Affordable Ultralight Gear: A Comprehensive Kit
Posted by Andy Neil on Jun 06, 2025
Ultralight backpacking doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank or compromising on reliability. With some thoughtful planning, it’s possible to build a sub-4.5kg, three-season kit for well under a grand. This setup strikes a solid balance between weight, durability, and value. It’s not the lightest or cheapest system out there, but it covers all the essentials with gear that lasts. Think of it as a flexible starting point. Your kit will evolve over time, shaped by your trips, preferences, and experience.
The Big Four — Backpack, Tent, Sleeping Bag & Sleeping Mat
Exped Lightning 60 – 1180g – £164.99
A favourite among long-distance hikers, the Lightning 60 keeps things minimal with a roll-top closure and excellent side compression. Its aluminium frame and lumbar padding provide support for heavier loads. Built with sustainable, waterproof materials, it offers serious trail capability at a modest weight and fair price.
Tent: Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo – 732g – £309.99
A long-standing favourite among solo backpackers, the Lunar Solo offers a superb balance of space, weather protection, and low weight. Its hexagonal design sheds wind well from any direction, and the 49-inch peak height makes sitting up and sorting gear easy. Designed to pitch with a single trekking pole, it keeps pack weight down without compromising on stability. The floating bathtub floor, high vent, and generous vestibule enhance airflow and help manage condensation, a common concern with single-wall tents. Spacious, well-tested, and trail-proven, the Lunar Solo remains one of the most compelling solo shelters on the ultralight market.
Sleeping Mat: Big Agnes Divide Insulated (Reg) – 638g – £99.99
We could have gone lighter and cheaper, but a solid R-value took priority to keep you covered in all but winter conditions. With an R-value of 4.0, this mat offers reliable three-season insulation. The rectangular shape and raised side baffles help keep you centred, while the quiet, durable nylon shell adds long-term confidence. Comfortable, stable, and quilt-friendly, it’s a versatile mat that offers real-world performance well beyond its weight and price tag.
Sleeping Bag: Turbat Vatra 2S Synthetic – 942g – £84.99
Chosen for its low weight and excellent price, Turbat’s Vatra 2 suits most UK backpacking trips from spring through to autumn. The 0°C limit and synthetic insulation provide dependable warmth, even in damp conditions, while avoiding the higher costs and care needs associated with down. A central zip offers easy access and can be opened quilt-style in warmer weather. The tough shell, compact pack size, and solid all-around performance, mean it’s a practical choice for hikers seeking three-season coverage on a budget.
Cooking & Hydration
Water Filter: Membrane Solutions Soft Flask with Filtration 1L – 69g – £29.99
Combining hydration and filtration in one, this soft flask is compact, fast-flowing, and easy to use. It packs down small when empty and handles most trail water sources confidently. At 69g, it’s a streamlined alternative to heavier pump systems or pricier squeeze filters.
Stove: BRS 3000-T – 26g – £18.99
A cult classic in the ultralight world, this titanium stove weighs just 26 grams and delivers fast, no-fuss performance. While it offers minimal wind protection and no simmer control, its simplicity, weight, and price make it a go-to for minimalist setups. Ideal for solo hikers who primarily boil water for dehydrated meals and the occasional cup of tea, it pairs perfectly with small titanium pots, speaking of which…
Pot: TOAKS LIGHT Titanium 550ml – 72g – £37.99
At just 72g, this pot is perfect for solo trips. It fits a small gas canister and the BRS 3000-T neatly inside, saving pack space. The thin titanium construction keeps weight low, and the simple design is fuss-free. It’s enough volume for dehydrated meals and morning coffee, making it a versatile staple in ultralight cook kits.
Spoon: Sea to Summit Frontier UL Long Handle – 12g – £9.99
Light, strong, and just long enough to reach the bottom of a pouch meal without getting your hands dirty. The aluminium build balances durability and weight. A small detail that makes camp cooking and clean-up noticeably easier.
Trekking & Essentials
Trekking Poles: Fizan Compact 3 – 316g – £62.99
One of the lightest telescopic poles available, the Compact 3 uses aluminium shafts and twist locks to deliver durability at a low weight. The foam grips and adjustable straps are comfortable over long days. They also double as tent poles for shelters like the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo.
Trowel: DirtSaw Deuce #2 Trowel – 16g – £24.99
A reliable tool for Leave No Trace hygiene. The titanium blade easily cuts into rugged or rooty soil, and the compact size fits easily in side pockets. At 16g, there’s no reason to leave it behind.
First Aid Kit: Pocket First Aid Kit – 183g – £15.99
Compact and just enough for solo trips, this kit includes the basics for cuts, blisters, and minor injuries. While not waterproof, it can be kept dry with an extra zip bag. An essential safety item that’s easy to forget until you need it.
Lighting & Power
Headlamp: Black Diamond Astro 300 – 75g – £17.99
Bright enough for camp chores or on the trail, this headlamp offers excellent value with thoughtful features. Dual-fuel compatible, it runs on three AAA batteries (included) or the optional rechargeable BD 1500 Li-ion batteries. With brightness memory, a digital lock, and water resistance, it’s a reliable upgrade over typical budget lights, a brilliant addition to any pack.
Power Bank: NEBO 5K – 106g – £21.99
This slim 5,000mAh power bank offers fast USB-C recharging and dual outputs. It’s ideal for topping up phones, GPS devices, or smartwatches on short trips. The metal housing feels reassuringly solid, and the LED charge indicator adds a helpful touch for managing power on the move.
Conclusion
Ultralight kits are always evolving, but this demonstrates that you don’t need a four-figure budget to hike comfortably and safely. Each piece here was carefully selected to strike a balance between reliability, pack weight, and value, without compromising on what matters most. Whether you’re just starting out or refining an existing kit, this list provides a solid, flexible foundation to build upon.
Affordable Ultralight Kit List
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| Andy Neil |
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Andy has been a keen long-distance hiker and wild camping enthusiast since he completed the Cleveland Way in 2015. Since then, he has walked thousands of trail miles all over the UK and is an active member of the Wild Camping UK community, being an admin of the largest wild camping community on Facebook. He strongly advocates for responsible wild camping and believes it is important to leave no trace when camping in the wilderness. He joined the UOG team in 2021 and works as a website developer and content creator. |
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Ultralight backpacking doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank or compromising on reliability. With some thoughtful planning, it’s possible to build a sub-4.5kg, three-season kit for well under a grand. It’s not the lightest or cheapest system out there, but it covers all the essentials with gear that lasts. Think of it as a flexible starting point. Your kit will evolve over time, shaped by your trips, preferences, and experience.