The following is a summary of items well on their way to being /r/buyitforlife worthy.
Mountain Hardware Gortex Soft Shell: I grabbed this off the clearance rack in a Columbia Outlet store years ago. It was around a hundred bucks if I remember correctly. I have worn this jacket on international vacations, multi-state overlanding trips and daily to and from work ever since. Every zipper works, pockets are where I like them and it fits like a dream…which is probably why it was on sale, because if it fits me, it probably won’t fit anyone else.
Downsides? It gets deodorant stains and I have to use oxyclean every so often.
Camelbak Military H.A.W.G: I got my first one issued to me in the military. It was black and I used the shit out of it, mainly at work doing at-sea boardings of commercial fishing vessels and container ships. I called it Snacktical…because it really just carried my beef jerky and Pringles. It was dragged over rails, dumped in sea water and hauled up Jacob Ladders. I wore it in fish holds and used it as a pillow on pilot boats. It was always a wash away from good as new. I used it as my go to hydration pack for mountain biking and hiking, and it got stolen from my car one night. I tried a host of other bags from Mountainsmith, Osprey, Civilian Camelbaks, and Oakley…always missed the H.A.W.G. So…I got another one in sage green this time and it’s been with me ever since.
Downsides? I tend to carry too much crap on the bike with this bag. The back panel does not breath well, its usually sweat stained. The smaller organization pockets sucked, removed them in favor of just an empty pocket. I trim and burn any “Irish Pennants” that may develop.
Spyderco Police: When a childhood friend was killed in the line of duty, I wanted to keep his memory with me. I bought this knife and had his badge number and EOW date engraved. I don’t leave home without it. I don’t let other people use it. I only have it professionally sharpened and it keeps the dude in my thoughts every time I put it in my pocket.
Downsides? The pocket clip is on the wrong side for me and the tiny torx screws are a pain to swap without stripping. Eventually used some Loctite and got it right. Use a scotch bright pad on the handle to remove any scratches.
Danner Fort Lewis: I was going through a set of Rocky Paratrooper Side Zips every 4-6 months. They were not expensive, but it adds up. Finally paid up and bought Danner Fort Lewis…that was 4 years ago. I just got them rebuilt and couldn’t be more pleased. Wear them daily at work in varying terrain. I work in snake country and these give me some peace of mind.
Downsides? These bad Oscars are spendy.
Danner Mountain Lights II: After my success with my work boots, I grabbed a pair of these. I hated them at first. The tongue is a strange double fold over that takes some getting used to. It makes them feel strange until they break in…I mean really break in…like a year or so. Now, 4 years in and these are my favorites. These are now incredibly comfortable, have good support and they look great around a campfire or out to dinner. Every once in a while, I change the color of the laces for an update or throw some shine on them…that’s it. Might grab a black pair someday…
Downsides? These bad Oscars are also spendy and have aforementioned strange tongue.
Submitted February 24, 2017 at 08:17AM by bigtom726 http://ift.tt/2lzBpUS
