That is great that you are frugal with your gear. While generally frugal in daily life, gear seems to be the thing I don't mind paying a bit more for if i know it will last.

My tent has made it through countless nights over the past 4 years, thunderstorms and hail, on bike tours and backpacking, and it is still going strong. It has paid for itself many times over if you consider the money saved by camping instead of sleeping in motels or otherwise.