BuyItForLife

My trusty $10 no-name backpack, bought on a Myanmar vacation 8 years ago, is finally giving up the ghost, with zippers beginning to jump track a lot, and field repairs with pliers have resulted in snapped zipper pulls. It's done.

I've been looking for a replacement, and finally ordered this Brandit US Cooper Medium last night. It's rather cheap, and I'm not expecting it to last forever, but i love the amount of compartments, the relatively small size (it's supposedly 25-30 L), and - best of all - the neon orange color 😅

I'm a scout master for my daughter's troop, so I'm in the woods at least once a week, as well as going on hikes and shelter trips with friends when I get the chance. My backpack is used mainly for water (CamelBak Chute 1L, both regular and thermos model), a hand axe, fire starting gear, various bits of rope and cordage, snacks + eating gear, first aid stuff, as well as a Leatherman. And toilet paper 😅

High visibility is a plus for me, especially when I'm out with the kids, because it's good that I'm easy to spot from a distance. When it's not high summer, I also wear a pair of modified, neon yellow work pants instead of the traditional and ubiquitous Fjällräven outdoor pants (I live in Scandinavia; they're borderline mandatory).

The thing is, this is my first foray into PALS / MOLLE strap territory, and I'm hoping some of you (maybe with army experience?) could give some suggestions for customizing the backpack. I've already ordered two MOLLE water bottle pouches to add to the sides, and I'm trying to figure out what else would be nice to have. For instance, if I could attach the axe on the outside of the bag somehow instead of carrying it inside.

Any and all suggestions and recommendations would be most welcome 😊

Hey there! Remember me? I'm the dude who made the post on the 600-item BIFL bible of the highest quality assortment of items from frying pans to bras to chainsaws to rocking horses to sink disposals. If you were curious about an inclusion, would like to add or remove something, or would just like to give your thoughts, please tell me! I’m in rapid pursuit of the best, and I’m willingly to hear anyone and anything out.

This is mostly just so that people can keep accessing this fount of knowledge I've continued to curate over the past almost year now. Have fun!

In keeping with tradition, here's the weekly Speed Queen post.

...But seriously, they make great quality washer and dryers.

Looking for backpacks that could be used for a onebag like setup. So far I am considering the 5.11 rush 24 and the 5.11 COVRT 18, anyone have any suggestions? Looking for about 30L of storage.

Ideally it should last for a decade.

What are some items that you have bought, and have lasted a really long time, or have solid lifetime warranties?

I realized I don't think I have anything I would put into that category, and I would like to change that. Most of my stuff comes straight from the Amazon recommended section, and realistically probably won't last more than 5 years :(

I'm looking for notebooks that I can have with me pretty much always. I've had a few TBIs and my memory is all kinds of messed up.

I'm looking for notebooks that I can use to easily catalog notes, and solutions to problems and such. I need them to be tough because I do a lot of outdoor stuff for fun and for work. I work on cars for fun, I go hiking, and kayaking, and I work with petroleum and the environment and so on.

I guess I need them to be a decent size but not too big, because I think I'll have to carry a few to separate work from hobbies, from day to day stuff.

Any ideas?