Trying to Learn about all the equipment I am going to need

If anyone is reading this yet,  my next adventure is to discover what I will need to go on a 500 mile hike.  What kind of equipment will I need?  Will I need to carry certain things?  What kind of shoes or boots?  How about my clothes?  What happens when it rains?  So I will have a lot to learn about equipment and I will appreciate it if anyone serendipitously clicks here, if they would please share what they know.

As I learn more I will post my choices and wait to hear what other hikers have to say about them.

Thanks for all your input or not.