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STAGE EQUIPMENT/BACKLINE
 ....guitars, amplifier, drums, keyboards are known as backline - but you knew that already didn't you?! Mostly you will own this yourselves and this is the stuff that defines your sound. , When you are starting off you will no doubt have to deal with budget stuff, chinese guitars etc - this is ok, don't be too sniffy about it - you don't have to have a 1957 Les Paul to do the job. Budget equipment has come on leaps and bounds in quality over the last 10-15 years although there is rubbish out there, so do your research, get recommendations and make sure you try them out, don't just buy on name. Most towns have local music shops where you can try stuff out - they will do their best to help you and give you a good deal as they know they have to be competitive. Also if you have problems it is often easier to sort in person at the store than if you've bought something on-line.
There are lots of manufacturers producing lots of new bits of equipment on an almost weekly basis selling you the latest XYZ, assuring you you cannot live without it ...... don't be suckered in.
Whatever you choose, get familiar with it so you can get the most out of it - the instrument is an extension of you and only comes to life when you play it. Whatever you get it is always worth saving some money for a protective case, not necessarily a flight case, but something more than the cardboard box it came in.
if you are touring around the world you will end up having to hire stuff as you go. Always best..... to check BEFORE you go with the local promoter where their music shop(s) is as you might well need strings, sticks etc...
Once you get in to the professional world there are certain brands and models that are the mainstay, and are classics in their own right - this is because they are the best.
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I would love to do two shows with the same band, one show using budget equipment and the other with the more expensive versions to see what the sonic ramifications are!