When I took a Calling Card from my companion (dismissed her to estate) she dropped a box that contained materials but not (as previously) equipment. When I resummoned her at the estate her equipment had reverted to default.
She is also ignoring all management commands. If she has an axe she will chop trees even if told not to.
My companion was ignoring all commands but swapping companions fixed it.
The bug with the gear was my problem. I had 2 companions with the same name!
Sorry for the bother :)