The high end stuff is for people who either need it or don't care what it costs. I live in Sisters Oregon at 3,200' above sealevel, in the mountains. The stuff I wear every day is almost as useful as stuff costing 4 or more times as much. Shop at B-Mart or some such place for useful gear, also hunting gear is much cheaper unless you choose the specialised stuff.

However I am appalled at the prices for down jackets. I just don't think 300 to 500 dollars for a jacket is reasonable when you can get one for under 100. If you are willing to pay $50 per ounce of pack lightening, then go for it. When money was no object to me I was willing to pay $10 per ounce to lighten my pack and gear.
Jim