I posted the following comment on your The Case for Large Panniers thread: Most of my sleeping bags, air mattresses, tents, etc., were purchased on sale. If I see something at a great sale price that I am sure I will like to use, I buy it. But, you have to be patient, sometimes for a few years.

I saw a great sale on a really light weight sleeping bag rated to 20 in 2010 (plus or minus a year or two), weighed less than a kilogram, model name from REI was Sub-Kilo. Am still using it, but it no longer is good for sub freezing weather.

Replaced the Sub-Kilo about three years ago with one I saw at REI Outlet. Was watching that for a few weeks, and suddenly the day after Christmas in 2022 REI had a one day 20 percent off one item sale on their Outlet. Bought it. For warmer weather camping that might dip below about 40, am still using the Sub-Kilo. But now I have a good bag for sub freezing weather.

For warmer than 40 degrees, I am using a bag I bought on sale maybe a dozen years ago. At that time I had a Polarguard bag that was nice but too heavy and too bulky when packed.

My point is be patient, but keep watching for what you might want at a good sale price. The great sale price deals do not knock on your door, you have to watch for them.

I decided after my 2016 bike tour that my 6 pound tent was too heavy for bike touring. Saw a tent I wanted at REI Outlet, but it was an expensive tent at only 20 percent off. Once a week I checked their price, and after several months it was suddenly marked way down from that 20 percent off, plus they added a 20 percent off one item sale on it too. Been using that tent for my bike touring since 2017. In this case the tent was replaced with a model upgrade in a different color by the manufacturer, so the tent I bought was discounted to a clearance sale because it was the old color.

If there is a Sierra store near you, check them out. They often buy overstock or discontinued merchandise and sell at a good price. They used to be called Sierra Trading Post. They also have a website: https://www.sierra.com They even have the best price in town on butane canisters, when they have them in stock. Their stock changes over time. Occasionally when I am driving past their store, I stop in to check it out, even if I am not looking for something specific. Usually walk out empty handed, but I have gotten great deals there.

I try not to be in the situation you are in, where I am in a hurry to buy. In that case I might be too quick to pull the trigger and get something that later I decide was not right for me.