I have almost infinite patience and will find what I am looking for at some point in time. Just have to be diligent in the research. My touring bikes are old, 1985 Miyata 1000, 1986 Fudi Sundance, and a custom frame I designed and built about 10 years ago. I only run friction on these bikes and they are bomb proof, will last a couple of lifetimes.
The reason I say that I am cheap is because I am cheap. Almost every change or repair on our house is DIY, I fix my cars, and generally live this way by choice. I get great satisfaction with DIY projects, and enjoy sniffing around for killer deals on used or new equipment.
Worked in a bike shop full and part time for 40 years, and it wasn't until I turned 50 that I started to make money outside of the bike biz. Retired last year and my cheapness has stayed about the same. I don't spend it unless I have it, and I manage to save money each month!
Winter is ready to set in, which gives me lots of time to hunt around. One thing for sure, that old Army Mountain Bag is great for winter camping and will be used accordingly this winter.