Is Backcountry Legit? Here’s What You Need To Know
Backcountry, a renowned online retailer for outdoor clothing and gear, offers a wide range of products including winter jackets, activewear, and ski boots, ensuring that you are fully prepared for your next adventure.
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However, the question of whether Backcountry is legitimate may arise due to its humble origins as a venture started by two individuals in a garage over 20 years ago. It is not uncommon for companies experiencing rapid growth to face doubts regarding their credibility, leaving customers uncertain.
To address these concerns, we will delve into customer feedback and thoroughly assess the advantages and disadvantages of Backcountry. Furthermore, we will provide answers to frequently asked questions about this outdoor retailer. So, continue reading to gain valuable insights!
Is Backcountry Legit? Company Overview
Established in 1996 by two individuals with a deep love for the great outdoors, Backcountry embarked on its journey. Armed with a collection of avalanche beacons, they commenced selling outdoor equipment from their humble garage. Their objective was not only to provide the finest outdoor gear available in the industry, but also to excel at it.
Their efforts bore fruit as Backcountry swiftly rose to prominence, becoming a key player in the outdoor gear market. In fact, they stood alongside the leader, REI, as one of the few profitable companies in this sector.
As Backcountry continued to flourish, it expanded its product range to cater to the diverse needs of its customers. Whether it be winter gear, top-notch camping equipment, skiing essentials, biking accessories, hiking gear, or any other outdoor gear, shoppers can find an extensive selection on Backcountry's platform.
What was once a humble company that focused on outdoor gear changed in 2007 when Liberty Media Corporation acquired it. Liberty Media Corporation also controls e-commerce giant QVC and other retail e-commerce platforms.
As you can see, Backcountry is a legit company and is still a big retailer in the outdoor gear industry. To get a better idea of what you can find at Backcountry, let’s take a look at their product lineup.
Is Backcountry Gear Legit?
Considering the extensive selection of gear and the reputable brands they collaborate with, it is evident that Backcountry is a trustworthy retailer. It is highly improbable that renowned companies such as Patagonia and The North Face would associate themselves with a fraudulent website that deceives its customers.
Upon examining Backcountry's own line of products, it becomes apparent that they produce high-quality items that are endorsed by outdoor enthusiasts. For instance, their winter gear is crafted using GORE-TEX, an exceptionally breathable and waterproof fabric that ensures optimal performance even in the harshest conditions.
Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that Backcountry, like any other business, has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's delve into these aspects below.
Pros of Backcountry
Here are the pros of shopping with Backcountry.
HUGE SELECTION OF OUTDOOR GEAR & CLOTHING
When you visit the Backcountry website, you'll be greeted with an extensive range of outdoor gear and clothing. Whether you're shopping for yourself or your family, you'll find apparel options for men, women, kids, toddlers, and infants.
In terms of clothing, you'll have a wide variety to choose from, including shirts, pants, jackets, sweatshirts, and more. These options are available from both the Backcountry brand and other renowned brands. Additionally, you'll discover an extensive selection of footwear, ranging from hiking and running shoes to slippers and sandals.
The outdoor gear collection is equally impressive, catering to various needs. You can either explore winter gear specifically or navigate through specific categories such as skiing, surfing, hiking, or climbing.
REPUTABLE BRANDS ALL IN ONE PLACE
Shopping online can become tiring when you have to navigate through multiple websites to find the items you desire. However, Backcountry offers a solution by providing a single platform where you can not only explore their extensive inventory but also compare it with other renowned brands.
For instance, if you are uncertain about a rain jacket manufactured by Backcountry, you can easily browse alternatives from Patagonia or The North Face. This feature greatly enhances the convenience of shopping on Backcountry.
FREE SHIPPING OFFERS
Backcountry excels in delivering your product promptly. With standard shipping, you can expect to receive it within 4-6 business days, while economy shipping may take 5-10 business days.
Moreover, Backcountry frequently provides free shipping for orders exceeding $50.
FREQUENT DISCOUNTS
How frequently do you come across such significant discounts on top-notch outdoor clothing and gear? Backcountry is an excellent destination for savvy shoppers seeking deals that are unavailable at their nearby outdoor stores.
Furthermore, Backcountry provides special discounts specifically for college and graduate students. Students are eligible for an exclusive 20% discount on full-priced Backcountry, Stoic, and Basin + Range gear and apparel.
To ensure you don't miss out on these incredible deals, it is highly recommended to subscribe to their mailing list and follow their social media accounts. By doing so, you will be among the first to be notified about flash sales and receive exclusive discount codes.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Despite receiving low consumer ratings on TrustPilot (1.8/5 stars) and SiteJabber (2.1/5 stars), it is important to take the complaints about Backcountry with a grain of salt. Upon closer examination of the negative reviews, many of them pertain to products not fitting correctly or not matching the advertised description.
However, it is not necessarily Backcountry's fault. The company often responds to these reviews and makes efforts to resolve the issues raised.
Furthermore, some complaints are related to delayed or undelivered shipments. Yet, it remains unclear whether these issues are solely Backcountry's responsibility or not.
If you encounter any problems, we highly recommend reaching out to Backcountry directly through their customer service number to ensure the best possible assistance.
Cons of Backcountry
Now let’s take a look at the cons of Backcountry.
CHARGES FOR RETURNS
In the event that you wish to initiate a return for an order, a return shipping label will be provided to you at a fee of $6.99. Generally, this charge will be subtracted from the refund or store credit amount.
Occasionally, returning customers may be exempted from paying this fee.
STORE CREDITS EXPIRE
If you have utilized the product you wish to return in any manner, there is a high likelihood that you will receive a refund in the form of store credit. Nevertheless, it is important to note that your store credit will have a one-year expiration period. This policy can be quite vexing as you may not have an immediate need to utilize the store credit.
Additional store credits that were provided as part of a promotion or for any other reason will expire within 90 days. However, the expiration period is not clearly communicated at the time the credits are issued. This is an aspect that customers have expressed their dissatisfaction with.
Is Backcountry a Good Business?
When examining Backcountry's overall review rating, it is difficult not to question their credibility as a business. Undoubtedly, they offer a diverse range of outdoor apparel and gear that caters to the needs and desires of the outdoor community.
Nevertheless, some consumers hold negative opinions of Backcountry due to their legal actions against small companies incorporating the term "Backcountry" in their names. While safeguarding their trademark is understandable, targeting smaller businesses has caused significant discontent among many individuals.
Backcountry's actions sparked a wave of outrage on social media. In an attempt to address the situation, Backcountry issued an apology and decided to withdraw one of the lawsuits.
Is Backcountry Legit? Final Verdict
Despite the significant growth of Backcountry from its humble beginnings, they remain committed to their customers. They continue to excel in offering top-notch outdoor gear and apparel, making them one of the leading providers in the industry. Moreover, they also provide excellent deals on renowned brands.
Backcountry's extensive inventory selection and prompt shipping services are undeniably attractive. Whether you are planning a camping trip in Maui or a cabin getaway in Broken Bow, Oklahoma, you can rely on Backcountry to fulfill your requirements and have your items delivered on time.
While there are areas that could be enhanced, such as revising the store credit expiration policy and eliminating return shipping charges, Backcountry remains a trustworthy option for all your outdoor needs. They have established themselves as a legitimate business that you can depend on.
