The gear is absolutely more expensive, from the pack to tent/hammock to stove to everything else.

It’s a never ending game of compromise and expense.

It depends how you do it. Ultralight gear is definitely more expensive because the designers use more expensive materials and really sweat the details. It’s also a lower-volume niche market than traditional camping/hiking gear.

Though you can also lighten up by just carrying less. This grandma thru-hiked the AT multiple times with little more than a shower curtain, blanket, bag of food, and sneakers.

I’d say gear is more expensive, often much more expensive. But UL often means less gear, so I guess that should be considered too. What I means is that you don’t need to buy a whole Triangia kitchen - just a burner, you don’t need a whole wardrobe of clothes - just the bare essential, etc.

I think it depends on the choices you make. For each expensive option there is usually a decent cheap option. Most people associate ultralight with over-engineered DCF and carbon fiber tents that cost $1000, but a sub-$100 tarp can work as well.

For me ultralight became a compromise of cost and enjoyment. I have a pretty small frame a slight shoulder injury. A lighter pack isnt as painful and much easier for me to balance. My first trip I had over 1/3 of my body weight on my back and that certainly took its toll and took away from the experience I wanted.

As much as ultralight gear is expensive, I do find its quality to be pretty good. Taking care of your ultralight equipment will often lead to a lifetime of service.