Two separate questions there, so here goes my input.
It depends on what is being hunted. If it's fair weather sport, then IMO brands aren't as important. On the other hand, if we're goin deer huntin, get the Mossy Oak or similar quality. Get waterproofing, and use it correctly. Do not rely on factory waterproofing. Nothing is more miserable than being stuck up a tree in 35 degree weather during a drizzle with gear that gets wet and gets YOU wet. Mossy Oak is good stuff; Carhartt makes some good gear too, and might be less expensive. Shop the Farmer's Co-Op before you hit the strip malls. Try the bigger pawn shops too.
As far as camo/hunter orange, again it depends on what is being hunted. Hunter orange is designed to be the one color not found in nature. This means you're less likely to get shot by another hunter, but it also is more noticable to game. For deer etc, go camo. You're stationary for the most part, and you need to be undetectable. For duck, dove, etc go orange, as the hunters are afoot and may get in some crossfire.
Try this. Go to a Bass Pro Shop and ask. Bat eyes. Giggle. They'll tell you the right stuff to get. Then go somewhere else and buy it cheaper.
Above all else, and assuming you are not part of the hunting party, no matter how experienced the hunter is, DO NOT allow them out of your house until all their weapons have been test fired, cleaned, and properly serviced. Know the area they plan to hunt and when they plan to be back. Demand that every person in the group knows where the nearest medical facility is. Demand that every last one of them has taken a hunter safety course within the last five to ten years at the very least. Let 'em giggle. It might save their lives. If you're going with them, make sure someone at home knows the wheres and whens and whos.
Probably why I quit frog huntin...
