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Drop your recommendations for the following

  • Pens (ballpoint, gel, fountain)
  • metal ruler
  • water bottle
  • backpack
  • pe bag (duffel or drawstring)
  • Scissors
  • Keyboard and mouse
  • Laptop
  • lunch box
  • wallet
  • lever arch folders
  • sharpener
  • power bank

Thanks

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[-] Quill7513@slrpnk.net 5 points 22 hours ago

Pt 3

Backpack (Cont'd)

Okay. Jeez. Don't know what came over me. If you want a slightly more versatile, less stylish pack, go with Osprey maybe? I tend not to like them because the wires in the straps cut into my shoulders. But lots of people are happy with them here's a purchasing link DISCLAIMER!!! DISCLAIMER!!! DISCLAIMER!!! Still a backcountry link

Drawstring bag

I'm not going to get into duffelbags. They're just not my style. Look to other people for this advice. The key I've found with a stringer bag is that the simpler the bag is the more durable it will be. Here's a purchase link. Just don't get anything fancy and you should be fine.

Computer Peripherals

Keyboard

Okay. So this is going to be a place where almost any mechanical keyboard is going to offer you more longevity than you can actually measure. You can still get more longevity with MX style switches than low profile switches, however low profile switches offer certain ergonomic advantages. My advice? Get something with hot swappable switches. Everything else is a matter of taste, not of BIFL consideration. No purchasing link, this ocean is too vast

Mouse

This is an interesting question! There are two directions you can go. One is to get high quality switches from a factory mouse with Zowie that will last a long time. The other is to get a serviceable (as in repairable) mouse from Ploopy. I prefer going to Ploopy route, but it's ultimately up to what you want in a Human Input Device experience. FWIW the owner of Ploopy firmly believes in de-growth economic principals. Here's just ploopy's whole ass website see what you like!

Wallet

The classic BIFL consideration! Personally, I'm of the opinion that any hardsided wallet is a gimmick. They're not comfortable to carry and the advantages they offer are minimal. The ones I've liked best are now out of business. I prefer upcycled to recycled or organic. Here's an example. There's also a US brand that upcycles firehoses. I forget their name. They have a tendency to partner with Chud influencers though but themselves have a tendency towards environmental stewardship. IDK. It seems... Like everyone should look into it themselves and figure out how to feel.

Powerbank

For this, I recommend getting something 18650 based. Here's an example. The idea here is that 18650 are amongst the best bang for your bunk in terms of lithium ion rechargable batteries thanks to that they're used in massive arrays to fuel electric cars. Basically when you buy an 18650, you're buying a clearance product from a failed bid by Samsung, Panasonic, or LG to sell a batch of batteries cheaper than their competitors to Hyundai, BYD, or Tesla. It's just the best value for you, the consumer, if you want to store electricity from now until later.

And that's that!

Now I need to reflect on what it says about me that I'm such a longwinded asshole that I can reach Lemmy's character limit twice

[-] ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.net 2 points 13 hours ago* (last edited 13 hours ago)

By god, Quill. You absolute legend. Genuinely excellent write-up.

For wallets in the US, I can vouch for Couch Guitar Straps wallets, and many are upcycled from vintage car upholstery, which makes them quite hard wearing. FlowFold upcycled sailcloth wallets are also quite good (and very thin!), but personally I didn't really care for the credit card holders.

[-] xcel@piefed.social 3 points 20 hours ago

Wow what a response ! Thank you very much for all the time you spent and it will definitely be helpful

[-] Quill7513@slrpnk.net 2 points 15 hours ago

oh! i forgot one thing. for a laptop look for a refurbished laptop with adequate memory. basically all laptops these days are planned ewaste so just try to get as much distance out of some reclaimed ewaste as you can

this post was submitted on 17 Jul 2026
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