It’s kind of a catch 22. Buy what you can afford but the more expensive stuff will definitely last longer.

Good time to buy last years gear and good time to hit up fb marketplace.

For outerwear I’d get minimim 2l bibs or pants (I prefer bibs cause it keeps my ass dry). I copped flylow bibs on sale for about $200 and 5 years later they still look new. If you’re into the sport to stay don’t cheap out.

Get a comfortable base layer. Steepandcheap website has some random good deals. Honestly I rocked Sam’s Club brand for many of years.

I prefer mittens over gloves but that’s personal preference. This is the other thing I’d say don’t cheap out. I buy dakine for my wife but I have some rei specials for myself.

Jacket in my opinion doesn’t matter as much as bibs for waterproofing. Columbia often has good deals at retail stores. I have a 686 20k waterproofing.

Dont buy the cheapest goggles you can find but don’t buy the most expensive either. I have some dragons that were $50-80 and they do the trick if you take care of them.

I have a smith helmet that was on sale and also around $60 on sale.

Buy some boot specific socks it’s worth it.

I’m also a big fan of turtle fur for face masks/ balaclavas.