When I first saw the title of the thread I immediately tried to think what I had bought that would count, and I admit that nothing came to mind. Then I started reading and saw many old acquaintances that I had merely succeeded in blanking out of memory.
- Maya dust. Tried it a few times, worthless. Horrible tin to open with cold hands, saw dust just scatters.
- Pocket Chainsaw. Did use in anger once or twice, but mostly only for sawing things way above head height.
- Cheap multi-LED head torch.
- Snugpak Rocket Pack rucksack. Back was so short it was only suitable for wearing above belt kit. Killed my back within a few hundred yards every time I tried to use it.
- Vango Triad Stove. Slow, hard to light, sank into any ground softer than cement.
- Country Covers Rain Shield jacket. In fairness, they did alter the design some after my purchase, that would make it better, but the one I got was terrible. Got properly wet in it every time it rained!
- Rogue Ranger boots. Lovely leather lined, really wanted to love them, but they are heavy, have no supporting shank to speak of, which means they are exhausting to walk in unless all your other shoes are flip-flops, and the leather succeeded in being both a totally non-breathable yet soaked through the slightest rain or dew.
- Snugpak bivi bag. had to sell this because my 5'8" x 155lb body could not fit inside it while leaving room for anything more than a summer spec Snugpak No6 bag.