Low level ranger strength gear

[Bardolap]

I am currently playing a level 13 ranger who is wearing a full set of banded armor. As you can imagine, this causes me to be very nearly encumbered whenever I go out to play. Is it too soon to worry about gear? I can't afford to get the gear that I'd expect to be wearing once I get to the mid levels (30+), but are there any cheaper alternatives (or items that attainable around my level) that are available to me? I'm probably just going to start with some simple stat jewelry, but am interested in the armor slots as well.

[Uner Gnarltrunk]

http://wiki.project1999.com/Rusty_Spiked_Shoulderpads
http://wiki.project1999.com/Spiked_Collar

Blackburrow!

[Jimjam]

Kill the taskmaster in crushbone.

Loot his brass earrings and give them to a high elf slave (I forget if female or male, check it on wiki). The elf will give you a break up note to take to Guard Settine in Felwithe. Settine gives you a +2 str ring (he was going to marry the slave, but slave was mad he didn't abandon his duties to rescue him/her).

[Jimjam]

Another thing to consider is banking some of your banded armour.

I suspect you may be well over the hidden AC cap for your level anyway.