Brands and Self-Image

[G-spotter]

http://arstechnica.com/science/news/2011/08/users-treat-criticism-of-favorite-brands-as-threat-to-self-image.ars

 

Although this article is written about tech brands I see obvious parallels with climbing brands and gear junkies.

[Julian]

I don't see it anywhere near as much in the climbing/outdoor industry as compared to the high tech industry (where many are borderline religious in their devotion). Besides people who are sponsored, I find most climbers are not slaves to one particular brand, but rather are willing to use whatever impresses them, or even just whatever happens to be on sale.

 

The only place I see much resembling what's described in that article is from devotees of Patagonia, whose entire kits are not only Patagonia gear, but moreover (and this is the big one) use Patagonia's brand words (like Capilene) as if they are the generic name for that sort of product (roughly equivalently to people who call all mp3 players "iPods").

[sdizzle25]

its human nature mate. the most intense brand loyalty or connection i have ever experienced is loggers/fire fighters/forest workers and their boots . i honestly think its a completely natural side effect of placing some degree of your well being into a piece of merchandize mass produced by a brand you have no direct connection to, as i have no idea who made my westco's/scarpas/c4's, but i literally trust them with my life

[olyclimber]

I own a Stihl. Thats a man's chainsaw.

[sdizzle25]

i do hate trying to cut hotline with a dainty chainsaw. stihls are good shit, though i like a nice husqvarna. they match my phantom guides

[olyclimber]

Get yourself a Dolmar big bore.

[bearbreeder]

mutters ... dead bird

[Hugh Conway]

I don't see it anywhere near as much in the climbing/outdoor industry as compared to the high tech industry (where many are borderline religious in their devotion). Besides people who are sponsored, I find most climbers are not slaves to one particular brand, but rather are willing to use whatever impresses them, or even just whatever happens to be on sale.

 

This sounds like the usual artificial "real climber" vs "Rei shopper" distinction that "real climbers" babble about on bulletainboards to feel better about themselves. Climbing (whatever climbing is these days - do the lulemon tight bodies at the rock gym count?) isn't as bad as snowboarding or skiing, but plenty of irrational brand loyalty or hatred (cue some BD venom) i'm not sure where the patagonia comment comes from these days. all the cool kids have moved on to Norrona or something cooler.

[wfinley]

...but moreover (and this is the big one) use Patagonia's brand words (like Capilene) as if they are the generic name for that sort of product (roughly equivalently to people who call all mp3 players "iPods").

Genericized trademarks are pretty common throughout commerical culture. You can't necessarily equate genericized trademarks with brand preference. For example - what do you call a phillip's screwdriver?

[Figger_Eight]

not to mention Rollerblades and Kleenex.

 

Biggest brand fanboys I've ever seen are the car and motorcycle guys though.

Edited August 21, 2011 by Figger_Eight