There have been quite a few less expensive down jackets showing up in stores lately. Costco (children's jackets, but the XL size fits a men's medium), Land's End, several others.

Costco also has merino wool socks. I bought three pair of women's socks (made by Wigwam) for $15, a third of the price of Smartwool. They are very comfortable, although they tend to stretch a bit by the end of the day (which might be a problem if you want to wear one pair for several days without washing them). It may be they'll stop doing that after several trips through the washer and dryer. I was told that the men's socks are a bit better quality.

I just saw a post on nwhikers.net that Costco also has gaiters for $17.