question: need to leave extra NPCs with gear or naked?

i just got my stronghold recently and am not super far in the game.

i'm playing with a custom hired party, so all the regular companions are sitting around available to do quests, stronghold defenses, or whatever else happens. (not too sure yet).

i took all the gear from all the companions (except aloth's grimoire) to sell or use. they're naked.

is that bad? does it affect anything with them doing quests or whatever else they can do at the stronghold? is there any reason in the game to have gear on them when not using them in my party? or do all their actions while outside the party just work based off their level or class or other non-gear stuff?