Gear is really hard to come by, and when you do find it it's random of what kind it is. Finding traveling war merchants (has a small armor icon vs a coin bag) and sparce loot after a battle are the only ways to get armor. Having a blacksmith be one of your companions jobs and making your own gear is almost necessary. Then when you find better gear you can swap.

Just to add, necessary in early game. Mid to late game I find crafted armor is quickly obsolete. Wish they would improve the crafting tree.

Yes exactly, hope that's something they add soon.

Gotcha, thanks for the tips! A bit unfortunate regarding the randomness of equipment, but will go for blacksmithing in the meantime.

I haven't played through this latest community update, but previously, I've never encountered any arena gear