In reply to Dax H:
There are three pieces of outdoor equipment where I think it pays to buy the best quality: car tyres, climbing ropes, climbing and walking boots. (For the rest, good value for money, e.g. Decathlon, is OK). Beware of false economies. My last pair of hillwalking boots have just given up the ghost (soles breaking up and coming off) after about 5000 miles and 500,000 feet of use. These were high-end Vasque hill walking boots, very comfortable and well made.