Yeah, if you compare backpacking to a lot of other outdoor sports, it comes out much cheaper. For a base line, I could get a very nice kit with $1000 for backpacking (that would include a WM bag). But, let's look at other sports.

Mountain Biking...You can get a good bike for $500, but $1000 is more common. Then add all the other gear you need.

Hunting....You can get a decent rifle fro $500, but again, $1000 is common. Then again, add all the other gear, which is similar to backpacking gear. Generally you need a hunting vehicle, like an atv or truck. That will bump you closer to $10,000.

Horse packing....I am not sure how much the horse alone costs, but I bet it is more than $1000.

ATV, dirt biking....they aren't cheap, plus the truck to pull them.

RVing....You need a second mortgage for these.

Yeah, backpacking is cheap.
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