I tend to buy the best quality equipment I can justify. I am a bargain buyer and rarely-never pay retail. I am not at all opposed to buying second hand if the stuff is in good enough shape. I have bought from Sierra Trading Post, the local thrifty store, Ebay, and Craigslist. Wear and tear is inevitable so durability is important. A rare equipment failure is hard to avoid. I think high quality stuff is important but spending top dollar is not necessary.