Hello /out/, I'm sorry that this is going to be a very newbie question that you are probably tired of answering over and over, but I'm not sure where else to go to ask. I have never actually been /out/ (except at sea) before, and would like to try doing something as I will have a chunk of free time in the coming weeks.
However having never been out I really don't know where to start, I tried the sticky, but the links under camping were fairly vague and seemed to mostly apply to the UK for instance they said wild camping was illegal, but I don't think it is entirely illegal here, or at least I am hoping it isn't. so I thought I'd ask you anons my questions based on my situation(again sorry if they are stupid.)

Anyway, my questions are as follows
1. As someone of limited means, and as someone who is not an /out/doorsman, what would you say is the least amount of/cheapest total cost of gear I could buy and be fine with for a short (2-7 day) stay in the woods? Do I really need a tent or would a hammock/sleeping bag and/or a tarp be just as good? What do I need to splurge on and what can I save on? Bare essentials, that sort of stuff.

2. I am a USA fag, specifically CA, I heard someone here talk about how the laws change a lot based on who's authority the land falls under and can be very different even if it is all public land? Do you have any simple guides or resources that explain what these differences are? I tried a few googles but only found some information on some of the types of land.

I would also appreciate any other advice or warnings you could give. Like for instance if the idea of going out "wild camping" would likely end up with me dead because I don't know enough of what I'm doing. Or non obvious stuff like that I need to bring a water filter, or need a permit to have a camp fire.