Alyce,
What you need is based on:
Where you are going - Mountains vs bayou, etc.
When you are going - Winter vs summer.
Why you are going - camping, hiking, getting the hell out of Dodge.
Who are you going with - solo vs family or friends.
Finances - Price and quality of equipment and length of stay.
Give us mroe info so we can narrow down what you need. As an example, I am going to Colorado next month from Texas and know I need X, Y and Z based on locations we are traveling, weather, camping with friends. Next fall I am going to Alaska from Texas, solo for 3 weeks and then my wife is meeting me for 3-4 more weeks. I know I will need A, B, C as well as X, Y and Z.
Whatcha wanna do?