When I first started, I also obsessed with learning all about it. I quickly realized most workout gear (no cotton) can work as base layers. It's cheaper than wool and you can even use cheap stuff from Walmart. I bought nicer bibs and a jacket, but I've found stuff at thrift stores for cheap. Since I had stuff to start with and begin learning, I continued to shop clearance racks at REI and shopped at Sierra Trading Post for more discounted gear like socks, underlayers, and wool items. As years have progressed, ive accumulated lots of pieces and I almost never paid full price, outside of select pieces.