REI has a yearly "garage sale" where high quality camping / hiking gear goes for 50-60% off (sometimes more). I'm going to one this Saturday - check your area for a store, ask them when the next garage sale is and consider a $20 membership.
One tip - my store opens at 10am, and if you want the really good stuff (e.g. $700 mountain bike for $300), you have to get there at 6:30 and get in line!
The last one I went to, I got a pair of $135 Vasque hikers for $26.
