Honestly, the best gear is the gear that gets you out there.

However, a few specific pieces of gear that will help are the National Geographic/Trails Illustrated "Mt Rogers" map . It covers the area well.

I strongly recommend hiking the Virginia Creeper Trail out of Damascus for the first 10 miles because the AT is a massive PUD through that first 14 miles. And the hike through the Mt. Rogers area and Grayson Highlands, with views to forever and wild ponies, is a real gem.

Partnership Shelter is a double decker with a solar shower.

You may also be able to follow some excellent side trails. Personally, I realy enjoy the Iron Mountain Trail and I intend to make a Damascus loop up the AT, hooking over to the IMT and back to Damascus this fall.

I have a trip report of the Grayson Highlands and IMT from last summer. Maybe it will give you some ideas or inspiration for your trip.