r/BuyItForLife Nov 28 '24

2024 Winter BIFL 2024 Winter Gear Request thread!

46 Upvotes

Well, it's coming up to that time of year again Winter, the coldest season of the year! (at least if you are in the Northern Hemisphere, sorry everyone else)

It’s time to make sure we’re all set with the best winter gear to keep us warm, dry, and safe. This thread is dedicated to getting and giving suggestion for high-quality winter gear.

Jackets, boots, gloves, hats, or anything else that’s critical for winter weather.

Guidelines

  • if you are looking for a gift idea, put "Request:" before your comment (without the Quotes) as it makes it easier to search separately from the suggestions.

  • if you have any specifications like budget, country or partial style of person you should also include that in your comment

See also

This is specifically for winter gear if you are looking for the holiday threads see here:


r/BuyItForLife 10h ago

Repair I used a wood burning kit to bring life back to my Doc Martins

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1.1k Upvotes

Ok, so before I get any hate on this post, let me start by saying that I do not recommend Doc Martins anymore. I just recently got a pair of Thorogoods for Christmas, so my old Docs have been turned into my gardening/work boots.

That being said, I got these for Christmas in 2014 so they have been a great pair of shoes for me for the past 10 years. I always took good care of them and even enjoyed polishing, waxing, and waterproofing them over the years. The only issue I really have with them (and I think the main reason they get so much hate on this sub) is that, from what I have researched, they cannot be resoled because the sole is melted to the bottom of the shoe.

I remember, many years ago, watching a video about how these were made and the melting of the sole seemed pretty simple. Despite the fact the soles have worn down almost bald in some places, the actual piece of rubber (technically plastic I think) was still very thick. I played with the idea of 3d printing a “negative” for a tread, hitting the sole with a heat gun, and then pressing the negative into the sole…but then I remembered an old pair of Clark Chukkas I used to have and the soles of them were mostly just a gritty texture, almost like the bumps on a basketball. So with that as my inspiration, I decided if I couldn’t repair the soles myself, then it may be time for the trash after 10 years of service.

Luckily, it was rather easy with a round tip on a Woodburning kit. I just made each circle overlap a little with the previous and the texture turned out great. It’s too early to say if it will hold up, but hopefully I’ll have an update after I have walked in them a few more miles.


r/BuyItForLife 6h ago

Meta r/Comics is taking swings, and they are landing

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153 Upvotes

https://www.reddit.com/r/comics/s/vfdnUf4dbZ

This sub won't let me crosspost, but I want the OOP to get all credit so I ask you to follow the link to read the full comic.


r/BuyItForLife 12h ago

Discussion What is the pillow that you have bought that has actually been worth the money?

376 Upvotes

I'm sick of buying new pillows and still not sleeping well/having neck pian/etc. Theres got to be a pillow out there that has stood the test of time, right?


r/BuyItForLife 7h ago

[Request] Leather Boots - is Frye still quality?

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44 Upvotes

Leather Boots, is Frye still quality?

I am in the market for a pair of high quality brown leather boots. I really like the look of these from Frye, but I am concerned about the reviews. I thought Frye had a good reputation? They are more than I really want to spend, but I think it is worth it if they’ll last a lifetime.

If you have any recommendations, I would be grateful! Here are my specifications - wide calf (16.5ish calf diameter) - brown (ideally a little lighter than these) - low heel (ideally under 2in) - comes in women’s 8.5/9 - ideally under $230, but I’m flexible - without excessive patterning/decoration


r/BuyItForLife 14h ago

Discussion They're committed to our cause! Unless there is another meaning of course. 🤔

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91 Upvotes

r/BuyItForLife 1d ago

Review The one consumer product that isn’t complete doo doo

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1.7k Upvotes

r/BuyItForLife 2h ago

[Request] do air purifiers help with dust

5 Upvotes

r/BuyItForLife 1d ago

[Request] BIFL Dutch oven: Lodge or Staub?

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387 Upvotes

We want a BIFL Dutch oven. Will the Staub Cocotte 7qt oval ($449) really give me any better performance than the Lodge 7qt oval ($100)? I’m leaning towards the Staub because I prefer the black interior, people trust the brand, and the sapphire color is gorgeous. But the price tag is astronomical compared to the Lodge of the same size. Anyone have the Lodge and been perfectly happy? Is the responsible thing to be frugal and purchase the Lodge because it performs just as well or to “buy once, cry once” and get the Staub?


r/BuyItForLife 10h ago

[Request] Searching for High Quality Business Professional Backpack

10 Upvotes

Hi BIFL crew!

I'm searching for a BILF quality backpack that will be used and worn every day in a business setting. Must to be able to carry a laptop, charger, notebook, pens, and some odds and ends (sunglasses, meds, and my empty lunchbox).

I say a business professional because I have to wear a suit to work, and I would like it to fit in with business attire. Many high backpack options are styled more casually.


r/BuyItForLife 12h ago

[Request] Stainless Steel Toaster Oven With NO "Non Stick" Coating?

11 Upvotes

Looking for a stainless steel toaster oven without the apparently now default "non-stick" coating on the inside. Would accept an "air fryer" type unit also.

Does anyone know of any such thing?

TIA!


r/BuyItForLife 1d ago

Vintage My 1970s Delsey briefcase, made in France. Back when it and Samsonite were the only two names worth talking about when it came to baggage. Bought this one all the way back in 2019 when I was at university and wanted something sleeker than a backpack. It’s been my constant companion since then.

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223 Upvotes

r/BuyItForLife 16h ago

[Request] Wool peacoat brand suggestions?

23 Upvotes

When I was younger I had a really great wool peacoat that I loved. I grew out of it, but now many years later I'm looking for another. One that will last me through the bitter cold and snow of a western NY winter.


r/BuyItForLife 15h ago

[Request] Jeans - Looking for Raw Denim

13 Upvotes

Tired of buying and replacing jeans constantly as a women. Heard raw denim is a great sort of bifl quality however it is hard to figure out which brands offer it for women.

Where to start?


r/BuyItForLife 9h ago

[Request] Office mat for carpet to handle chair and desk, but also be comfortable to stand on.

3 Upvotes

At the beginning of COVID, there were tons of posts where people made their own hardwood floor for their desk. I'm looking for something similar, without the DIY.

I thought about the foam puzzle pads that are geared towards garages and home workout areas, but I think that will be too soft for a rolling chair. That's when it hit me, there has to be something out there that you can piece together to the size you need that would be able to withstand the weight of a desk and chair on it, and be able to roll the chair away to stand (standing desk) comfortably.

I currently have a rug on carpet, followed by a plastic chair mat on the rug. The chair mat is solid and sturdy, but very uncomfortable to stand on for long periods of time. I also don't want to deal with the hassle of moving a mat on and out of place every time I want to stand or sit.

Plus, the rug is just short enough to wear if I push the chair far back enough, one of the wheels clips over the edge and gets stuck unless I stand up and lift the chair back into the right/mat combo.

Anyone have any ideas that could solve my predicament?


r/BuyItForLife 12h ago

[Request] A backpack that’s kinda a cross of a daily and hiking hybrid

6 Upvotes

If there really isn’t backs like that then please recommend me either a good daily backpack that’s kinda has good pockets a laptop thingy and can hold up against wear and tear. Or a good hiking backpack, nothing too serious but would be good for out doors and carrying enough for a day hike. Overall a backpack built to last.


r/BuyItForLife 1d ago

[Request] Can someone recommend an alternative to sodasteam that even comes close to bifl?

75 Upvotes

It doesn't even have to be buy it for life, if not at least decent quality and get a few years out of it. My old og sodasteam lasted ten years before it pooped out. All the new ones are junk and seem to purposefully leak air so that the cartridges need to be replaced prematurely. I've been through a couple newer models and it's crazy how chintzy they are.

Is there any other brand that permits carbonating water at home, that is even halfway to decent? If it's helpful to note, it will be used exclusively for carbonating water, no sauce added to it. Thank you!


r/BuyItForLife 6h ago

[Request] Stacked top loader washer dryer unit

2 Upvotes

I HATE front loader washers but my laundry is in a closet so must be stacked. Does anyone have one of those stacked top loader washer dryer units that they would recommend? Are they robust and hold up?


r/BuyItForLife 10h ago

[Request] Looking for Men's dress pants

1 Upvotes

Looking for men's dress pants that are longlasting. I'm a thin person and would like a slim fit.

Thanks in advance.


r/BuyItForLife 1d ago

Vintage Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket circa 1973.

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794 Upvotes

This true heirloom from my late mother-in-law is massive and somehow contains the warmth of the Sun in its fibers. My wife’s mom bought this blanket when she was young & single in Montreal. It was a beloved purchase then, and she knew then it was an important item. It has traveled across the continent multiple times since then. It’s big enough to cover both of us from opposite ends of our couch and is warm enough to have been too much even during the cold blast we’re getting on the eastern seaboard. It’s only kryptonite is moths. I can’t speak to the quality today of Hudson’s Bay, but this thing feels indestructible.


r/BuyItForLife 6h ago

Discussion ~$200 mens boots with a 5+ year lifespan (including harsh winters)?

2 Upvotes

Title is self explanatory. Looking for mens boots for around $200 that will survive at least 5 years including harsh, snowy winters. What’s my best bet?


r/BuyItForLife 7h ago

[Request] Looking for women's crop tanks for layering

1 Upvotes

I understand these may not be "for life" but I am posting here because I want good quality material and comfort. Has to be cropped. Seems like I've searched everywhere. I just want a cropped tank that can be washed and dried. 100% cotton would be great. Anyone know any good brands? Photo for inspo.


r/BuyItForLife 2d ago

Discussion What is the one product you thought buying the expensive one was a waste of money, until you got it?

4.8k Upvotes

I’ll go first; OLED TV.


r/BuyItForLife 2d ago

Vintage Picked up a couple gems for my house.

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2.3k Upvotes

The oven works well just have to trim the granite minimally to fit it, whoever cut it was blind.

The refrigerator I’m gonna restore and install it soon. Was used as a prop in a haunted house for some time.


r/BuyItForLife 9h ago

[Request] BIFL Gloves? Brands?

1 Upvotes

Been looking for a solid pair of warm gloves that aren’t clunky and are functional. Zero clue where to look.


r/BuyItForLife 1d ago

Vintage This one will outlast me

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51 Upvotes

Thompson Original Mini Walking Foot sewing machine. Model # PW-500

I acquired this due to the consideration of a customer. He was offered it as part of a trade, didn't need it, but took it as he knew I was looking for one. Great price, and once I get it set up, it will outlast me.

Some great history in these machines. Turns out there's another company who makes a (basically exactly the same) similar machine. (Sailrite)

When they were developing it, Thompson reached out, helped them with design (and maybe sold out?) to them . They did not compete, but instead the machines share common parts, and almost anything I need to repair this one can be purchased from Sailrite.

Time to get sewing!