/r/BuyItForLife

Photograph via snooOG

For practical, durable and quality made products that are made to last.

Reminder: Please use the search function before making a request.

The Mission Statement: http://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/jtjuz/bi4l_mission_statement_rules_etc/

For practical, durable and quality made products that are made to last.


Rules

1 This is a subreddit emphasizing products that are Durable, Practical, Proven, and Made-to-Last.

Products that are well-made and durable (even if they won't last a lifetime) are accepted.

2a Requests are posts where you are looking for help/recommendations on a certain type of a product or Opinions on a certain item.

Requests Must be flaired with the request flair and if you are satisfied with the answers please mark the post as such.

2b be sure to first use the search bar and check the sidebar before making a request. To make it easier for the community to help, also include your budget (if any) and what country you are buying in.

3 Low-effort Posts will be removed.

4 No Home-made items

5 No new or unreleased products

6 please be descriptive with your posting, posts must include the products brand, years owned or date of purchase, circa the decade is acceptable on items older than 1990

7 No referral codes or affiliate links.

8 /r/BuyItForLife is not a place to advertise your business or sell your product. Want to advertise on Reddit? Start here. Want to contribute look here

If you see someone breaking the rules

  • Click the 'report' button.

  • Message the moderators.

  • /r/spam for egregious spammers.

The mods are somewhat flexible with the rules as long as the OP explains in the comments.

Filter Out certain post types

Reviews/Currently Sold

Vintage

Requests


The BIFL Sidebar Request Series.

Clothing

Clothing

Bags, Luggage and Backpacks

Kitchen

Tools

Containers

Electronics

Threads for Women

Other Items

Threads of interest


Some other good subreddits


Support Domestic


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/r/BuyItForLife

2,552,757 Subscribers

1

Looking for a humidifier, boiling type only.

I want a humidifier for the winter, and I want it to be one of the kinds that boils water.

I will not use evaporative or ultrasonic ones. They require too much cleaning or else they just start pumping mold into the air which I never once had be a problem with humidifiers that boil water.

0 Comments
2024/11/04
04:28 UTC

2

Seeking leather shoe recommendation

I have a pair of clarks low tops (the kind that look like desert boot), but the sole is shot and I have heard resoling Clark’s isn’t usually worth it. So I’m in the market for a comfortable leather low top as a daily work shoe in a semi casual office. I would like them to be able to re-sole in the future. I already own Chippewa boots and Allen Edmonds dress shoes so looking for something a little softer and a low top.

One I saw was the new Danner Cavalier that seemed interesting but potentially on the chunky side for me. Any recs?

4 Comments
2024/11/04
04:08 UTC

75

PSA: Buy a laser printer!

I wanted to make a post about my printer. I recognize that a printer isn't necessarily a "buy-it-for-life" kind of thing, but I think you would be hard pressed to find something that represents this much of a value proposition and cost effective option as a laser printer. Specifically, a laser printer like my Brother that I bought.

Allow me to give a bit of context. My wife and I are both college students, and as you can imagine, have to print a lot of notes. Just this evening, my wife had to print something that was 19 pages long. Previously to purchasing our laser printer, we had one of those crappy Canon Pixma or whatever printers (the bargain printers that can be had sub-$100 at Walmart). I had finally had enough of this printer and so I decided I buy this Brother. I am sure glad that I did.

One of the issues with the Canon was that it was God awfully slow. A print job like my wife's aforementioned 19 page notes would've taken around 10 minutes to complete. The Brother probably took 1 minute, and that's being generous. And, that's with it printing on both sides of the page to save paper.

Another issue was that it guzzled ink cartridges. I am not exaggerating when I say that this single print job would've probably used half of the ink cartridges on our old Canon. Meanwhile, we've had this toner drum since the beginning of the year, and only now is it saying "Low Toner". However, all of the pages came out sharp and non faded, so I don't think it is as low as it may be leading on.

Finally, I just wanted a printer to do just that: print! I think one of the common faults of many new printers is that they're trying to do too much. I have a desk scanner. I don't need my printer to do that. It is much easier for me to use a standalone scanner that have to fiddle with making sure the page is in the right spot or else some of it may be cut off on the scan. I also wanted a printer that I could just hook up via USB to my computer, no internet needed. Yes, I do have it hooked up to an Apple Airport in the office, but that is more so for the ability to print from other computers like my MacBook Pro, instead of just my iMac. I just wanted something SIMPLE, and I am glad that I purchased my Brother laser printer.

If you, like me, want a no-fuss printer that is great and just PRINTS, check out the Brother HL-L2320D.

43 Comments
2024/11/04
03:38 UTC

3

BIFL most comfortable/highest quality Twin XL bed sheets?

Most of the high-quality stuff I've seen is all for full/queen and up but no twin or twin XL, which I need for my two twin sons.

What are the highest quality bed sheets I can get that will fit a twin XL bed that will last as well? This will be their beds for a bit.

2 Comments
2024/11/04
02:27 UTC

0

What absolute necessities are BIFL/good investments?

I’m not talking about want-to-haves that go the distance.

What are the items no one in the Western world can realistically do without? And what are your BIFL solutions that might require some up-front investment, but that pay for themselves over the long run?

11 Comments
2024/11/04
02:24 UTC

31

Inherited mother’s 1984(?) Black and Decker iron. I learned to iron with this when I was a child and it’s still steaming along today. Model #FL535S

7 Comments
2024/11/04
01:19 UTC

36

Most comfortable office chair. But not like a Herman Miller

I've done a bunch of searching for office chairs and what I've found is most people are looking for the Herman Miller super adjustable office chair or a super ergonomic alternative. I'm looking for the softest, cushiest, plushy, couch feeling office chair. Something I could almost sleep in. It seems like almost a taboo topic and I've seen people say it's not great for you back. But, I'm hoping there is a highly rated high quality cushy office chair.

34 Comments
2024/11/04
00:42 UTC

51

Just need a phone that can last me more than 3 years

I know tech isn't a buy it for life thing, especially phones, but i'm on a tight budget and my last two phones haven't even lasted me more than a year. I'd prefer to buy an older more quality phone than a new one with all the high tech features.

Currently I have a samsung a05 which is god awful & almost unusable due to a ghost touch issue. Only had it about 5 or 6 months.

I am considering an iPhone 7. I've had one before and I liked it because it was cheap with good storage. The charging port wore out eventually and I broke the screen trying to open it up to fix it myself (demonstrates both my stupidity and how tight my budget is, lol)

Edit: Will not be buying an iphone 7

Edit 2: Am in New Zealand. Max 200 nzd to spend. I'm Considering a refurbished SE first gen.

204 Comments
2024/11/04
00:26 UTC

6

Women's Ugg style boots but with better arch support

My wife loves her Ugg classic short boots, however her biggest complaint is they make her feet hurt after a while.

Anyone know of a good alternative that actually has good foot/arch support? I asked about insoles and she was not game, so no easy way out for me. Looking for a Christmas present and for the first time I seem to be striking out.

7 Comments
2024/11/04
00:11 UTC

7

I’m A Traveling Musician. I Want A Leather Backpack That Is The Measurements For Under Airline Seat That’ll Last A Lifetime. I Fly 3-10 Times A Month. Any Suggestions? $150-$300 Range

12 Comments
2024/11/03
23:41 UTC

7

What makes some cashmere last longer than others?

I have this one cashmere shirt that is probably 20 years old. I hand wash it now but it's likely been through the washing machine before. It's in amazing condition. No pilling, not stretched out. But every new piece of cashmere I've had pills immediately, even before washing it. Unfortunately there's no tag on my awesome infallible shirt but was wondering what makes it more durable? Is it possibly blended with something else? It has all the great attributes of cashmere (breathable, doesn't get smelly.)

5 Comments
2024/11/03
23:03 UTC

3

BIFL heat pump dryer Australia?

Bought a nice Electrolux 5 years ago and it's about to kick the bucket..

I'd be happy to buy the next model lasting 10-15 years or more but have no idea who to go with.

What do you recommend if anything here on Oz?

3 Comments
2024/11/03
22:47 UTC

1

Which Down Jacket to buy

I’ve done a lot research and have it narrowed down to two different ones.

First is the Katabatic Tincup jacket priced at $299

Second is the Montane men’s alpine 850 lite priced at $440

The chart that I used that someone made on Reddit placed the Montane several spots ahead of the Katabatic

Does anyone think the $140 price difference is worth it?

Thanks in advance

4 Comments
2024/11/03
22:32 UTC

9

Is LLBean good quality?

I've been looking at getting a trucker jacket and I have my eyes on the LLBean BeanFlex Utility Trucker Jacket. I'm always skeptical of the high price but "made in China" tag. Does anyone have any experience with this jacket?

28 Comments
2024/11/03
21:14 UTC

2

Men's Midweight Fall/Winter Jacket [Budget <$300]

Looking for a recommendation on a men's mid-weight fall jacket. I've had a North Face which I actually found while running at a track about 10-12 years ago and really have enjoyed but alas it's time has come - it's getting a bit tattered and the zipper's no longer functional, plus... well, I've had it for about a dozen years...so, I'm looking for something I can rock out for another 10+ years.

I'm not super commited to any brand or even particular style at this point - I've entertained bombers, sherpa-lined denim, trucker jackets, and so on... I think my leaning is probably more "technical" but am also unopposed to something a bit more outdoors or casual looking. I'd like something I can wear for temps in the 20-40F range (maybe a little cooler with appropriate layers).

I've checked out the Kühl Impakt and Burr, Helly Hansen Verglas and Dubliner, Carhartt (not sure what models) and a few others. I think I'm a bit shy of Patagonia and Fjallraven pricing (plus haven't really seen anything I love from them). What's the Reddit hivemind's thoughts?

2 Comments
2024/11/03
21:11 UTC

34

What brand is the best for leggings? Lululemon, Varley, vuori, Athleta. Are they worth the price?

Willing to spend a little more on leggings if they are worth it. What does everyone recommend? What are your thoughts? I plan to wear for working out and everyday use. I typically wear Fabletics but have found they don't always last. I'm an XXS girl living in US.

98 Comments
2024/11/03
20:14 UTC

11

Raised beds for gardening?

Doesn’t have to be exactly “for life” but would love something I don’t have to replace every 3 years. Unfortunately can’t plant in ground because of packed clay soil.

33 Comments
2024/11/03
18:57 UTC

31

Of all my buy ions, this one is way up there.

Park five motorcycle jacket. Bought it in 1986, fits like a glove, and I still ride.

2 Comments
2024/11/03
17:49 UTC

0

Canadian winter faux fur jacket

Any recommendations for fur jackets that are warm like -10C? I have seen one at aritizia but its knee length. I would like the length to be half of thighs or something. Thanks! Preferably in canada but open to other options

3 Comments
2024/11/03
17:31 UTC

5

High quality battery powered mini drill for hobby work that can take 1mm to 10mm drill bits?

Looking at Makita, DeWalt and similar brands, but even their smallest drills are still the pistol-grip type and are quite bulky. I am looking for something as compact as a dremel, but with a chuck that can take drill bits up to 10mm and spin slow.

I am not planning to drill holes in walls (have proper drill for that), just something to keep on my table for when I need to enlarge or clean up holes in 3D printed parts and so on. No large torque applications, I just need it to be compact, and be able to take large drill bits. USB charging would be amazing, as well as replaceable battery, otherwise it can't be BIFL.

38 Comments
2024/11/03
17:02 UTC

0

Cuddle Blanket (Queen)

Do you have any recommendations for a cuddle blanket, like one with a faux fur texture?

2 Comments
2024/11/03
16:57 UTC

1

Recommendation of fan+purifier 2in 1 or +heating 3 in 1

Looking to buy a fan that does a good job purify as well, I have seasonal allergies. If it also has the heating ability, it would be perfect. I know Dyson has a few option but people seems to think Dyson is overrated so I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations

5 Comments
2024/11/03
14:29 UTC

17

Crumpler MacBook case. Had it 16 years and still going strong! Only thing I had to replace was the zip pull which I fixed by attaching a keyring to and now actually works better!

3 Comments
2024/11/03
14:27 UTC

5

Disappointed in Icebreaker Cool-Lite — Alternatives?

I purchased two cool-lite shirts from Icebreaker earlier this year. The short-sleeve one is solid, but for some reason the long-sleeve one is terrible. It starts to smell almost immediately after putting it on. I don’t consider myself a particularly sweaty person, but it’s like it attracts sweat and odour. Obviously this is disappointing as merino is intended to do the opposite. Thankfully I got it on deep discount. Has anyone else experienced this with this line of Icebreaker products? And any alternatives you can recommend? I’m hesitant to try Smartwool after this experience, and given the price of merino goods I want to make a good decision. I primarily use these tops for hiking and long travel days when I want something breathable, quick-drying, and odour resistant. I’m located in Canada so often have less options to purchase, but I’m open to ordering online. Thanks!

4 Comments
2024/11/03
08:35 UTC

0

Winter Jacket for NYC (~$1,000 Budget | Black Friday)

Hey all,

I’m looking to invest in a solid winter jacket that’ll last me years and handle NYC winters. My budget’s around $1,000, and I’m hoping to catch a deal on Black Friday. I considered Canada Goose, but I’m on the fence because:

  • It’s pricey and a bit outside my budget
  • NYC winters aren’t super harsh (only a few really cold days).
  • Winters seem to be getting warmer, so I’m not sure it’s worth it long-term.

I also prefer to layer and want something that’s stylish.

Thanks for any recommendations!

37 Comments
2024/11/03
06:04 UTC

7

BIFL Hoodie Badger bought in 2011 still have it to this day

Hello,I was reading around here as I use this forum to kind of guide a good amount of purchases. Hoodies are very much a thing I like to buy once and did without even realizing it. I’ve had the Badger 1254 hooded sweatshirt since about 2011, I still wear it to this day. No holes, no discoloration, everything is fine except for the drawstring I lost years ago. Seems that it’s used a lot for team sports and HS logos which is where I got mine from. This thing has held up for so long I thought I would just let yall know. The badger 1249 poly cotton fleece hoodie might be the same product it’s hard to read the tags. It’s 60/40 (c/p) (1254) thought it would be good to mention but as yall know production can change but this isn’t a brand you would really find in any store due to its primary customers.

1 Comment
2024/11/03
04:33 UTC

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