Do you guys have a piece of legendary gear?

[haven]

Zeiss 10x40 BGAT* binoculars

I've carried a pair of Zeiss 10x40 BGAT* binoculars for more than 20 years. I own several other brands, and I have field experience with most of the others. The Zeiss 10x40 is the one I reach for as I head out the door.

I've used the Zeiss 10x40 from Point Barrow to Ushuaia, in freezing rain and sweltering humidity. These binoculars continue to perform flawlessly, handle superbly, and stand up to the indignities of life in the field.

Time marches on, and Zeiss has discontinued the 10x40 BGAT*. I just don't like the replacement as well.

Chip Haven

 

[spressomon]

My 1958 Winchester Model 12 with a round post style factory vented rib...bought it 31-years ago; don't shoot it anymore but it has too many memories to part with.

And my Sig 226 which I bought new 20-years ago...

Original Patagonia Bunting Jacket...bought new in 1984...still wear it today. Their stuff really doesn't wear out!

...like Martyn said: These things remind me how hold I have gotten!!!

 

[Alaska Mike]

This is a great thread. Since I bought my Series III, I've been fascinated by classic, practical items.

I think my best example is my rubberized folding bucket. I believe it's from the Swiss military, and it's lasted much longer than the usual canvas variety. It's pictured bungied to my spare tire on Page 20 in the latest Overland Journal as I cross Purches Creek. Simple, compact, and easy to stow, it's been one of my most borrowed (and retrieved) items after a day on a muddy trail. Coupled with a cheap squeegie, it's a veritable car wash. The fact that it's a froggy-colored just enhances the classic kit status.

I try to buy quality items whenever I can so I don't constantly have to replace them, other than the knives I am always losing. You could probably make a FJ40 frame out of all of the knives I've lost over the years. The cheaper the knife, the longer it seems to hang around. Of course, I've ended up with shelves of gear that looked like a good idea at the time, but somehow just wasn't practical in the long term. Case in point- I have three Coleman lanterns that never get used. Why? Because I camp during the summer, where it never gets dark enough.

I've got to go through the gear soon so I can make room for all of the stuff I'm going to "need" for the Rover.

 

[FourByLand]

My Benchmade with my North Face Denali haven't let me down yet.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I am collecting .....anything and everything.....Coleman!



Dinner...........at the WBM Cabin.........

Breakfast at the World Beater Mine Cabin..........

I have a great time heading out to the garage sales in my community. I pick up lots of Coleman gear at pennies on the dollar.........and have tons of fun doing it!

 

[rhodos]

My legendary outdoor gear is a dark blue enameled metal cup which holds 0.5 liter, bought it in 82 before my first Africa trip and never since been away without it. Used it for everything from hot soup over coffee, tea, milk to beer, wine, whisky and even champagne.

 

[kellymoe]

I still have and use my Lowe Alpine Expedition pack. I have had it for 25+ years and it has been on countless climbs and ski trips.

The only other piece of equipment I have that I would say is legendary is the piton hammer my dad used when he was a teen and that he handed over to me when I started climbing. I used it for several years and placed countless bolts and pins with it. I finaly retired it for fear of breaking it. I will pass it to my son or daughter when they start climbing.

 

[Cabrito]

Winchester Propane Heater

Don't know if it's legendary but it does have legendary aspects.

I actually found this next to a dumpster that was in front of a house up the street. The family had lived there for my whole life and when the Mom died they sold it. They were cleaning out the basement and this was left along side the dumpster, I am guessing they figured it was still useful to somebody. The thing is like new and works great! 7,000 btu's!

 

[offroad_nomad]

Here's my Camillus knife I've had since I bought it new in late 1981. It's a great knife that I still use.

 

[One Arm Steve]

Been clearing trails and keeping me warm for years (chop, chop). Got myself in the shin once.......

 

[Mike S]

Yep!

I've carried a pair of Zeiss 10x40 BGAT* binoculars for more than 20 years. I own several other brands, and I have field experience with most of the others. The Zeiss 10x40 is the one I reach for as I head out the door.

I've used the Zeiss 10x40 from Point Barrow to Ushuaia, in freezing rain and sweltering humidity. These binoculars continue to perform flawlessly, handle superbly, and stand up to the indignities of life in the field.

Time marches on, and Zeiss has discontinued the 10x40 BGAT*. I just don't like the replacement as well.

Chip Haven

I bought my first pair in Munich in 1981. Carried them in Canada and all over the Western US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Lost them out of my duck boat at South Klamath one miserable, snowy day. Went out and immediately bought another pair.

Don't leave home without them!

 

[kodiak1232003]

had my hi lift for 10 years...

had my buck classic folder for about 13 years...

just retired my burton snowboard bag after 11 years...that thing went with me to china, alaska, all over the u.s., over molten lava on kiluea volcano..

its getting replaced with the best, though......maxpedition condor II hydration pack...

 

[lowenbrau]

I guess you'd call me a 'consumer' I racked my brain as I looked though this thread and couldn't think of much that I've had for a long, long time. I left home too early to be trusted with any of my Dad's gear and the stuff I've aquired I've been happy to wear out. Some of the things I've had for a long time and haven't worn out yet are my MSR whisperlite stove, and an old Openel knife.

 

[Sleeping Dog]

I am collecting .....anything and everything.....Coleman!



Dinner...........at the WBM Cabin.........

Breakfast at the World Beater Mine Cabin..........

[

I have a great time heading out to the garage sales in my community. I pick up lots of Coleman gear at pennies on the dollar.........and have tons of fun doing it!

I have that stove, the old man bought when he built the tent trailer around 1958. The lantern is newer and somewhere along the line we picked up the dome shaped catalytic heater.

Gear that lasts.

jim:tent:

 

[Hunter]

Well, unfortunatly, twice in the 13 years I have been 4wheelin in my own rigs, I have had them stolen. I got the vehicles back, but both times they were stripped. The worst was in 2003. I had a lot of gear in the back as I was getting ready to hea dout of town in a few days. That was the day I lost a lot of my "experienced" gear.

But, I do have this yank strap. Some 20'x2" junk strap I bought back in 1995. I cant even remember what color it was suppoed to be. ( I think it was yellow )It has managed to stay with me and has helped yank people and myself out of plenty of jams across Arizona. I wouldnt be surprised if that strap has 100,000 miles of travel on it. I still have it and it is mounted on my buggy and tell folks its a reserve strap.

I am sure it has long since passed the age of being safe but I just can't head out with out it.