Equipment
This is nearly all the gear I'll be using to paddle around PNG. It looks enormously confusing when I throw it all together like this, so I have snipped bits of the photo out and listed the gear in rough categories below.
Stuff With Wires or Batteries
Solar panel, satellite phone, computer (this is not the one I will be using), 12V battery (grey box), GPS in waterproof case, solar battery charger, camera with waterproof case, various charging leads for connecting stuff to the big battery. The basic idea here is this... solar panel charges the big battery... big battery charges the little batteries in the computer, GPS, satellite phone, and camera... the computer hooks up to the satellite phone to send messages and photos to the website... the GPS tells me where on Earth I am, and helps me decide where I want to go.
Threads, Coverings and Nets
Shirt, shorts, pants (not in photo), hat, sunglasses, towel, map, book, diary notebook, scale ruler, silk sheet, sarong x2, compression stuff sack, raincoat (just see the edge in bottom right!).
Tent (3 bags), small fly net for hat, large fly net for lounging under, camp stove, fuel bottles (not in photo), 3x3 metre tarp (not in photo), camp pillow (not in photo), camp shoes (not in photo). Most of this stuff is for keeping dry, comfortable and fed once I've landed for the night. There's no food here but I'll be carrying about 3-4 weeks of basic supplies at any one time.
Stuff for Paddling
Kayak, main paddle, spare paddle, life jacket, spray-skirt, deck compass, map case, water bladder, paddling boots. There's a few things missing in this photo- lycra paddling top, paddling shorts, hat, tube of zinc cream, sponges, bilge pump, sunglasses with strap, tow rope. there are three main compartments for stowing gear, two rear and one forward. There is also a tiny one next to the compass for daily food and the camera.
Stuff in the Magic Bags
Headlights, leukoplast, EPIRB, compass with mirror, spoon, calculator, watch, small scissors, whistle, pens, pocket knife, pole repair sleeve, blistex, 2x magic green bags. These bags contain all the bits and pieces that I love to have within easy reach. There'll be a few extras in there before I leave.
Stuff for Stuffing Stuff In
Dry bags of various size and colour, paddle float, water bags 4x4L, fishing line, mask and snorkel, first aid box, coconut knife. And that's about it!