Good gear is pretty important to make the most of the experience. You don't have to go crazy expensive but there is plenty of good value, good quality gear out there. The resources here details the stuff I use and have used in the past that has served well for me. There are affiliate links next to some of the gear. If you do buy anything after clicking through these links, I might get some kind of commission and that is an incentive that helps keep this site (and the dream) alive.