Buy It For Life
Gloves

Clothing

Buy it for life: the most durable gloves,
according to r/BuyItForLife on Reddit.
Recommended by people who have owned them for years. How we pick.
Do you know of an item that should be on this list? Let us know!

Outdoor Research Firebrand mittens

Extreme-cold mountaineering mittens praised for warmth, dryness, and reliable performance in severe winter.

Mentioned 3 times in the threads we read

• Very warm in extreme cold
• Trusted by military users
• Good for skiing and snowmobiling

The army issued us OR Firebrand mittens in Alaska. They kept my hands warm down to -33° f snowshoeing and skiing and at-26°f on a snowmobile. I can’t recommend them enough.
– p00trulz

For sub 10 degrees I use the firebrand mits.
– unknown

Outdoor Research gloves and mittens

Cold-weather gloves and mittens noted for warmth, breathability, and dependable winter performance.

Mentioned 4 times in the threads we read

• Keeps hands warm and dry
• Does not overheat hands
• Good quality construction

Outdoor Research. Their gloves and mittens are incredible.
– murph0969

Very good quality and really keep the hands warm, not overheated and not wet.
– schroedingerskoala

I will second another comment. I use Outdoor Research Gloves and Mittens.
– unknown

Ove Glove

Kevlar and Nomex heat-resistant kitchen glove loved for longevity and versatile household use.

Mentioned 9 times in the threads we read

• Lasts many years
• Works for oven, grill, and fireplace
• Good dexterity versus standard mitts

Definitely agree. Mine has had almost daily use for 15 years and is still doing its job.
– bladegmn

I got two of these. Have had them pretty much since they came out. They're pretty ratty, but still work great.
– unknown

They just don't go bad.
– pogkob

Mechanix M-Pact

Protective work gloves valued by some for medium-duty tasks, though durability opinions are mixed.

Mentioned 6 times in the threads we read

• Good for medium-duty work
• Decent dexterity
• Relatively inexpensive

My experience with mechanix is that they last really well for medium duty stuff like working on cars etc.
– DaggerMoth

Smartwool snowboarding socks

Warm merino winter socks recommended by Raynaud's sufferers for cold-weather foot comfort.

Mentioned 4 times in the threads we read

• Helps with chronically cold feet
• Good for winter use
• Comfortable for year-round wear

What works for me are smartwool snowboarding socks on the feet
– mcstrategist

My feet are always cold, I wear these socks year-round and looove them.
– Spiffy_Pumpkin

Smartwool socks when I lived in New England.
– CrouchingGinger

Darn Tough wool socks

Vermont-made wool socks with strong warmth reputation and replacement warranty for worn pairs.

Mentioned 3 times in the threads we read

• Very warm
• Made in usa
• Excellent replacement warranty

Darntough wool socks made in Vermont, USA. Truly buy it for life: once a hole is worn through a sock you can exchange the pair for a brand new pair.
– abirchtree

Yeah, Darn Tough are super warm socks.
– anadem

Back to Clothing