Recent comments in /f/BuyItForLife

porter_mann t1_j8hn7il wrote

Reply to Patagonia products - safe bet or stay clear? by ajpathecreature

Recently I went to one of their brick and mortar locations with the full intension of purchasing another down sweater. My previous one was my constant goto and after more than a decade of use the fabric around the wrists and elbows wore to a point that feathers kept leaking. The zipper wore out, and the elasticity around the wrists were sagging.

At the counter I mentioned to them how I loved my original jacket so much that I was purchasing another. They asked to see the original and I showed them all the issues. On the spot they said that they would either replace the zipper and try to patch the holes or just give me a warranty replacement - no cost to me. I really loved the green color of the original jacket but after considering it all I decided to go with the replacement. The original would be recycled (including the down).

They definitely stood by their warranty, and for me it’s a true buy it for life item.

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seeriktus t1_j8hkeo5 wrote

Reply to Smartphone recommendations ? by RationalIdiot

Blackview BV9900/9800. It's an armoured phone that runs on Android, made for industrial & outdoorsy environments. If you get the phone case/screen protector too it'll basically be indestructible. I've had mine for >5years, dropped it on the ground numerous times, hard tarmac, concrete, stood on it. Still going strong and the screen is unaffected. The downside is the weight, most of it is a massive battery that lasts about 2 weeks. The camera isn't great, dropping it on your foot hurts, but if you're a big bloke not an instagram model it shouldn't matter.

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Snazzy21 t1_j8hisdj wrote

Reply to BIFL request - visiting USA by wild_biologist

You could get some decent Channel Lock pliers from a homedepot.

Jansport backpacks are inexpensive and extremely durable, which is why it's one of the default bookbags in the US. The iconic leather bottom bags are also relatively affordable and easy to find (get the one with actual leather, not pleather). You can likely find one in a mall or a store like tilly's

My last suggestion is to go to a US army surplus store. Most surplus gear is made in the US and well made. Dont expect to find M65 jackets those are long gone. And a lot of stores will sell "recreations" or reproductions, which should be avoided since that defeats the purpose of buying surplus if it's not really surplus.

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IdontEatBacon t1_j8hhykc wrote

Reply to Request: BIFL Umbrellas by [deleted]

As a Belgian I suggest Doppler. I have one of their umbrella's since I was a child (at least 20 years but probably longer) and still use it often. I bought a second Doppler a few years ago (a compact storm umbrella), and I'd say the quality is still there. I use umbrella's every time it rains and have never let storms hinder me. I've had other umbrella brands die on me (before I bought the second compact Doppler) in situations the storm Doppler handles with ease.

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