Outdoor Gear That Will Last for Life
Treeline Review Writers Share Their Time-Tested Favorite Outdoor Gear Items
June 10th, 2025
Home > Staff Picks
One of the core principals of Treeline Review is to buy right the first time because less stuff ultimately means less stuff in the landfill. If you find something you like enough not to replace, and that is durable enough to withstand the elements, you’ll save time and money, and will contribute less waste.
Our writers have spent decades in the outdoors, doing everything from backpacking, hiking, running, climbing, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, kayaking, and more. With all that experience, we wanted to know which outdoor gear items have been their time-tested favorites and investment pieces.
From backpacking stoves to dry bags, pet safety gear to hip packs, pee clothes to cutlery, our writers share the gear they’ve loved for years.
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
Best Gear that Lasts a Lifetime
I bought my Western Mountaineering Ultralite sleeping bag on Day 3 of my first thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. More than 10,000 miles later, it is still going strong. I had no idea that I'd still be using it after almost two decades and at least 10 thru-hikes later. I have a lot of happy memories in that sleeping bag.
Even as technology on down fill and shell fabric has improved, that bag still has among the best warmth-to-weight ratios out there and the craftsmanship is incredible. It's made in the USA. After a marmot (?) ate a hole through the toe box on my last night of my first PCT thru-hike, I contacted Western Mountaineering and received legendary customer service.
While I think you can get away with the budget and used versions of almost any piece of gear, a quality sleeping bag is the one outdoor gear item I think is worth splurging on because it will last a lifetime of outdoor memories. A high quality sleeping bag is a category of outdoor gear item that you can pass onto the next generation. I bet my niece will love this one in 40 years!
For more of our favorite backpacking sleeping bags, check out our Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags guide.
Western Mountaineering Ultralite Sleeping Bag
In 2012, I bought the Snowpeak Titanium Spork after breaking several other plastic sporks and spoons on a cross-country bike tour. This super-light spork is extremely durable. After 13 years, tens of thousands of miles backpacking and bikepacking, and hundreds of frozen solid ice cream pints later, it still looks almost like it did when new. I say almost because this previously anodized green spork is nearly the same raw titanium color as the colorless titanium version available today. It used to come in a variety of anodized colors, but most of that has rubbed off mine after years bouncing around in my pack.
But I don’t just eat with this spork. This is my most-used backpacking tool for tasks other than eating—I've used the fork blades to pick and pry at small items, and have used the handle as a lever for everything from opening a bear can in cold weather to prying off broken trekking pole tips. I don't even use a knife because this spork can cut and rip through cheese, sausage, and any food packaging. Even after digging into the most frozen solid ice cream I've ever witnessed and then driving it into hard, rocky ground when I lost a tent stake, this spork remains undamaged.
I don't know what's more remarkable: that I haven't lost this spork, or that I haven't broken it. But as long as I don't leave it behind after lunch, and hopefully I don't jinx myself by writing this, it will probably outlast me.
Snowpeak Titanium Spork
Patagonia Nano Puff
The Patagonia Nano Puff–which we reviewed in our Best Synthetic Jackets guide–came into my life in 2015, right before I began my first thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail. With a March start date, I ran into a week of sub-zero night-time temperatures and even snowfall. So, I was really grateful to have a jacket that was warm but also synthetic (since I knew it’d keep me warm even while wet).
The Nano Puff handled every chapter of my thru-hike efficiently. Then, when I got home, I continued using it on my big adventures, grabbing it before heading to the Himalayas and Utah shortly thereafter. More than ten years later, the Patagonia Nano Puff is still my go-to jacket for rock climbing.
Today, it has a few burn holes in it from cinders-gone-stray. And it’s not quite as warm as it used to be, so I don’t take it on intense mountain adventures any longer. But I’d buy this jacket a thousand times over because of its ability to adapt to every athletic endeavor I’ve undertaken over the course of ten years.
Patagonia Nano Puff
Men's
Women's
I’m not sure how old my Watershed Yukon 54.5L dry duffel is. Best guess is I bought it in 2011 to keep my gear dry on a Grand Canyon river trip. Yes, the Yukon is a drybag, but it’s also useful as a waterproof duffel bag.
While the Yukon has protected my gear on numerous river journeys it's also been strapped to the roof of a Land Cruiser in Ethiopia, been carried through soggy rainforests and dusty plains in Tanzania, bounced along in the back of pickup trucks and stowed in airplane baggage compartments. Now, it carries my paddleboarding gear in the summer, ski gear in the winter, and clothing for out of town trips.
Watershed drybags have a unique ZipDry closure system along the top seam, much like a very burly freezer bag. Once closed, the top of the bag folds over and gets cinched up tight with snap buckles on the side for an additional seal. Buckles secure the end closures. The Yukon has several hard lash points and compression straps. Seams on Watershed bags are sealed, not stitched. The bag is made with a polyurethane coated material that doesn’t rip, tear, get damaged by abrasion or stiffen in cold temperatures. It has a suitcase style hand carry. Watershed bags have been tested down to 300 feet in sea water without leakage.
The 54.5 liter size is ideal for multi-day trips. I’ve mistreated this bag to no end and it's never failed to keep my gear safe from dust, mud, rain, and water.
Watershed is still making waterproof drybags in a variety of sizes, styles, shapes and colors and has expanded the line to include camera, rifle and kayak bags. The drybags they make today don’t look like this original model but I’ll bet they’re even better. I’ve also used their Largo Tote bag for about the same number of years.
For more of our favorite dry bags, check out our Best Dry Bags guide.
Watershed Yukon Dry Duffel
Six years ago, after many years of carefully using a bandana as a pee rag, I saw the Kula Cloth online. A thru-hiker I knew was talking about what a simple but game-changing item it was. It seemed expensive for what it was, but I was willing to give it a try. I was sick of bandanas that didn’t protect my hands from pee and quickly got stinky.
A Kula Cloth is super absorbent and made in the U.S. with eco-friendly materials infused with silver for its antimicrobial properties. There's a waterproof outer shell to keep hands from getting wet, and plastic snaps to easily attach it to a backpack or fanny pack. There's even reflective thread detail on the Kula to make it easier to find at night by headlamp. They come in dozens of fun, ever-changing patterns, and also come in a low-profile matte black for those who don’t want to draw attention to it.
My Kula and I have hiked the John Muir Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Cohos Trail (NH), Arizona Trail, and Colorado Trail, and run multiple 100-mile ultramarathons together. Thousands of trail miles and hundreds of washes, from sink laundry to town laundromat, my Kula has braved it all with a smile. It looks only a little bit worn, and emerges from the washer good as new every time. While it might seem a bit expensive at first glance, the Kula is well-designed and will last for a very long time!
Kula Cloth
Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Hoodie
If you take care of it, this sun layer could easily last a lifetime, and maybe even get handed down and live on. I received this misc. Outdoor Research sun hoodie my first year of college (making it about 11 years old) and have probably worn or tested 20-25 sun hoodies since—but this one still hangs in my closet, and is still in my favorites rotation.
Bottom line: it was all I wore for three full years of leading backpacking and hiking trips in college, and it’s lasted.
It hasn’t pilled, ripped, faded, or shredded to pieces, despite having my back on countless 14ers, a trip through Canyonlands, a stint on the Continental Divide Trail, a self-supported SUP through British Columbia, a packrafting trip on Rio La Venta, all across Asia, and on three cross-country road trips (camping along the way). This layer has been used while paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, backpacking, camping, climbing, section-hiking, teaching kids at camp, and traveling internationally—through early mornings, late nights, windstorms, sudden rains, and hurricanes. It's been rolled, packed, stuffed, washed, crumpled, stretched, dirtied…it’s been worn. I took mine all the way up the Everest Base Camp trail (the winds at Tengboche are no joke!), through Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam, and all the way down to sea level in Mexico.
It’s funny how few gear items we hold onto… versus gear that’s been donated, upgraded, or rotated out of use. And those pieces (old hats, retired shoes that still hold memories, a pair of sunnies going six-years-strong)—that gear deserves praise. None of it is complicated, or high-tech by design.
As a layer, the Astroman is non-flashy, unassuming—this isn’t a cult-favorite, ultralight invention, or perfect piece of tech. But it does protect from the sun whether you are at 17,000 feet or zero feet above sea level. It’s got wrist cinches, a hood, and zipper. It isn’t a full rain shell, but it shields nicely against light drizzle, and of course wind, sun, and UV. It’s utterly simple, reliable, and mine still has plenty of adventures left in its life.
Note: the original Astroman hoodie has changed slightly, and is now replaced by the OR Astroman Air. You may still be able to find the OG Astroman sold on used gear platforms, though.
Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Hoodie
Men's
Women's
Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters
These burly, Cordura barriers are tanks for your lower legs that’ll last a lifetime. They’re one of those pieces of gear that are essential for winter and shoulder season exploits when you’re likely to encounter slush and/or snow, and you don’t want to necessarily wear snow pants or waterproof pants when you’re hiking, snowshoeing or bushwhacking through wet brush.
I’ve had a pair since at least 2016, maybe earlier—I can’t really remember when I got them at this point. But they’re an absolute necessity for more ambitious wintry or snowbound pursuits like couloir climbing, winter mountaineering, and ice climbing. The gaiters not only repel water and snow from getting into your boots, they protect your boots, ankles and calves from the sharp teeth of crampons, snowshoes and the jagged edges of any ice splinters or rocks falling on you.
When you’re learning ice climbing, and you’re always learning ice climbing, you’re going to make mistakes—heck even veteran ice climbers do!—like catching the teeth of crampons on your clothes while trying to kick into the ice. When I’ve forgotten to don my Crocodiles I’ve kicked through some of my favorite, expensive pairs of bibs and snow pants. With the Crocodiles on, I’ve made similar missteps and kicks, and while they may have snagged a little I haven’t cut through these tough nylon barriers and even if I did, a little NoSo, Tenacious Tape, or duct tape will keep them going and add a story their legacy.
Securing with inch-wide, top to bottom hook-and-loop closures, a lace hook and a strap above the calf, they are fiddly to put on the first few times, but once you get used to them, they’re a lifesaver—if not for you, definitely for your other gear!
You can find more gaiters in our Best Gaiters for Hiking guide.
Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters
Men's
Women's
I have worn the Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack nearly every day for the last three years. It’s traveled all across the United States and throughout at least 10 other countries. I’ve taken it on day hikes and casual strolls around the city. It’s seen a lot, and it’s still performing perfectly.
The hip pack, which I actually wear as a sling pack, is spacious and organized. It has a large main compartment and two smaller zippered compartments. There’s plenty of room for a wallet, keys, phone, and a huge range of other personal items. I pretty much permanently keep those items, as well as makeup, a small hair brush, feminine products, a packable tote bag, hand lotion, sunglasses, and several other items, in this pack. I also can stuff a lightweight jacket, snacks, and other things I may want to take with me on a short excursion.
This pack is versatile as both an outdoor gear item and a more casual, streetwear item. It’s durable, adjustable, comfortable, practical, and among the best gear investments I’ve made.
Cotopaxi Coso 2L Hip Pack
The MSR WhisperLite International is the first backpacking stove I bought in the early ‘90s.
Yes, it’s heavy, especially compared with modern backpacking stoves.
Yes, it’s fussy. You have to pump fuel and prime it before lighting it.
Yes, you have to buy and carry a fuel bottle.
Yes, you can get soot build up, depending on the fuel you’re using.
But it’s bomber. I’ve had mine for 30 years with some occasional cleaning and maintenance.
It runs on at least three different liquid fuels: white gas, kerosene, or unleaded gasoline. Hate worrying about whether you’ll find a fuel canister in the next town or abroad? Me too.
The fuel bottle is endlessly reusable. I feel guilty every time I throw away an empty IsoPro fuel canister.
You get 1 hour and 50 minutes of burn time with the flame at maximum from a 20-oz fuel bottle. Never worry about running out of fuel!
Sometimes convenience comes at a cost. If you want a stove you can count on for life, the WhisperLite International is it.
MSR WhisperLite International Stove
I got the Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Leash in 2022 for my rescue dog, Miso. It’s been on countless urban walks when I lived in New York, road tripped from the east coast to California multiple times, been dragged through the mud in Moab, now regularly comes with me on hikes in Colorado’s front range, and still looks brand new.
The Lifetime Leash leash is made of dynamic climbing rope that is basically indestructible (I accidentally ran it over with my car once), and features custom clamps that can be removed for repair. If you want extra assurance that this pricey leash will actually last, APC offers a lifetime guarantee on all their gear. Even if your dog chews on the leash and damages it, the brand will repair it for free and pay to ship it back to you—you just need to ship it to them first.
The stainless steel swivel clip on this leash is one of the best dog leash clips I’ve ever tested, and I’ve used a lot of dog leashes in my life as a dog trainer, dog sport competitor, and former kennel assistant. It’s easy to put on and take off of your dog one handed, opens wide enough to clip to thick D-rings on harnesses or collars, and I love that you can clip it to itself to wear across your body if you regularly hike with your dogs off leash.
Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Leash
Early on in my life as an adventure dog owner of my beloved 60-lb companion, Ash, I learned the hard way that if he gets injured, I need to be strong enough to carry him out on my own. After he degloved his leg on a hike, and I had to carry him out a half mile (with his leg wrapped in my shirt to stop the bleeding), I knew I needed to invest in a rescue sling to make it easier and faster to carry him in an emergency.
The Fido Pro Airlift Dog Evacuation Harness is now something I never hike without, and I pack an extra in my emergency go bag. It is designed for emergency medical evacuations. It's lightweight, compact, and reliable for dog owners who want to be ready for the unexpected.
Weighing just 8-9.5 oz, the Airlift packs into a stuff sack, making it easy to store in my backpack during hikes, backcountry trips, or in my emergency bag. Available in three sizes (with an XL option), it is suitable for medium to extra-large dogs up to 100 lbs.
What sets the Fido Pro apart from competitors like the Ruffwear Backtrak Evacuation Kit is its simplicity and ease of use. The Ruffwear kit is more complex, requiring multiple components and more time to deploy, while the Fido Pro's minimalist approach makes it more intuitive for high-stress situations.
I have only used it once since buying it (outside of training sessions to get my dogs comfortable with it). Still, the Fido Pro Airlift is a fantastic choice for dog owners who want an affordable, efficient, and highly functional solution for emergency evacuations. I like that it is lightweight and portable enough to keep in my pack; there are minimal straps, so it is easy to use in high-pressure situations, and it makes me feel more confident that I can handle an emergency when hiking alone with my dogs.
Fido Airlift Pro
One of my favorite pieces of gear for backpacking and camping is my Goosefeet Gear Down Socks. I have had them for years now and they will probably be the only pair I ever need. I only wear them inside my tent so they never touch the outside ground. They are super warm and help keep my toes nice and cozy so I sleep better, and I can stretch the temperature rating on my down quilt/bag a bit too.
You can customize the colors and fill–I chose my favorite color, purple. I have carried these booties both directions on the Pacific Crest Trail, on the Tahoe Rim Trail, and on every single trip I have taken in the last 7-8 years since getting them. They pack up small in the bottom of my pack and they are well worth the “luxury” ounces on my back.
To make sure they will last me a lifetime, I wash them at the end of every backpacking season with a down wash and dry them carefully. I have these on hand in my car during winter drives just in case I get stuck in a storm overnight in my car. I wear them on cold nights at home to stay extra warm–they are cute and make me really happy.
If you or someone you love has cold toes or sleeps outside I highly recommend these booties. As long as you wear these with care, they will be the only pair you ever need.
- Sara “Socks” Kruglinksi, Operations Coordinator and Contributing Writer
Goosefeet Gear Down Socks
What do we mean by "gear that lasts a lifetime"?
Not all outdoor gear is built to last forever—and that's okay. Some items, like trail runners or ultralight shelters, are designed to be lightweight first, durable second. But every once in a while, you discover that rare piece of gear that becomes part of your outdoor identity.
In this article, we define "lifetime gear" as equipment that meets five key criteria:
Durable enough to withstand years (sometimes decades) of hard use across different seasons and conditions
Repairable or guaranteed—either you can fix it yourself, or the manufacturer will
Functionally timeless—it still performs its job well even as technology evolves around it
Timeless style— gear that you still want to use even as fashions change and color palettes come and go
Emotionally irreplaceable—gear that holds memories and becomes part of your adventure story
These are the pieces that earn permanent spots in your gear closet. They get repaired instead of replaced, upgraded around instead of upgraded from, and eventually passed down to the next generation of adventurers.
What makes outdoor gear truly durable?
When we evaluate gear durability, we're looking beyond simple toughness. True durability means an item continues to perform its intended function reliably over time, even with heavy use. Here's what separates lasting gear from gear that just survives:
Materials that age well:
Ripstop nylon and Cordura for abrasion resistance
Titanium and stainless steel for corrosion resistance
High-fill-power down that maintains loft over time
Dyneema for ultralight strength or silnylon or silpoly for ultralight durability
Construction focused on longevity:
Reinforced stress points and bartacked seams
Minimal single points of failure
Modular design that allows component replacement
Field-repairable components (zippers, buckles, straps)
Manufacturer commitment:
Lifetime warranties or comprehensive repair programs
Availability of replacement parts
Responsive customer service
Transparent repair policies
The best durable gear isn't necessarily the heaviest or most overbuilt—it's thoughtfully engineered to handle real-world use patterns while remaining repairable when things do go wrong.
Why buy-it-for-life gear matters for sustainability
The most sustainable piece of gear is the one you never have to replace. That is a tenet you'll see reflected in Treeline Review's mission. While the outdoor industry often focuses on recycled materials and carbon-neutral shipping, the biggest environmental impact comes from manufacturing new products in the first place.
Here's the sustainability math on lifetime gear:
Resource efficiency:
One durable item is better for the environment than multiple replacements because of
Dramatically less raw material consumption
Reduced manufacturing energy across the product's total lifespan
Less transportation and packaging waste over time
Waste reduction:
Fewer items heading to landfills (with a few exceptions, outdoor gear is notoriously difficult to recycle)
Reduced microplastic shedding from repeatedly replaced synthetic items
Economic sustainability (for your wallet!):
Higher upfront investment pays off through cost-per-use over years
Reduced time spent researching, buying, and breaking in new gear
More budget available for experiences instead of replacements
When our Western Mountaineering sleeping bag reviewer talks about 10,000+ miles over two decades, that's not just durability—it's a masterclass in sustainable consumption.
Tips for making your outdoor gear last longer
Even bombproof gear benefits from intentional care. These maintenance habits can dramatically extend your gear's functional life. You can read more in our entire section dedicated to Gear Cleaning, Maintenance and Repairs.
Daily care habits:
Rinse salt and sweat from gear after each use
Air-dry everything before packing away
Check zippers and buckles for debris before storage
Keep sharp objects sheathed and separated from fabrics
Seasonal maintenance:
Deep clean sleeping bags and insulation annually with appropriate detergents
Re-waterproof shells and soft goods as needed
Inspect and replace worn components before they fail completely
Store gear in breathable containers, away from UV light and concrete floors
Repair mindset:
Address small issues immediately (loose stitching, small tears, sticky zippers)
Learn basic field repairs with easy and affordable fixes: Tenacious Tape, Seam Grip, Shoe Goo, zip ties, and safety pins
Take advantage of manufacturer repair services—many brands repair gear for minimal cost
Consider professional repairs for complex issues rather than replacement
Smart usage patterns:
Rotate multiple items if you own them (especially footwear and packs)
Use gear appropriately for conditions (don't bushwhack in your ultralight shell)
Avoid unnecessary stress (don't overpack, don't force stuck zippers)
The goal isn't babying your gear—it's understanding how to use it hard while using it smart.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is any outdoor gear truly built to last a lifetime?
Absolutely. Titanium cookware, quality sleeping bags, and well-built dry bags can easily last 20-30+ years with proper care, even if they are ultralight. The key is choosing gear made from materials that don't degrade over time and that are backed by manufacturers who support long-term use.
Should I always buy the most expensive gear?
Price doesn't guarantee longevity. Focus on construction quality, materials, repair options, quality customer service from a reputable brand, and user reviews spanning multiple years. Sometimes mid-range gear from committed manufacturers outlasts premium options from companies focused on the latest trends.
How do I know if a brand stands behind its products long-term?
Look for specific repair programs (not just warranties), availability of replacement parts, and customer service reviews. Brands like Patagonia, MSR, Western Mountaineering, and Atlas Pet Company have proven track records of supporting products years after purchase.
What should I do when my gear finally reaches end-of-life?
First, explore all repair options—sometimes "dead" gear can be revived. If repair isn't possible, check if the manufacturer has a recycling program. Some brands will take back their products for proper disposal or material recovery.
Is it worth buying used "lifetime" gear?
Often yes, especially for items like sleeping bags, packs, and hard goods. Quality gear maintains performance even when cosmetically worn. Just inspect carefully for structural damage and verify any transferable warranties. Check out more on how to find good used outdoor gear.
Why you should trust us / About the authors
Part of the Treeline Review team sharing a tent.
Treeline Review writers have spent thousands and thousands of miles and days in the outdoors, hiking, backpacking, thru-hiking, running, mountain biking, climbing, kayaking, skiing, and more. They’ve endured hot, humid, muggy days on the Appalachian Trail, skied in the Colorado Rockies, mountain biked in the relentless Arizona heat, hiked in persistent rain in the Pacific Northwest, and trained for ultramarathons in every weather condition imaginable.
Through all their adventures, they’ve used and tested outdoor gear. After years of testing hundreds of gear items, they’ve found their favorite timeless, durable, reliable, useful go-tos.
