A deck of cards! They take up little space in an outside pocket, and provide hours of entertainment.
What would you pack?
Pack a light cover for single bed (incase the hostel's bed linen is dirty), sewing kit, and girls can pack extra bikini (quick dry and multipurpose- can use for swimming/underwear). I always take pen and notebook with me as well. I always bring USD, British Pounds and Euro with me just incase).
this is prettymuch how i pack, always
1 pair of extra pants/shorts
1 extra underwear
2 extra socks
1 or 2 shirts
toothbrush/paste
deoderant
flute 
a book to read/ write and pen.. cuz i heart it.
a lil bit of food jus cuz. you can always poach and restock hehe
a compass. absolutely saved my ass multiple times
my trusty zip hoodie if its cold
a pocketknife if i think ill need it.
and thats prettymuch it.. all put in a simple little backpack. though i often contemplate just going with nothing but what you can keep in a pocket. man, that would be fun.
the Evan's simple traveller's packlist.
nice and easy..
I mostly bother to pack things for comfortable sleeping under all circumstances: earplugs, inflatable cushion, lightweight airplane blanket, clean linens, mask, insect repellent, sleeping pills and an alarm. Plus a good sleeping bag, longjohns and insulation foil to keep out the cold when making treks :-)
[ Edit: Edited at Jul 5, 2006 1:51 PM by bentivogli ]
Please excuse me if these have already been mentioned above.
-Hydrocortisone cream
-Benadryl pills
-Malaria pills
-Typhoid vaccine (not so much to pack, but to prepare for)
-Hepatitis A vaccine (not so much to pack, but to prepare for)
-Anti-microbial fabric freshner
-Air freshner
Carry copy of Spectacle prescription and or contact lenses. After losing my prescription sunspecs first day of the honeymoon I wouldn't leave the country without a spare.
Compass! navigation and travel is so much easier with them. Personally i depend almost absolutely on them navigating and finding my way.. always wondered how people travel alone w/o a compass cos some of me mates dont take it...
Hello Peter
On the essential for all list, i would take off soap and comb.
Go for shampoo. This can be used for hair and body, and hand washing in restaurants, which dont have soap. Most people need shampoo and could do without soap.
Leave out comb. Not everybody combs their hair. Dread locks, shaved heads. I never use combs. I have so much hair, that i must have a hair brush.
Mel
U could also leave out camrea/film and address book, on the essential list.
I have never travelled with a camrea. Not everybody wants to have one.
Since the internet, i do not travel with an address book either. Just 1 sheet of paper, to put in my money belt, if I need to have any info, at hand.
U could also put a money belt, on the list of essentials. I think nobody should travel, without one.
Towel should also be on the list of essentials
u could probably put razor, on the essential list.
I think most people use them. Dont they?!