The only piece of advice I can offer is what I try to adhere to myself in my decisions regarding purchases and other types of decisions in life and that is to always consider where the law of diminishing returns kicks in. I always ask myself is the increase in cost or discomfort from one item to the next really representative of the increase in value? If the answer is no then I don't go with the more expensive option.

For example, yes I could afford to go buy a $300 - $400 fixed blade knife but is it worth it? Knife guys will say yes but for me the answer is no. I have my $50 USMC Ka-Bar and it has never let me down regardless of how much abuse I have subjected it to.

Now granted there are certain areas where I personally will not compromise such as my carry pistol and my brand of toilet paper - a gun I rely on to protect my family is not a place for me to risk reliability and with toilet paper, anything designed to come into direct contact with that part of my body is not something to bargain shop for.

There can be a tendency to get caught up in brand names and keeping up with the next guy, etc even with survival gear but survival is not about bragging rights or a fashion contest.