I second the Baffins. Some claim they're even too warm

North face recon is way more technical but will last you 15 years

Thanks for the suggestion! I don’t really plan carrying textbooks in the bag, it’ll be more of a gym and travel bag, so I’ll definitely look into them!

Yeah, I’ve seen a bunch of people wear those backpacks, I don’t know about other places, but here in Germany it seems like more of a “girlish” bag, but thanks for the suggestion anyways!

Hahaha I may have just realized that I've been using that word incorrectly my whole life...as a synonym for blustery

Look into the Fjallraven Kanken. That's their claim to fame!

Basic Jansport models are under 50 and have always lasted a long, long time for me. The only ones I ever had to get rid of were due to heavy textbooks working holes in the fabric with their corners.

Baffin for sure. I even hike in mine in the winter. I still like to wear wool socks with them, but I wear wool socks all year round.

If you are a sheet of sheer ice though, even the best boots will need some shoe chains. In the city, YakTrax did the job for me, size up when putting them over snow boots. For hiking, Hillsound makes an excellent microspike, but I would absolutely not wear them in the city or with pavement.

I have a strathberry wallet that is beautiful and has held up for 2+ years so far. So really it depends on your style!

I bought one for my sister years ago at the Coach store in the outlets, and this time of the year they usually have a 40%-50% sale going on. She still issues it daily and loves it. I’m stoked she’s gotten such longevity out of it.

The lv zippy are very nice and you can find the leather ones second hand for a reasonable price. I have one in black epi made in 2009 or something and it looks great and hasn't changed since I bought it in 2017. I have an old key holder from 1998 that is in awesome condition too and all I do is clean and condition them once a year. Idk about the new ones but the 2012 and older leather is probably bifl. Japanese eBay is a good source for these.

I’ve had my coach outlet wallet for 5+ years of daily use and it looks great!

I didn't realize that. That's disappointing. There's a store near me that had leather last spring. Bought one for my mother's birthday. Might be some brick and mortar with them in stock as well? My info is sort of old though.

Etsy has a lot of vintage coach products.

Yes yes yes! Coach is my favorite luxury brand but it’s also my favorite wallet brand. I have a mini collection of their keychain, wristlet, and clutch wallets and not ONE has broken on me or even gotten too scratched up that I’ve had to replace it. I’ve been using one keychain wallet in particular for the past 3 years and she’s still going strong. Buying through Coach Outlet is the way to go, they always have sales and you’ll get their quality at super cheap prices!

I've had a Kate Spade wallet for like 5 years now.

Ah yes I should have clarified! Their leather lasts a long time but I wouldn’t touch the faux stuff with a ten foot stick. I have zero luck with vinyl lasting

My Zero Halliburton aluminum case that I purchased more than 35 years ago is as good today as it was when it was new. On business it's traveled back and forward across the Atlantic many, many times, and it's been on countless other business trips around Europe, the Americas, Dubai, and South Africa. A true buy-it-for-life product.

I got a fossil zipper wallet at tj maxx about 6 years back as well and it looks and functions just like it did when I bought it! It’s been tossed around in various bags with lots of other stuff, keys, etc. never let me down yet. Daily use.

I have a Fossil wallet that’s held up great for 5+ years. They seem to have switched to “eco leather” for a lot of their products now and I am not confident that the faux leather will hold up as well.

Hobo is more expensive but their products are still leather. I’ve had a card sleeve from Hobo for 15 years and it still works fine (though the colors are noticeably worn).

I’ve been eyeing some Merrill therma chills, but they seem poorly constructed

Hand warmers in your boots 🥾 Or buy seal skin boots if you really have the money…

This may sound odd, but I’ve had my Cole Haan wallet for 9 years now - it’s been through the wash (don’t ask) and is still perfect. I’ve conditioned it a couple times tho - mostly after heavy water exposure.

My Coach wallet is over 20 years old. Looks perfectly fine. I expect it is BIFL. The thing is, though, I went to their website and comparable leather wallets appear to be no longer available. Cheaper plastic ones have replaced them. I would look for a vintage one if I were in your position.

Saddleback Leather