As you start Acok, you may have some problems as the ennemies are very strong and you may not have the proper gear to meat them. Here are some items I founded in the game that are well hidden in chests but are accessible to inexperienced character. I recommend you to get to 16 str asap to be able to equip all of those.

. Old two handed axe (28 c), 15str : in a chest located in the Howling hill, an explorable area next to your starting location.
. Old hand axe (25 c), 12 or 10 str : in Summerhall, a explorable area in the Stormlands
. mail gauntlets (8 armor) and mail boots (30 armor) : in the vulture roost, explorable location in the north of Dorne.
. helmet (43 armor) : in Castamere, explorable location next to Casterly Rock.
. Gambison and falchion (30 cut, needs 14 str): in a chest in Barrowtown (city in the North)

Some other are accessible by quests:
.chainmail (41 body armor, needs 16 str): during the quest "Hear we Roar", in a chest located within the keep of Blackwater. Don't miss it before leaving the location as you only get one chance.
. two handed sword and bastard sword: after completing the Tourney of Ninestars. I would not recommend doing this quest before getting superior gear.

One Item you can find in chests is very valuable (can be sold 20 000+ gold) but I don't desire to spoil the location in this treat. If you are interested, look for other guides.

If you know others, feel free to let comments.