Level up! Soon I can pick yellow mushrooms.

BG3 enemies rarely drop clothes, only weapons and armour, though when we loot a place with clothing it’s a 30 minute fashion show and dying session

Clothing dying is the thing my group most save-scums for

Charlie Brown got dark in his older years

I know of a great way to get gear early in the first STALKER game, but everyone hates me for it.

All you have to do is goad the military into getting into a firefight with the rookie camp and hide in the shop until the shooting is over and the military loses interest. Lots of dead rookie gear to sell, and at least a few dead soldiers to provide some mid-game rifles early.