People have tramped around the world for thousands of years with very little equipment. The militaries of the world have created some usable equipment that has always been cheap.

By 1900, people like Nessmunk promoted the light pack with a few blankets and silk tents. Cooking was on a fire, water was clean or was boiled.

Lots of us started with WWII A-frame packs and Trapper Nelsons with wood frames, plastic tarps, cast iron frying pans, and cans of beef stew. We had great times. There were almost no people, clean water, and good fishing.

Modern backpackers have a tendency some time in their careers to become gear heads. Saving weight is fine, but it is like a religion to some. Don't try to save me.