hikermoor wrote:
> There comes a time when the best strategy is to simply bite
> the bullet and pay for a really good item. Choose wisely and
> it will serve you well for years and years.

Yep For the really important stuff; your 3 Bs: Bag, Backpack
and Boots (and I'd add waterproof) walking into a shop and ask them to bring you the most expensive item will usually get you the best choice, or very near to it. Damn!
For everything else great quality isn't necessary. An empty coke bottle is a perfectly good water bottle, an empty food tin can become a stove.....

qjs