Like other posters mentioned, it's a long, slow road.

Keep an eye out for web/catalog bargains and sales at such sites as (in no order of preference or endorsement):

- Sierra Trading Post
- REI Outlet
- Northern Mountain Supply
- Campmor

I don't think I've paid full price for *any* of my gear. Everything has been the result of careful shopping.

Also, like others, I've had good luck buying quality items that will last. Not bottom of the heap or top-of-the-line, but somewhere in the middle. Respectable brand names seem to do pretty good.

What really makes me laugh is how manufacturers will put last year's items out to pasture simply because of the color change of a piece of gear. Apparently people want banana slug yellow this year instead of wilted lettuce green. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />