Good Gear, on a budget....

[ScottR_EHJ]

I love to get the gear that fits, the gear that works the best. Unfortunately that comes with a price tag, and with a higher price tag more often than not. Honestly, it's going to take me years to acquire what I want. My major purchases this year alone were a a Longhunter/EMR frame, several pockets, Meindl Perfekts, and some other minor things. That alone is a major chunk of change.

I want to do a major upgrade in my spotting scope, hopefully before next season, and I want to get a little bit larger shelter before the next year for the trips I have more than me and a buddy.

So my question is this, how do you prioritize what you need to save for first on the list? What other areas do you sacrifice to get the gear you want?

 

[dotman]

Price/use. I look at how often it will be used. I also need/want a spotter but also was needing a new shelter. It was cheaper to get a good shelter this year and i'll use the shelter more often then a spotter which is why i now have a supertarp/annex. I mainly look at what will be used more when deciding on what to upgrade.

 

[bearguide]

i think the spotter is way more important

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I take a look at price vs weight saved, how much it will be used, and if I have any glaring holes in equipment durability. If I really need something then it floats to the top of the purchase list, otherwise price vs weight saved is my main criteria.
Buying a lot of the stuff at the end of the year on sale is the way to go. The only thing I have payed full price for is my Kifaru gear.