Obviously there will be differing opinions on what brands to get, but this list below shows you can get everything you need for under $1500. Some of the tools are new, some used. Lineman gear is meant to take a beating so buying used is the way to go imo.

105 gear bag https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323343600946

25 lineman pliers
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F332566525181

14 Adjustable wrench
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F173545962465

75 lineman wrench
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F253890315977

12 6" flat screwdriver
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F173548758408

17 folding ruler
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323328474221

21 skinning knife
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F302562289665

14 420 channel lock adjustable pliers
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F253433841670

15 3/4 9/16 box wrench
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F263952777083

47 milled face hammer
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F192606834583

200 climbers/gaffs AND pads
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F332816065946

?? Climber shields
Dont need unless they wont let you climb without

?? Gaff shatpening kit
Dont need. I have one, never used in 5 years and gaffs are still sharp. Just dont walk around on gravel in your hooks and your climbers will stay sharp. Plus everyone else will have a kit if you really need it.

350 supersqueeze. Like someone else said, call buckinham and see what kind of deal you can get as an apprentice.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F132791654359

52 tool holster https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004M2RE06/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_HD.QBb9NYP9X0

27 nut and bolt bag
https://www.linemenssupply.com/collections/nut-bolt-bags/products/buckingham-nut-bolt-bag41-4570g4

150 buck adjuster/ secondary strap
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323469175227

6 belt hook green
https://www.linemenssupply.com/collections/body-belt-accessories/products/buckingham-gated-handline-carrier

Body belt $100-200 used.... may come with tool pouch and or nut bag so if it does, deduct the allowance for each of those respectively.
Search ebay for "lineman belt d(your size)" here is how you figure out your size
https://buckinghammfg.com/sizing-information/#bodyBelt

30 rain gear. You dont need fr rain gear, just something that will get you through school.

10 gloves.. any old gloves will do. I prefer all leather. Something like these
https://www.homedepot.com/p/West-Chester-Grain-Cowhide-Leather-Large-Work-Gloves-HD84000-LMCW12/100064254

5 safety glasses
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F122228283728

Chin strap dont need

Side shields dont nees unless you wear glasses

Insulated gauntlet gloves dont need. If you need insulated gloves just go to home depot

50 Gut strap dont need but some guys find climbing more comfortable with one
https://www.linemenssupply.com/collections/gut-straps-suspenders/products/buckingham-leather-non-man-rated-gut-strap-41-6257

11 gaff guards if you buy used hooks and they dont come with gaff guards
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F251999244881

200-350 composite toe climbing boots. I reccomend composite toe because they offer the safety of steel toe but your toes dont freeze off in the winter.Example http://amp.jharlen.com/p-11181-carolina-ca1904-lineman-boots.aspx

$1425 total. Can be more or less depending on what you choose or what deals you find.

I use toughbuilt also, but this one:

ToughBuilt - Technician 10 Pocket Pouch (Large) | 15 Pockets & Loops, 3 Adjustable Pockets, Long/Short Tools, Holster Accessories, Multi-Tool Organizer (ClipTech Hub & Belts) (TB-CT-36-L10) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P94KSP4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NGu3Db0CRWXNW

10-Pocket Tool Pouch Klein Tools 5190 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002RI6DY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yJFyDbY07A25X
Look around and read reviews to see if you need a 7 pocket or 11 or 10 based on what tools you like to carry.

Here is my attempt to answer a super open ended question in case someone is searching. Someone let me know if i missed anything.

Affordable/Tough/5 Year Warranty

For cheaper versions i will mainly recommend Husky they are decent and they fall under a 5 year warranty which is usually easy to have honored.

Personally if i am doing something quick at home i like waist aprons instead of belts. You can get them for real cheap like under $1. There are the super basic ones like these from menards that cost 84¢ and have 3 pockets. but my favorite is this one which has 13 pockets and two hammer loops.

If you are just doing stuff at home or just need a handful of tools at hand then small pouches are your best bet. Something like this 9 pocket pouch from Husky can hold a surprising amount of stuff for only $10 you can upgrade to a larger single pouch for $20. All These black tool aprons/tool belts come with a 5 year warranty from husky.

For carrying lots of crap and actual work you should get the suspender set up. The Husky does have some ok stuff such as the 13 pouch electricians belt and the 17 pouch carpenters belt. Make sure you move the hammer holder to the side or jogging down the stairs will make your hammers handle hit you in the balls.

Fancy/Real Leather/2 Year defect lifetime stitching/rivet warranty

Occidental Leather Work makes some awesome Made in America Leather tool belts. They have a two year manufacturers defect warranty but will replace burst stitching or rivets for lifetime of the belt.You can find these at local supply stores but they are not carried in big box stores. You can use their website to locate a local supplier. I will be using Amazon Links for these because prices at local supply stores will be all over the damm place also it lets you see reviews but check your supplier it will probably be cheaper local. Remember these are natural leather products so you will have to maintain them. You can follow the links to check reviews but they all seem to run around 4.5/5 stars or better. Get a size bigger than they recommend its a common complaint

These tend not to come with the suspenders so you will have to buy them separate. They go for around $110 online.

The tool bags themselves vary a lot in size. You can also buy bags separate so you can customize it to a certain extent and they tend to for between $250-$300. The large electrician belt set goes for $285 and the framers belt set goes for $288.

The separate pouches go for between $80-$110 such as the Drywall pouch for $84 and the Fatlip tool pouch that runs about $110

Fancy/Modular/Painfully expensive/ Lifetime defect warranty.

Diamondback Toolbelts is a Made in America of 1000D Nylon in 3 layers so its very durable. They have a lifetime warranty from defects of any kind. Much like Occidental Leather they are not sold in big box stores. They do have their own online site but you can also look for local sellers using this but there are not many.

These ones as well tend not to come with the Suspenders which cost between $40-$115

So the neatest thing is that you can build your own tool-belt on their website. It allows you to pick whatever various pouches you want.

They also have trade specific toolbelts. Such as Drywaller belt for $425.00, Master Finsher Carpenter for $420.00, Ultimate Framer for $440.00, and the Electrician for $430.

Accessories

A very good idea is getting suspenders. You can use brand specific ones or just grab some cheap ones from Home Depot or Menards just check reviews. The padded ones though will save you some shoulder strain if you are a punk ass bitch who wants working shoulders at 50 like me.

I also highly suggest getting a drill holster. Its exactly what it sounds like and makes life so much freaking easier. These generic ones cost $10, they are ok and color match Husky brands but the clips kinda hard to work. They also have brand name ones like this Dewalt one for $15, they also have Occidental Leather ones for $42.00 and Diamonback drill holsters for $65.00

You're right. The more I think about it, the more I think a thigh platform just isn't going to work. I think the Custom Leathercraft 1553 might be a better answer for what I need. And a nice padded work belt.

I was looking at that but thought the clip was kinda gimmicky. It looks like it would just unclip itself or the bag side clip would break. Is it actually pretty durable?

ToughBuilt - Warehouse Tool Pouch | 9 Pockets and Loops, Covered Cell Phone Holder, Tape Measure Clip, Notebook Holster, Premium Multi-Tool Organizer (Patented ClipTech Hub & Belts) (TB-CT-32-A) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013H49RU4

This is one I found that seems about the right size and definitely the price is right.

This drawstring rabbit bag would be great to carry around my Christmas loot, kind of like Santa's sack.

Something like these?

http://www.amazon.com/Bluecell-Multi-Purpose-Zipper-12-Inch-Carrier/dp/B00KMMC75C

http://www.amazon.com/EURO-PKG-402-09BLK-Black-Storage-Pouch/dp/B0058ED67C

http://www.amazon.com/Beadalon-7-Piece-Tool-Pouch-Econo/dp/B00164SF6U

None of those have a zippered pouch, which sounds awesome. I had the best luck searching for "tool storage pouch".

edit: Also http://www.amazon.com/Ergodyne-Arsenal-5876-Clamshell-Organizer/dp/B0091CBWGY

actually, "Zipper tool case" is coming back with some strong results.

BucketBoss Extreme Gear 54017 Sparky Electricians Utility Pouch with Belt https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001LQY2Q/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_zp9-ub0YPWCGG
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001LQY2Q/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_zp9-ub0YPWCGG

Feel no need to buy all of these, nor need to buy the highest quality. The following break are "Must haves"

9” Lineman Pliers - Klein is the standard

Knife – Utility - something comfortable to hold.

25 foot Tape Measure - Don't get bottom of the barrel. DeWalt and Milwaukee have 2 packs, one 16' and one 25' for decent prices. I'd store the 16' because you WILL lose the 25' one at some point.

Material Pouch eventuallyget a Tool Pouch, so you have ready access to your tools and materials in their own spots.

Six Screwdrivers (3 Phillips/3 Straight)

OR One 11-in-1 plus a beater flathead, I use a 1/4"(head) x4" (shaft) for my beater, because if it breaks, bends or chips, I can just go to Sears and get a brand new one. Happens about once per year, and it is faster than sending it into Klein.

Torpedo Level

Tool Box/bag

Claw Hammer

Hacksaw

Flashlight

Below is optional, but very good to have. Work up to these ones. You can chip away like $20 per week and in no time you will have a decent set.


Allen Wrenches to 3/8”

8” Diagonal Pliers

Two Pair of Adjustable Pliers (Channel Locks)

Needle Nose Pliers

Awl

Square

Small File

Keyhole Saw

Nut Drivers to ½”

10” Crescent Wrench

3/8” – 9/16” Open End Wrenches

Bag - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004C6M5BU/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_yUx.Bb4645MFG

Headlight cover was from ebay

I keep a small bag in my main bag that I can clip to my belt. I mostly use it when I know I'm going to be working in a panel for a while but in general this covers 75% of my needs. Here's the bag.

Here is what I keep in it.

Wire Stripper / Needle Nose I haven't had these for too long but I really like them.

Small meter I like this one for a lot of reasons. One is that will fit in the bag and is good enough to use under 480 in my opinion.

Voltage Detector The meter has non-contact voltage detection, but I like this one more.

Crescent Wrench I like this one because it also has the monkey wrench on it so it's good for tightening air lines from time to time. Though in reality I don't use that feature much.

A couple larger screwdrivers #2 phillips and a flat head big enough to open panels easily.

Controls Screwdriver For terminals and such. I sometimes use the ones with the rotating end.

Flashlight These are not the best, but they're cheap and work as a penlight and they can do area illumination with a magnetic base.

I have seconds (and in the case of the meter and flashlights - a higher quality version) of all these in my main bag, but I mostly use this little pouch.

I use this belt accompanied by this pouch and I love it... I always prep and pack "specialty tools" before starting a job (running pipe, better take my reamer, etc..), but in the pouch has my linesmans, tin snips, needle nose, diagonal cutters, tick tester, sharpie, pencil, standard utility knife, slotted screwdriver, multi screwdriver, and beater screwdriver. Everything listed, has a dedicated pocket, and the screwdrivers can really be any size since the holders are open at the bottom. I very rarely have to get down from my ladder for a tool...

I'm looking for something like this: Jonard H-40 Leather Two Tool Pouch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006C40LFM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_-bBJBbE5N702Y

But I don't think it will fit what I want in it unless I modify it a little. I do controls in the oilfield, so my precision and strippers are about the only thing I would carry in that, because if I need anything else I usually drag out my entire tool bag

I like the roll-up quality of the Ambassadors' kits. I think that is a good idea. I was thinking something more like this. It would lend itself to screenprinting if you wanted to put some art on it. Those dry bags are pretty sweet, though.

https://www.amazon.com/Wiha-27390-Phillips-Screwdriver-Precision/dp/B001AN16QI

This is the set I bought and they’ve worked pretty well for me for about a year now.

Unfortunately you have to buy a case separately. I have just been using this sleeve.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000T9UK8Y?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

Get a AAA Premier membership!

Also get one of these and fill it with tools!

And get ready to spend lot's of money here, and here, and here.

I'd be considering other options. It's a bit niche, but I wear kilts a lot (cheaper midlife crisis than a sports car), and rather than get repeatedly whacked in the goolies with a sporran, I opted for a tactical belt pouch instead. Holds all my shit, less pickable than an open pocket.

I also have a nice man bag. If Jack Bauer and Indiana Jones can have one, you can too.