The heap of bad purchases

We all have things we regretted purchasing.

Which items did you purchase to enhance your EDC, BOB, etc, that just didn't make the grade? Now it sets on a shelf with other stuff that is destined to set on a shelf, or worse.

I bought a Snugpak Sleeka 35 pack on eBay a year or so ago. Definately the worst pack I ever owned. It does not fit my height, probably won't fit anyone over 5 ft 6 in. The overall quality was less than some comparable priced packs. It is a visual copy of a Karrimor Sabre 35 pack, but not even close to the same quality and not much cheaper than the Karrimor either. I usually don't buy anything I haven't really looked at but all I had to go by on this one was the pictures and discription.
I planned on using this as a daypack year-round but it hangs in the garage now and I use a Camelbak Talon pack. Live and learn.

Zippo Blu Lighter, Vargo Triad Alcohol Stove (both completely unreliable) and a Leatherman Core (tips of the needle nose pliers pinged off). The LM core has been relegated to fishing tackle duties after filing down the pliers. The Leatherman Skeletool CX was a bit of a let down as well considering the cost (I dislike the dangerous serrated blade and limited tools).

Otherwise there hasn't been many other products that I have found to be inferior except for an expensive SIGG Thermo Ring Line Bottle, which was basically useless as a vacuum flask.

Edit

I forgot about the Buck Camp Axe - There are some UK retailers selling this mediocre axe for an unbelievable $85, when you can get a Gransfors Bruks for the same price.

Not so much regrets, however the eternal quest for the right psk carry bag is never ending. Over the years I have spent a tidy amount of money in this quest and have many, many bags, single shoulder sling packs, small backpacks etc to outfit a scout troop...and then some. Along with this, I am somewhat of an over organizer and always on the hunt for the right container or case to store kit items and also have too many of these sitting and collecting dust.

Not a "bad" purchase per se but bad timing; over the last three weeks I picked up four new Mora knives. As you may remember my dad passed away last week. My sister brought me the first half of his knife collection, five large boxes. Two boxes were just Moras! He had at least 35-40 of 'em.

Like father, like son.

Teslinhiker...you should see my holster drawer.. and the second gun safe too

Have fun sorting through those, and 'oil the joints' on the folders. You may want to invest in or make a knife opener.

http://www.hand-tools.com/product-detail.php?prodnum=BRK-RR1092

I spend each winter, all winter upgrading and reorganizing backpack, belt pack, and two truck kits. My 'reserve' pile consists of mostly items that I upgraded or replaced for other reasons:

several Nalgenes containing BPA
plastic ponchos
cheap aluminum camp cookware
a variety of pouches and totes
flashlights of various sizes and types
hats and more hats

Cheap holsters are almost always a waste of money. So are cheap flashlights (with an exception made for fauxtons, which I give as gifts). I bought a cheap tent that lasted almost four trips (I say almost because I threw it out when we struck camp the fourth time).

I wouldn't say it's a regret, but I really wanted a fixed blade so I bought a Buck 221 Silver Creek Fixed Blade Bait Knife. I like it but I hardly ever use it, except on fishing trips, when it lives in my tackle or kitchen boxes. In the interests of saving weight on hikes and camping, it very often gets put on the shelf, in favour of a LM, folder & saw combo.

Bad purchases? Surely you mean, things I have tested and deemed worthy of being gifts to those who seem to need education through their ownership.

I know what you mean Phaedrus. When my uncle passed, I inherited 30 or so guns. When my brother passed I inherited about 50 more. It kind of takes the fun out of gun shopping.