I know a lot of people may disagree with me but I would never again travel without my Eee PC. It is a mini laptop with wifi connection. It was a fabulous tool for me on the road from west coast to east coast and than to Austin, TX. I used it to store all of my directions, locations, resources, phone numbers, back up plans, emergency city numbers, How Tos for car repairs and nomad advice I got prior to the travel.

It weights less than half of a regular laptop and is super tiny so it can fit inside a backpack. The downside is it is only meant for very basic stiff such as internet and writing. The processor on mine is 512 (or something) so while it is a great tool, it can be slow if you want to do a lot of "work". Great for travelers.

I would definitely take some sort of waterproof jacket. Being wet sucks when you're on the road because it can be really hard to dry out. Also, throw in a couple big, heavy garbage bags- these come in real handy to protect your entire backpack from getting wet, for sleeping on, for sleeping under, or you can use them as ponchos in heavy rain. I usually just carry a gallon jug for water, people are normally pretty cool about filling it up and a gallon will get you a long way. Many many blessing on the journey. May you find what you're searching for...

My favorite truck stops on the road where you can bum free showers are Pedro. The staff was always cool. Any solo driver can pretty much hook you up with a team driver card when they fill up. Showers normally cost about $9. Most truck drivers are cool about it since it doesn't cost them anything. DO NOT HIT THEM UP FOR MONEY!!!!

Pretty much across the country 211 is becoming the United Way directory and can hook you up with soup kitchens etc... You will have to call during working hours though.

Most cell phones do not work in back country.

I wouldn't go anywhere without my go light waterproof jacket. I also have some gortex but that can get really hot sometimes. There are some really good light tents out there and some sturdy light backpacks. Pretty much my outfitter has always been Sierra Trading company but it has been awhile since I bought anything.

Personally I would carry a carbon filtered water bottle with me and a camelbak fill up whereever. As for clothes....sythetic fibers dry quicker....polarguard, thinsulate etc... clean underwear is what matters...underwear/socks and t-shirts everything else is for comfort. A small first aid kit is cool get a waterproof bag and put some light stuff in it.

The external frame backpacks offer more room but I prefer an internal frame one because it distributes weight better. for gear urethane coated nylon is inexpensive and totally waterproof. Remember "COTTON KILLS" and pretty much wool etc...