Here's some advice I learned the hard way. Only buy the gear you NEED for what your doing. If you have the money, save it until its time for your trip, then buy it. Don't buy boots now for a trip your going on in two years unless there's a killer deal. Wait and save. By the time your ready to go, there might be a newer shoe, or better deals on the one you have your mind on. Also A lot can change in your life. And if you all of a sudden need that money back, its not in shoe form, and you can use it.
Just my 2 cents.