I wouldn't think of minimalist touring that way either. There's a great book.reference that Fugazi dave recommended me last summer, it's called The Complete Walker (currently in its fourth edition). Some of you may have read it or have it. It's a handy reference for walking/hiking but a lot of it could apply to touring in general or any kind of exploration.

I think you could get away with a lot of military surplus gear. That way it keeps your cost down for stuff that has at one point been field tested.

Ken - regarding the higher quality cost of stuff, I believe in gear. I really do. I'm a minimalist at heart in the sense that I buy one thing, but of the highest quality. I believe that if you do so once, you'll never end up replacing it. My father always reminded me of that, everytime I wanted to buy something of a lesser value because I could afford it. He said to save up instead and get the better quality gear. I have things that I've used for years. There's a belt I own that I bought when I was 15 (I'm 27) and I still use it. I paid more for it, but it's been worth it. I too, own a Chrome and consider that it will be the last messenger bag I will own (unless something happens to it).

Teadogg - good stuff. It's good to work withn a budget because then you're preparing yourself mentally for the challenges ahead. I can dig that.