Well, finally a list of items that's in my backpack. I'm happy to report that I've used all the items I packed so far on my trip. There are a few items that I'm considering shipping back to the States because I just have so much crap with me. (Last update: May 28, 2001 - photos to come eventually.)

 Ear Plugs - This is by far the most useful item I brought along on my trip. When you share a dorm with at least 4 strangers or friends each night, it's a rare occasion to not have a snorer in the room. The drunken pommies can snore up a storm. Look for one with high decibel ratings. Status: On my 2nd pair, used frequently.

 Gregory Forrester Backpack - Medium size - Very useful backpack - has various features - check out their site for more info. Status: filled to capacity. I thought it was bigger. I'll probably try to get a bigger pack next time I travel, but then again, the more room you have, the more stuff you'll buy to put in there. Also, I wish there was a way to secure the pack with locks, but that's what the PacSafe is for I guess.

 Kelty Payload - Day pack - useful for carrying my laptop around with it's detachable suspension laptop sleeve. Status: Filled to capacity. I need to get a smaller day pack to just put stuff for the beach or something. Also, this pack is heavy when it's empty! I might get a smaller one when I get a smaller laptop.

 Buzzoff Mosquitoes Suit - Another very useful item - especially when camping. The mozzies can swarm like a smoke cloud. I've used it in Hawaii and Australia in situations where I would've been super miserable without one. Status: will keep in my pack permanently. To get yourself one, check out their site.

 Schrade Tough Tool - A multi-utility knife that comes in handy in any situation. Used in all locations traveled so far for different purposes. Lacks sissors though. Status: Will keep in my pack permanently.

 Walrus Bughut I - It's a little tiny tent that sits over ones face and upper body. Made of no-see-um netting. It's very useful for sleeping outdoors or if a room has open windows with mozzies flying around. Status: will keep in my pack permanently. Used in every location so far.

 Pacsafe - A wire mesh that goes over a backpack and can be locked to poles or trees. It's more of a theft deterrent than anything else. I've heard too many people with things missing while staying in hostels so it comes in pretty handy. Status: will keep in my pack permanently - don't know how useful it will be if a thief has a wire cutter.

 Basic Cloths - I packed 3 pairs of convertible pants (ones where the legs can be zipped off), 7 pairs of socks, 5 pairs of undies, 3 short sleeve t-shirts, 1 long sleeve t-shirt, 2 swimming nylon shorts. With the exception of the undies, the rest are all made of fast-drying, sweat-wicking materials. As a bonus, I find that I don't have to use a dryer because most of the items come out dry from the washer after a good spin cycle. Status - my first casualty of items left behind - I left a t-shirt, swimming shorts, and a pair of socks at the Cook Islands. I also sent a pair of pants and a pair of socks home to cut down on the bulk.

 Marmot Micro Fleece - Bright orange coloured - I thought it's a cool colour but people can spot me from miles away. They remember me for my orange shirt more than anything else while in New Zealand. Very useful for cool nights - can also be used as a pillow. Will keep in my pack permanently.

 Mountain Hardware Rain Jacket - Eventhough it hasn't rained too much during my trip so far, this jacket kept me dry when raining. It also kept the chill out when combined with the fleece. Very useful. Will keep in my pack permanently.

 Large Laundry Bag - Used for carrying laundry or putting my backpack in while traveling. Status: Will keep it permanently.

 LL Bean Sleeping Bag - Rated 40F - very useful for chilly nights. Saved me some money on sleeping bag / quilt rentals also. Not used in the Cooks. Status: Will keep it permanently.

 Soloman X-Hike Boots - Lasted 5 years and 4 continents, but it's falling apart. Will probably get a pair of sneakers once in Southeast Asia.

 Snorkel Vest - Useful for keeping me afloat while snorkeling - used in Hawaii and Cooks. I had a wet suit on while in Australia so that kept me afloat. Status: Small enough for me to leave in my pack, but might send it home after Thailand because I don't see myself using it in Europe.

 Nike Aquasocks - Useful for climbing around tidal pools and rocks - lost, or more exactly left behind in Wellington, NZ. I had to get a cheapo one in Australia. Status: Might send home after Thailand

 Mask and Snorkel - Used only a few times so far - I would've used it more if the water wasn't so damned cold. Status: will probably send home after Thailand.

 Digital Camera & Laptop - Well, it's been used almost everyday and you wouldn't be reading this if I didn't bring it with me. Status: will probably trade it with a friend for a smaller laptop. Will keep in my pack permanently.

 MD Player - Very useful on the buses and other locations to just chill out and listen to your own music. I made the mistake of not looking too carefully at the power supply and it's only good for the 120v outlets. I'll probably get a dual voltage power supply in Singapore. Will keep in my pack permanently.

 Other Lost Items - Water bottle - replaced by mineral water bottles. Flipflop - replaced by cheap flipflop. Travel Towel - replaced by much better fluffy cotton towel.

 Crap I picked up - Small inflatable mattress - FAR better than anything else for sleeping in a tent or outside. Well worth the US$20 I spent, but might send it home. Also bought a pair of long pants, shirt, and shoes to got out on - will probably change it once I get back to the States.