A hearty "Amen" to Jason Livy's post. I spent five weeks salary on my first good sleeping bag many years ago. I used if for over fifteen years on all kids of trips and situations, and it gave me many warm and comfortable nights. I often chuckled when I thought about what a good bargain that apparently stupendous expense turned out to be, snuggled down in my bag while the wind screamed and the snow fell. That bag never wore out - it was eventually stolen.

This has been my experience every time I have spent serious money on well researched "core gear" (for me, that is sleeping bag, backpack, and boots). Money is trivial when we get out in serious conditions. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />