I am not a fan of consumerism or materialism. I am also not oblivious to the fact that we need physical objects to exist on this planet. Ideally, I could buy a tool or appliance I need and it would last for life. I’m not the only one who feels this way. There’s an entire Subreddit dedicated to this philosophy aptly named Buy It For Life (or BIFL).
For this week’s post, I want to list the 10 things that you could buy for life—or at the very least once a decade. I hope you find something valuable here.
I am not affiliated with these products and receive zero commissions by you clicking on the links.
1. Parker Jotter Pen
Even though our world is increasingly electronic, a good pen will never be irrelevant. The Parker Jotter, in my opinion, is the best ballpoint pen you can buy. The Jotter’s design is timeless. The pen is evocative of the jet age with its fuselage barrel shape. It looks like an X-15 hypersonic aircraft for your hand.
I’ve owned my Jotter Ballpoint pen in Royal Blue since 2007. I used it heavily when I lived in Mexico City, throughout college, at the start of my career, and on numerous vacations. The refillable G2 ink cartridges are easy to find and last a long time. For $15 you can have an iconic design that will last you for years.
2. Moleskine Classic Notebook Soft Cover
What good is a pen if you have nothing to write on? The Moleskine Classic Notebook has been my go-to journal for more than a decade. I was turned onto these things by a professor in college and have been a fan ever since.
I prefer the smaller pocket-size version because it’s light and compact. I typically fill one of these up in a year. These notebooks have become some of my most prized possessions because of the contents written in them.
The Moleskine soft cover leather is pleasing to the touch but extremely durable. The design of these notebooks is classic. They’re a joy to write in and can be used as a wallet in a pinch. Best of all, they’re affordable at $17 and come in various shapes and colors.
3. Leatherman Heritage PST
Even if you don’t think you need a Leatherman multi-tool, you need one. This little tool is one of the most practical things I own. I always keep one in my car. They’re compact but pack loads of utility with the 14 tools available.
You can buy specialized Leatherman tools but I always recommend the original PST (pocket survival tool). The one I own was given to me by my father, which he had owned for decades prior. I don’t even know how old it is but it functions like new. I stay up on the maintenance by sharpening the knives and oiling the moving parts.
A well-maintained Leatherman will outlive you and can be passed on to future generations. It’s the ultimate do-anything accessory.
4. Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V Wristwatch
I’ve owned several of these G-Shocks. And not because they broke but because I gifted them. I recently gave one to my nephew and he’s smitten by it. This DW5600 is the decedent of the original DW-5000C G-Shock from 1983. Kikuo Ibe designed the G-Shock after he accidentally dropped his father’s pocket watch and broke it.
These things are seriously tough. The quartz module is surrounded by 10 protectant layers. I don’t know anyone who has actually broken one. My friends who served in the military swear by them. I frequently see law enforcement professionals wearing G-Shocks. These watches were made to work and can last a long time. The battery can last 3-5 years depending on how you use the watch. Batteries are easy to replace and cheap to purchase.
Do some looking around and you can buy a new DW5600 for under $50. The best part is that Casio offers the G-Shock in dozens of colors and screen types for every kind of taste.
5. Craftsman 102-Piece Tool Kit
Whether you own or rent your house, a tool kit is essential. I use my tools daily. There’s always something that needs to be fixed, and having the right tool for the job is crucial.
I still have my starter tool kit from when I was a teenager. I’ve since added dozens of other tools to my bag, but that core set gets used all of the time. Any good starter toolset should have a hammer, pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and sockets.
I think the Craftsman 102-Piece Tool Kit has everything you need to get started. Once you identify what tools you use the most then that’s a good time to invest in a more robust tool kit. I personally think Snap-On makes some of the best wrenches and drive tools on the market. My mechanic has used the same set since 1977!
6. A Favorite Book
This one is entirely up to you. I’m an advocate of printed books. No, I’m not saying you should buy every book in print—that’s what libraries are for. But I do think you should own copies of your favorite books.
How do you identify what your favorite books are? Simple: they’re the ones you’ve read at least twice. I have a small library at home with about 10 books but I’ve read them all more than once.
My all-time favorite book is The Count of Monte Cristo. The Penguin clothbound unabridged edition is the best of the bunch. I’m on the fourth reading of this book and I’m still discovering new details.
7. Nalgene 32 oz. Water Bottle
The plastic Nalgene uses for their water bottles is akin to a diamond. They are virtually indestructible. I’ve had my current Nalgene for 15 years. I found it at a golf course, cleaned it, and have been using it ever since.
If the 32 oz is too big for you then I also recommend the 16 oz version. It fits better in backpack bottle holders and automobile cupholders. The smaller bottle is just as tough as its bigger sibling but in a more usable package.
I plan on using my Nalgene for as long as it holds water. This is really the kind of product that you can use for life.
8. Keen Waterproof Boots
If high fashion is what you’re after then look somewhere else. But if you need a no-nonsense, kick-ass boot then a pair of Keen waterproof work boots are the footwear for you. I bought my pair in 2012 while I was attending Utah State University. I lived below the university and had to trek up the hill in the snow. After a few trips of slipping and having wet socks all day, I decided enough was enough.
I purchased my boots at a local outdoor retail store for around $200. Since then, I’ve worn my boots hiking, snowshoeing, and whenever it’s cold and rainy. I don’t think I’ve ever had a wet sock while wearing them. I’ve even worn them crossing a river and didn’t get my feet wet. What’s more, the tread and leather are still fresh after 11 years of use. If you’re a heavy user then these boots probably won’t last a lifetime but they’ll last longer than most.
9. A Good Jacket
Photo credit Adam S. Hacker
Any jacket worth owning should be present but not obvious when worn. I like breathable jackets that work in a variety of situations. The temperature rarely gets below freezing where I live in Georgia, so I don’t need a heavy jacket. I need something that works well between 30 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
I’ve been wearing my current jacket since 2013 and have zero desire to replace it anytime soon. It’s a Sherpa light down jacket with PrimaLoft insulation. My jacket has accompanied me on mountain hikes, relay races across Tennessee and Florida, and dozens of other trips. After 10 years of use, it’s finally starting to show its age with a small tear on the inside where the cinch sting rubs. That’s it.
Fortunately, there are seemingly endless options on the market. I would buy something that is known to last, is comfortable, and is versatile. Don’t be afraid to spend a little more because you’ll likely not have to buy another jacket for a decade.
10. Quality Sunglasses
Eyewear is one of the most personal things a person can wear. Everyone has a different-shaped face so there is no one-size-fits-all option. But therein lies the fun with sunglasses. Take your time and consult an expert to find what frames fit your face the best.
I’ve been wearing Ray-Bans for more than a decade—for sunglasses and prescription lenses. I think the Wayfarer design is one of the most iconic and durable designs ever. I’ve tried frames from Persol, Oakley, Smith, and Carrera, but none of them fit me as well as Wayfarer frames do.
My favorite frame is the Original Wayfarer RB2140. I use them for my sunglasses and prescription frames. I’ve met people who have been wearing the same pair of Ray-Bans since the 80s. A quality pair of sunglasses can last a lifetime if taken care of.
I’m not a hiking boot fan, especially when it comes to those Keens that cannot (generally) not be Resoled. Functionally, trail runners are now far superior across a broad range of trekking.
I don’t want to be caught in a situation in Southern Appalachia where I can’t get my shoebox dry. That’s a recipe for trench foot. Modern trail runners can dry while you walk in them.
Boots are also very heavy - sometimes 3x heavier than trail runners. Those pounds add up over multi day hikes.
The one scenario I see boots as superior is in post hole snow conditions.
On the other hand, trail runners with quality vibram soles only last for 300-500 miles. Many boots can be resoled and last thousands of miles.