What’s a Chaco?
Dr. Pepper - I can spot a (poor) imitation at first sip.
Adidas running shoes - models change, but the quality construction remains.
Publix ice cream.
I use Marcal, and just had a case delivered today. It will probably last me a year. 
Either Bounty or Brawny for paper towels too.
Also Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
I’m going to add Tampax tampons, Always pads with wings (wings would have made my teenage periods a lot less unhappy, that’s for sure) and Jockey women’s underwear to the list. Jockey is about $25 for 3 pairs, but they last, like, forever, or so it seems, and they fit my middle-aged body. 
Hypafix
Comes in 2,4,6 inch widths x 10 yds.
Hypoallergenic adhesive, stays on when wet but pulls off without tearing skin. Besides dressing wounds(which is where I heard of it) it can also secure medical devices.
Not challenging you, just curious. Is REI really that much better? Or is it mainly better for heavy/rugged users (who actually get out in the wilderness)? I’m asking mainly about hardware like stoves, lanterns, etc. I think Coleman or even the Cabelas/Gander brands are OK for the average “outdoorsman”.
To the OP: Craftsman or Snap-On tools. My info may be dated because I haven’t had to buy replacements* for either brand in 35 years. At least at the time, they were worth the higher price.
*I have a picture from 1981 of myself working on an engine with my tools/toolbox beside me. This week I used the same tools, out of the same box, to fix the garage door.
Merrell shoes and boots.
Saran Wrap.
Another Heinz Ketchup lover, even though the company passed on my marketing idea.
Heinz, because Hunts is for *****.
A friend of mine is in love with Bose products. I’m hearing impaired, so I’m a poor judge of audio. But he’s given me a few Bose products (headphones, stereo) and I’m impressed by the quality construction.
Another devotee of Pilot G2 Gels. People complain they smear all the time. Just give it an extra couple seconds on glossier stuff before swiping something against it.
Consumer Reports did an article on toilet paper some time back. They recommended the 3-ply Walmart store brand White Cloud. Mrs. FtG is never going to buy another brand again. While cheap being a store brand, there is still cheaper stuff out there so it is worth the little bit of money.
Cabot cheese.
Another vote for Pilot G2 pens. My only complaint is that the grips can get a little gummy after a while, but they probably weren’t designed to be used for years at a time.
At one time I would have said Clarks. I needed some dress shoes for my first job out of college, tried on a pair, and decided I had to have them. They cost more than what I had planned on spending, but those shoes lasted me almost ten years. And sooo comfortable – they are what led me to coin the word “footgasm”. When they finally wore out, I bought another pair, and they were just as good. But I bought a pair a few years back and was not as impressed. Maybe they had outsourced to China by then.
Coca-cola zero. None of the the generic brands I’ve tried have come close.
Great Lakes brewery. I’ve never had a bad beer from them.
Five Guys burgers.
My local pho place.
From my limited experience (I drive an '04 model), Audi.
looks at username
There are other brands to try.
Genuine Victorinox Swiss Army knives. Most of them come in well under a c-note. They’re beautifully made, genuinely useful, and you’ll lose it before you wear it out.
I’ll second Great Lakes, but say the same for Evil Twin, Lagunitas, Stone, Victory, Otter Creek, Voodoo, Dancing Gnome, Oskar Blues, and a dozen others.
Just don’t get them mixed up.
As for me, it’s Diet Coke. I will, and have, drink nothing if my only choice is that other big brand of soda.
Coffee - name brands.
I bought a cheapo instant coffee (to carry when traveling), and the cup of hot water tasted the same, before and after I stirred in the coffee. Threw it away and bought Maxwell House. Similarly, coffee grounds for brewing are much better under the name brands.
Tea, however, tastes the same, all brands and prices.