25 Products That Could Last You 25 More Years
These 25 Products Were Made to the Highest Standards for Maximum Longevity
The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.
AskMen launched onto the internet on August 23rd, 1999, and our 25-year anniversary has us reflecting and, OK we’ll admit it, celebrating.
After all, not many things last 25 years. That’s enough time for an infant to grow up and get a degree, or for a Macallan single malt whisky to reach drinking perfection, or for that same infant to grow up and legally drink that same malt whisky … But we digress.
To celebrate AskMen’s 25th birthday and toast the next 25 years, we thought we’d do what we do best and shout out some of the other long-lasters, the products that you can buy for a high premium now and enjoy for years and even decades to come.
RELATED: 25 Ways Manhood & Masculinity Have Changed Since 1999
This is a look at 25 products we’re betting will last you until 2049 or longer if you bought them today. From boots and sunglasses to lawn mowers and luggage, these are some of the most durable, best-made items on the market today:
Red Wing Iron Ranger Heritage Boots
Red Wing’s Iron Ranger are the boot of choice for the American workforce, and for good reason: these are both gorgeous to look at and built to last, with a Goodyear welt, leather toe cap and Puritan triple-stitch construction, all of which make these boots damn near indestructible, provided you’re willing to take good care of them, regularly oiling and waxing the premium Nubuck leather.
$369.99 at RedWingShoes.com
Leatherman Arc Multitool
With 20 distinct tools packed into a single, compact and foldable multitool, Leatherman has delivered a marvel of engineering and an extremely practical EDC item. More importantly, for our purposes, this thing is built to last, with premium 420 stainless steel and MagnaCut steel used throughout the multitool, coated in DLC or PVD for added protection. Want a multitool you can pass down through the generations? This is it.
$229.95 at Leatherman.com
Ralf Aust Straight Razor
The original “buy it for life” product for guys was a razor, in the days before cheap plastic disposables conquered the market, but here’s a secret most men still don’t know: the original design was better in every way. If you want a closer, cleaner shave, and you want your son and your son’s son to enjoy the save privilege, pick up this high-quality straight razor from Ralf Aust. The carbon steel construction and carbon fiber hilt make this razor easy to manipulate in the hand and incredibly sharp, all but eliminating skin irritation.
$299 at MaggardRazors.com
Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug
Whether you commute to work or just like having some java on the go, a travel mug is a must, so why not spend a little extra and get something that lasts? The Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug, available in three sizes and eight color options, uses a premium stainless steel to insulate your beverage, keeping your cold beverages cold and your hot beverages hot for longer. The wide-mouth design easily accommodates ice cubes while also making cleaning it totally painless, and the locking lid minimizes spills and accidents.
$28.99 at Amazon.com
Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Steel Water Bottle
Hikers, campers, college students, outdoor enthusiasts and health-conscious folks all understand the importance of hydration, but too few people are aware of the negative health ramifications of constantly drinking from plastic bottles. Invest in a Hydro Flask, in one of its four sizes and 18 color options, and you’ll have a BPA-free, dishwasher-safe and incredibly durable (seriously, it’s built like a tank) bottle that will last and last.
$44.95 at Amazon.com
Snap-on Tools Apprentice Set
Yes, this is a costly option, but it’s also a full tool set, offering everything from safety goggles to a hand saw, and Snap-on Tools have justified their reputation for quality craftsmanship a thousand times over, not only among handy amateurs but also among professional workmen who demand only the best from their tool sets.
$3,942.50 at Snapon.com
GORUCK GR3 USA Backpack
Backpacks are another popular candidate in the “buy it for life” category, and for good reason: if they’re well made, and you aren’t regularly getting mauled by bears, they should last a good long time, at least long enough to graduate from high school or college. But what if you want a backpack that can truly withstand the ravages of time? Pick up GORUCK’s infamous GR3 USA backpack, made in the USA from 1000D CORDURA® in the main shell and 210D High Tenacy CORDURA® on the back panel, making this not only nearly indestructible but also scratch- and abrasion-resistant as well.
$435 at GORUCK.com
Makita 40V Max XGT Lawn Mower
If you own a home or just need to do lawn work regularly, you know how important a good lawn mower can be. Cutting grass without a motorized lawn mower is more of a workout than a household chore, and while there are definitely cheaper models, none of them rival the Makita for build quality or longevity. The swappable lithium-ion batteries drive the 2,800 RPM motor and 21-inch mower blade through even tall and wet grass like a hot knife through butter, while the IPX4 weather-resistant rating and commercial-grade steel deck ensures that this model will last through the years.
$999 at HomeDepot.com
Waterfield Shinjuku Messenger Bag
Mixing modern aesthetic touches like contrast coloring and lanyard-style zippers, this Tokyo-inspired messenger bag from Waterfield is available in three sizes and four color options, each of which offers ezra-deep pockets and padded compartments to keep your important documents or tech gadgets safe and organized. Their waxed canvas is absolutely top of the line, but if you want even greater durability, opt for their proprietary X-Pac® waxed canvas, adding superior water resistance and durability in an extra-lightweight material.
From $229 at SFBags.com
Dakine EQ Duffle Bag
Among longevity-conscious shoppers, Dakine has been steadily making a name for itself, and the EQ Duffle Bag shows why. It’s made from ultra-rough, 600D recycled polyester, engineered to resist the daily wear and tear of drops and scuffs, and boasts three handles and a shoulder strap, 50 liters of storage capacity, and a zip-close end pocket for storing smaller items. But by far its coolest feature is that it can be squashed into its own pocket when empty, making it easy to store or travel with when it isn’t needed.
$65 at Dakine.com
Filson Lined Mackinaw Wool Jacket
When you think of longevity in a product, clothing probably isn’t the first thing to come to mind, especially in the era of fast fashion, but Filson has bucked the trend, decisively. Take this Lined Mackinaw Wool Jacket, for example: it’s made from 100% virgin Mackinaw wool and lined with Alaskan Guide flannel in the body and polyester twill in the sleeves, premium materials that translate into a lightweight jacket or overshirt that’s simultaneously warm and breathable. If you spend a lot of time outdoors and need a durable, versatile jacket, this should be at the top of your list.
$450 at Filson.com
KitchenAid Artisan Series 5
KitchenAid have been making high-end and durable kitchen appliances for more than 100 years, and their famous mixer is probably the preeminent example of a kitchen product that can be handed down through the generations. Their latest model, the Series 5, is available in 24 different colors, all of which are made from the same combination of premium zinc and stainless steel. There are also a ton of optional attachments, all of which are dishwasher-safe, that can greatly expand the functionality of your mixer.
$449.95 at Amazon.com
Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowl Set
Mixing bowls may not be sexy but they are a necessity, especially when you upgrade your kitchen game, and these are a relatively inexpensive option compared to the flimsier, toxin-leaking plastic bowls most people use. Spend a bit more on this three-piece set from Pyrex and you’ll be using them years and years from now thanks to the high-quality, tempered glass construction, making them freezer-, microwave- and dishwasher-safe.
$18.15 at Amazon.com
Hilleberg Keron 3-Person Tent
Because most people only camp a handful of times a year, if that, and because tent quality can make the difference between a lovely time in the woods and an uncomfortable outdoor nightmare, it’s worth investing in a quality, built-to-last tent, and Hilleberg are the literal experts in that category. Their Keron 3-Person tent is made from their proprietary Kerlon 1800 fabric, a 40 D, high-tenacity ripstop nylon coated in three layers of silicon for maximum weather-proofing. They have so much confidence in their build quality that they actually encourage customers to try to tear their fabric.
$1,290 at Hilleberg.com
Frieling Double-Walled Stainless-Steel French Press Coffee Maker
In the category of kitchen appliances you’re likely to use every day of your life, a French press is easily on the more affordable side, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t massive gaps in quality between the best and the worst. We adore this polished stainless steel model from Frieling, with a double-wall design and no-drop spout, and Frieling has more than three decades of experience satisfying customers across the world with build-to-last coffee presses.
$99.95 at Amazon.com
Hard Graft Brothers Dopp Kit Duo
What’s better than one well-made Dopp kit? Two well-made Dopp kits, obviously, especially when they’re made by Hard Graft from American-sourced cotton laminate, the kind of material that can survive a rainstorm, let alone a few errant splashes from the sink. The smaller kit was designed to fit inside the larger, so you can opt for one or both depending on the length of your trip, while the full-width zip pocket, dual end straps and convenient side pockets make these extremely convenient travel companions.
$298 at HardGraft.com
Tanner Goods Utility Bifold Wallet
Based in the Pacific Northwest, with nearly two decades of experience crafting fine leather belts, bags and wallets, Tanner Goods are a powerhouse in the realm of fine leather goods, and their Utility Bifold Wallet is the perfect example of why. Made from 3.5oz English Bridle leather and individually burnished, dyed, waxed and stamped for superior durability, these wallets offer four easy-access card slots, two hidden pockets, and a full-length cash slot.
$180 at TannerGoods.com
Dyson Cool Tower Fan
Another company with a sterling reputation for quality craftsmanship, Dyson may be better known for its hairdryers and vacuum cleaners, but trust us when we say that their indoor fans are every bit as good as the rest of their product catalog.
$369.99 at Dyson.com
Filson Bridle Leather Bi-Fold Wallet
Handcrafted from ultra-durable Bridle leather and stitched with heavy-duty bonded nylon thread for added longevity, the Filson Bridle Leather Bi-Fold Wallet is a genuine “buy it for life” wallet, capable of storing up to six credit cards as well as cash.
$150 at Filson.com
Tanner Goods Standard Leather Belt
When it comes to long-lasting goods, leather is one of the materials of choice, so leave it to the expert leather workers at Tanner Goods to deliver a stylish, durable and perhaps above all versatile belt that you can proudly wear for the rest of your life. It’s available in four buckle colors with an optional monogram, which we encourage you to invest in because, trust us, this belt will be in your wardrobe for a long time to come.
$166 at TannerGoods.com
Fenix WF26R Rechargeable Flashlight with Charging Dock
Whether you like to go camping with the kids or telling stories in the dark, or just want a reliable backup light source in the event of a power outage, you’ll want a flashlight you can rely on, and Fenix’s WF26R is the perfect choice. The Luminus SST70 LED has a lifespan of 50,000 hours, while the body is made from an anodized aluminum that can withstand bumps, scrapes and falls with ease.
$167 at FenixLighting.com
Delsey Helium Aero Carry-On
Luggage is another great candidate for a long-lasting purchase, especially if you make the right purchase the first time, and this Helium Aero Carry-On from Desley most definitely is the right purchase. Not only is it a looker, in any of its four color options, but it’s made from a hard-shell polycarbonate material that can withstand even the most reckless treatment from airline baggage handlers. The double-wheel design also makes this extremely easy to pull or push through the airport, so if you ever miss a flight, it will never be because of your luggage.
$159.99 at Delsey.com
Serengeti Haywood Sunglasses
Even the best-made sunglasses can never be true “buy for life” material, because the UV protection degrades over time, but if you want a pair that has a chance of lasting you 25 years, splurge on the gorgeous Haywood shades from Serengeti. The materials for the frame are sourced from the finest Italian metals, while the lens is made with borosilicate optical glass to the high standards of ophthalmic-quality corrective lenses, so these truly are top-of-the-line sunglasses.
$180 at Serengeti-Eyewear.com
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Shallow Round Oven
Le Creuset is a French-Belgian cookware company with a pedigree older than your grandparents and an international reputation for making high-quality, durable products, built largely on the backs of this, their enameled cast iron shallow oven. Whether you only use it a few times a year, for birthdays or holidays or other special occasions, or cook with it daily, it will perform like new each time, provided you do your due diligence during cleanup time.
$289.95 at Le-CreusetUSA.com
Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison Field Watch
We’re not going to tell you that the $10,000-plus watches are all a scam but we will say, definitively, that you don’t have to spend that kind of cash to get a watch made to last. Case in point: the Citizen Eco-Drive. Their Eco-Drive movement is powered by sunlight, so as long as you don’t stuff it in a drawer and forget about it, it will never require a battery, while its handsome, military-inspired design makes it the perfect everyday watch.
$250 at Amazon.com
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