Library card- (Free - ~$30/year)
This is usually free for residents of a county (in the U.S.), or requires a minor fee for visitors. A library card enables you free access to books and the internet (two of the most invaluable resources for the traveler). Email access allows free communication throughout the world. If you venture to build a web site documenting your travels (travel writing and/or photography), you can update your web site from library computers (as long as your server has online html coding).
Email Account- (Free)
Allows you free communication throughout the world. Many email accounts are free (ex. hotmail, yahoo, lycos, etc.). If you own a library card, you can access the internet and email absolutely free.
Flip-flops - (~$5-20)
If you begin your journey in a tropical/sub-tropical region (which is recommended), this footwear is invaluable. They allow your feet to breath, get you closer to the earth, are easy to pack when you are on the move, and allow and easy and more sanitary transition from outdoors to indoors and the shower (at home, at the gym, etc.).
Sneakers - (~$20-30)
If you get the right pair of these, they can be the only footwear (besides flip-flops) that you will need to have on a regular basis. All other footwear (work boots, dress shoes, etc.) can be bought and discarded/traded as needed. Sneakers can be used for exercising (at the gym or outdoors), hiking, and whenever else your flip-flops are not adequate for the task. They can be washed in the washing machine or soaked in bleach water to sanitize if needed. Light-weight cross-trainers are best for stylistic and utilitary reasons. When relocating, you simply pach your flip-flops in your backpack and wear the sneakers. This saves space and makes the trip safer.
Toiletry bag - ($~20-30) - Eagle Creek Wallaby II
These are sold at travel gear stores. They are indespensible. They allow you to carry your travel-sized soap, deodorant, shaving cream, shampoo, razors, medications and first-aid supplies, nail clippers, dental floss, and many other small health-related gear you have. One with a hanging hook and mirror make a simple transition from your backpack to the bathroom (especially when camping with minimum bathroom access, this provides everything you need besides a water source, toilet, and toilet paper.
Clothing - (variable)
If you keep your home-base in a tropical (or sub-tropical) region, your clothing needs will be minor and you can survive with a light, affordable wardrobe. This makes packing and relocating easy - allowing more space for tools which may be more important and efficient. I find that four to five various colored t-shirts, two various colored long-sleeve shirts, and four or five various-colored bathing suits and/or lightweight shorts allow a good variety of different outfits while keeping space-requirements down. One pair of long pants serve multiple purposes and are also lightweight. All other clothing can be bought and discarded/traded as needed.
Safe deposit Box - (~$25/year)
You can store money, checkbooks, important documents, data cd's, etc. in here when you are staying in questionably safe living situations.
P.O. Box - (~$35/ six months) - United States Postal Service (P.O. Box info)
This will act as a mailing address. It makes it easy to appear to have a permanent address (for job applications, bank accounts, etc.). You get a key which gives you access to your box at the post office any time.
Pre-paid Cellular Phone - (~$100 + 15-35 cents/minute) - AT&T Wireless
This makes you constantly accessible while not tying you down to a phone plan. Since you pay for time in advance, you can't use more than you wish. you also get a voice-mail box which takes messages whether the phone is on (or charged) or not. This is another convenient tool which can contribute to the illusion that you have a permanant living situation. You simply buy the phone and then buy the time refill cards when needed. AT&T has a great service with $25, $50, $75 and $100 cards. The higher the price of the card, the less per minute cost you pay.
Self-Storage Space - (~$25 - $50/month) - (optional)
This is a rented compartment at a storage warehouse where you can store all of your stuff if/when necessary. During hiking excursions and international trips, you can store your secondary storage bag here and take only your backpack with you.
Backpack (~$300 - $500 for a good one) - Eagle Creek New World Journey Pack
This is your primary storage bag which you will have with you when camping, living in hostels, guesthouses, rooms, apartments, or any other accomodations. It holds all of your living essentials (toiletry bag, clothing, sleeping bag, tent, etc.).
It is very important to buy a backpack with an attached day-pack. This day-pack is useful in several ways. On camping and international trips, it allows you to leave your backpack at the place you are staying and venture around the area for the day (taking your camera, money, guidebooks, etc.). When moving all of your stuff from place to place, you simply attach the daypack to the backpack and go. On planes you can detach the daypack and take it on board.
Be sure to buy a good quality backpack. It will cost a few hundred dollars - but is well worth it. Your backpack is an essential piece of equipment, which will make your survival and exploration a lot easier and enjoyable.
Secondary Storage Bag - (~$25 - $50)
This is a portable bag which you use to store your non-essential (yet still important) things. Books, mail, accessories, etc. fall into this category. On international trips and camping excursions, your secondary-storage bag is stored in self-storage. It is best to buy a bag with wheels as well as carrying handles. These make it easier to transport from place to place (especially since you will be carrying your backpack at the same time).
Utility Tool (~$75) - Leatherman Wave Utility Tool
This is a universal tool with items used for survival and convenience. It has a knife, screwdriver(s), bottle opener, wire-cutter, and more. Luggage Locks ($5)
These are small locks which secure the zippers on your luggage. This deters thiefs from tampering with your stuff while on the go (ex. on public transportation, waiting areas, etc.).
Chain Cover - (~$75/each) - www.pac-safe.com
This is a lightweight, slash-proof, stainless steel meshing which covers your luggage, maing it difficult for thiefs to get in. In addition, there is an extension which locks up to stable sturctures (bed frames, posts, etc.) to deter thiefs from walking away with your luggage.
Sleeping Bag - ($75-$100)
The primary purpose of this is to cover yourself and keep warm against the elements when sleeping. It can also be used as a pillow when you are sleeping in an environment where little or no cover is necessary. You can fill the stuff sack with clothes (or the sleeping bag itself) and rest your head on it. This best economizes backpack space and gives you a comfortable sleeping setup (since it is difficult to carry a regular pillow with you.
Tarps - ($5/each)
These have several uses. When camping, you can put one tarp under your tent to keep the floor dry and free from the roughness of the ground. You can tie the other tarp above the tent to keep rain from hitting the roof. A tarp can also act as a water catchment device. You simply catch the rain runoff with a container, purify it, and use it for drinking, cooking, or showering. You can also waterproof your gear by wrapping it in a tarp and storing it in a safe place.
Rope - ($1)
This can be used for many things. Primarily, to hold up a tarp, tie equipment to your backpack, and fasten things together.
Flashlight - (~$30)
An indespensible tool for exploring in the dark, in caves, underwater, etc. Spend the extra money for a long-life (150 hours), underwater one. You can hang it upside-down from the top of your tent to read at night.
Lighter - ($1)
This makes starting a campfire or gas stove easy. A simple, disposable one will do and is easy to replace.
Pocket Notebook and Pen/Pencil - ($2)
You will have a lot of ideas and list of things-to-do along your journey. These make organization of thoughts and plans much easier.
Bulletin Board - (Free)
Community bulletin boards are a free place to find work, buy and sell used stuff, and get a good idea of what is happening in a community. People are more likely to advertise here then in the classified section of the newspaper, since it is free and helps filter out unwanted replies (for instance when advertising a living rental situation). The best bulletins are found at : supermarkets, churches and schools. If you have a skill to market, it is possible to generate a significant amount of business from this cost-effective advertising medium.
Scientific Calculator ($10-$20)
A portable calculating tool used for arithmetic, navigation (trigonometry), time and distance calculations, economics/finances, physics calculations (in construction, farming, etc.).
Compass ($10-$20)
This device aids in navigation (wilderness, underwater (SCUBA), etc.) when used in combination with an appropriate map.