Hey... I'm new here but I like the concept of the site. I'm a backpacker and fly fisher and really like trying out/evaluating my gear. Over the years I've found stuff that works well for me, and quite often the gear I end up using permanently are things that are cheaper options, even after trying out the "high end" stuff.
So I'd like to see what gear you use (either EDC, when camping/hiking/backpacking/etc or otherwise) that isn't the most expensive option but for you is the best.
I'll mention a couple as examples:
Mora Clipper/Companion (newer replacement) - Excellent but cheap knives. They can be had for about $15. These are carbon steel, but there are stainless variants if you prefer. Really excellent fixed blade knives that are cheap enough to be abused but robust enough to be included in anyone's kit. Easily compare to $150 fixed blade knives.
Trangia alcohol stoves - I've tried all kinds of different backpacking stoves, but I keep coming back to my good old trangia stove. I have what used to be called the "westwind" model which I paid $19 for. Great stove. You can make your own which is lighter but a little less convenient.
Victorinox Soldier/Wenger Standard Issue - the knife that really was issued to swiss soldiers. these run for about $20. Really excellent knives. "Alox" aluminum scales, really useful reamer (as opposed to the ones normally found). Great knives. I've carried one for about 10 years.
So what kinds of cheap-but-excellent gear do you guys own and use?
--Matt