A backpack on left, sleeping bag in the middle and a Sawyer filter on the right
A backpack on left, sleeping bag in the middle and a Sawyer filter on the right

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.

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Medya Mansyone soti nan Sackpacker
sakado

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Nou konprann ak reponn nan yon mòd alè nan pwodwi a ak bezwen sèvis nan konsomatè nou yo.

Nou pran yon wòl lidèchip nan edike ak patenarya ak lòt moun ki pataje enterè nou ak valè nou.

Nou sipòte pwogram, règleman, ak konpòtman ki ankouraje pwoteksyon nan zòn dezè aktyèl nou yo ak deziyasyon byen konsidere nan nouvo yo.

Nou angaje nan montre bon jan kalite a pi wo nan konvenk foto ak istwa enspire.

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Nou sipòte ak ankouraje youn ak lòt pou inovasyon, mennen, grandi, pran risk, pataje lide, ak eksprime yon pasyon pou dezè a.

Medya Mansyone

Why use a plastic bag when you can simply screw on this end cap, specifically designed for Sawyer water filters?

Zooe Pòtay
Editor at Backpacker

Medya Mansyone

In future, I’ll use gravity when I can, and squeeze when I have to.

Richard, aka "LowRange
montè mòn

Medya Mansyone

For longer hikes, it’s convenient to carry a small backcountry water filter, such as a Sawyer Mini or Micro, which allows you to replenish your water from natural sources like streams or ponds.

Philip Werner
Author and Backpacker