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May, 2025

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Backcountry.com scum of the earth?

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skierman
Posts: 8600 - Karma: 9,518
On my morning drive, NPR mentioned how Backcountry is now suing any and all organizations and companies with "backcountry" in their name in order to bolster their brand aka protect their IPO. At first I thought it was typical fake news liberal A.O.C. communist propaganda because its NPR but as it turns out, this is accurate.



https://www.kuer.org/post/backcountrycom-sues-protect-backcountry-trademark#stream/0



So for this coming holiday season, shop anywhere else but Backcountry and their partner websites.
6 years ago
55 4
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first_rodeo
Posts: 2385 - Karma: 7,781
its alright, i like evo better
6 years ago
75 0
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GrandThings
Posts: 3300 - Karma: 34,065
If you have a goat sticker on any of your gear I am 100% judging you...
6 years ago
71 1
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corona
Posts: 12845 - Karma: 33,290
Backcountry Access I'm assuming is in their crosshairs even though it's an older company and has been using the name longer
6 years ago
42 1
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OregonDead
Posts: 7073 - Karma: 26,621
They sold out a long time ago so really no different than shopping at some other big corporate retailer. At one time the owner was a bro that actually skied backcounty but those days are long gone.
Seems like they are really just trying to strong arm people and also paying people off to change their names. Anyone that has good lawyers and enough time and $ can beat them in court. If they lose in court they will lose traction in their campaign so I'm guessing they won't go after BCA or anyone that is really well established.
Super lame situation for all the little guys to get harassed even if they do end up with some sort of payout it costs a lot of money to respond and then change branding.
6 years ago
16 0
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JoeF2661
Posts: 1627 - Karma: 6,302
I really liked backcountry. I only ever had good experiences with buying from them but this is bullshit and if it is true as the article reads ill definitely be buying from evo or some other place.
6 years ago
19 0
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cultrara
Posts: 5147 - Karma: 46,849
I would understand if they started out as a manufacturer under the same name, but the fact that they pivoted from an online store and started suing those already using the name Backcountry is quite underhanded.
6 years ago
17 0
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BayAreaJerry
Posts: 334 - Karma: 1,158
since when does npr report propogranda, they can be pretty libtardy sometimes but they dont lie
6 years ago
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BayAreaJerry
Posts: 334 - Karma: 1,158
also fuck backcountry they boofin
6 years ago
22 1
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HypeBeast
Posts: 10063 - Karma: 76,234
This is really shady shit. I hate when corporations do this shit. Thanks for the post op
6 years ago
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SuspiciousFish
Posts: 2794 - Karma: 16,914
Yeah fuck Backcuntry. I will be avoiding them moving forward.
6 years ago
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TRVP_ANGEL
Posts: 12705 - Karma: 120,044
How can anyone expect their thread to be taken seriously when they start off by saying "I was listening to NPR"

**This post was edited on Nov 1st 2019 at 5:40:56pm
6 years ago
16 45
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ReturnToMonkey
Posts: 6448 - Karma: 70,207
It's my belief that the corporate apocalypse is upon us. Within the next couple political cycles, corporations will have direct control of everything that happens, rather than the indirect way they rule us through the government now.
6 years ago
9 0
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GayWolf420
Posts: 38082 - Karma: 129,603
Its a good thing they have decent customer service because everything else they do sucks......like using shitty shipping providers that lose peoples orders that they arent able to replace. Fuck Backcountry.
6 years ago
4 0
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ThatSkiierKidd64
Posts: 376 - Karma: 1,120
Fuck that, evo is better any ways
6 years ago
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OregonDead
Posts: 7073 - Karma: 26,621
ThatSkiierKidd64Fuck that, evo is better any ways


But who owns Evo now? Pretty sure they sold out to one of the guys from the Nordstrom family and some other investors years and years ago and I wouldn't be surprised if it has changed hands more times since then. Seems like EVO is all about the bottom line too. It is lame but the truth is I'd probably still buy from either of these retailers if they had the right price as long as the customer service is still pretty ok
6 years ago
12 0
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danbrown
Posts: 11939 - Karma: 21,834
Bummer, I worked for them from 7 years and have nothing but great things to say. Not terribly surprising after they were purchased by a private equity firm that owns the likes of Vitamin Water, CorePower Yoga, Muscle Milk etc.
6 years ago
15 0
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musclehamster
Posts: 252 - Karma: 1,257
😂😂😂😂😂
zaboomafoo.swagalso fuck backcountry they boofin
6 years ago
7 0
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Saucerboyshane
Posts: 226 - Karma: 591
i love paying over retail for gear so backcountry is the spot
6 years ago
14 0
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Mista_Bob
Posts: 152 - Karma: 265
I’m a backcountry fan because of their selection, although admittedly I buy more stuff on their Cheap n Steep website, even though the deals haven’t been as good the past couple years. I always get my stuff the next day if I order in the morning (they usually ship from Utah and I’m in Idaho, so that’s super handy). No clue how they could win these lawsuits, though.
6 years ago
5 0
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ModMommy
Posts: 10877 - Karma: 58,290
They can piss off. Glad I buy local, that’s so stupid.
6 years ago
8 0
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Non_State_Actor
Posts: 5095 - Karma: 18,658
Mista_BobI’m a backcountry fan because of their selection, although admittedly I buy more stuff on their Cheap n Steep website, even though the deals haven’t been as good the past couple years. I always get my stuff the next day if I order in the morning (they usually ship from Utah and I’m in Idaho, so that’s super handy). No clue how they could win these lawsuits, though.


Yeah, I'm a pretty big fan of the steepandcheap.com bargain bin/80% off/sort by discount. I've found some pretty good scores there in the past couple years. It does seem like they change the prices all the time though and the deals have not been as good lately.

When was it bought out?
6 years ago
2 0
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dolanslebensraum
Posts: 5959 - Karma: -13,095
Newschoolers should start carrying gear.
Its not hard to rent warehouse space and start your own online shop.
I chase low prices to whatever store sells it the cheapest.
6 years ago
3 16
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TheWeaz
Posts: 803 - Karma: 1,903
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/943065/-Weird-Al--Yankovic---I-ll-Sue-Ya
6 years ago
6 0
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JohnJonsz
Posts: 317 - Karma: 873
Update from ikon, “this just in— looks like we are no longer the second most hated company in skiing! Now in third after vail and backcountry.com”
follow @ikonoftheday on insta. We gonna rip on backcountry all day. Submit jokes and screenshots here or pm me
6 years ago
17 1
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jackj
Posts: 64 - Karma: 687
you can call to express your dissatisfaction at 1-800-409-4502
6 years ago
4 0
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SupremeChairlift
Posts: 312 - Karma: 4,016
freeze pro shop is the answer
6 years ago
10 0
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danbrown
Posts: 11939 - Karma: 21,834
Mista_BobNo clue how they could win these lawsuits, though.

From what I understand, the lawsuits are a product of how trademark laws work in the US. Since Backcountry filed for trademark protection last year, they technically have to “defend” their right to it, otherwise they lose it. Preventing other companies from using that word is essentially defending that right and preserving their trademark. However, they do seem to have gone overboard in some of the companies they’ve targeted, assuming in an effort to be thorough.
6 years ago
5 2
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T.L.
Posts: 4731 - Karma: 3,017
After I placed my last bc order I got a couple confirmation emails about the order and even a shipping notification then they went dark for a few days. Checked my bank and they did an authorization but never took the payment so it never shipped. I had to call them and ask them to take my money so I could get my gear. Gear came late and didn't get to take it on my trip.

That hassle alone has turned me off of backcountry. Only way I'll buy from them in the future is if they have a ridiculously good sale or I absolutely need a specific piece of gear at msrp..
6 years ago
2 0
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.nasty
Posts: 10598 - Karma: 11,396
danbrownFrom what I understand, the lawsuits are a product of how trademark laws work in the US. Since Backcountry filed for trademark protection last year, they technically have to “defend” their right to it, otherwise they lose it. Preventing other companies from using that word is essentially defending that right and preserving their trademark. However, they do seem to have gone overboard in some of the companies they’ve targeted, assuming in an effort to be thorough.


Being thorough and defending your trademark then bullying are two different things. They're bullying, easiest example is the Backcountry Babes group.
6 years ago
12 0
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danbrown
Posts: 11939 - Karma: 21,834
.nastyBeing thorough and defending your trademark then bullying are two different things. They're bullying, easiest example is the Backcountry Babes group.


Agreed
6 years ago
5 0
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sheddd
Posts: 119 - Karma: 511
Letting the Marquette backcountry guy know they had a problem with his trademark via Sherrif @his house https://wintrymix.podbean.com/e/73-david-ollila-marquette-backcountry-gets-served/. sounds very icky too. I think the world would be better with no trademark law.... anyway I hope Backcountry sees some real backlash.
6 years ago
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palikona
Posts: 69 - Karma: 180
F backcountry
6 years ago
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DoubleCorked
Posts: 10 - Karma: -35
skierman bringing politics into a ski site... what a dick move. Is your helmet covered in tin foil? As for fake news, Fox was created for America's deplorables to lap that shit up.

**This post was edited on Nov 2nd 2019 at 10:05:04pm
6 years ago
3 23
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bigcat.
Posts: 92 - Karma: 786
shedddanyway I hope Backcountry sees some real backlash.

I heard (from a friend who knows someone that works at BC corporate) they had 2 of their biggest sales days of 2019 so far during the initial 48 hours of all this news coming out...
6 years ago
1 0
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skierman
Posts: 8600 - Karma: 9,518
bigcat.I heard (from a friend who knows someone that works at BC corporate) they had 2 of their biggest sales days of 2019 so far during the initial 48 hours of all this news coming out...


That way it doesn't affect their biggest sale of the year, which is very important to their bottom line and valuation. Its another sign they know what they're doing is scummy and shameful. Don't be surprised to see some BS public relation stunts from Backcuntry over the next few months to combat their shitty actions as a scumbag corporation.
6 years ago
4 1
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b0ss
Posts: 822 - Karma: 6,373
I called backcoumtry.com and the dyde said there is more to it. Right now we only have one side of the story. I think a boycott is all we can do for now. I wouldnt start throwing eggs and toilet papee quite yet. Its only been 3 days. We need to give them time to respond so we can have a clearer idea of what is going on
6 years ago
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partyandBS
Posts: 5875 - Karma: 91,660
Back before trump was prez he wanted to trademark the phrase "youre fired"

Jettsons were using it first though
6 years ago
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SuspiciousFish
Posts: 2794 - Karma: 16,914
.nastyBeing thorough and defending your trademark then bullying are two different things. They're bullying, easiest example is the Backcountry Babes group.


Exactly this. You dont have to go to war and have the backlash hit you hard. Even Vail took a step back and dropped any claims against the local Park City businesses when they bought the resort. The outdoor community is a group you dont want to piss off, hell there are people who still wont see a WME movie (Including me) after their bullshit.
6 years ago
3 0
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PsychicMigration
Posts: 2099 - Karma: 10,552
TRVP_ANGELHow can anyone expect their thread to be taken seriously when they start off by saying "I was listening to NPR"

**This post was edited on Nov 1st 2019 at 5:40:56pm


Your iq has been dipping steadily lately pull it together.
6 years ago
11 1
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SkiBum.
Posts: 3609 - Karma: 3,980
Their site is easy. Their stuff is cheap. Not changing my mind in anything.


Also, everyone will forget about this in 3 months and still use and buy stuff.
6 years ago
7 11
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9735 - Karma: 65,739
TRVP_ANGELHow can anyone expect their thread to be taken seriously when they start off by saying "I was listening to NPR"

**This post was edited on Nov 1st 2019 at 5:40:56pm


Ohh so you actually are one of those internet guys. I thought it was just memes and stuff
6 years ago
10 0
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Casey
Posts: 8017 - Karma: 26,915
“Backcountry.com files lawsuit against actual Backcountry over naming rights dispute.”

6 years ago
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AGreen97
Posts: 20 - Karma: 61
OregonDeadBut who owns Evo now? Pretty sure they sold out to one of the guys from the Nordstrom family and some other investors years and years ago and I wouldn't be surprised if it has changed hands more times since then. Seems like EVO is all about the bottom line too. It is lame but the truth is I'd probably still buy from either of these retailers if they had the right price as long as the customer service is still pretty ok


evo is still privately owned. They hired a new CEO a few years ago, but that didn't last long and Bryce took over again.
6 years ago
8 1
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Stuuuuuuuuuu
Posts: 380 - Karma: 2,080
the article from op links to the list of everyone they're suing and some of them are pretty ridiculous. It also looks like they're going after anything related to goats. Heres some examples:
Bavariaholds - logo is a goats head, looks nothing like backcountry's logo
heidrun - can't find this company but it's name is a norse mythological goat
Goat tape - has goat in the name
Speake Marin watches - looks like they have a line of watches called 'stoic' which backcountry has trademarked for some reason
Argali - hunting company, name is a mountain sheep from central asia
Exxel outdoors - One of their sleeping bag models is called the 'backcountry bed'
Barstool sports - the term '5th year', really don't understand this one
6 years ago
8 0
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,194
I've bought a few things from them in the past. Won't be doing business with them any longer. Support your local shops!
6 years ago
9 0
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JohnJonsz
Posts: 317 - Karma: 873
SuspiciousFishExactly this. You dont have to go to war and have the backlash hit you hard. Even Vail took a step back and dropped any claims against the local Park City businesses when they bought the resort. The outdoor community is a group you dont want to piss off, hell there are people who still wont see a WME movie (Including me) after their bullshit.


Hey outdoor community,
let’s rank the worst three companies in the ski industry. You think ikon is causing chaos at your home resort? You think this litigious backcunty bs is wack? You think fucking vail has redeeming qualities because they have a hot deal if a pass? They prob do but I hate em they can gfts. My list is fyck you to:
ikon
vail
backcunty
6 years ago
2 2
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GrandThings
Posts: 3300 - Karma: 34,065
JohnJonszHey outdoor community,
let’s rank the worst three companies in the ski industry.
vail
backcunty

Revision*
Vail
Wackcountry
Ikon
6 years ago
6 0
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Sfont87
Posts: 66 - Karma: 154
Shop local. Easy as that.
6 years ago
6 0
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b0ss
Posts: 822 - Karma: 6,373
Backcountry.com started a namesake lifestyle and a
backcountry skiing private label brand. Putting their logos on flylow,
DPS, Smartwool and Black Diamond gear. As reported in the Colorado Sun
article.
https://coloradosun.com/2019/10/31/backcountry-com-sues-anyone-who-uses-its-namesake-is-it-bullying-or-just-business/
This will enable them to have more control over markup on these products.
And were most likely carefully selected to increase profit in the high end market.
Other brands with the word backcountry and/or goat in their name do not
affect the backcountry brand negatively and only a few have any
similarities. Backcountry feels the need to protect its originality. Brands called backcountry
[something something] could not have seen that they would be in the
way. This is merely bad luck for them.


http://ttabvue.uspto.gov/ttabvue/v?pnam=Backcountry.com,%20LLC%20%20&page=1


The situation is far more complex than people right now are wanting to
believe on reddit and hundreds are already saying they will be
boycotting.
Colorado Sun and Kuer radio articles
on the matter were very helpful but they are not enough alone to make us
experts in trademark law. The community thinks the matter is black and
white no matter how complex, there is a lot of truth to that. And
Backcountry.com made the mistake of messing with the outdoor industry
while is it completely mobilised and united to fight other members of
the legal coersion community.


FLYLOW,
the outerwear company supplying Backcountry.com with
jackets and pants said they will no longer be collaborating with
Backcountry.com calling the lawsuits a dumb move. This means
little since Flylow is a supplier of Backcountry and not a
collaborater. Its a welcomed decision nonetheless. Although merely a PR
move, it communicates that Flylow doesn't agree with the decisions
involving the lawsuits. I do not know if this comment has been made public
so here it is.
6 years ago
6 0
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