In reply to planetmarshall:
Agreed Planet Marshall.
I got my first pair of Scarpa SL's 11 years ago and they only started leaking (because the stitching finally failed where the leather meets the sole unit) last year - they had never been resoled and were on their second pair of laces.
Considering I purchased them for £90 with a D of E discount that is remarkable value for money in my opinion.
I was lucky enough to get a shiny new pair last Christmas which I hope will last for the next decade.
I use my gear a lot, including using boots daily in my job as a countryside ranger, however I also look after it - I think this is something that many folk don't bother with.
If you don't wash and proof things regularly and use it appropriately how can you expect it to last forever?
Final point I would make is this, in this trend of "ultra lightweight" some common sense is surely needed?!
I adhere to the mantra less is more (both in terms of items carried and what they weigh) however the one exception to this should surely be the item that carries it all!
Cheers