Simply put, a solid brand with a lifetime warranty will rarely let you down. It’s a promise that says, “Our stuff is built to last.” Whether it’s the latest athleisure apparel, a premium Yeti-like cooler, or the best fishing rod you can buy, these things will stick by your side like a trusty sidekick, even if you have to replace them.
There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of brands with lifetime warranties that promise to put their customer first. I know that I tend to look for these brands when I’m shopping, especially for big-ticket items or ones that will get heavy use. I will buy those products, and if they ever kick the bucket, I know I can send them in for repair, replacement, or even a full refund, completely free of charge.
This list of lifetime warranty brands will help you determine where you can get gear that will outlast you. Every company and manufacturer on this list offers either a limited lifetime warranty or a full-on, unconditional lifetime guarantee. (We rounded up as many as possible, but this list isn’t complete. If you know of any companies we missed, let us know).
What is a warranty?
Before getting to the list, we should probably clue you in on exactly what a warranty is and the different types of warranties. The basic definition of a warranty is a promise by the seller to repair or replace a faulty product within a defined time window after purchase. Some warranties are for a set time, like one year from the date of sale, and if the product breaks after that, you’re out of luck.
The terms of the warranty are usually included in the product’s packaging, either as part of the owner’s manual or in a separate document, which lays out just what is covered. If the warranty doesn’t cover everything, it’s considered a limited warranty. An unconditional lifetime warranty covers the entire product for the entire time you own it. A company with an unconditional lifetime warranty, like Tervis, pictured above, will replace a broken or defective product no matter how long you have owned it.
Who determines a product’s ‘lifetime?’
One other thing about a “lifetime” warranty is that the term lifetime may not necessarily mean forever — it generally means that the warranty is good for the useful lifetime of the product, something that the manufacturer entirely determines. So, if the company determines the useful lifetime of a particular product is 10 years, you may have trouble with a warranty claim on that product if you bought it 15 years ago. Also, if the company goes out of business, that’s it for the warranty.
Warranties, even lifetime ones, can also be voided. On its website, Angi, an online company that offers consumer home services, said there are several ways for a lifetime (or any) warranty to be voided. Those include:
- Failure to keep up with a recommended schedule of maintenance
- Using the product in a way that’s outside the bounds of normal usage
- Adding after-market parts or upgrades that the manufacturer doesn’t approve
- An attempt to repair the item yourself instead of seeking the services of a licensed repair professional
So, while lifetime warranties are good things to have, you still have to use your stuff the way it was designed to be used. Otherwise, you’ll be out of luck.
With that, let’s look at those brands that stand behind their products for their lifetimes.
Shoe and apparel brands with lifetime warranties
Let’s face it: Wear and tear (or plain dissatisfaction) with a pair of boots or a new winter coat is inevitable.
Filson, Tilley, Columbia, and The North Face (at their discretion) protect against rips and damages incurred during their intended use of their warranty service. The one limitation is that these warranties do not cover normal wear and tear from accidents, improper care, or alterations. However, Patagonia, Arc’teryx, and most other brands listed will repair even worn item damage for a fee.
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Bag and luggage brands with lifetime warranties
If your bag’s zipper malfunctions or your strap wears through, JanSport, Osprey, Red Oxx, and Briggs & Riley have warranties that cover full repairs and product defects for life — no exclusions.
Dakine, Away, and Filson will repair or replace any products used appropriately and protected under its limited lifetime warranty. “Limited” can mean a short time or just for specific implied damage or malfunctions that can occur with the product. Many of these best luggage brand warranties are great for everything from everyday bags to carry-on luggage.
North St. Bags
Tool brands with lifetime warranties
If your Craftsman or Mastercraft hand tools ever fail you during normal use, these companies will repair or replace them for free. The warranty doesn’t cover the blade or other expendable parts that wear with use within the warranty period, though.
Kobalt, on the other hand, offers a mix of warranties for different tools based on use, durability, and workmanship. Whether you’re looking for the best EDC knives, hatchets for camping or backpacking, or the right multi-tool, there is a lifetime warranty out there for you.
Kershaw Knives, Chicago Cutlery, Calphalon, Buck, and Gerber all carry a limited warranty for the lifetime of the original owner, which means fixing any tears in the handle of your knife or other manufacturing defects. If you accidentally break your Kershaw folder’s blade, for example, the company will replace it for just ten bucks.
The ESEE Knives warranty department will go a step further and replace any broken or defective knife without a limitation on how many times it’s been traded or sold — which is one of those specific legal rights that is good to remember.
Gear and gadget brands with lifetime warranties
Regarding the best camping gear, Big Agnes, Maglite Flashlights, and NEMO Equipment are all guaranteed against manufacturing or material defects but do not warrant damages from wear and tear or alterations. Damages during the use of their products can be returned for repair, though with a fee.
Zippo Lighters and Cross Pens offer some simple warranty information: The product works, or they’ll fix it. If your Davek umbrellas turn you into a B.J. Thomas song, the company will happily repair or replace any registered products at no charge, less shipping and handling.
Kryptonite products also entitle you to a lifetime product warranty that covers defects through normal wear and tear, but it won’t cover a mistake like putting the wrong keys in your lock or losing keys that are not registered. MEC goes a step further with its customer service and guarantees not only the quality of its products but also the quality of its employees’ advice.
If your pet has a penchant for chewing, pawing, or otherwise causing destruction, Lupine will replace any collar, harness, or leash your pooch manages to gnaw through (even without a receipt). And, no matter how it happened or whose fault it was, Vortex Optics’ VIP (Very Important Promise) Warranty will take care of you and the entire cost of repair or replacement.
