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.
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.