Mass Effect: Andromeda has lots of different features, but some of them are illogically complicated to use. This isn’t new, there are numerous games hiding some features in plain sight. You know the feeling – you search for a certain option for dozens of minutes only to found it in some completely unrelated menu, or hidden in your base of operations/somewhere in the city/in front of you. One of those features is the ability to change armor and equip new gear in Mass Effect: Andromeda.
In order to change gear and pick a different armor, you have to visit a Forward Station or a “hub.” Then you must find a Loadout Station; one of those can be found inside Tempest. Loadout stations are represented by white lockers, so they are pretty easy to spot.
Clicking on a Loadout Station will open a menu where you can change armor and equip and change gear and weapons. Remember that customization can only be done at Loadout Stations so make sure to pick the right gear and armor before embarking on a mission.
Just so you know, you can’t change companion’s weapons and armor in Mass Effect Andromeda, a pretty strange decision made by developers. Only Ryder can be customized.