I've read these forums for two years now and everyone is great in giving assistance.
My perception is however I think a lot of them are rich as they always recommend the best kit there is (i.e. Ortlibieb panniers, Dawes Super Galaxy)
Whilst I am grateful for their responses and approach, sometimes I do get the feeling at times (though not all) cost is not taken into consideration and you must always get the best kit.
Whilst I agree poor kit is not worth it, there surely must be products in the middle that perform adequately.
If you were to follow a lot of the advice and buy best it would cost a fortune, i..e. Hillberg Tents, Dawes Supergalaxy, Ortlieb Panniers etc.
Ask yourself where are you touring? If it is a world tour (and you are likely to go to some remote places) then you absolutely need the best kit.
However if you are only touring 2-4 weeks in any given year you can get away with more moderate kit (never cheap unless starting out - however sometimes cheap can be found that is ok)
As an example I bought the raleigh royal with Raleigh Avenir Panniers, a good bike, suitable for medium tours in europe upto 8 weeks but I would not use it on a world trip.
My tent is a Terra Nova Laserlarge 3, great for europe etc but no good for world trips (fabric is too light and would eventually wear out)
If I were ever to go on a world tour, presumably I would have enough money to support myself (though some still do it other ways - i.e. working as they go, respect to them) so I could then sell the above and then buy better kit.
As an example if you were in need of a car to runaround town would you buy a rolls royce when a mondeo would do (though some do! with more money than sense)
The main point is with all the excellent advice regarding kit just keep your common sense and don't get carried away buy what you don't need.
Research each product and thoroughly evaluate before you buy (try and visit a shop with the product in so you can see for youself)
