Basic protection starts with visiting nearby traders first, they usually stock decent armor suits and helmets with some built-in radiation resistance which is perfect when youre just starting out. Make sure to grab some Vodka and anti-rad drugs from the medics while youre there, keeping at least 3-4 drugs handy is crucial since radiation spots can catch you off guard. Something interesting - the Garbage area is actually great for early protection, especially around those acid anomalies where you might spot the Slug artifact which helps counter weaker radioactive items you'll be carrying. Keep an eye on your detector signals when exploring there, sometimes you'll find Urchins or Slimes which offer decent protection too. Most patrol tasks and stash locations marked on your map tend to reward you with better gear, so tackle those whenever you can since the upgraded suits usually come with good radiation resistance. A good approach is layering your defenses - combine your armor with protective artifacts like Slug, and always keep those anti-rad drugs ready for emergencies especially if youre carrying artifacts that emit radiation themselves.