I'll second Tony's comments about the cooler - if you don't care what it looks like, get a cooler or one of the big plastic storage tubs and some weather stripping.
Palio and Xikar both make good cutters, the owner of Palio is a member here and a real stand up guy.
I've had good luck with the following two cheap lighters:
http://dx.com/p/compact-1300-c-butane-jet-lighter-4179 and
http://dx.com/p/translucent-butane-jet-lighter-6783 . Blazer also makes a good pocket torch (the child proof safety is a PITA but easily removed with a razor blade), but it's about $25.
Gel and beads are not the same. The ability of gel to absorb excess humidity from your humidor is limited and slow, it's a bit better than a sponge, but not by much. For beads, which can actually regulate a set RH and rapidly/easily absorb excess moisture, I would look towards HCM beads (developed and sold by members here) at
www.hcmbeads.com or heartfelt beads. They're different design, but work similarly. I have both and the HCM beads outperform the heartfelt beads in my multiple 27 gal tubs & coolers.