Store bought bottled water containers are not meant to be re-used because they breakdown quickly. The cracks from the breakdown harbor bacteria. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/14/reuse-plastic-water-bottle_n_5671681.html
Better off purchasing a proper refillable bottle that is easy to clean.
Tip, try using denture cleaner tablets to clean the bottle: https://lifehacker.com/clean-and-sanitize-reusable-water-bottles-with-denture-1623844095
I've had good luck with Scosche.. like Amazon ASIN number B00E1UWA4O.
I have a few OLFA utility knives that have held up really well. They were recommended to me by a tradesman. They're much sturdier than generic ones and it's really easy to find replacement blades. There are a few different handle handle / blade styles as well! https://www.amazon.com/OLFA-1071858-Fiberglass-Rubber-Utility/dp/B000N7EU1K/ref=sr\_1\_7?crid=23ACJ20815HSH&keywords=olfa+knife&qid=1665593461&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI1LjQzIiwicXNhIjoiNC44NSIsInFzcCI6IjQuNzEifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=olfa%2Caps%2C104...
I’d say try this:
Caannasweis Nonstick Pan Granite... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081PRNST3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
The BEST non stick I’ve ever owned. Btw, I also own a Hexclad, and the above pan is my choice, hands down! You also can’t beat the price. As a con, I’d say that the handle is not the best, as it does come loose after a while, then you screw it back in.
Get one without a wire - this is a good one
I bought this for refilling spice jars. I preferred the shorter straw as the jars I'm filling are around 2oz to 3oz. I'm not sure if that works for your application, but I can say I've been happy with it as it doesn't trap my spices with a lip
If you're talking about a law or garden water sprayer for attaching to a hose, the all metal twist type sprayers are definitely BIFL. They have a very simple design, mechanically, which means fewer ways to fail. They cover a wide range of possible spray patterns through the simple twist mechanism.
This is the type I'm talking about (I don't know anything about this brand, it's just the first result for the type of sprayer): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081TF2RKW/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_PFB1NZE43FN11C755FZW
Costco has a Mikasa 65 piece set on sale Nov. 20-30 ($79.99 - $20 = $59.99). Costco products are usually good quality, plus they have a great return policy.
NH here, got these for 2 vehicles several years ago and they are going strong. I was skeptical because moving parts tend to break but no issues so far and great for SUVs.
Snow MOOver 46" Extendable Snow Brush with Squeegee & Ice Scraper - Foam Grip - T-Shape Auto Snow Brush - Auto Ice Scraper - Car Truck SUV https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076PN68SR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_EE1iyiahoviyn
I own one.
On the model I have the armrests are not removable (except by complete disassembly of the entire chair). Also the armrests don't lock in properly at the maximum height and are always sliding down.
It is extremely annoying. Honestly, this chair is only good for sitting exactly in the typing position. It's absolutely fantastic at that, but at the cost of anything else.
Really the armrests are most of the problem - I might saw them off and be satisfied.
It’s pricy but I recommend the sweeper from fuller brush. Weighty and mostly metal so practically indestructible, it’s a beast and great at picking up pet hair. Ive has mine for 12ish years now.
Fuller Brush 17027 Carpet & Floor Sweeper- Mini Stick Cleaner For Hardwood Surfaces, Wood Floors, Laminate, Tile- Small & Portable For The Home Or Office - Cleans Dust Pet Hair- Electrostatic & Silent https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006B0RP6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ZQTD3ZZXP1B318KFH161
Filtrete 14x20x1, AC Furnace Air Filter, MPR 2800, Healthy Living Ultrafine Particle Reduction, 2-Pack
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00TUDHG7I/
These are MERV 14 and filter down to PM 2.5 level; should help a lot with smoke. This what we use, anyway. In my experience, filters of this quality become very scarce from late July to early September. You're almost out of time. Buy these now.
For smoke, you don't want anything below MERV 13.
They go quick once the fires start. I've already got my filters for the season in storage.
Seki Edge from japan are very good. I've had mine for 6 years so far and they're just as sharp as when I got them.
I have had good luck with these. I don't think I have had any break and I put them on all of my boots.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KH0YB52/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_aPSRFbMX05D62?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
When i get them I moisten them up with a dab of Lexol #2 and then neatsfoot oil. Whenever i do a deep clean on my boot every few months i take the laces off and touch them up again. The neatsfoot oil also darkens the leather which tones down the color so it can work with black or brown boots.
This might be it- although its a different name now. https://www.amazon.com/Bifold-Blocking-Awesome-Leather-Minimalist/dp/B07S3F7CKP?ref_=ast_sto_dp
I am rather picky about pillows. So far I have found 2 that work well.
The first is Sleep Better by Carpenter and endorsed by National Sleep Foundation. It looks like a big yellow square. Any attempt to find a buy now link is missing. But here is a picture. https://www.amazon.com/Better-Perfect-Luxury-Sleeper-Standard/dp/B0050EEMGE I have found this at BonTon type stores. They tend to last about 5 years. I now use a BedWorks pillow from Denver Mattress. I was able to try out a number of pillows on the bed type that I sleep on. The original price was around $90, but it was on clearance for $40.
We still have our WMF pressure cooker which we got over 20 years ago. We have also recently bought a new one and the quality has not changed. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. Here’s a link from Amazon. There are other sizes available as well.
So...this isn’t actually a mattress topper, it’s a 5 inch mattress but I am sure it would work well if an extra inch isn’t a problem. We bought this for my sons bed and it’s great. It does have a nice removable cover. It’s memory foam but I’ve slept on it at times and it’s never gotten hot.
LUCID 5 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress - Dual-Layered - CertiPUR-US Certified - Firm Feel - Twin Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NX8GH4E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_HHY1zbMN68HZ7
I meal prep and store my food in these containers and only these containers. I've been using them since January and have only had one break. They freeze and microwave well, so I just eat straight out of the packaging. Maybe get a couple packs so you can use them as plates or bowls if you decide to make something else, and you can still use them for tupperware as needed.
They also store well because they fit together very snugly, unlike other bulky tupperwares.
*edit: how much room do you have for storage in your van? I want to renovate a van like this as I travel often and sleep in my car to save money, and I was hoping to take out all of the backseats and mounting my futon to the back, perhaps lofting it for storage and a fridge(?) underneath.
Also, perhaps get a yeti cooler to keep things hot if you make hot food and plan on eating it later?
GF grew up in Dublin and was pretty impressed when I got her this for Christmas:
100% Irish Merino Wool Double Collar Aran Knit Coat by West End Knitwear
This is the one I've got: https://www.amazon.com/Oster-BRLY07-B-600-watt-7-Speed-Blender/dp/B000M3BTMI
I'm not counting on it to be BIFL, but I have run through blenders in a month or two before and this one does a great job and hasn't slowed down yet, through 2 years of heavy use.
Maybe not every all-metal drive blender is great, but I would guess that they are much more durable than plastic parts, in general.
Someone gave me one of these about 2 years ago and it's been part of my standard camping kit since.
It's been dropped a fair bit but it still works great.
Amazon reviews are great.
https://www.amazon.com/UST-20-PL20C3D-Parent-30-Day-Lantern/dp/B00E9P02L4
Some mention another (smaller) product that runs on AA's, with even more reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DII7CTI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
>cutting board: (don't know here)
I like my bamboo butcherblock ones. easy take care of last forever. Just remember, never leave them soaking always wash and dry.
>silverware: (is this a thing?)
Just about any 18/10 stainless steel silverware will last you for life.
>plate/bowl: (is THIS a thing?)
Cheap stainless steel bowls for mixing/serving and storage, plates I tend to go with stoneware.. but those are heavy.
>Tongs: (don't know here) looking at OXO 8" Silicon tipped...
As a former chef, I would recommend getting full body stainless steel tongs. the silicon ones wont last "for life" and will either be degraded due to exposure to too hot of temperatures or scrubbing etc. Though to be honest a good quality "carving fork" is also good to have.
www.amazon.com/DRAGONN-Premium-12-inch-Stainless-steel-Locking/dp/B00RDLQ4GI/
>pot: (don't know here) something around 2-4 quart
Cheapo enameled steel or stainless is the way to go.. no particular brand but if its for boiling water and making soups even the cheap stuff will work and last.
>sheets: (no idea here)
The cheapo costco 100% cotton ones with a high thread count I have have lasted 8 years thus far. Get 2 sets though to rotate with.
$25 (I think the price went up recently) Sennheiser HD202. Were very adjustable, comfortable and tough. They do have a 10-foot y-cable that winds around an included wrap spool. 10 feet of cable can be either fantastically convenient or horrible for this use case!
So my Granny (tough old broad born in 1919, probably bought this thing a year later) has this SUPER old cast iron thing. Just a quick amazon search brought up this thing. it looks similar.
See: any argument about cast iron on this sub. Dude, you can't break that shit. I need new tiles in my kitchen floor because the pan broke them. Yes them. Multiple. More than one. These things are fucking crazy heavy.
I have the Fidelis Co GTG and love it. The leather hand straps really add to the desirability for me.
So I've got a Fidelis Co GTG which works perfect for me. It has a combination of canvass and ballistic nylon on the sides and bottom and leather handles. The price is a little higher than your budget at $225 but if you have Amazon Prime you save on shipping. It is also tough to see but the bag has a couple of hidden/separated pouches along the base that are perfect for storing things like dirty socks that you want to keep separate from the everything else in the main compartment.
I've always been happy with Pro Force original leather 16 oz gloves. I'd suggest the 16oz to train in, so that when you wear lighter ones to compete in your fists feel light and fast. Like you said, no gloves last a lifetime but these are great quality and last a good year of training. You don't want to be wearing gloves that you've been sweating for years in anyway. Boxing gloves
GustBuster umberellas are much cheaper than Davek and can withstand really high winds. I'm thinking of buying one of the large ones. http://www.gustbuster.com/index.html
GustBuster Classic 48-Inch Automatic Golf Umbrella (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009GGIFG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_gdTIwbWWJKPM2
I purchased the Unbreakable umbrella ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C2TI14E?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 ) and I have yet to find a fault with it. It's stood up to the strongest winds I've seen years.
Henckels Pro-S are made in Germany, have a full lifetime warranty, and come in a lot of set configurations which will save you TONS of money compared to buying the knives separately. I've never had to test the warranty, but I've had a 8 piece (+ block) set for about 10 years and they're still sharp as razors with daily use. I sharpen weekly with the honing rod, but otherwise haven't needed to use a stone or wheel.
This set looks promising:
http://www.amazon.com/Twin-Pro-7pc-Block-Knife/dp/B008CQPHZW
I don't find the 5" serrated useful for cutting bread (too short); although, it's alright for tomatoes. The 4" paring seems only useful for small, soft fruit, like strawberries.
The set I have had 2 more knives: a santoku and a 4" (?) utility knife. I really like the santoku...
I just bought this one, looks well reviewed, will come back in 10 to update BIFLness ;)
The Alaska Life water bottle is a quality product; as good or better than the Hydroflask. Stainless steel vacuum bottle keeps cold liquids cold and hot liquids hot.
they've changed the models over the years so YMMV but the Vacuum Thermos in all stainless steel has been the durable gold standard for years. They used to be sold under the Nippon and then Nissan brands but are now branded as Thermos
I bought the Honeywell HCM-350 based on this roundup review, and I'm very happy about it. The design is super simple and ingenious.
Previously I had two warm mist humidifiers. Cleaning the hard water scale on the heating elements was such a pain, since they are affixed to the unit. I had to disassemble them and soak them in citric acid water in the bath tub for hours, then scrub and rinse, repeat. They are also relatively loud.
Now I just take the paper wick out once a month and soak that in citric acid water, rinse, and put it back. Even if the wick is all plugged up I can just go buy a new one pretty cheaply.
I travel for my job and went through 3 computer roller bags in about 12 years. I decided to switch to a leather backpack about 5 years ago and I found this one. It looks as good now as it did the day I got it. I think it's BIFL quality.