The Anarchist’s Gift Guide (in July?)

Editor’s note: I work on the Anarchist’s Gift Guide all year. This year, I am sharing some of my recommendations early (in July!) on Substack for all subscribers. I mean, there has to be some benefit to this thing, right?

The overused expression “built to last” is missing an important piece of information: How long?

So much marketing is so much bullshit, especially when it comes to work gear. As a young woodworker, I spent a lot of money on work aprons and tool belts from companies such as Duluth Trading. Their catalogs lured me into buying stuff that was – sorry – absolutely fragile in a workshop environment.

Seams unfurled with ease. Canvas pockets ripped within a few months. Plastic adjustment straps lost their grip in short order.

All this is to say that I am extraordinarily picky when it comes to soft goods. If you have had a similar experience with work gear, I have two tiny recommendations for you. 

The first one is easy. Please buy yourself a Klein 5139 zipper bag (shown above). Th…