Should ultralighters embrace the cheapest stuff that works or “buy once, cry once”?
3F UL Lanshan is the go-to cheap tent, AONIJIE offers a compelling vest-style frameless pack for $75 and cheap Aegismax and Naturehike sleeping bags and quilts have hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon. Even DeputySean is bullish on the Aricxi patrol tarp.
Cheap, light, durable. You can pick two.
Cheap, light = online gear from China, best for occasional or light use.
Cheap, durable = Surplus army gear, heavy but unbreakable no matter what you throw at it.
Light, durable = Very expensive ultralight gear for frequent use. Best for those who’ve tried all the other gear and know what they want.
I’m mostly in category 2, so I don’t feel guilty if I don’t take my gear out as often :P Some non-essential convenience accessories from category 1.
I buy cheap Chinese gear knowing full well that if I use it consistently, I’d want a better version of it. Mostly useful for test runs.
I’ve made the mistake of buying something expensive (light & durable on your scale) only to realize it didn’t fit well and leave it at home.