Even if it were true that no overlap could have occurred between the cohorts and the pricing/existence of the AB product has no externalities upon the PD product, it's not "fine." It’s a total ripoff by a company that's supposed to be their partner.
But Amazon is not their partner.
They are a reseller and like resellers have done since the beginning of time they will take the opportunity to cut you out if your product is successful and it's profitable for them to do so.
Amazon is one of Peak
Design's biggest partners.
Amazonbasics is just the generic version of much of the overpriced junk they sell. The only people being ripped off are the ones buying the name brand versions.
Amazon is certainly allowed to make their own bags that fulfill the same function as PD's bags. What they're not allowed to do is to copy a design without permission.
You're not wrong that there are some segments of customers who would never buy Peak Design because of the price, and catering to them isn't a bad thing, but Amazon should have commissioned Peak Design for the design instead of just stealing it.
This is a direct attempt by Amazon Basics to steal the market from PD with a design stolen from PD. I’m not sure that’s any kind of version of okay in any industry.
I've heard this was once true of Sears.
A lot of their gear comes with a really good warranty too, so it's worth checking if you have one for your messenger.
Thousands will buy the Basics version and never hear of PD in their lives though and that’s fine. They were never going to be PD customers.
For many people that might be alright, too. They might not care to have a better sling. It might mean nothing at all to them. Like... People who can’t tell the difference between Miracle Whip and fresh mayonnaise.
I have their 30L everyday backpack and some pouches (tech and wash) and they really are spectacular. If I lost any of them I’d be ordering replacements the same day. The attention to details and overall quality make their gear literally “buy it for life” category products. I hope I’m right and that this kind of shit Amazon Basics pulls doesn’t hurt PD’s bottom line.