10 'Buy It For Life' Products That Just Keep Going

“Buy once, cry once” (general lesson)

• Don’t skimp on the one item you truly want.
• Quality purchases can outlast trendy or inexpensive options by years (or decades).
• For a more minimalist/sustainable approach, the key isn’t constant replacement—it’s using items longer.

Durable couch example: Natsi leather sofa

• Purchased: From a local mom-and-pop furniture store after college (about 15–20 years ago).
• Brand: Natsi (Italian brand)
• Cost: $1,200 (their most expensive purchase at the time)
• Why it’s “buy it for life”:
  • Moved across multiple homes/cities
  • Transported across the country twice
  • Used as a lounge/reading spot, and even as a “bed” for friends
  • Nearly 20 years old and still looks aged well
• Availability note: Not available in the same form anymore; the brand is now positioned as high-end.

Electric razor upgrade: Panasonic Palm Razor

(Mentioned as a Panasonic sponsorship)

• After nearly a decade using electric shavers, the upgrade benefits include:
  • Precision Japanese blade technology (described as sharp yet gentle on skin)
  • Close, comfortable shave with no tugging/irritation
  • Adapts well to facial contours—especially around the chin
• Practical features / design notes:
  • Minimalist, made-in-Japan feel
  • Eco-friendly option: white model uses eco-friendly “nagori” (described as balanced like a zen-garden aesthetic)
  • Cordless with USB-C charging
  • Showerproof body and easy cleaning
  • Fits well in a kit and looks good on the counter

Long-lasting travel sneakers: New Balance 990 V6

• Wear pattern: Several times per week for about 1.5 years; still looks/feels great
• Main use: Travel/walking, and reducing long-term foot pain
• Key durability insight:
  • Many shoes lose support because the midsole foam loses resilience
  • Even if the upper looks fine, worn-out midsole foam leads to discomfort
• Why the 990 V6 stands out:
  • The endcap midsole still feels as supportive as when new
  • Upper materials (pigskin suede and mesh) still look good without heavy cleaning

Everyday style + serviceable longevity: Rolex Datejust 16030 (mid-80s)

• Ownership: Long-term
• Service: Full Rolex service center treatment the prior year
  • Kept perfect time even before service
  • Service performed for preventative maintenance and aesthetics
• Waterproof confidence:
  • After pressure testing, they feel safe swimming with it
  • Mentioned as having an Oyster case
• Personal wear approach:
  • Scratches/dings accepted as part of life and memory
  • Uses PolyWatch occasionally to buff scratches
• Style versatility:
  • Wears casually (shorts + t-shirt) and semi-formally (chinos/knit polo; even with a suit)
  • Switched from Jubilee to Oyster bracelet to match mostly casual style

Carry-anywhere bag that holds up: Air Tech Sling → V3 Xpack

• Original: “Air Tech Sling” used for ~6 years
  • Personal item for flights and daily office laptop bag
  • Fits a 14-inch laptop plus essentials
  • Easy to carry (shoulder/back/handle) with minimal wear despite heavy use
• Upgraded version: V3 Xpack
  • Xpack exterior: described as waterproof
  • Interior: safety orange
  • Improvements:
    • Reversible shoulder strap
    • Quick-access exterior pocket
    • Padded handle
    • Consolidated interior with a padded laptop section
• Value tip: Still recommends the original if found cheaply (e.g., found on eBay for around $70)

Hiking socks that last: REI Marino wool lightweight quarter socks

• Bought: 2015 for a trip to Bryce Canyon and Zion
• Still owned/worn: after about 10 years
• Why they’re “buy it for life”:
  • Naturally odor resistant → can wear multiple times without washing
  • Works well when feet get wet:
    • Can be submerged
    • Wicks moisture and dries naturally
  • Better moisture control than cotton
  • Durability: barely any pilling and no holes after years of use
• Trip highlights where they were used:
  • Hiked Angel’s Landing and The Narrows
  • Watched sunrise over Bryce Canyon
• Cost-per-year estimate: ~$10/pair, roughly $1 per year

Keeping a phone longer: iPhone 13 mini

• Still used after: 4+ years (described as “middle-aged” for an iPhone)
• Main weakness: battery life (mostly during travel)
• Travel workaround: carries a small wireless MagSafe charger as backup
• Notes:
  • Still fast and runs latest apps
  • Prefers the small form factor; plans to keep using until it stops
• Maintenance idea: replace the battery later instead of buying a new phone
• Case mention: uses an O-snap grip case

Comfortable flexible belt: ASET braided elastic belt (micro-adjustable)

• Wear time: a few years, hundreds of uses, shows zero signs of age
• Why it lasts:
  • Naturally micro-adjustable with built-in stretch (stretchy enough for comfort, not so stretchy it slips through loops)
  • Slim, low-profile, non-bulky buckle
• Versatility:
  • Works with shorts, jeans, chinos, corduroys
  • Wears tucked or untucked
  • Navy color pairs with many shoes (white sneakers, brown boots, loafers, etc.)
• Price vs. value: $80, but they estimate very low cost-per-wear
• If not this belt: they wear another Arcade belt

Long-lasting joggers: Highle Flexion joggers

• Owned since: 2018
• Still worn: regularly after ~7 years
• Durability:
  • No holes in the knees (unlike typical cotton sweats)
• Use cases:
  • Previously gym wear for lifting in fall/winter
  • Now mostly lounge pants
  • Suggested for long-haul travel (e.g., international red-eye flights)
• Fit notes:
  • For shorter guys, available in different lengths
  • Speaker’s height: 5’6”
• Practical pockets: good phone/wallet storage layout
• If they wear out: would replace with the same model if lost

Still producing with older camera: Panasonic Lumix GH5

• Transition timeline:
  • Started with a phone (iPhone 7-era)
  • Upgraded to a Canon Rebel DSLR
  • Chose Panasonic GH5 for 4K/60fps and slow motion (bought in 2018)
• Cost + sourcing:
  • About $2,600 for body + kit lens + accessories
  • Suggests bundles often available at B&H Photo (and sometimes Amazon)
• Why they didn’t upgrade:
  • GH5 is “more than enough” for their needs
  • Downsides acknowledged:
    • Autofocus isn’t great
    • Remote control/app can be buggy
  • Belief: production chops, learning gear, and practice beat expensive upgrades
• Long-term use example:
  • Bought a second identical body for multi-cam setups

Cheap sunglasses that outlast pricier pairs: Sunglass Warehouse sunglasses (~$8.37)

• Bought: summer 2020
• Wear time: about 5+ years with heavy use (~1,000 wears)
• Repair story: repaired multiple times, then eventually broke for good
• Key philosophy:
  • Even if materials aren’t certified sustainable and the retailer isn’t B-corp, it’s often better to wear one cheap pair for years than buy multiple expensive pairs that break quickly
  • Patina/wear is treated as proof of real use
• Takeaway: if you buy fast fashion due to budget/choice, try to wear items longer

Notable locations/products mentioned

Locations & trips

• Bryce Canyon
• Zion National Park
• Hikes: Angel’s Landing and The Narrows
• Sunrise over Bryce Canyon

Products & brands

• Panasonic Palm Razor
• New Balance 990 V6
• Rolex Datejust 16030
• Air Tech Sling (V3 Xpack)
• REI Marino wool hiking socks
• iPhone 13 mini
• ASET braided elastic belt
• Highle Flexion joggers
• Panasonic Lumix GH5
• Sunglass Warehouse sunglasses

Retailers, services, and tools

• Panasonic (video sponsor)
• Rolex service center
• Retailers: B&H Photo, Amazon, eBay, REI
• Tools/material references: Japanese blade technology, USB-C, PolyWatch, O-snap grip case