Alright so I gotta tell you about my Raf Simons Eastpak hunt adventure. Started when my old backpack completely died on me during a business trip – zipper busted right in the middle of the airport security line. Talk about nightmare fuel.
Phase 1: The Shock
First thing I did? Hit up the official Raf Simons website cause that’s where you get the real stuff right? Almost choked seeing those prices. Like $400 for a backpack? Nah man I love good design but rent’s due next week. That’s when I switched gears to hunt for deals instead.
Phase 2: The Scavenger Hunt
Okay here’s what actually worked:
- Dug through discount sections of major retailers – the ones with physical stores. Found last season’s dark navy Raf collab buried under cheap polyester bags. Score!
- Checked outlet malls religiously every Thursday afternoon (that’s when they restock returns). Took three weeks but copped a lightly used patchwork model for 60% off.
- Secondhand apps became my obsession – set alerts for “Raf Eastpak” and refreshed like a madman during lunch breaks. Key trick? Search misspellings like “Ralph Simonds” – no joke people actually list stuff wrong sometimes.
Phase 3: Dodging Landmines
Almost got scammed twice learning these lessons:
- If the seller says “never used” but shows creased straps in pics? Straight cap.
- Fakes always mess up the interior tag stitching – real ones have tight double stitching.
- Met this dude in parking lot for “quick sale” – backpack reeked of cigarettes when I opened it. Passed hard.
The Final Score
After two months of grunt work? Got three legit pieces for under $250 total. That orange technical nylon one? Paid $85 because it had pen marks inside that Magic Eraser fixed in ten seconds. Feels like winning the thrift lottery every time I sling it on now.
Biggest takeaway? Patience beats wallet pain. You gotta hunt like it’s your part-time job but man that first compliment when someone recognizes the design? Chef’s kiss.
