I can certainly understand considering it carefully due to the expense. $300 for both with no equipment to go in them is a budget breaker.

Perhaps an option you might want to consider is purchasing 2 cheaper packs initially with the thought that you will replace them one at a time with packs that you'd ultimately like to have.

Another option might be to look for the packs on ebay or yahoo auctions. I've had quite a bit of good fortune obtaining some quality gear in this manner and for prices less than I would have to pay locally even after shipping costs are weighed into the equation.

A third option might be to wait for the big sales. I got an awesome pair of Wolverine boots recently at a local sporting goods store for $100 off their normal retail price. Granted it was an end of the year sale, and waiting for such a sale might be longer than you'd like to take.

Yet another option might be to find out if the manufacturer sells factory seconds to the general public.

Suddenly I feel as if I'm looking like a cheapskate... I like a deal though, what can I say? LOL

Something I've done recently is put money into gift cards when I had a little extra cash and then when I've got enough cash in the cards I'll go purchase the item I want.

In any case, I think it's a good idea to think about putting a BOB, not to mention an Emergency Roadside Kit in your vehicle.

Another thought is to just have one initially and just switch it out to whichever car you'll be using. Although if seperate family members are in seperate cars off in different areas this may be a problem. However, if it's just a case of a breakdown, what are the odds that both cars will do so at the same time save something drastic like an EMP taking everything out? LOL

Which packs are you interested in purchasing?

I'm just spitballing ideas here... <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />