Fujitsu P2000 Lifebook laptop computer – I researched laptop computers endlessly for this trip, and this little Fujitsu was – and still is – the best machine for my purposes. Just 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) in size, this beauty boats a 30 GB hard drive, 368 MB of RAM, built in DVD ROM/CD-RW drive, and, most importantly, a Firewire port (which I use to transfer video between camera and computer). I compose all the Vagabonding content on this computer, enjoy a 1,669-song music library, archive materials to CD-R, and even watch an occasional DVD. For travelers, I can't recommend this machine enough.

That said, I'm going to sell this thing on eBay as soon as I get home. Its compact size is ideal for the road, but at home it's nice to spread out.

Note: I compose and prepare all content for the site on this machine, then save it to CDR and floppy and upload it via the PCs at Internet cafes.
 

Panasonic AG-DVX100 Mini-DV Camera – this is the showpiece of my kit. At 4 lbs (1.8 kg), this is the smallest professional DV camera on the market. And it's proven to be a durable workhorse. I've used it in rainforests, deserts, and at freezing high-altitudes; in every condition, it's performed like a champ.

I carry one regular battery for the camera and one long-lifer.
 

Shure SM11 wired lavaliere microphone – I bought Shure's least expensive lavaliere microphone when I was in Kolkata, India – four months into the trip. I wish I'd had it from the start. I clip it onto interviewees and, even in noisy surroundings, their audio sounds dynamic and clean. I also use this microphone for my voiceovers. All the audio I captured before having this microphone is junk.

Manfrotto 3001D tripod – what good is a big honking camera without an equally big tripod? At 3 lbs (1.35 kg), this is Manfrotto's lightest tripod, and I've fitted it with one of their lightest fluid heads, the 3130. This tripod and head have performed remarkably well, especially considering the number of times they've been dropped, bashed around, bounced off bike racks, etc.

When I'm out in the field, I carry the tripod in a quiver-like bag that I had made in Vietnam for $3. When I'm moving from place to place the tripod goes in my main backpack.
 

Sony P5 3.2MP digital camera – I don't care what anybody says – as far as consumer digital cameras go, nobody comes close to Sony. This is the second Sony digital camera I've owned, and I love it. The P5 is tiny but powerful. It also does mini-movies with sound, a feature that I use for the underwater videos.

I carry two extra batteries for the camera and an extra 128 MB Memory Stick.
 

Sony Marine Pack – this ingenious plastic housing is custom-made for the P5. Good for up to 40m below the surface, I've used this housing to take photos and videos while diving. Sony makes the marine packs for other camera models too, although I hear they're discontinuing them.
 

Fujitsu USB Floppy drive – many PCs in Internet cafes don't have CD drives, so a floppy is critical to transfer data from the laptop to the Internet cafes.
 

IOGear mini optical mouse – the little nubbin on laptop computers is fine for quick bouts of navigation, but when you're editing photos or working on video, you need a proper mouse. This little guy does the trick.
 

I carry the standard power adaptors and connector cables for my equipment. I also have two sets of headphones.

The one noteworthy item from this group is a global plug adaptor called the Road Warrior. It's the most compact plug adaptor I've ever seen, and the design is elegant. I'm not sure who makes it, but if you dig around on Google you'll find it.

I also use a small Belkin surge protector called the Master Cube.

Crumpler Messenger bag – The laptop and camera fit perfectly into a padded messenger bag made by Crumpler. With pouches and pockets that perfectly fit all of my gear, this bag seems custom-engineered for my project. Its styling is discreet and rugged; after nine months on the road, it still looks great.
 

PacSafe – another key security item is the PacSafe, which is a wire-mesh sack that you can secure to a piece of furniture or something and then lock your stuff inside of. Whenever I'm not using the DV camera or the computer they're secured inside of this baby. While a determined crook could easily hack her way through this contraption, it goes a long way in preventing opportunistic theft.
 

Sea to Summit Bags – to keep the electronics dry when I’m lugging them about, I store them in three Sea to Summit dry bags.
 

Insuarance with Safeware - the laptop and cameras are insured with Safeware, which is really the best form of security and protection. It's not easy finding this sort of coverage. After many rejections by traditional insurance companies, I found Safeware.

The noteworthy items from this group are my Chaco sandals. Never have I had a more comfortable – or smoove – pair of sandals. I've worn these babies for 270 days in a row and they're still looking smart. Also, Chacos serve as a sort of ID card for North Americans, as anybody who's got them is either from the US or Canada.