Backpack ads.....why are they always wrong?

[kayak karl]

So what's the point of an ad like that if it's not realistic?

the ad is to get your attention and apparently it got yours

[Different Socks]

the ad is to get your attention and apparently it got yours

Yeah, but Karl, getting the possible buyer's attention and actually being influenced enough by the ad to actually purchase something is 2 different things.

[kayak karl]

Yeah, but Karl, getting the possible buyer's attention and actually being influenced enough by the ad to actually purchase something is 2 different things.

a picture could get you to buy something? i go right to the Spec's

[MuddyWaters]

Why does it seem like in every ad I see in outdoor mags or even on this website and other hiking website ads, when they show a person with their pack it appears to be jammed full with their gear/food/clothing and yet they are wearing so much of their clothing, sometimes even gloves, hats, gaiters, etc?

like this:



Truth is stranger than fiction

[fiddlehead]

The way it was explained to me by a Patagonia exec once, people want to look cool, and impress their friends.
Most people who buy backpacks won't use them more than 2 or 3 times.
They want to have the french press for their coffee (hopefully in one of the side pockets so they can show it off quickly), the camp chair, latest and most impressive looking tent, stove, sleeping pad, etc.
They don't care if it weighs 45 lbs, they aren't going far anyway. (maybe only from their truck to the tent 30 feet away)

And these companies sell a lot more packs too people like those above, then they do to thru-hikers.
Thru-hikers are a different breed, with different priorities, and their packs are only impressive to their peers. (which are few)

[leaftye]

The more gear you have, the more hardcore you are.

[Undershaft]

In my experience advertising(of any kind) seldom reflects reality.

[Deacon]

They are created by ad people and show models with everything looking perfect. There is never a spot of dirt, either. The goal is to show an appealing fantasy. That is what sells the goods.

Makes me think of the final scene in "The Sound of Music" when the entire family is crossing the mountains out of Austria into Switzerland looking fresh as a daisy on a clear cool sunny day.

[Toolshed]

DS - Why do you think they are targetnig you in their ads? You are already a captive audience... Now it's time to go after the 98% that have limited experience but more disposable income.

[pipsissewa]

There's more money in selling down jackets and Gortex gaiters than there is in selling T-shirts and shorts! Not cynical; just economics!

[Mags]

[RCBear]

Have you ever had a burger that looks like the one in the picture behind the register?

[TEXMAN]

Sell the sizzle, not the steak

A national chain restaurant uses sizzel/smoke granuals to put on the hot plate just before the waitress brings it to the table ..... customers think the steak is sizzling but it isn't
BUT the show is great

[flemdawg1]

Love the Segways.

And BTW yall, my french press only weighs 7oz, and makes a helluva better cup than anything instant.