Build an Ultralight Backpacking Setup for Under $550

You’re getting ready to hit the trail but you don’t want to spend a year’s salary on gear. Fear not: It’s possible to find a gear system that’s both high-performance and affordable.

Conventional wisdom goes like this: The lighter gear gets, the more expensive it gets. While that’s broadly true, you can still cut your pack weight without bankrupting yourself. You just need to know where to look.

One good way to cut costs is to check out cottage gear companies. These brands, though lesser-known, often make top-notch gear for a fraction of the price of large manufacturers. Because they’re small shops, they usually have longer lead times, and may run out of inventory. But as long as you’re prepared to wait for a few months before receiving your gear, you can get a great kit for less than you’d pay from a retailer. (Want to save even more? Wait for some of these basics to go on sale.)

See the full article from Mary Beth "Mouse" Skylis on Backpacker's website here.