Great questions.

I've had an interest in the outdoors for a long time, since I was a kid, and over the years gained a little knowledge here and there mostly by trial and error. Making mistakes is a good way to learn. Now, well I still do that same but with the skills I have I make less mistakes.

As for the cost? Yes, it's costly. I'm not one to buy sub-standard things and prefer the buy once cry once ethos meaning I buy the right thing first time even if it costs a little extra so that I'll not have to buy the same thing again.

Thanks for your comments.