If you pay rent or make any other significant financial payments (like buying a house), the cost of outdoor gear pales in significance. I was always amazed at how much STUFF a month's worth of rent could purchase instead of a cozy apartment. A buddy in college was obsessed with avoiding paying rent in order to save money... he slept in our closet for a while and hawked me a few pieces of old gear in exchange.

Take $500, about a month's rent around here in California, depending on just where you live.
That's the price of both a good winter bag, and a good summer bag. Or buy a tent, and a bag. Or buy a pack, camera, clothing, books, and 3 months worth of food with it. EVERY MONTH. Makes me think about moving out <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Once you realize this and what everyone else has said, you can buy gear confidently if you know you will use it well, despite a high initial price tag.