10 Buy-It-for-Life Essentials Every Traveler Needs
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While there's no doubt we live in a heavily society, thanks to frugal and sustainability-minded shoppers, there has been a major uptick in “buy-it-for-life” products over recent years. A buy-it-for-life product—otherwise known as BIFL—is just what it sounds like: something that is designed to last a lifetime, thanks to extremely well-made construction and, in certain cases, lifetime warranties or free repair policies.
BIFL products can be a major game-changer for travelers—not only do you save money over time and reduce your environmental footprint, but you also won’t have to worry about babying your gear while on the go, whether that means squishing your carry-on under the too-small seat in front of you or wearing your sunglasses on a Jet Ski without worrying about salt water damage.
It’s worth noting that buy-it-for-life products do tend to cost more, but buying nice in this case means you won’t have to buy it twice. In other words, you’ll wind up saving money over your lifetime by not having to run out and replace these items once they start to break down.
The following buy-it-for-life travel necessities range from over-engineered accessories that are virtually impossible to damage to items with no-nonsense lifetime warranties or free repairs. From brands like L.L.Bean and Patagonia, here are the best buy-it-for-life essentials for travelers.
Yeti Rambler
Sure, those barista-approved glass coffee tumblers are very cute—but all it takes is one accidental bump and your coffee mug is on the ground in a thousand pieces. The Yeti Rambler, on the other hand, is extremely durable and built to last a lifetime. It’s crafted from high-quality kitchen-grade stainless steel, which won’t leach toxins into your hot or cold drinks and is both puncture- and rust-resistant. It’s worth noting that Yeti's Rambler drinkware includes a five-year warranty, but the design is such that you shouldn’t have to worry about replacements as long as it’s properly cared for (a big note: do not put it in the microwave!).
Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner
Briggs & Riley offers a “Simple as That” guarantee that promises you’ll have your suitcase for your entire lifetime. This means that Briggs & Riley will repair all functional aspects of your suitcase completely free of charge. Note: The brand doesn’t cover cosmetic wear and tear, but will ensure your suitcase is always comfortably functional (for example, no problem wheels or sticky zippers). The brand is a favorite of Condé Nast Traveler editors for its durability, organizational features, and sleek design.
Saddleback Baby Beast duffel bag
The Saddleback brand takes the buy-it-for-life concept seriously. Saddleback calls itself “over-engineered”—meaning its products are designed to include no snaps, zippers, or buttons that could potentially fall off or break with heavy use. Even though these full-grain leather duffel bags are crafted to hold up well over time, Saddleback still offers a 100-year guarantee and prides itself on the fact that people will “fight over your bag once you’re dead.”
L.L.Bean personal organizer
Made with a water-resistant nylon packcloth, L.L.Bean’s toiletry kit is both durable and functional. It’s also incredibly easy to organize and use on the go thanks to the top zipper compartment and accessible side pockets for things like shampoo and body lotion. L.L.Bean boasts a comprehensive repair and replace guarantee that includes a 365-day refund policy with no questions asked. After that first year, L.L.Bean will still consider any items for return that are defective due to craftsmanship.
Stanley IceFlow insulated water bottle
Ah, the viral Stanley water bottle. While Stanley cups have certainly been part of the consumerist side of the zeitgeist, the brand dates much further back than TikTok shopping trends. It was founded in 1913 by inventor William Stanley Jr. who wanted to create a beverage tumbler that would never have to be replaced. Fast forward over a hundred years and the brand is still slinging high-quality buy-it-for-life products, including the Stanley IceFlow insulated water bottle. This travel-friendly, reusable bottle features a double-insulated stainless steel design that keeps water cold for hours. It’s also 33% lighter than standard stainless-steel drinkware and boasts an easy carry handle for hydrating on the go.
Patagonia Torrentshell jacket
The Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket is pretty all purpose—for most trips, it's the only jacket you’ll need—and not just because it’s lightweight and packable. It boasts three waterproof layers to ensure you stay warm and dry throughout the day and also includes a micro-fleece-lined neck for additional warmth. The brand is famous for its “Ironclad Guarantee,” which allows customers to return items for a refund at any time if they're not satisfied with a product. Patagonia also boasts free repairs on all products in order to help extend the lifespan of every item purchased.
Darn Tough socks
There’s something particularly frustrating about finding a hole in the toe or heel of your sock. Nobody likes throwing out a perfectly good piece of clothing just because of a tiny hole—and where do those holes even come from, anyway? That’s where Darn Tough socks come in. The Vermont-based sock brand creates merino wool socks that really do last. The brand claims that if its socks aren’t the longest-lasting socks you’ve ever owned, you can return them for a new pair, no questions asked. The sustainably-made socks are also moisture-wicking and quick-drying, so they’ll be comfy to wear on long travel days. They’ll dry overnight, too—in a pinch, you can give them a quick wash in the hotel sink and wear them the next day.
Chrome Industries Ziptop Waistpack
Chrome Industries bags—including the Ziptop Waistpack—include a lifetime warranty against material or workmanship defects. This outdoor essential features an exceptionally well-made design that allows you to take your bag on the biggest and messiest adventures without worrying about rips or tears. The waist pack is crafted from durable nylon that makes it easy to keep in excellent condition—all you’ve got to do is spot-clean with a wet cloth and your bag will continue to look as good as new.
Tilley USA Airflo sun hat
You don’t realize how practical it is to have a go-to no-frills travel hat until you have one—and the Tilley USA Airflo sun hat is one of the best options for sustainability-minded travelers. The lightweight hat is crafted out of 100% recycled nylon which makes it suitable for repelling rain and blocking the sun, and it can be easily rolled up and thrown into your suitcase without any wrinkles. This hat is also part of the Tilley “Guaranteed for Life,” warranty which promises to repair or replace hats if and when they start to show wear and tear.
Costa Del Mar Peli Polarized Sunglasses
Costa Del Mar sunglasses are designed for life on the water—which essentially means they can withstand salt water, intense heat, and anything else you could possibly throw at them. The brand is known for its heavy-duty design, but it also boasts a “repair & replace” warranty that promises to fix any issues that might come up from normal use throughout the lifetime of the sunglasses (typically free of charge).
More long-lasting travel gear we recommend:
