We took our guidebook to Kinkos and they cut it two, binding each part with sturdy spiral binding. I learned this from a fellow tour participant on our Rick Steves 17 Days in Italy trip. So we only carried the Wien (Vienna) section into city.
Just last night I was thinking I might take my Austria guidebook apart since I'm only doing Vienna, Melk and Salzburg, and that book is heavy!
The relevant slice of the RS guide book, my compact camera and cell phone fit snugly in a small, cross-shoulder travel purse along with comb and lipstick, metro card and a little cash. Passport, license and credit card/debit cards go in my money belt. This leaves my hands free to take pictures or eat gelato!