[Closed] Best bit of outdoor kit you own.

Aldi hydration pack, basically an exact copy of a camelback mule (of the same era). £9 it was and I've been using it for 10 years or so, commuting and MTBing!! I'd like a fancy new one but there's no point as there's still nothing wrong with this one.

Check out my last contribution to the ski and snowboard thread, we're both wearing Buffalo special 6 shirts that are 10 years old. I have a 20-year-old one but that has been through too many brambles and wash cycles.

I have a Giessegi thermal/windproof/water resistant gilet that has been absolutely hammered on the road and MTB since 1998. It's still great.

ooh, tricky Qu.

1) Alpkit pipedream sleeping bag. Id sleep in it at home if the missus would let me.
2) Buff
3) Long sleeve merino base layer. (On-One)

Weber charcoal BBQ, Without question.

A 20 odd year old Lowe Alpine fleece.

A penis.

Seriously. Peeing in the great outdoors seems to be a whole lot more hassle without one.

There are VERY few things that comes on every bivi/camping/outdoorsy trip I've been on, one of those is my titanium mug. It's my only cooking pot on bivis, it's been on gas and meths stoves, in fires, in/on wood burners - I love it

I don't think I have a single favourite, lots of favourites for different types of gear though

My hat.

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Windproof, water resistant(when I proof it every couple of years) outer, thin fleece inner, flaps that disappear and still a good fit because it's just stretchy enough. Bought it in an outdoors shop in Dolgellau over 20 years ago, it was a sample. It's in need of a restitch but it's starting to look terminal. Autumn to Spring I won't be without it, and it's kept my head happy down to -40 in Canada.

Montane fireball. Unbelievably versatile bit of kit.

Got one of those hats from LL Bean 24 years ago... My wife wouldn't let me wear it. Think she was right! 🙂

For me, an Arcteryx sidewinder ski jacket, cost a lot 10 years ago or so. Still works brilliantly as do the minuteman trousers I got someone off a forum at the same time. Done about 32 weeks on the snow.

my army surplus german paraboots, a massive £24, had them for about 15 years so comfortable to wear loads of ankle support, quite lightweight and for all intents and purposes waterproof

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they are are to tricky to find so when the tread is gone they'll cost twice as much to resole 🙁

my bike.

Berghaus coat. Had it 10 years. It is starting to wear at the cuffs and this makes me sad.

Scarpa Dru's, on my second pair now (ebay purchase). bought my first pair in Aosta Italy in 1997, been the best boots ever. the original pr still get an outing occasionally but the tread is worn right down. also they weigh a tonne compared to modern boots, but it doesn't bother me cos they fit great. I've bought other more modern ones, but always sell them and go back to these.
These:
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northface apex softshell jacket. as good now as the day I bought it 8 or so years ago. snug, warm and pretty showerproof, and comfy when wet in a downpour.

Sprayway cycling jacket, bought in about 1994. I can't wear it out; it's got patches on it and last time I proofed it I used Thompson's Water Seal.... and still it works and keeps me dry.

as someone with poor circulation - my Zippo handwarmer.

Bridgedale socks

Osprey Escapist 15 pack and some 10 year old Altura Winter gloves. The Gloves were too thick to be any use on the bike but great for cold wet days walking.

pair of Helly Hansen walking boots I found in an outlet store. Lightweight, grippy, waterproof and comfy, lasted me about 10 years so far.

2 for Baa Baa base layers, amazballs

A Montane Active smock (Buffalo-alike).

Lowe Alpine 2-part gloves, fleece inner glove, waterproof/insulated outer.

This winter, my sealskinz socks......;
Since discovering merino base layers my outdoor life has got much more comfortable;
Over the years Scarpa Ranger walking boots (they suit my feet way better than any other i've tried)

Lowe Alpine fleece bought in 1999 still great.

Berghaus goretex jkt also years old.

Berghaus Explorer gtx boots still going strong over 12 years old.

Alpkit Filo

About 5/6 years old now and showing its age. By far the warmest, most comfortable jacket I've ever owned. T-shirt and jacket in all but the very coldest of weathers.

A battered old camelbak chaos- got it as a magazine freebie, used it massively, it's just the perfect size and fits me beautifully. Enough that I've had an ebay search trawling for replacements for ages, since the first is a bit clapped out, and just bought 2 more.

Rukka goretex motorbike trousers- protective, warm and waterproof. Tough, too- most textiles are "crash and replace", these have been down the road a couple of times and are just a bit polished and chafed.

I saw this thread title and immediately thought of my Buffalo, delighted to see it was the very first item listed

10 years old, going strong

Barely worn in! I reckon mine is about 21 years old and just coming into its prime. Cost me £65 and must have been used and abused 1000's of times. Only fault is it seems to be shrinking slightly around the waist....

I also have a Timbuk2 courier bag that is (I think) 23 years old. I had to get up in the night time to phone the bike shop in San Francisco to order it, I then had to wake my Mum up for her to pay for it with her credit card. Still used every day and no signs of wear.

hm, in terms of stuff I've had forever -
Rohan fleece - can't recall the model, has a neck zip. Still great, warm, and my wife reminds me I've had it since before we met. So that makes it possibly 25 years old..

Longevity for bike kit - Endura MT500 shorts (old spandex style) - obviously the pad is breaking up, but the support and comfort (and protection) they give is great, and reassuring..

I'm not at all outdoorsy but I have a jetboil in the back of the car which I use to make tea / noodles everywhere and anywhere. Awesome and paid for itself many times over in cups of tea. Just finished the first mini can of gas

Second the buffalo special 6 finally killed mine last year, well the zip died on one side. army green, easily the most versatile piece of kit ive ever owned and about the only one I got sad about when I bust it. Also 10 years old with two years playing army reserve boy in it so covered in blood group and army number.

my wingnut hydro pack is some piece of kit. made for the real world and designed on a blank sheet of paper - its amazing.

even on days that I'm carrying loads (epic winter days) the weight doesn't seem noticeable once its sitting on your lower back and your mashing the pedals.

looks weird as well so suits my bike and me!

Coleman stainless steel flask 20+ years old still keeps stuff boiling hot all day

My 5.10 trainers (feet sticky happines)Camelbak palos low rider pack and HammyUK.

Coleman flask. It's dented n bruised but still rocks.

Oh n my omm smock.

2nd hand German army shirt I bought from an army surplus in 1989 for £3 at Coventry.
I am still wearing it everyday when I am cooking.

My trusty Zamberlan boots, proper fitted and 15 years old. Patagonia r2 fleece (got two), patagonia merino and Arcteryx primaloft hooded jacket that combo with a good shell covers lots of situations.

Hydroflask bottle and flask given to me by Chris Igleheart (Amazing US frame builder). Just brilliant, I see the flasks are now available in the UK. Fit in a bike bottle cage too.

My old North Cape base layer from the early 90's. Still going strong and my go to base layer when it turns colder out.

A mid 80's Karrimor Hot Route 55 ruc sac, 30+ years old and still going, from when Karrimor made decent kit. It has done everything from winter day sac, lugging climbing gear from crag to crag, backbacking (with strap on pockets). The shoulder strap padding is a little thin these days but still used for dragging clmbing gear to crags.

My more current/recent best bit of kit is Montane Prism jacket. It has become my go to jacket for 3/4 of the year, in fact more than that as it goes summer camping and is supplemented with a Rab Generator gillet in the cold winter days.

My Carradice Camper Longflap saddlebag - used just about every day for 20 years now.
Stitching is starting to go one of the pockets though.

Hate to be boring, but camel back mule.

Went through an aldi/lidl one every year, then was forced to buy one on a weekend away maybe 10 years ago. Bladder is rubbish and got replaced by a platypus of course, but it was a revelation in how much of a difference a good design makes.
Good hand luggage bag too. The bladder sleeve becomes the passport money pocket, nice and secure against your back.

Army gortex camo over trousers. Bought of Ebay in 2007 and still going strong.

Hydrapak bladder. I think I've tried pretty much everything else (Camelbak, Platypus and God knows what else). They're all rubbish. Hydrapak is the Holy Grail!

My penknife.
It's an old plastic handled hook nosed no name piece that my dad gave me when I was about 12-14. It holds its edge well and I probably carry it places I shouldn't. I've lost it, found it, cut myself badly with it. I've trimmed hooves, skinned rabbits and deer with it, cut seat belts and made bows spears and catapults with it. I wonder how I feel if I ever did lose it properly. Maybe I'd just always expect it to turn up again.

Buffalo Special 6 for me too closely followed by Howies New Zealand Merino half zip top, covered in wife's finest darning repairs.

Buffalo jacket 23 years old
Lowe alpine windproof 19 years
Kona fleece jacket 20 yrs still brilliant as it is warm and dries quick

tang.

Just brilliant, I see the flasks are now available in the UK. Fit in a bike bottle cage too.

Patagonia R2 half zip pullover, must be 15-20 years old now. Battered old sigg bottles.

Too many options.
Am going to go with either one of my macpac rucsacs or the exped down mat.
Exped down mat makes camping anywhere amazingly comfy

So many, but probably the Macpac Pursuit I bought from Outside when they had one at the Foundry, circa 1997. Brilliant, been all over, and still going strong. My Karrimor Hot Rock thats older has almost lost it's internal sleeve. But Buffalo Special 6 also on the list.

Have a blue Helly Hansen baselayer that I have worn and washed at least one per week, sometimes two or three times for fifteen years. Climbing,mountaineering, skiing, cycling, running, diving, DIY, gardening and so much more.
Many others have come and gone, but this one particular top seems invincible.

My 21yr old montane extreme smock would be in the frame, and the canoe has taken us to many wonderful places.
But one of my favourite bits of kit that you cant get now but has never been bettered is my (again) 21yr old rab down smock. I love that coat.

Paramo Cuzco jacket, best bike jacket I've ever had by a million miles. Never ever will i waste my time with 'shell' type jackets again

My Royal Snugflex hoodie.
So warm.
Don't know what I'm going to do when it dies as I don't think they make them any more?

joff - Member
Second the buffalo special 6 finally killed mine last year, well the zip died on one side. army green, easily the most versatile piece of kit ive ever owned and about the only one I got sad about when I bust it. Also 10 years old with two years playing army reserve boy in it so covered in blood group and army number.

Stu

Ive got the 18oz one in a Iris King cage, but fits others fine. Better fit without the retention lip on some cages if that makes sense.

Some perfectly designed Arcteryx overtrousers.

A mid 80's Karrimor Hot Route 55 ruc sac, 30+ years old and still going, from when Karrimor made decent kit.

Captain Flashheart was admiring my Karrimor Hot Ice only last week. It's a toss up between that or my old 80's Optimus Climber Mini petrol stove.

OS Map OL17 Snowdonia

Trangia gas conversion kit. 15 years old, going strong. Makes the whole kit pretty much perfect.

I'll second the Jetboil. I have a Sumo, it comes with me onto the fell or remains in the car in preparation for the end of a ride.
I so much prefer a fresh hot brew at the end of the day, washing down a bit of flapjack rather than going to a cafe.

Cheers tang.

Not keen on my Jetboil. Would rather a normal stove.

Love my Rab Baltoro soft shell. Had it for 7 years. Still going strong. Dragged it through everything. Use it for biking in the winter. Hillwalking. Refuses to die.

Helly Warm Ice baselayers.

Damart thermal top and long johns. Bought them for my first winter on a motorbike 32 years ago and I still wear them. One of the legs got caught in something over the years so it's cut off at calf level, but other than that still perfectly warm. Luckily they have gone baggy over the years to suit my ever expanding frame. My wife hates them.

buffalo trousers had a pair for twenty odd years . they have been borrowed by numerous people and seem to fit everybody . loved mine so much i have a brand new pair still in the bag but the originals just refuse to give up

Pod Cragsack - 15 or so years old, had a tough life but still going strong.
Patagucci R2 fleece - warm, fits well, looks good as new after over a decade.

Still regret the loss of my Karisma fleece trousers to an ex. Great for lounging around in huts / at a campsite or great for winter walking. Might have to get another pair one day.

Si

Ground Effect Sub Merino gets a lot of use and I wear Ulvang Merino socks most days.

I've got a 1995 KIMM 35 litre rucksack, first one that I saw appear with a Camelbak pocket. Bought for doing the Wainwright Coast to Coast on my Orange Clockwork, but since used as a day pack for round the world trip, 2 years as an outdoor instructor, 16 years as an ecologist out in the field, last 7 years commuting on the bike into work on a daily basis etc. Getting really threadbare and one shoulder strap is starting to detach...only got a few months left with my pal (sob). AWESOME. A companion on some of the best days of my life.

Montane Extreme smock (x2 - older one is well over ten years old, new one bought this year) and my MSR Whisperlite. Both have got me through some fairly wild trips, neither are superlight but both have been bombproof for me.

+1 army goretex kit. Had to buy three jackets before I got the right size, right condition at the right price... Moved on to trousers and got lucky with sizing first time.

I only wear the combo when no-one I know can see me* but by Thor, it keeps everything out. Just brilliant.

*Often, it's all camo, so no-one can see me.

Captain Flashheart was admiring my Karrimor Hot Ice only last week.

Yep.

That era of Karrimor kit was about as good as kit ever got. I have a saddle bag from that very period on my Diverge.

As Jerry knows, I did rather well out of Karrimor at that time. Their Kalahari panniers were superb.

Thinking about it, probably my Muckboots, seriously the best £75 I've ever spent, they've allowed me to walk miles in conditions that would previously have kept me walking on Tarmac. Wouldn't, couldn't be without them now.

Ground Effect Sub Merino gets a lot of use and I wear Ulvang Merino socks most days.

My bike

Still got it countzero, probably wont bother fixing it right now with the improving weather but ill do exactly what you just advised. Might find a black one for a less paramilitary look about the town.

Paramo Fuera smock. Windproof, fairly breathable, fairly light, but rugged enough to scramble or climb in. Been up more mountains with me than anything else.

I've just replaced an Ortlieb bar bag (the rattly one with the poppers) with an 80's Karrimor one.
Still got the matching panniers too.

I'll have to stick a picture up later for the fetishists.
🙂

I'd go with my Buffalo as well.. it's 15 years old and now has a hole in the chest pocket but I still love it.

Just (last year) bought the Teclite model and that's my go to jacket now, I've worn it running, biking and more often that not all weekend. It's a lot cooler than the Mountain shirt which means I should be able to wear it more 😉

I've got some Outdoor Designs gaiters which I've had for 10+ years. Bought when I was in an MRT and still use them in the winter.. they've had a hard life and still perform brilliantly.

I'd also say my Arcteryx Merino beanie as well.. that's worn week in week out throughout the year and is about 8 years old.. still brilliant 🙂

My biking kit is more transient, I guess it's more susceptible to fashion, but I've got some Sidi Dragon MTB shoes which are about 7 years old that are now out of retirement for use on the CX bike

Crux RK30 Bag, best day bag for all round use, be it a flight bag, ice climbing or big days out mountain biking.

An old Buffalo Active Lite Shirt. Wear it every weekend.

I'm completely unsentimental about outdoor gear and generally replace stuff long before its worn out. The longest lasting item was probably an Ortleib map case, which de-laminated a few years back after about 15 years of use.