'I read more maps than books': Packing for a year away

So a lot of people have asked me what I'm bringing with me and wonder how I'm going to fill it all into one bag on my back. I didn't know a few months ago either. Well I first started doing a lot and a lot and a lot of research. (nerd!) Then being a list person I stared making lists - clothing lists, gear lists, lists about what I'd need in my first aid kit, a list of misc items, a list of expensive bits of equipment I needed to buy, lists of things I might need, lists of things I'd read other travellers couldn't live without... you get the idea.

So I started by buying the backpack, a Berghaus Jalan Womens 55 + 15l and I ended up with...

What I'm packing

Clothing:

Merrell Siren Sport - my 'sensible' walking shoes
Merrell Siena - sandals that are kinda cute
crappy flip flops - for icky showers
Cons - an extra pair of shoes may seem silly but if I'm heading out for a drink at night in a big city I'd rather not have to wear my lovely Merrells! These are super old so if I'm not using them I'll throw them out.
6 tank tops/string tops (ones a dressy one)
2 t-shirt
1 long-sleeve top
3 shorts
2 dresses
2 bikinis - I plan on buying lots more along the way :)
sarong
a pair of jeans - most people/travel forums/blogs say don't pack these but I can't imagine a year without jeans. And after not packing them when I travelled around Europe a few summers ago I regretted not having them. So they are coming, end of!
light full length pants
North Face micro fleece
rain jacket
crappy shorts and string top for Pjs
micro fibre towel
mini micro fibre towel for hair

Misc stuff

1l water bottle
sunglasses, seeing glasses, 4 month supply of contacts and solution
Sporkff
mini LED torch
silk sleeping sheet
notebook and pens
tiny 2010 diary
small atlas of the world
Lonely Planet 'South America on a shoestring'
washing line
padlock
first aid kit - painkillers, tiger balm, plasters, motillium, immodium, savlon, rehydration sachets etc.
mini sewing kit
toiletry bag - suncream, aftersun, insect repellent, toothbrush, toothpaste, deoderant etc.
some make-up - mascara, eyeliner, blush
hairbrush with bobbles around handle
pack of playing cards - they have a different picture of Ireland on each card