While I was cleaning my apartment earlier (all right, instead of cleaning my apartment), I decided to gather some of the gear I've accumulated for my Asia trip together in a big pile and see what I had so far. The result was somewhat gratifying in how efficient and sleek it was, but it was also a little off-putting when I started tallying up the actual price tags on each item. Then I started remembering some of the items I'd forgotten, or haven't yet purchased, and the giant check I had to write to Uncle Sam started to look a little more reasonable.
Only counting the stuff I got specifically for this outing:
- 1 fancy undershirt: $34
- 3 fancy boxer briefs: $25 each
- 1 pair of travel pants: $68
- 2 travel shirts: $25 each
- 1 fancy pack: $150
- 1 pair of trail runners: $125
- 1 Moleskine journal and a pen: $12?
- 2 extra-small eVent dry compression sacks: $60
- 4 pairs of fancy socks: right around $50
- pack raincover: $6
- secret wallet/pocket thingy: $10
- silicone roll-up keyboard for my handheld computer: $26
- Pelican 1020 watertight case for my computer and phone: $22
- Silk travel sheet: $58
- 2 bottles of Picaridin-based bug repellent: $15
- Nylon electronics wrap for camera accessories: $18
- Neoprene camera wrap for my camera: $30
- Asus Eee 900HA netbook +2gb extra RAM: $350
- Nokia N810 handheld computer: $220
- Mugen extended battery for Nokia N810: $80
- Zagg skin for Nokia N810: $25
- Devotec solar charger with Samsung, Nokia, USB, etc. tips: $45
- Universal travel AC adapter: $25
- ACR Electronics MicroFix 406 PLB: $600
You may notice, with some satisfaction, that I got the patently ridiculous (but oh so awesome) underwear. I'd be embarrassed about it, but frankly, I far prefer them to my normal underwear.
Okay, I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that I've exhausted the topic of my underpants.
All together, adding tax and shipping, we're probably nudging the $2000 mark.
That $600 thingy is a Personal Locator Beacon, which is essentially a GPS chip with a big antenna and a battery that sends a high-tech "boohoo" to US Air Force search-and-rescue services (via NOAA) if I've fallen and can't get up. I admit it will be nice, knowing that the crack rural Cambodian GPS-equipped rescue teams/death squads will be there if I get into trouble.
Hm... you can't spell it without "miasma" either.