I see this came out awhile ago (but just reading it now).

Personally, I've found some really sweet things at local thrift stores. Love them! Keep looking every week or so and some high end hiking clothes and gear can end up there. Making it a game to find the right stuff for super cheap is fun. The cheap wool sweater and long underwear I got at the thrift store I plan to just discard in a trail town as it gets warmer - don't even want to waste the money on mailing them back home.

Best find? Old aluminum ski poles that I use as trekking poles... $2.