There are entire books devoted to the topic of how to choose the best supplies and tools for creating your artwork. Here is a brief overview of the materials I prefer to use when creating my paintings. Experiment with different brands and mediums to find the products that work best for you.
I use a Soltek easel. This is the diamond of all easels. Set up is fast and easy. There are no wing nuts to turn. It is all metal and light weight compared to many other easels. I have done over 500 plein air paintings with it.