We see them have backpacks or bags but rarely do we see what’s inside. They definitely don’t have clothes since they don’t change into anything. Maybe food,water,ammo but they should have more. Or sometimes there packs are too light like they don’t have anything
If you have a gun and at least some ammo and you also think you’re likely to need to defend yourself with weapons then I think the gun’s going to be better for so long as you can keep it operational, than a crossbow. Both need skill to use but I’d wager myself having a little more luck with the gun and it’s probably going to be a lot more deadly and if you miss you have a little more opportunity to try again than you might with a crossbow. that’s going to be awkward to try and reload in the heat of the moment, by yourself.