If my memory is correct, Chuck Yeager said he climbed Denali wearing $39 leather workboots.
One of the few good things about getting older is that you usually have a little more scratch, thus can ease away from the dirtbag within...but nobody likes paying full retail. EBay has allowed me to get reasonably-priced, good-condition Scarpa Invernos, Suunto Vector watch, a great mtn bike, etc. So far, everything that I've bought has been "as advertised."