We opted for the higher end of the gear, the packs where 300 each, the tent another 300,
Silva compas with adjustable declination 60, 2 Vixtorinox lock blades 120+, Garmin 60 CSX with a few programs 600+
a.s.o.
The cheap stuff just does not cut it!
Higher end (cost wise) gear does not always mean quality. My best
4-5 day back pack still only costs $100.00 new and has garnered very good reviews over the last few years.
On the other hand, I had a well known brand name pack that cost almost 3x as much and it was terrible quality. I ended up selling the pack at a substantial lose after giving up on the manufacture's customer service.
As for the Garmin 60 CSX, where did you spend $600.00? I have seen these (new in the box) on various outdoor supply websites,
Ebay ,
Amazon and local stores for $200 - $280.00.