens, like my 18-105mm, so it would take up as little room as possible. But I've never brought the camera into another country.

I've been thinking a lot about this, and I'm hoping some one has had experience with it. I was even thinking of buying a compact digi camera to use on the trip instead. A smaller camera that I wouldn't be as sketched out bringing around with me everywhere I go. Something like the NEX-3. On top of this ill probably have my macbook in the pack too, to work on the blog/editing.

Anyone have any suggestions?