No Mad Max or zombie hordes in my scenario. This is stuff I use all the time. When I'm on the coast, I go for day hikes, picnic on the beach, carve a walking stick, and fix a few odd items. I have plenty of spares and see no reason why I can't have them waiting for me.

Public property is the only viable option. There are numerous parks, public wharves, etc. And what about the public library?

I suppose I could ask the manager of the hotel we always stay at to store a few inexpensive items. No guarantees they'll be there later, but it doesn't cost anything to ask.

All of my items are expendable, so there's nothing to lose. Part of this game is curiosity, seeing whether things stay put or "walk away" on their own.