Welcome! If you haven't already found them, there are lots of excellent articles listed in the left-hand column of http://www.backpacking.net/, the home page of this site. Feel free to come back with more questions once you've read the articles!

Another good site for gear selection, with a lot more detail (perhaps too much) is Mark Verber's website. Lots of ideas for gear, from the latest technology to ultra-low-budget alternatives--the latter should be just what you need. Also tons of links to reviews and other sites. Some of the links are dead, but most are still good.

Watch for used gear and check out thrift and military surplus shops.

While I'm from the other end of the country, I have do have some ties to Ohio--have family in the Wilmington area.