What??? I really didn't need that $500 parka I took to Yosemite with you? Now you tell me.

Seriously, I love that thing, even if I only wear it a few days a year. Now, did I pay $500 for it? H, No! Got it for about half that on eBay. The lesson here is that lightly used high end gear and clothes can be found on eBay and Craigslist fairly regularly. People buy stuff for that once in a lifetime trip to Denali and after it sits in the closet for a while, away it goes.

Sometimes cheap stuff is a bargain. I have a 25 year old no name (literally) day pack I got for free. I use it almost every day and it's still in great shape. I have a Columbia fleece jacket that is about 15 years old and I've worn it at least 3 times a week for all kinds of things from running to the store, to skiing and camping. It still looks almost new.

I agree that price isn't always an indicator of quality. A friend of mine bought a stylish winter jacket and it won't even keep her warm here in LA. Serves her right.