What can I skimp on?

[slavenoid]

Mr. Okanagan, you are worthy of respect.  That is a great post!

Aw shucks.  Thank you and to the others.

My post is evidence of living long enough to make lots of mistakes. 

I.e. I bought a cheap pair of vinyl chest waders to use in wading a river twice on a far wilderness backpack hunt.  Drove them 1000 miles north, took them 140 miles in a float plane, backpacked them 14 miles and sneered at my hunting partner who had stripped to his skin to cross.  My waders split out the entire leg seam in one burst when the icy glacier melt got well above my waist.

On skimping that works, here's anothern:  for base camp on the wet side, rig a huge cheap plastic tarp and live under it.  Pitch your cheap tent under it with top vents open and no need for a rain fly.  Cook under it, store gear under it, etc.  A 20'x40' is a beautiful thing in November rain.

Until now I overlooked this option. I forgot I camped in a setup like this year's ago and it worked great. This will be my setup this year for sure.

I was caught up in buying a really expensive tent or man up and just use a tarp. I already have a cheap tent so this is practically free and will keep me plenty dry and comfortable.

[skeeter 20i]

A lot of good information here 

[Lemoore-on]

This one I learned from my wife,  "sales"  especially end of season sales, new gear coming out next year, new camo patterns,  Most companies want to dump merchandise after the season so watch for the big sales during the off season.  You can save anywhere from 10% to 60% even 75%

[follow maggie]

I'll spend whatever I need to for my feet & staying dry. Everything else is scrimpable.