16 Pieces of Gear that will Last a Lifetime

Buy less, but better. It’s a great philosophy. It not only helps us declutter and avoid lumping endless shonky gear into landfill, but done right, it can also kit us out with gear that’ll serve us (and likely our children) a lifetime. So if you’re looking to buy it for life, these 16 pieces of gear are designed for a lifetime of trusty service…

The pen

A pen is something you’ll use every day, so it’s important to find the right balance of style, functionality and durability. And the Big Idea Design Ti Arto EDC pen offers all of this and more. The pen features an adjustable length that allows it to accept over 750 different refills, letting you easily swap out refills to suit different writing requirements or locate refills in places off the beaten path. Machined from grade 5 solid titanium alloy, it won’t break or degrade either. Classic, timeless, versatile.

The adventure duffel

Torrential storms, white water rafting, muddy tracks and more…whatever your next adventure has lined up, this ultra-rugged hauler isn’t afraid to dive in. The Colfax Design Works Project T.O.A.D. DryBag is a 100% submersible drybag, made in the USA with hard-wearing Cordura fabric and a burly YKK Aquaseal zipper. The exterior locking buoyancy valve lets you conveniently inflate or deflate the bag as required, while backpack and duffel carry options help you adapt on the fly.

The weekender

WP Standard provides a refined, modern take on canvas military duffels with their Military Duffle Bag. A piece that will only look better with age and use, it’s crafted with full-grain vegetable-tanned leather and brass hardware. A shoulder strap and grab handle provide flexible portability, while the included luggage tag and quick-access pocket round out this tough and handsome travel companion. And the extra upside? It doesn’t use zippers on the main compartment, so there’s less that might fail in the long run!

The backpack

Trakke’s revised Bannoch Backpack is a fantastic all-rounder for work and play. Handcrafted with premium dry-finish waxed canvas and designed with zero ‘fail points’ in mind, it’s a minimal piece that’ll serve you for generations. And long as you remember to regularly reapply the wax treatment, that is.

The travel backpack

Tough enough to handle demanding travel use and gnarly outdoor scenarios, the GORUCK GR2 is a solid overbuilt carry-on bag that can go anywhere, anytime. The rugged military build quality, lay-flat main compartment, comfortable padded straps and quick-access laptop storage makes this one helleva life companion.

The briefcase

Filson has been a brand synonymous with heirloom gear for many years. Known for their rugged waxed canvas, this Weatherproof Leather Briefcase takes it up one more notch. It’s made with a proprietary vegetable-tanned leather from Wickett & Craig that is resistant to the elements and salt water. Factor in the brass hardware and you have long-lasting performance with a seriously dapper touch.

The sunglasses

Originally built for the U.S. military, the Randolph Engineering Aviator II Sunglasses are built to last, with electroplated frames at 5x the eyewear industry standard for longevity and durability. Each pair is handmade in the USA, with scratch-resistant polarized glass lenses and a sweat bar for enhanced utility. And with their comfortable fit and lifetime warranty, you’ll be reaching for these sunglasses for years to come.

The boots

Danner know all about creating tough boots for tough conditions, and these are no exception. Designed to embrace the Pacific Northwest’s terrain and climate, the boots feature a Vibram® Nisqaully Arctic Grip outsole for traction on wet, icy and snowy surfaces. A Danner Dry waterproof barrier and 200g PrimaLoft® insulation keep your feet dry and cosy while allowing breathability. And the removable OrthoLite footbed and full-grain leather upper add to the comfort and durability of this performance-ready hiking boot. Granted, if you’re wearing these tough, you’ll need to resole every now and then, but the rest of the boots will just keep on going.

The watch

There’s no denying this watch costs a pretty penny. But if you’re looking to step into the world of premium timepieces, this OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial Master Chronometer 42mm will stand you in good stead for decades to come. An elegant blend of beauty and utility, the watch is made with stainless steel and a ceramic bezel. It features rhodium-plated hands and raised indexes, filled with white Super-LumiNova for visibility in low-light and dark conditions. As the name suggests, the anti-magnetic watch is water resistant to 300 meters (1000 feet).

The tote bag

The WP Standard Vintage Tote Bag is simple, stylish and straightforward. It’s crafted with thick full-grain leather that will withstand daily use with ease while developing a distinct patina over time. If you take care of this, it’ll take care of you.

The multi-tool

A multi-tool is a valuable addition to any gear setup and you can’t go wrong with Leatherman. If you’re after great versatility, look to the Leatherman Wave+ which updates Leatherman’s best-selling multi-tool with replaceable wire cutters. A choice of 18 tools keeps you prepped to handle a diverse range of urban and outdoor tasks, with many of the tools externally accessible for quick, convenient use. And it’s built for the long haul, with a 25-year warranty for peace of mind.

The pocket tool

The multifunctional Griffin Pocket Tool XL doubles as a pocket clip for your keys and a multi-tool that won’t weigh you down. Made with lightweight yet strong titanium, it offers 16 tools in a compact and TSA-friendly design. A handy companion for everyday use and travels alike.

The pocket knife

There’s not a finer knife maker in the States. Chris Reeves Knives (or CRK) has been machining premium and precision blades for over 30 years. CRK knives are milled to a tolerance acceptable by NASA and surgical theaters, and the Sebenza here is its flagship. First released in 1991, it boasts are core of American-sourced S35VN steel, slipped between two scales of 6AL4V sandblasted titanium. Available in large and small sizes and left and right-handed options, this is the only knife you’ll ever need, period.

The wallet

The Ridge Wallet offers a sleek, durable and lightweight way to carry cards and cash without bulking up your pocket. This version is crafted with grade 5 titanium and backed by a lifetime warranty. The RFID-blocking wallet holds up to 12 cards and is available with a cash strap or money clip to suit your personal preferences.

The water bottle

Whether you want to carry cool and refreshing hydration or a toasty beverage on colder days, the Hydro Flask 18 oz Standard Mouth Insulated Water Bottle is up to the job. The bottle’s double wall TempShield™ insulation prevents condensation and keeps beverages cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours. The BPA-free stainless steel construction is backed by a lifetime warranty. Plus it doesn’t transfer or retain flavors either, so you can enjoy your drinks as they were meant to be.

The titanium flask

Enjoying a sip of your favorite tipple shouldn’t be marred by unexpected tastes. But with the Snow Peak Titanium Curved Flask you don’t need to worry. The titanium doesn’t absorb flavors or create a metallic taste, while also providing a lightweight and durable build that’s made to last. And with its attractive, compact design it’s easy to slip into a bag or pocket to celebrate reaching that summit or simply kicking back after a hard day’s work.

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