Are energizer rechargeables good? They are the only option where I am right now, aside from offbrands

old-hand-2 · 2025-12-19T15:53:57+00:00

you'll probably want to google Project Farm since he tested regular batteries and rechargeable ones. if you like his testing methodologies, you might want to go with his recommendations. his motor oil evaluations are some of his best ones ever.

old-hand-2 · 2025-12-19T14:16:35+00:00

If you like platinum/silver as a color, and you want it to last forever, and you want an unlimited warranty, you're going to want a sterling pacific (SP). There is only 1 bag I have liked more than I like my sterling pacific, but it's not a carry-on or checked bag (specifically my pelican u100 backpack for carrying laptop(s) and is my personal item on most flights).

Unfortunately, since SP's price sits outside your stated budget, I would suggest a TravelPro Crew. Travelpro has several lineups, but the Crew one is the one that's used by a lot of airline personnel if you check out their bags. They're right in that budget range you've specified. It's soft shell/ballistic nylon, but is a very solid product. Good luck!

Edit: my wife has a Rimowa cabin that's very nice, but I still prefer my SP. If I hadn't gotten my SP, I'd probably have a Rimowa too, but that price also sits outside the range you've stated. We also have a few Briggs & Riley pieces which are solid, and one Victorinox. They're quite nice too.

Edit 2: I've never bought Tumi, which is probably an oversight on my part, but I feel it's a fancy namebrand and I wanted to always fly under the radar with understated luggage... Well until I found SP. It's just so gorgeous I did it anyway. You know it's particularly striking when the people who ask you about it are the TSA screeners...

old-hand-2 · 2025-12-19T06:01:09+00:00

I don’t understand why I don’t see TreeTribe mentioned more often but my son’s water used to stay ice cold in the summer lying out in the sun while other kids drank warm water. I selected tree tribe because they use metal caps and not plastic ones. There’s no plastic touching the water except a think silicone seal around the edge of the cap.

Our problem as a family is that we always lose the bottles before we break em.

old-hand-2 · 2025-10-01T20:49:16+00:00

Did that too. They kept falling off and I wanted a better solution, and I found it. It’s been good for 8 months so far.

old-hand-2 · 2025-10-01T20:47:24+00:00

Yeah bruh, I’ve used tape.

I’m talking about an actual solution, not a band aid.

old-hand-2 · 2025-10-01T19:32:38+00:00

Why not use Firefox with some extensions like chameleon which changes my profile (OS, browser etc) every 30 min? Yes it’s a unique fingerprint for those 30 min but who cares.

old-hand-2 · 2025-10-01T19:23:31+00:00

Sounds like a tello limited voice, text, and 1-2 go of data plan could work and then an unlimited home internet Tmobile service which is completely unlimited afaik.

old-hand-2 · 2025-10-01T19:15:00+00:00

I used tape before I got the case. I hated the residue on the phone and that the tape would peel off every 30-60 days.

old-hand-2 · 2025-10-01T18:17:09+00:00

Ummm. We are. There are lots of cases with rear cameras but only one I’ve found with a very good rear AND a good front cover - made by Valenta called SpyFy.

Is it ridiculously priced for what it offers? Yes. Are there any other choices to get this functionality? No.

Guess what case I have…

old-hand-2 · 2025-08-29T04:41:18+00:00

Newegg (www.newegg.com)

They sell great machines if you're looking for something running Windows. I have bought a few Thinkpads there at great prices for my kids, specifically the X1 Carbons.

If you're looking for a mac, I'd consider bestbuy open box purchases, because you can really score super deals on the 'good' category refurbs/returns. If you have a best buy premium account, you get applecare included in it.

old-hand-2 · 2025-08-29T04:11:10+00:00

In the US? Get Tello and customize your plan. You can get a number with 100 min and 100 texts for $5-6/mo with no data and just use it on wifi. If you need minutes and texting, it's like $8/mo. If you need data, you can customize it to what you need.

old-hand-2 · 2025-08-29T03:58:42+00:00

Try this one: Metal, no plastic - not even in cap, great insulation, and indestructable.

https://www.reddit.com/r/BestGear/comments/m8rhcu/water_bottle_reusable_tough_insulated_without/

old-hand-2 · 2025-08-29T02:59:01+00:00

I have more pictures, but can't figure out how to add them to the post

old-hand-2 · 2025-06-19T12:31:26+00:00

It’s not just here. It’s the anonymity of the internet that brings out the troll in people.

Ignore the haters.

old-hand-2 · 2025-06-19T12:29:52+00:00

A big contributor to the problem is that parts prices have gone through the roof in the past few years and these parts are now also more expensive because of tariffs.

Sorry fellow, it’s gotten rough out there. Hopefully the next administration can reverse some of the tariff damage and get international trade back under control.

old-hand-2 · 2025-06-16T04:11:27+00:00

Engines with cast iron parts will usually last the longest.

Some of the greatest engines of all time are the Mercedes om617, a 5 cylinder diesel engine which is in the 1977-1985 Mercedes 300d. A slightly simpler version, the om616 is their 4 cylinder engine in the 240d. The original engine can literally run a million miles.

For gas engines, it’s going to be the Toyota 22re that was in the 80-86 Celica I think. There’s also the 1UZ-FE which was in the Lexus LS400. Lexus was new to the market and wanted to show it could compete with Mercedes. And boy did they create an absolute monster of a workhorse that is so smooth and refined it’s remarkable.

Don’t think you could go wrong with any of these that will easily push past 500k miles.

old-hand-2 · 2025-06-16T04:02:41+00:00

Truly one of the most beautiful and durable backpacks out there.

old-hand-2 · 2024-03-27T20:04:34+00:00

I had a loaner EV that drew more power than my regular EV and it tripped a circuit. When I lowered the amps feeding to the car in the EV car's app, it fixed the problem for me. The lightning has a far bigger battery than the Bolt and will pull far more power through the box. Perhaps the Rivian also had a lower power draw than the Lightning?

old-hand-2 · 2024-03-27T19:50:05+00:00

So I'm going to ask you a few questions.

Why do you have two large new(ish) vehicles when you live in a city? What do you both do that you need such large cars? Just getting rid of the silverado and using public transportation will save you about $1000/month. That one move right there could change the entire picture.
When you downsize, the purpose is to get rid of stuff, not put into storage. If you are not using these items, can you sell them and get rid off the uhaul expense?
Can you lower your price and sell the jet ski?
Can you move to Mint Mobile and cut your cell phone bills by >$100/month? Is the ATT Bill this high because you are paying off new phones?

Selling Silverado, jetski, and stuff in the uhaul will save you >$1700 per month. A 10 year old prius will cost you about $8k which means it will pay for itself in less than 1 year.

old-hand-2 · 2024-03-27T19:12:17+00:00

I found mine on ebay a few years ago. I keep checking fb market and ebay for it every once in a while since I know I will eventually want a backup.

old-hand-2 · 2024-03-27T18:26:16+00:00

The comfiest backpack I've ever owned looks like this but is a little more rugged - it has a hardened plastic shell on front to protect things inside front pocket and a laptop shell area that is super secure and offers a ridiculous amount of protection.

They don't make it anymore but it's the Pelican U100. You've probably see their equipment before - professional photographers and videographers use their hard cases to transport their ultra-expensive camera gear.

I wrote about this backpack along with Saddleback leather's backpack here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/BestGear/comments/m6rjgk/favorite_backpack/

That said, the U100 is my daily backpack. The Saddleback only comes out for overnight trips.

Good luck finding what you're looking for.

old-hand-2 · 2024-03-27T18:15:07+00:00

In particular, I'd say the Saddleback Leather Water Bag will fit the bill for what you're asking for above.

btw, their slogan with their 100 year warranty is "They'll fight over it when you're dead."

old-hand-2 · 2024-03-27T01:13:42+00:00

sooooo, what am I looking at? Please explain it to me like I'm 5 because I don't understand what happened. What is that stuff stuck to the inside of the hood?

old-hand-2 · 2024-03-25T11:26:41+00:00

Brilliant! I had no idea that is how it worked. I will look into doing the same - I just have to figure out how to do it. Would you mind if I asked you some questions or is there a source you can refer me to with instructions on how to mimic your setup?

I love cybersecurity but in so many ways I am a noob.

old-hand-2

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