What is a good mod(s) for a first-time S.T.A.L.K.E.R: SOC playthrough?

[Lucas M]

I'm playing through S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Shadow of Chernobyl for the first time, and I just want the best gameplay experience as possible.

I've read about some mods that improve textures and various aspects of the gameplay, but I want to hear from some SOC players and figure out what is generally regarded as the best mod/combination of mods for a more or less "vanilla" playthrough.

Thanks!