Can you equip an item during someone else's combat?
 

So I've been arguing over this with my friends for a while, and we still haven't come to a decision. Based on the rules it seems like you can, but the FAQ seems unclear (You may not play new Items during combat, whether it is your turn or not, except for any one-shot Item (one of those that say "usable once only") that says it can be used in any combat. These one-shot Items can be played by any player during any combat, from the hand or from the cards in play. Playing one-shots does not count as "helping" in the combat, however; you must actually join the fight (and risk suffering the Bad Stuff) to be considered the helper.). I'm wondering if it means you can't play items during ANY combat, or just during a combat you're in (i.e you're helping someone else).

Re: Can you equip an item during someone else's combat?
 

You are mixing up two different rules.

1) As long as you are not involved in the combat (either it's your turn or you are helping someone), you can change your equipment (head gear, foot gear, armor and weapons). Changing your equipment refers to switching a currently equipped item with one that you are currently carrying (carrying refers to items that are sideways, face up on the table, not items that are currently in your hand).

2) You can not play an item from your hand onto the table unless it is a one-shot during ANY combat phase.

So if you have a piece of equipment in your hand that you want to equip, you must wait until combat is over. It doesn't matter if you are in it or not. If the piece of equipment is already on the table but turned sideways to show it's not currently being used, you can change it as long as you are not currently fighting or helping.

Re: Can you equip an item during someone else's combat?
 

This sound like you are saying you can equip an item from your hand when it is not your turn, as long as there is no combat, which is not true. You can only equip an item from your hand during your own turn, or as soon as you get it.