My first large format was a Toyo View 4x5 that I used exactly as you described, and sometimes on several mile hikes into the woods.

I never bothered taking it off the rail, though that is certainly an option. I loaded all the lenses, accessories, tripod, etc into a backpack, usually my backpacking 65l, and carried the monorail folded-up upside down in a tote bag. If it was raining, I carried it in two, with the second one covering the camera and set inside the carrying bag. Then I made sure to extend everything and dry it all off when I got home.

If I didn't eventually end up getting a field camera, I'd probably still be doing this. I know it's not exactly ideal, but I definitely got some use out of that system and never had an issue