I am like you, in that if I have something already, and it does what I need it to do, then why worry about a new one.  I have just a few sets of camo, that Iuse for all types of hunting.  I have only one or 2 shotguns that use for all seasons, not one for each kind of game I shoot, etc......

The guys you talk to in the stores are just trying to sell you something.

Commission. Of course, the guys in the store are going to say you need new gear. It sounds to me you're set for a while to come. I don't ask the salesmen for opinion about the gear they sale b/c I know the answer I'll get. I get my research/reviews from Consumer Reports, sometimes from Backpacker mag, simply ask other backpackers or from threads like this.

I have been looking for a lighter weight tarp for my camping trips. I think I'll try the Kelty Noah now that I have some info about it and a positive opinion.

kelty noahs tarp:

i bought the 16x16 because i put it over the tent at an angle to help with any rain when getting in and out. i like to be able to take boots and wet stuff off outside without getting my dry underclothes wet in a rain storm. they make it in a 9x9 and a 12x12 as well. its almost made like a tent actually and because of all the tie down areas it can be set up to any shape you want. check

i havent tried it with snow yet so i dont know...but you could put it at an extreme angle and it should do fine???

ordered mine at cabelas and picked up at the store

I've got this gigantic hand written list of gear that I make a copy of every year to check off. There are so many colums of checks next to the gear though that it's getting crazy. I'm going to have to come up with a knew method soon.

i have been using and old military surplus cold weather mummy sack filled with down.  it has kept me warm under a rock outcropping in 5 degree weather with 5" wet snow.  cant say i stayed super warm but i did wake up the next morning.  it was cheap.  just bought a cabelas 13x27 alaknak tent and have put it up twice in about 20 minutes with 4 guys.  were not in a hurry.  all reviews have been good.  we have not had it out in weather yet but have heard only good things.  knock on wood.  tarps and extra rope is a must. as for stoves i use a multi fuel coleman 2 burner stove and works great.  always love cooking on gas.  but when u forget or something breaks a lighter and plenty of wood will boil water too. obviously i dont do any long hike in camps but never really had an opportunity to do that but maybe someday...

I've found that my old 20 degree mummy bag works fine on extremely cold and snowy nights, as long I pad under the tent w/ pine and I have a good pad underneath. If the night is going to get really cold, I'll ususally heat up a rock near the camp fire and then drop it into a few wool socks. It makes all the difference down there by my toes.

On a side note, it's always nice when you don't have to deal with these snowy conditions on a hunt. Especially when you fall asleep in normal conditions and wake up w/ a foot if snow!