Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Outdoor Unfiltered
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 20 Marketing Mistakes & How to Spark Outdoor Innovation | 26 Oct 2026 | 00:55:07 | |
Today on Outdoor Unfiltered, host Eoin Comerford (former CEO, advisor to outdoor brands, and founder of Outsize Consulting) breaks down the top 20 sales and marketing mistakes he sees emerging outdoor brands make. Then, trend forecaster and brand strategist Jeanine Pesce of Range joins the show to unpack the state of innovation in the outdoor industry. Plus a look back at Jeanine's landmark "The Modern Outdoors Woman" presentation at Outdoor Retailer and the shift from gender to DEI in the industry. SHOW NOTES 1:54 -- Eoin Comerford introduces the top 20 sales and marketing mistakes for emerging outdoor brands, drawing on his work at Outsize Consulting with over 20 brands since leaving Moosejaw. 25:13 -- Interview begins with Jeanine Pesce, trend forecaster and brand strategist, on her 20-year career, Range agency, Range Magazine, and work with Outdoor Retailer's Venture Out section. 26:52 -- Whether the outdoor industry is truly in a "sea of sameness" or if smaller brands are quietly out-innovating the big players. 35:53 -- How Benchmark pivoted from sandals to clogs using the same DNA and why it became an identity piece for the outdoor consumer. 37:50 -- The role of collaborations in outdoor, from early Supreme x The North Face to today's oversaturated landscape and the need for internal criteria. 40:00 -- The analog comeback: why print, running, foraging, and slow movement through the woods are reshaping product and storytelling. 45:28 -- Whether the outdoor industry's 18-to-24-month development cycle can or should compete with fast fashion's two-month turnaround. 47:44 -- The push toward circularity and deproduction. CONNECT WITH US We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind.
OUR SPONSORS ISPO -- Unites the sporting and outdoor goods industry, inspiring global movement, protecting the places we play and providing a single, streamlined platform for the brands, athletes, buyers and innovators who shape the future of sport. www.ispo.com Crux Retail -- Creating bold retail displays for bold outdoor-active brands. www.crux-retail.com/outdoor Aarn Packs -- Aarn Packs give you a more comfortable backpacking experience by using Balance Pockets that help you spread your pack weight around your center of gravity and allow you to keep your posture natural. https://www.aarnpacks.com/ Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| Has Drinkware Peaked? The Arc'teryx Climbing Store Debate & What AI Actually Means for Outdoor Brands | 19 Oct 2026 | 01:07:54 | |
In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, Eoin Comerford asks whether the drinkware category has officially peaked, examining the latest earnings data from Hydro Flask parent Helen of Troy, Yeti, Newell Brands' Contigo and Bubba, Stanley, and Owala, benchmarked against Circana retail data. Then he responds to the LinkedIn backlash over his take on the Arc'teryx climbing store on Abbot Kinney in Venice, CA. Finally, Jordan Williams, principal of Loop Trails and former executive at REI, Vail Resorts, and Smartwool, joins to separate AI hype from reality for outdoor brands and retailers of all sizes -- covering real-world use cases, the limits of ChatGPT and Claude, agentic commerce, Meta's Muse, the 20/60/20 rule, and concrete first steps for small retailers with no IT staff. Show Notes 1:54 -- Has the drinkware category peaked? 8:32 -- Responding to the Arc'teryx backlash. 15:04 -- Jordan Williams of Loop Trails on AI for outdoor brands: his career at Red Bull, REI, Vail Resorts, and Smartwool, why AI rewards companies with strong fundamentals, and why it will punish those without them. 19:20 -- Real-world AI use cases: an automated email classification tool for a truck-camper brand that replaced a $50K HubSpot enterprise license, and a creative workflow automation for a small accessories brand connecting Google Sheets, Slack, Shopify, and Meta. 25:14 -- AI limitations and the 20/60/20 rule: why LLMs produce a "sea of sameness," the importance of keeping humans in the loop, and how AI is simultaneously brilliant and dumb as a rock. 33:40 -- Founder pitfalls with AI: over-reliance on AI for deal structuring and conversion analysis, the patent application problem, Shopify CEO on "slop grenades," and Charlie Munger's incentive rule. 51:00 -- Agentic commerce: why it may be a product-market fit problem for the outdoor industry, Meta's Muse vs. Apple's Siri vs. ChatGPT, and the AEO/GEO imperative for brands. 59:46 -- Practical AI steps for small retailers. 66:44 -- Contact info, guest details, and wrap. Connect With Us We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind. Eoin Comerford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/ Email: outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com Jordan Williams (Guest) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jordancwilliams Website: looptrails.ai Email: jordan@looptrails.ai Our Sponsors ISPO -- Unites the sporting and outdoor goods industry - inspiring global movement, protecting the places we play and providing a single, streamlined platform for the brands, athletes, buyers and innovators who shape the future of sport. www.ispo.com Crux Retail -- Creating bold retail displays for bold outdoor-active brands. www.crux-retail.com/outdoor Aarn Packs -- Aarn Packs give you a more comfortable backpacking experience by using Balance Pockets that help you spread your pack weight around your center of gravity and allow you to keep your posture natural. https://www.aarnpacks.com/ Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rockfight LLC. | |||
| El Nino's Threat to Outdoor Retail, Arc'teryx's Climbing Store Myth & the End of Coalition Snow | 12 Oct 2026 | 00:56:55 | |
Today on Outdoor Unfiltered, Eoin Comerford breaks down how a historic super El Nino could devastate cold-weather apparel and outerwear sales this fall and winter, drawing on lessons from the 2015-2016 season that battered retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods, Paragon Sports, and EMS. He shares hard-earned advice from his Moosejaw days on how retailers in the Northeast and Midwest should prepare for what NOAA and Weather Trends data predict could be the strongest El Nino on record. Then, Eoin calls BS on Arc'teryx's new climbing-dedicated retail concept in Venice, California, questioning whether the comically thin product assortment is really about climbers or just another way to sell $600 shells. Later, Jen Gurecki, founder of Coalition Snow, joins for a candid conversation about her decision to shut down the trailblazing women's ski brand after 12 years, how a cancer diagnosis forced clarity, the brutal economics of seasonal hard goods manufacturing, the outdoor industry's retreat from DEI commitments, and her new venture Far Out. Time Stamps 0:00 -- ISPO Amsterdam Preview Eoin runs through what to expect at ISPO November 3-6 in Amsterdam, from the Peak Reality climbing wall and The Loop sustainability section to the Snowfest Village, Waterlab testing pond, padel court, and running expo with brands across outdoor, snow, water, fitness, and running. 1:50 -- Super El Nino and the Threat to Outdoor Retail A deep dive into how historically high Pacific water temperatures and a forecasted record-strength El Nino could crush cold-weather apparel demand, with data from NOAA, Weather Trends, and the 2015-2016 playbook that hit Dick's Sporting Goods, EMS, Paragon Sports, and brands like Patagonia, Arc'teryx, and Canada Goose. 11:45 -- Calling BS on Arc'teryx's Venice Climbing Store Eoin questions whether Arc'teryx's new climbing-dedicated retail concept in Venice, California, with its Grasshopper climbing wall and comically thin carabiner assortment, is really about climbers or just another way to sell expensive shells, despite the brand's legitimate climbing heritage dating back to 1989 as Rock Solid in Vancouver. 15:07 -- Jen Gurecki on Closing Coalition Snow Coalition Snow founder Jen Gurecki on her decision to shut down the women's ski and snowboard brand after 12 years, how a cancer diagnosis brought clarity, and the weight of being a female founder representing an entire community. 18:00 -- The Unique Burden on Female Founders Jen and Eoin discuss the heavier responsibility women founders feel toward their investors, communities, and the broader representation of women in a male-dominated outdoor industry. 20:46 -- Is It Actually Tougher to Build a Brand Now? A conversation about how COVID fallout, tariffs, the AI-driven attention economy, and the Meta and Google tax have made it harder than ever for small, undercapitalized brands, particularly women-owned businesses, to survive. 25:16 -- Why Seasonal Hard Goods Are the Worst Business You Could Start Jen breaks down the brutal economics of manufacturing skis and snowboards once a year, the cash flow gap between paying your manufacturer in February and getting paid by retailers 60 to 90 days after delivery, and why model-year stamping makes it all worse. 29:00 -- Advice for the Next Women's Ski Brand Founder Jen recalls her conversation with Anna Daly, who is starting her own women's ski brand, and the pointed observation that Anna admired Coalition but never actually bought a pair of their skis. 32:43 -- The Real Size of Coalition Snow Jen reveals Coalition was always a tiny business, never more than three full-time employees, never broke a million dollars in annual sales, and why she chose grassroots guerrilla marketing over paid Meta and Google advertising. 35:39 -- Sexism in the Ski Industry Jen shares specific stories from SIA trade shows, including a male rep getting aggressive about her product, buyers flexing her skis between their legs and refusing to believe she was the owner, and a shop that tried to avoid paying her until she walked in and took her product off the wall. 39:21 -- Being a Political Brand and Whether It Helped or Hurt Jen on running Coalition Snow as an unapologetically feminist and provocative brand, whether it cost sales, and why she believes not rocking the boat just upholds the status quo. 42:34 -- The Industry's Retreat from DEI Eoin and Jen on how brands quietly backed away from diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments after 2020, whether it was hypocrisy or pragmatism, and the missed business opportunity for someone to step up and differentiate. 48:14 -- Far Out: What Comes Next Jen introduces her new venture Far Out, co-founded with creative director Andrea Slusarski, focused on the intersection of creativity and the outdoors, featuring original artwork, group adventures to Kenya and Japan, and small-batch handmade goods, all created without AI. 52:43 -- Did She Succeed in Shredding the Patriarchy? Jen reflects on whether 12 years of Coalition Snow was a success, how she defines it beyond the P&L, and the impact of making people feel seen and heard in an industry that often failed them. 55:22 -- Redefining Radical on Substack Jen points listeners to her Substack, Redefining Radical, where she does her deepest writing and thinking, as a better way to get inside her brain than Instagram. Connect With Us We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind. DM Eoin Comerford on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/ or email outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com. Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rockfight LLC. Our Sponsors ISPO -- Unites the sporting and outdoor goods industry, inspiring global movement, protecting the places we play and providing a single, streamlined platform for the brands, athletes, buyers and innovators who shape the future of sport. Register at www.ispo.com Crux Retail -- Creating bold retail displays for bold outdoor-active brands. www.crux-retail.com/outdoor Aarn Packs -- Aarn Packs give you a more comfortable backpacking experience by using Balance Pockets that help you spread your pack weight around your center of gravity and allow you to keep your posture natural. https://www.aarnpacks.com/ | |||
| Outdoor Media Summit: What Worked, What Didn't, and Why It Matters | 05 Oct 2026 | 00:40:57 | |
Recorded live from the Outdoor Media Summit in Asheville, North Carolina, Eoin Comerford is joined by Colin True and Shawnté Salabert to break down everything that happened at OMS. From an unexpected black bear sighting and zip-liners passing by at the Crowne Plaza Resort to deep dives into the brand speed dating format, the trio covers what makes OMS different from other outdoor industry get togethers. They discuss notable brands including HEST, Zenbivy, Bedrock's new mountain shoes, Packfire, Airstream, Nemo, Eno, Grand Trunk, Hollow Socks, Patagonia, Teva, Smartwool, Altra, Nomadix, HydroFlask, Grivel, and Yeti. Eoin recounts his bushcraft excursion with Victorinox that turned into an Army Ranger-style survival challenge, Shawnte shares her fly fishing experience with Mayfly Outdoors and Mountain Fly Anglers, and the team digs into the hunt-fish segment's growing relevance with Hollow Socks. The conversation also covers keynotes from Matt Tucker of Circana and Earl Hunter of The Unity Folks, the value of brand excursions, category expansion trends in the outdoor industry, and why the next OMS heading to South Dakota might be worth your calendar. Show Notes [0:00] Intro and Aarn Packs sponsorship [2:13] Welcome from OMS Asheville, featuring a live bear sighting and zip-liners at the Crowne Plaza Resort [4:51] What the Outdoor Media Summit is, who attends, and how it has evolved over ten years [6:42] The OMS business model: how destinations, brands, and media folks fund the event [8:00] Day Zero at AutoCamp with activations from Victorinox, Packfire, Gozney, and Airstream [9:46] Day One brand speed dating with 30-plus brands and the 12-minute rotation format [11:41] How OMS compares to the Outdoor Market Alliance media event in Denver [15:30] Notable brands from the speed dating floor: HEST, Zenbivy, and the camp chair obsession [16:57] Bedrock's new mountain shoes: bold design move or risky bet beyond the Cairn 3D Pro [19:23] Category expansion and the chair trend: Eno, Grand Trunk, Nemo, Nomadix, and the Circana data behind it [22:30] The hunt-fish segment and how Hollow Socks built a dedicated hunt sock from consumer feedback [24:12] Excursions overview: fly fishing with Mayfly Outdoors, bushcraft with Victorinox, cold plunge with Nomadix and HydroPak, a run with Smartwool and Altra, and a hike sponsored by Teva [25:02] Eoin's bushcraft survival challenge with Victorinox: Army Rangers, cargo netting, tug-of-war, and a fire-starting finish [32:51] Sessions, panels, and the format debate: what works, what does not, and how OMS could improve [35:50] Keynotes from Matt Tucker of Circana and Earl Hunter of Unity on diversity in the outdoors [37:18] Closing thoughts: will we be back, the value of the hang, and next year's OMS in South Dakota [39:57] Asheville love, Sierra Nevada Brewing, and why this location was a standout [40:17] Outro, follow request, and contact info Our Sponsors ISPO -- Unites the sporting and outdoor goods industry - inspiring global movement, protecting the places we play and providing a single, streamlined platform for the brands, athletes, buyers and innovators who shape the future of sport. ISPO Amsterdam relaunches November 3-5. www.ispo.com Crux Retail -- Creating bold retail displays for bold outdoor-active brands. www.crux-retail.com/outdoor Aarn Packs -- Aarn Packs give you a more comfortable backpacking experience by using Balance Pockets that help you spread your pack weight around your center of gravity and allow you to keep your posture natural. https://www.aarnpacks.com/ Connect With Us We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind.
Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rockvite LLC. | |||
| Backcountry's Latest Acquisition & Retail's AI Future with Anne Mezzenga | 28 Sep 2026 | 00:55:44 | |
This week on Outdoor Unfiltered, Eoin Comerford breaks down Backcountry's acquisition of Velofix and what it means for online bike sales, mobile bike service, and parent company CSC Generation's value-driven playbook. Then, it's a footwear industry roundup covering the haves and have-nots: On's plan to hit $7 billion by 2029 with category expansions into football, golf, and premium sportswear; Salomon's target of $5 billion within five years and plans to quadruple North American brand stores; Under Armour's new hybrid store concept; JD Sports' 20% profit decline amid North American softness; and Academy Sports adding Hoka alongside Nike and Jordan. In the Unfiltered Upside, a look at GearTrade's explosive 47% year-to-date growth in the used gear market under Aaron Provine. Eoin is then joined by Anne Mezzenga, retail technology expert, former OmniTalk Retail co-host, and founder of Retail Field Report, to discuss her store "staging" series working retail shifts through the Reflex gig work app, the real and unsexy applications of AI in retail, like AI agents negotiating wholesale prices, the rise of agentic commerce, and practical AI advice for independent outdoor specialty retailers. SHOW NOTES [0:00] Welcome to Outdoor Unfiltered -- Eoin Comerford previews Backcountry's Velofix acquisition, a footwear industry roundup, and a deep dive into retail tech and AI with Anne Mezzenga. [0:39] Backcountry acquires Velofix -- what the deal means for online bike sales, mobile bike service, CSC Generation's playbook, and how it follows Backcountry's earlier Beeline Bikes investment. [4:35] Sponsor: Crux Retail -- bold retail displays for bold outdoor-active brands, featuring work with Wahoo. [5:30] Footwear roundup: On targets $7 billion by 2029 -- category expansion into football with Mbappe, golf, and premium sportswear as the running brand leans into "premiumization." [8:19] Salomon plans to reach $5 billion within five years -- quadrupling North American brand stores from 8 to 40 and what that means for independent specialty retail. [10:15] Under Armour launches hybrid store concept -- premium storytelling in the front, broader price points in the back, or as Eoin puts it, brand business in the front, clearance party in the back. [11:28] JD Sports reports 20% profit decline -- margin pressures, 2.8% same-store sales drop, and US as the worst-performing region across Hibbett, DTLR, and Finish Line. [13:05] Academy Sports adds Hoka -- following expanded Nike and Jordan assortments, and what it signals about distribution strategy for both Hoka and Nike. [14:05] Sponsor: Aarn Packs -- balance pockets, the U-Flow harness, and the science behind a more comfortable backpacking experience. [15:40] Unfiltered Upside: GearTrade -- 47% year-to-date growth in the used gear market, doubling in two years, and why every specialty retailer should consider a used gear section. [17:48] Sponsor: ISPO Amsterdam -- relaunching November 3-5 under new owner Raccoon Media Group with brands including Rab, DB, Hestra, and Fabletics. [18:52] Guest: Anne Mezzenga -- from OmniTalk Retail to Moosejaw memories to her new venture Retail Field Report, and the retail execs who shaped her thinking including Mary Beth Lawton at REI and John Furner at Walmart. [24:33] Launching Retail Field Report -- why Anne left podcasting to get back inside stores and understand AI adoption from the frontline. [26:16] Inside the store staging series -- working retail shifts through the Reflex gig work app across the country, from luxury brands like Ralph Lauren and Farm Rio to everyday retail. [30:17] Could gig work work for outdoor specialty retail -- how flex employees can support peak traffic, greet customers, and complement expert staff during busy seasons. [36:30] AI in retail: the unsexy applications that matter -- consolidating feedback for store manager meetings, personalization with Genesis X, and AI agents negotiating wholesale prices between manufacturers and retailers. [43:34] The concern with AI -- backward-looking data, the sea of sameness in retail assortments, and why AI can't sleep in a sleeping bag on a mountain. [46:41] Agentic commerce -- when AI does your shopping for you, from grocery list optimization today to full autonomous purchasing tomorrow. [49:53] Practical AI advice for independent outdoor retailers [54:11] Wrap-up -- where to find Anne Mezzenga at retailfieldreport.com, how to follow and review the pod, and how to reach out. CONNECT WITH US We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind.
OUR SPONSORS ISPO -- Unites the sporting and outdoor goods industry, inspiring global movement, protecting the places we play and providing a single, streamlined platform for the brands, athletes, buyers and innovators who shape the future of sport. www.ispo.com Crux Retail -- Creating bold retail displays for bold outdoor-active brands. www.crux-retail.com/outdoor Aarn Packs -- Aarn Packs give you a more comfortable backpacking experience by using Balance Pockets that help you spread your pack weight around your center of gravity and allow you to keep your posture natural. https://www.aarnpacks.com/ | |||
| The Importance of Emerging Brands, Yeti's 2030 Plan, and the Future of Watersports | 21 Sep 2026 | 00:44:38 | |
Today on the show Eoin Comerford breaks down why new brand discovery is the lifeblood of specialty retail, drawing on examples like Hoka, CamelBak, Jetboil, and Gnara's GoFly zipper to illustrate how emerging brands drive innovation in the outdoor industry. He answers a listener question from Kelly Strong, head buyer at Clearwater Outdoor in southeast Wisconsin, about how to manage open-to-buy allocation for new brands without spreading too thin. Then he digs into Yeti's investor day presentation and their plan to add one billion in revenue by 2030, covering international expansion into EMEA, the bags and soft coolers platform, cookware moves into Le Creuset territory, and the wildcard of technical performance apparel. Finally, Eoin sits down with Jimmy Blakeney, President of the Watersports Division at Solo Brands, to discuss the state of paddlesports, the OIA participation report showing 34 million Americans on the water, commoditization pressure from Amazon, Q2 growth of 59%, the Tommy Bahama partnership at Costco, and pricing discipline and MAP policy. They discuss the Solo Brands D2C thesis and what went wrong, combining Isle and Oru Kayak under one division, product innovation, and what a successful paddlesports company looks like in five years. Show Notes 0:00 -- Intro and overview of the episode covering specialty retail, Yeti's growth plan, and guest Jimmy Blakeney. 0:27 -- Why new brand discovery is the lifeblood of specialty retail, with examples from Hoka, CamelBak, Jetboil, and Narrows GoFly zipper. 8:25 -- Listener question from Kelly Strong at Clearwater Outdoor about allocating open-to-buy to emerging brands without going too wide and thin. 10:53 -- Sponsored break: Crux Retail on building bold displays for outdoor brands, including their work with Yakima at REI. 11:49 -- Yeti's billion-dollar math: international expansion into EMEA, bags and soft coolers as the next billion-dollar platform, drinkware competition with Stanley and Owala, cookware moves toward Le Creuset territory, and the wildcard of technical performance apparel. 16:55 -- Sponsored break: ISPO relaunches in Amsterdam November 3-5 with brands like Rab, DB, Hestra, and Fabletics. 18:00 -- Jimmy Blakeney, President of Waterports at Solo Brands, joins to discuss Isle and Oru Kayak. 18:43 -- The state of paddlesports: OIA reports 34 million Americans participated in 2025, up 10 million since 2019, but recreational kayak unit sales were down 13% in Q2. 20:32 -- Commoditization pressure from Amazon, the patented Isle Link System, and how Isle differentiates at the $600-plus price point. 21:31 -- Q2 growth of 59%, the Tommy Bahama licensed partnership at Costco, and channel strategy to protect the Isle premium brand. 23:17 -- Pricing discipline, MAP policy, moving away from promotions, and rebuilding trust with specialty retail partners. 24:39 -- The original Solo Brands D2C thesis, the DTC ticker, what went wrong with shared infrastructure across Solo Stove, Chubbies, Isle, and Oru Kayak. 26:40 -- Combining Isle and Oru Kayak under a single water sports division and the synergies between the two brands. 28:02 -- Converting casual paddlers to enthusiasts: the OIA report shows 85% of paddlers only go out four to five times a year. 30:11 -- Why standup paddleboarding continues to be the fastest-growing segment and why it skews more female than other outdoor activities. 33:37 -- Product innovation under Jimmy Blakeney: the Flywater micro skiff kayak, GearJunkie's Best of Show at ICAST, the Isle Link System ecosystem, Infinity Fiber technology and the Popular Science Innovation of the Year win, and Oru Kayak's Red Dot design award and plans for 2027. 38:03 -- Specialty retail partnerships, the reset on MAP policy, in-season reorder growth, and double-digit pre-book growth for next year. 41:35 -- What a successful paddlesports company looks like in five years and why margin and profitability must come first. Connect With Us We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind.
Our Sponsors ISPO -- Unites the sporting and outdoor goods industry, inspiring global movement, protecting the places we play and providing a single, streamlined platform for the brands, athletes, buyers and innovators who shape the future of sport. ISPO relaunches in Amsterdam November 3-5, 2025. www.ispo.com Crux Retail -- Creating bold retail displays for bold outdoor-active brands. www.crux-retail.com/outdoor Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| Is Athletic Footwear Imploding or Exploding? Plus: Youer's Turnaround Playbook | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:52:32 | |
On this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, host Eoin Comerford breaks down Circana's latest outdoor industry sales data, showing flat dollar sales but a 4% drop in units, and puts it side by side with Grassroots Outdoor Alliance's much stronger mid-year numbers. Eoin unpacks why athletic footwear headlines from JD Sports, Nike, Adidas, Foot Locker, and Academy sound alarming while ASICS, Merrell, Saucony, On, HOKA, and Birkenstock are all posting strong running and performance growth, and explains the lifestyle-versus-performance and D2C-versus-wholesale splits driving the divide. He also covers two unfiltered upsides: S&P raising VF Corp's outlook from stable to positive, and Locally's new partnership with DoorDash that lets independent specialty retailers offer same-day delivery. Later, Eoin sits down with Mallory Ottariano, founder and CEO of Youer, to talk about the brand's rocky path through manufacturing failures, a self-built factory in Missoula, Montana, tariff headaches on Polartec and Chinese fabrics, and the pivot to paid media on Meta, authentic email marketing, and a drop model that has the brand tripling revenue this year. This episode is sponsored by ISPO and Crux Retail. Show NotesTimestamps
Connect With Us We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind. Reach out to Eoin Comerford on LinkedIn or email outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com. Our Sponsors ISPO unites the sporting and outdoor goods industry, inspiring global movement, protecting the places we play, and providing a single, streamlined platform for the brands, athletes, buyers, and innovators who shape the future of sport. Visit www.ispo.com. Crux Retail creates bold retail displays for bold brands. Visit www.crux-retail.com. Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rockfight LLC. | |||
| The 2026 Outdoor Brand Report Card! Plus: 118 Years of Paragon Sports | 07 Sep 2026 | 00:40:53 | |
Today on Outdoor Unfiltered Eoin Comerford breaks down the results of his ongoing Brand-Retailer Partnership Score, grading 32 leading outdoor brands including Black Diamond, HOK On, The North Face, Patagonia, and more on how well they support their dealer networks versus pushing D2C discounts. Then Eoin sits down with Zach Blank, fourth-generation CEO of Paragon Sports, the iconic Manhattan sports and outdoor store founded in 1908. Zach talks through Paragon's history, leading the business through COVID, the chaos of a Knicks playoff run and the World Cup hitting New York, and what the store looks for in brand partners including Nike, Arc'teryx, Mitchell & Ness, Yonex, and emerging women's trail brands like Hikerkind, Scenic, and Half Days. This episode is brought to you by ISPO and Crux Retail. Show Notes 0:00 — Episode preview: retailer partnership scores and this week's guest, Zach Blank of Paragon Sports. 0:21 — Show intro and host background. 0:50 — How the Retailer Partnership Score is calculated. 2:03 — The April score spike and a season with zero homepage sale messages. 2:58 — Sale messaging creeps back in ahead of Labor Day. 3:45 — Year-over-year score trends across all 32 brands. 4:44 — Product page dealer promotion sees the biggest gains. 5:32 — Discount orientation stays flat despite dealer-support gains. 6:47 — More brands drop prominent sale navigation from their top nav. 7:51 — Biggest score gainers: Black Diamond, HOKA, Keen, Big Agnes, Marmot, and Sea to Summit. 9:15 — Biggest score decliners: On, The North Face, Oboz, and Exped. 10:30 — Consistent leaders Brooks, Nemo, Rab, and Salomon, plus laggards Prana and Columbia. 12:00 — Sponsor message: Crux Retail. 12:50 — Introducing Zach Blank, fourth-generation CEO of Paragon Sports. 14:43 — Paragon's origin story, from an 1908 pushcart to Union Square. 15:29 — Paragon's footprint: 100,000 square feet across four buildings. 17:02 — Evolving the store's look and the running department, including Nike's Elliot Hill visiting. 18:08 — Zach's path from outside jobs to Paragon's CEO seat. 19:52 — Surviving COVID closures, looted windows, and rebuilding the team. 21:52 — A summer of Knicks playoff mania, the World Cup, and switching to Shopify. 24:06 — Sponsor message: ISPO Amsterdam. 25:15 — REI's SoHo closure and Paragon doubling down on camping gear. 26:56 — Competing in Manhattan alongside Arc'teryx, Filson, and HOKA. 29:07 — How Paragon's buying team discovers new brands. 30:40 — Trending brands and categories: padel, HYROX, Yonex, and women's trail brands Higherkind, Scenic, and Half Days. 34:57 — What Paragon looks for when bringing on new brand partners. 36:58 — Zach's lessons on culture, partnership, and staying uncomfortable. 40:07 — Closing thoughts and how to reach the show. Connect With Us We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind. Sponsors
Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| Dick's Sporting Goods, Foot Locker & the Cost of a Bad Forecast | 31 Aug 2026 | 00:55:53 | |
Dick's Sporting Goods just posted a quarter where the core business grew almost 5% and the stock still dropped 30.7%. Today on the show Eoin Comerford breaks down what actually broke: the Foot Locker acquisition, CEO Ed Stack's warning about promotional pricing bleeding across the market, CFO Navdeep Gupta's more cautious guidance, and what analyst Peter McGoldrick and Stifel's back-to-school survey revealed about a market with no newness. Eoin also draws on his own experience running Moosejaw through the Dick's and Public Lands integration, and unpacks why Nike's concentration at Foot Locker cuts both ways. Then Lloyd Vogel, CEO of Garage Grown Gear, flips the mic and interviews Eoin on the state of the outdoor industry - covering winners like Amer Sports (Arc'teryx, Salomon), On, and Birkenstock, specialty retailers from Gear Head Outfitters to Half Moon Outfitters, GOA's read on independent retail health, and the case for used gear as a discovery tool. Eoin and Lloyd also dig into why marketing, not funding, is what actually breaks emerging brands, the mismatched expectations behind private equity roll-ups, what Eoin would do with $500,000 and a new brand idea today, the affordability problem behind sustainability claims, and why he thinks inclusion and diversity is the single biggest lever the outdoor industry isn't pulling. Show Notes 0:00 Episode preview: Dick's Sporting Goods results, Foot Locker's drag on the business, and a role-reversal interview with Lloyd Vogel of Garage Grown Gear. 0:41 Dick's Sporting Goods grew its core business almost 5% but the stock fell 30.7%, and Eoin explains why the forecast, not the P&L, is what broke. 4:41 Ed Stack's comments on promotional pricing bleeding across the market, and what Stifel's back-to-school survey found in 110 stores. 5:54 Why this matters beyond sneakers: promotional spillover, brand-retailer leverage, and where outdoor still sits on the healthy side of the ledger. 7:04 Was the Foot Locker acquisition a mistake? Eoin walks through the four strategic rationales behind the deal and where each one is being tested. 10:01 What Eoin is watching next: the Q3 print and whether promotional spillover jumps beyond lifestyle footwear. 10:56 A message from sponsor ISPO on its relaunch in Amsterdam this November. 12:14 Lloyd Vogel, CEO of Garage Grown Gear, seizes the podcast to interview Eoin live from Outdoor Retailer. 13:28 A vibe check on the outdoor industry: surprisingly resilient despite tariffs, oversupply, and a K-shaped economy. 19:10 What a healthy specialty retailer looks like, and why leaning into hyperlocal is the way to compete with the big box players. 21:32 The affordability challenge, over-engineered products, and why used gear and the circular economy are an underused discovery tool. 26:29 A message from sponsor Crux Retail on building custom retail fixtures for outdoor and active brands. 28:01 The real problem facing emerging brands: marketing, not funding, and why most founders never assign anyone to own it. 34:26 Why brands should stop thinking of wholesale as giving up margin and start thinking of it as sharing margin in a partnership. 38:01 What has gone well and gone wrong with private equity-backed consolidation in the outdoor industry. 41:38 What Eoin would do differently with $500,000 and a new brand idea today. 46:16 The most important thing happening in the outdoor industry that nobody is talking about: the affordability of sustainability. 49:58 If Eoin could fix one thing in the industry overnight, it would be inclusion and diversity, and why he sees it as a business imperative. 55:21 Closing thoughts and how to reach the show. Connect With Us We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind.
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Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rockfight LLC. | |||
| Outdoor Retailer 2026: Did the Reboot Deliver? | 24 Aug 2026 | 00:57:07 | |
Eoin Comerford breaks down whether Outdoor Retailer 2026 delivered after its move from Salt Lake City to Minneapolis and its shift to an August date. He shares his own read on the show floor, then sits down with OR show director Matthew Mathiason to talk buyer registration numbers, the Wild Reach creator partnership with Popfly, and what's next for the show. Eoin also catches up with three brands from the Moosejaw Outdoor Accelerator: Georgia Grace Edwards of Gnara on the GoFly zipper and collaborations with LIVSN and Burton; Scott Jensen of Near Zero on his lightweight backpacking bundles; and Kara Hardman of Thicket Adventure on plus-size outdoor apparel and the Brecken pant. This episode is sponsored by ISPO, relaunching in Amsterdam November 3-5, and Crux Retail, which builds custom retail fixtures for brands like Yakima, Dometic, Wahoo, and Clif Bar. Show Notes 0:00 - Eoin previews the episode's coverage of Outdoor Retailer 2026, Matthew Mathiason, Gnara, Near Zero, and Thicket Adventure. 0:48 - A look back at OR 2025's struggles in Salt Lake City and the rise of Switchback. 1:48 - Emerald's new leadership team announces the move to Minneapolis and an August date. 2:42 - How OR 2026 actually turned out on the show floor with buyers and brands. 4:25 - A recap of the pre-show education day sessions. 5:05 - Eoin's macro assessment of the timing change, location, and overall buzz. 6:18 - A word from sponsor ISPO on its Amsterdam relaunch. 7:27 - Eoin sits down with OR show director Matthew Mathiason. 11:05 - Matthew and Eoin dig into buyer registration numbers and onsite verification. 19:30 - Matthew explains the Wild Reach partnership with Popfly and creator ROI. 23:01 - Matthew makes the case for education as a "fourth leg" of the trade show stool. 26:13 - Matthew and Eoin talk about Minneapolis as a host city and OR's future there. 29:08 - A word from sponsor Crux Retail on custom retail fixtures. 30:51 - Eoin catches up with Georgia Grace Edwards of Gnara about the GoFly zipper. 41:12 - Eoin talks with Scott Jensen of Near Zero about lightweight backpacking bundles. 49:53 - Eoin speaks with Kara Hardman of Thicket Adventure about plus-size outdoor apparel. 55:55 - Eoin closes the show with how to leave a review and how to connect. Guest Links
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Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rockfight LLC. | |||
| Earnings Season Reality Check & Troy Sicotte on Mountain Hardwear's Turnaround | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:50:40 | |
This week I break down Q2 earnings across the outdoor and active industry, including Yeti, On, Wolverine Worldwide (Merrell, Saucony), VF Corp (The North Face, Timberland, Vans), Birkenstock, Clarus Group (Black Diamond), and Decker's Hoka, plus a preview of Amer Sports' upcoming report on Arc'teryx and Salomon. I also cover Outdoor Retailer's new partnership with REI Co-op's Path Ahead Ventures ahead of Outdoor Retailer 2026. Lastly I sit down with Troy Sicotte, President of Mountain Hardwear, to talk through the brand's history from its 1993 founding, its sale to Columbia Sportswear Company, its decline through the 2010s, and the turnaround led by Joe Vernaccio and Troy himself, including the "Seek Wilder Paths" brand relaunch, its retail partnerships with dealers like Wes Allen, and where the brand is headed under Columbia through 2030. Show Notes 0:00 – Episode preview: earnings roundup, Outdoor Retailer news, and interview with Troy Sicotte of Mountain Hardwear. 0:43 – Methodology note on constant currency and tariff refund distortions in Q2 gross margins. 2:08 – Yeti's Q2 results: net sales up 9%, SG&A growth outpacing sales, and slowing drinkware growth. 5:10 – On's Q2 results: sales up 22%, stock down 20%, and the strategy behind throttling wholesale. 7:14 – Wolverine Worldwide's Q2 results: Merrell and Saucony growth, inventory discipline, and a 10% stock jump. 8:57 – VF Corp's Q2 results: The North Face growth, continued Vans declines, and debt reduction. 10:51 – Birkenstock's Q2 results and a 33.7% adjusted EBITDA margin. 12:11 – Clarus Group and Black Diamond's Q2 results and Neil Fiske's apparel turnaround. 14:32 – Decker's Hoka results and crossing the billion-dollar revenue mark. 15:11 – What the Q2 earnings season says about the outdoor industry overall. 15:58 – Preview of Amer Sports' upcoming earnings and Arc'teryx and Salomon's growth trajectory. 16:24 – Sponsor message: ISPO's relaunch in Amsterdam this November. 17:13 – Outdoor Retailer 2026 preview: REI Co-op's Path Ahead Ventures partnership and buyer attendance. 19:21 – Sponsor message: Crux Retail's custom retail fixtures for outdoor brands. 20:13 – Introducing guest Troy Sicotte, President of Mountain Hardwear. 21:35 – The history of Mountain Hardwear from its 1993 founding through its sale to Columbia. 25:37 – The leadership changes and product missteps behind Mountain Hardwear's decline in the 2010s. 32:18 – The 2022 brand strategy work that led to "Seek Wilder Paths" and the 30th anniversary relaunch. 35:14 – How Mountain Hardwear builds branded retail environments with partners like Wes Allen. 39:27 – Troy's career path from Birkenstock tech rep to The North Face to Mountain Hardwear president. 43:44 – What it's like operating Mountain Hardwear inside Columbia Sportswear Company under Tim Boyle. 45:24 – Troy's outlook for Mountain Hardwear's growth through 2030 and industry overproduction concerns. 49:52 – Closing thoughts and how to contact the show. Sponsors ISPO unites the sporting and outdoor goods industry, inspiring global movement, protecting the places we play, and providing a single, streamlined platform for the brands, athletes, buyers, and innovators who shape the future of sport. www.ispo.com Crux Retail creates bold retail displays for bold brands. www.crux-retail.com Connect With Us We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries, or whatever's on your mind. DM me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/ or email outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com. | |||
| What Killed Accell? Plus: The Fight to Build the Next Great Outdoor Brand! | 10 Aug 2026 | 00:51:05 | |
Eoin Comerford breaks down the insolvency of Accell Group -- parent company of Raleigh, Haibike, Ghost, Lapierre, Winora, and Babboe -- and explains why KKR's leveraged buyout, not the cycling market itself, is what broke the balance sheet. Then, a clear-eyed look at the Outdoor Industry Association's Climate Action Corps and Clean Chemistry Materials Coalition progress reports: participation is up 36%, but the execution gap between targets and operational change is the key challenge. In the guest segment, Katie Doherty and Enhao Li, co-founders of Founded Outdoors, join to talk about the state of funding, the real impact of tariffs on small outdoor brands, what separates the founders who reach seven figures from those who stall, the REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures-backed Embark accelerator program, and how Founded Outdoors' free community of 600+ outdoor entrepreneurs is helping early-stage brands get started, grow, and stay in business. Supported by ISPO Amsterdam (November 3-5) and Crux Retail. TOPICS 0:00 - Introduction to this episode's topics: Accell Group's insolvency, outdoor sustainability, and the challenges facing emerging outdoor brands. 0:45 - Accell Group overview: Europe's largest cycling group -- Raleigh, Haibike, Winora, Ghost, Lapierre, Babboe, XLC -- and how a 2.6 billion euro KKR-led leveraged buyout set the stage for collapse. 2:09 - How the pandemic cycling boom, a supply chain whiplash, crashing margins, and 300 million euros in additional KKR capital still couldn't outrun a debt clock. 3:30 - What the Dutch suspension of payments process means for Accell's brands, employees, independent bike dealers, and the broader cycling market -- with context from Giant and Shimano's latest results. 7:44 - Sponsor: ISPO Amsterdam, November 3-5 -- the relaunched trade show under Raccoon Media Group, featuring Rab, DB, Hestra, Fabletics, and more, plus the BrandNew showcase for emerging brands and a retailer scholarship program. www.ispo.com 8:46 - Outdoor Industry Association sustainability update: participation in the Climate Action Corps and Clean Chemistry Materials Coalition jumped 36% year over year to 114 companies, despite tariffs, rising costs, and a hostile policy environment. 10:24 - The execution gap: why having climate targets and RSLs is not the same as having funded roadmaps, supply chain visibility beyond the first-tier factory, or measurable emissions reductions. 14:04 - Sponsor: Crux Retail -- custom retail fixture design for outdoor brands including Yakima, Dometic, Wahoo, and Clif Bar. www.crux-retail.com 15:15 - Guest intro: Katie Doherty and Enhao Li, co-founders of Founded Outdoors, join to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing emerging outdoor brands. 15:31 - What Founded Outdoors is: a free Slack community of 600+ outdoor brands, state and regional outdoor business landscape reports, and paid accelerator and workshop programming -- all supported by state outdoor business alliances, outdoor rec offices, economic development groups, and REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures. 23:57 - The founding story of Founded Outdoors: how Katie Doherty and Enhao Li went from running a tech incubator and an app for professional mentorship to building the outdoor founder support ecosystem. 23:57 - Funding for outdoor brands: why venture capital is a poor fit for most outdoor businesses, the realities of inventory and lead-time financing, the evolution of crowdfunding platforms like Wefunder and Republic, and Wild Rise as a case study. 32:29 - Tariffs and their impact on Founded Outdoors' community: 60% of product founders manufacturing internationally, 70% of those in China, and how unpredictability froze decision-making and forced some businesses to close. 36:01 - What separates founders who scale to seven figures: mastering paid advertising on Meta, cracking wholesale channel strategy, leveraging Amazon for the right product categories, and the importance of dedicated ownership of marketing -- with a shoutout to Mallory at Ur, Moosejaw, and Andrew Luter's approach to creative outdoor investing. 42:12 - REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures: a discussion of its $4 million investment across 23 companies, what equity investing can and cannot do for early-stage outdoor brands, and how grants paired with education outperform capital alone. 43:35 - The Embark program: Founded Outdoors' two-and-a-half month accelerator for early-stage outdoor entrepreneurs of color, in partnership with REI Co-op Path Ahead Ventures -- covering brand-building, customer acquisition, pitch preparation, and a $5,000 grant. 47:33 - The next five years for Founded Outdoors: scaling programming alongside growing state and regional investment in outdoor recreation, and why emerging outdoor brands are the economic development engines for their communities -- with a reference to Dr. Amanda Weinstein at the Center for Rural Innovation. 49:16 - How outdoor founders can join the Founded Outdoors community: foundedoutdoors.com CONNECT WITH US We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind. DM Eoin Comerford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/ Email: outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com SPONSORS ISPO -- Unites the sporting and outdoor goods industry, inspiring global movement, protecting the places we play, and providing a single, streamlined platform for the brands, athletes, buyers, and innovators who shape the future of sport. ISPO Amsterdam, November 3-5, 2025. www.ispo.com Crux Retail -- Creating bold retail displays for bold brands. www.crux-retail.com Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| HOKA's Reality Check & Surf Industry Drama | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:32:59 | |
Today on the show Eoin Comerford breaks down La Jolla Group's surprise decision to drop the O'Neill license after 33 years and what a sealed legal battle with Sisco Textiles might reveal about what actually happened. Then, a close read of Deckers' latest earnings report and what slowing HOKA growth really signals. Lastly, Snow Peak Brand and Marketing Director Mike Andersen joins the show to talk about the Japanese camping brand's cult following, its Long Beach Peninsula camp field, the award-winning Takibi restaurant inside Portland HQ, the acquisition of Epic Fly Rods through Swift Fly Fishing, the $330 million Bain Capital-led buyout, and how Snow Peak is building something most outdoor brands can't: genuine community. Timestamps (0:24) What's Really Behind the O'Neill Breakup (7:46) ISPO Amsterdam — Sponsor message (7:58) HOKA's Growth Deceleration (13:27) Guest Introduction: Mike Anderson, Snow Peak (14:01) Snow Peak's Origin Story (16:55) Snow Peak's US Camp Field on the Long Beach Peninsula (19:11) Takibi Restaurant Inside Snow Peak's Portland HQ (23:04) Swift Fly Fishing, Epic Fly Rods, and Snow Peak's Fly Fishing Strategy (26:22) Post-COVID Rebuild and the Shift to DTC (27:55) The Bain Capital Buyout and What It Means for US Growth (29:17) What Gets Mike Anderson Most Excited About Snow Peak's Future Our Sponsors ISPO — Unites the sporting and outdoor goods industry - inspiring global movement, protecting the places we play and providing a single, streamlined platform for the brands, athletes, buyers and innovators who shape the future of sport. www.ispo.com Crux Retail — Creating bold retail displays for bold brands. www.crux-retail.com Connect With Us We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind. Email: outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/ If you find value in the show, please follow and leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. It helps other people in the industry find us. Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rockfight LLC. | |||
| Tariff's Are Back! Plus: How GRAYL Built a Better Brand | 27 Jul 2026 | 00:36:57 | |
Today on the pod Eoin Comerford breaks down the week's biggest trade policy news, digs into Fenix Group's Q2 results, and sits down with GRAYL co-founder Travis Merrigan to talk building a water filtration brand from a couch-surfing engineer to a product line that keeps expanding. This episode covers the sweeping new Section 301 and Section 338 tariff actions that took effect July 24th -- what they mean for outdoor brands sourcing from Vietnam, China, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, and beyond -- plus a breakdown of Fenix Group's disappointing Q2 results, including sales declines in the brand segment, ERP integration headaches, and the German market softness dragging European brands right now. Then GRAYL co-founder Travis Merrigan joins Eoin Comerford to talk about founding the company with Nancy Weston, the early Geopress development, the decision to bring in CEO Andrew Weber, the new Carry Project pack line, and GRAYL's commitment to 1% for the Planet and local environmental organizations. Timestamps 0:00 -- Episode overview: tariffs, Fenix Group Q2, and the GRAYL interview with Travis Merrigan. 0:42 -- Tariff analysis begins: how Section 301 and Section 338 replaced the expired IEEPA tariffs and what the two-tier 10%/12.5% rate structure means for brands sourcing from China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, and other major trading partners. 9:11 -- The Section 338 wildcard: why the administration's use of a Smoot-Hawley-era provision to hit Canada with 50% tariffs on $20 billion in goods is the development that should actually worry outdoor brands. 9:11 -- What the tariff week means for your sourcing strategy: the 301 baseline is manageable and predictable; Section 338 means sudden tariff risk is still very much alive. 9:11 -- Sponsor: Crux Retail -- creating bold retail displays for bold brands. crux-retail.com 10:00 -- Fenix Group Q2 results: sales down 2.8% to 142 million euro, EBITDA nearly halved, and operating loss widening -- a breakdown of what went wrong with the Fjallraven brand segment, ERP integration, and the German market. 13:34 -- Bright spots in the Fenix results: Devold outperforming plan, strong Nordic markets, 22% China joint venture growth, and improving US pre-season order books for spring. 13:34 -- Today's guest: GRAYL co-founder Travis Merrigan. 13:47 -- What GRAYL is: a Seattle-based water filter and purifier company built around the Fill, Press, Drink system, and the new Carry Project pack line. 17:49 -- The early product mistakes: wrong materials, wrong weight, an exquisite lid nobody wanted, and the long road to finding product-market fit before the Geopress launch in 2018. 19:29 -- The decision to step down as CEO: why Travis handed the reins to Andrew Weber early, what Andrew's "give away the jobs you don't like" philosophy means in practice, and why ego gets in the way of building something good. 19:55 -- The Geopress and the GRAYL design system: the evolution from the Ultralight to the Geopress, how the press surface and drink-through cap became the signature GRAYL experience, and the patent landscape (everywhere except Europe). 24:22 -- GRAYL's customer base beyond core outdoor: travel, military, overlanding, hunt, and fish -- and why "wild water" is the real unifying use case across every market they serve. 24:22 -- The Carry Project pack line: why GRAYL entered the pack category, how designer Chris Leiter drove the project, what makes the recycled nylon construction and MOLLE mod system different from the wall of packs at most retailers, and the upcoming bear canister holster. 29:51 -- The state of innovation in the outdoor industry: why Travis is disappointed and what GRAYL has coming in the next nine months that he can't talk about yet. 32:31 -- 1% for the Planet, the Conservation Alliance, and why environmental commitment pays back in employee hiring and retention, customer trust, and community alignment. 36:15 -- Wrap-up and how to reach the show. Our Sponsor Crux Retail -- Creating bold retail displays for bold brands. www.crux-retail.com Connect With Us We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind. DM Eoin Comerford on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford | |||
| The Changing Face of Outdoor Participation & A Call to Action on Public Lands | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:50:10 | |
Eoin Comerford breaks down the Trump administration's proclamations that effectively erased Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments — including what the termination of the tribal co-management agreement with the Hopi, Navajo, Ute Indian, Ute Mountain, and Zuni tribes actually means for the industry — then clarifies the record on the Backcountry Garage accelerator program with responses from Backcountry executives. Plus, Kelly Davis, Director of Research for the Outdoor Industry Association, walks through the OIA's 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report: 60% of Americans are now participating in outdoor recreation, 30 million new participants since 2019 stuck around post-COVID, but frequency is declining and the 18-to-34 age group is the canary in the coal mine. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Introduction: Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Backcountry Garage follow-up, and OIA research with Kelly Davis 0:52 — The Trump administration signs proclamations cutting Bears Ears National Monument by 91% and Grand Staircase-Escalante by 90%, eliminating nearly 3 million acres of protected public land. 4:19 — The proclamations disband the Bears Ears tribal co-management commission, ending a landmark cooperative stewardship framework built by the Hopi, Navajo, Ute Indian, Ute Mountain, and Zuni tribes. 4:20 — Why this is a business issue: public lands are the engine of the outdoor industry, and polling shows 91% of western voters support keeping existing monument designations in place. 4:21 — How sustained pressure works: the Conservation Alliance's CRA fight and the 2017 litigation precedent with Patagonia show that cumulative noise from the industry buys time and wins. 6:03 — Call to action: four steps from The Conservation Alliance — make a public statement, sign the business sign-on letter by July 22nd, activate your audience via the Monuments for All petition, and donate to the Land and Water Defense Fund. 9:03 — Backcountry Garage follow-up: clarifications from Backcountry executives on Amazon exclusivity, SKU-level online advertising terms, and margin expectations versus what brands were hearing in negotiations. 12:54 — Introduction: Kelly Davis, Director of Research for the Outdoor Industry Association, and the methodology behind the OIA's annual Outdoor Participation Trends Report. 13:50 — How the OIA participation study was built in 2007 alongside SIA, Sports & Fitness Industries Association, and other trade associations, and why 18,000 annual interviews across 117 activities gives it a sub-1% margin of error. 17:38 — Top-line findings: 60% of Americans now participate in outdoor recreation — a higher participation rate than alcohol consumption — with 30 million new participants gained since 2019 who did not drop off post-COVID. 18:50 — The frequency problem: average annual outings per participant have fallen from 87.4 in 2012 to 65.2 today, a long-term decline that correlates with the rise of social media and smartphones. 22:06 — The age distribution breakdown: participation is declining among adults 25 to 54, most acutely in the 18-to-34 cohort, while youth (6-12) and seniors are both growing — and why a decline in young adults is a yellow flag for the industry's long-term health. 31:55 — Affordability and the income picture: why hiking's 63.6 million participants and the low ongoing cost of camping make outdoor recreation well-positioned when the economy is tough, and where casual participants are actually buying their gear — Amazon, Walmart, and Costco. 31:57 — Consumer spend data from the OIA's Consumer View report: casual participants average $1,200 in gear and apparel spend over six months, core participants average $3,800, and the casual segment is a far larger universe 39:14 — Core vs. casual strategy: why the OIA's message is not to abandon the core but to follow where the money and the growth actually are, and Kelly's favorite emerging segment — health and fitness. 47:49 — The $1.3 trillion outdoor economy figure: a candid conversation on macroeconomic analysis, multiplier assumptions, and why it is a useful lobbying number even if economists and mathematicians eye it with suspicion. RESOURCES MENTIONED The Conservation Alliance business sign-on letter (deadline July 22nd): https://secure.everyaction.com/oN0jFF-4ekeckuiY9Unv2w2 Monuments for All petition: https://www.monumentsforall.org Land and Water Defense Fund: https://conservationalliance.com/land-water-defense-fund/ OIA 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report: https://outdoorindustry.org OUR SPONSORS ENDVR — The network that connects brands, retailers, and frontline associates to power sell-through across your wholesale channel. Crux Retail — Creating bold retail displays for bold brands. CONNECT WITH US We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind. DM Eoin Comerford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/ | |||
| What Backcountry Garage Isn't Telling You & 35 Years On The Inside of Patagonia | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:37:36 | |
Today on the show Eoin Comerford breaks down what Backcountry Garage is actually asking of emerging outdoor brands and whether it's worth it, Grassroots Outdoor Alliance's positive mid-year results, and what's next for Portland's Next Adventure. Then Eoin sits down with Bruce Old, Patagonia's Chief Marketplace Officer and 35-year company veteran, for a candid conversation on Patagonia's business performance, product innovation, the Work in Progress sustainability report, the Hold Fast Collective ownership structure, and where Patagonia stands on the future of outdoor trade shows. Sponsored by ENDVR and Crux Retail. Timestamps 0:00 -- Introduction: Backcountry Garage, GOA specialty retail update, Next Adventure, and Bruce Old of Patagonia 0:47 -- Backcountry Garage deep-dive: what the program actually requires of emerging brands, including two-year exclusivity on online marketing and third-party marketplaces like Amazon 8:15 -- ENDVR ad: how ENDVR connects brands directly to over 140,000 frontline retail associates to drive sell-through 9:30 -- GOA mid-year update: Gabe Mayer reports GOA member retailers up 4.9% year over year through May, with analysis on what's actually driving the growth 12:11 -- Crux Retail ad: custom retail fixture design for outdoor brands including Yakima, Dometic, Wahoo, and Clif Bar 13:01 -- Unfiltered Upside: Next Adventure in Portland is staying open under original co-founders 15:05 -- Guest intro: Bruce Old, Patagonia Chief Marketplace Officer and 35-year company veteran 16:10 -- How Bruce landed at Patagonia in 1991 and what drew him to the company's values from day one 20:06 -- How Patagonia's business is performing today: modest growth, international expansion, and navigating tariffs 21:04 -- Patagonia's distribution strategy: specialty retail, run, fly fishing, surf, and what's happening in run specialty 24:03 -- Product innovation: what's new for spring '26 across sun protection, run, surf, waders, footwear, and fishing 27:42 -- Patagonia's Work in Progress sustainability report: radical transparency, the blowback, and why 95% of emissions are in the supply chain 29:00 -- The Hold Fast Collective: how Patagonia's ownership restructure works and how it's accelerated environmental giving to $75-100 million per year 31:15 -- Trade shows: where Patagonia stands on OR, Switchback, TRE, Grassroots Connect, and what it would take to return to a national show 34:48 -- What excites Bruce most about Patagonia's future: talent, shared sustainability infrastructure, and the next 40 years Connect With Us We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind. DM Eoin Comerford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/ Email: outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com Please follow the show and leave a five-star review. It helps other people in the industry find us. Our Sponsors ENDVR -- The network that connects brands, retailers, and frontline associates to power sell-through across your wholesale channel. www.endvr.io Crux Retail -- Creating bold retail displays for bold brands. www.crux-retail.com | |||
| Why Loyalty Programs Are Coming for Independent Retailers - Plus Why Arc'teryx Is "Junk," | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:28:49 | |
Today on the show Eoin Comerford breaks down the outdoor industry's paid loyalty arms race — from Dick's Sporting Goods' new Scorecard Plus tier to Backcountry's Summit Club Plus and REI's co-op membership — and explains what it means for independent specialty retailers. Then, why is Amer Sports, the parent company of Arc'teryx, Salomon, and Wilson, still rated "junk" by Moody's despite seven billion in sales and 60% gross margins? Eoin unpacks the fashion risk, operational scale concerns, and Anta ownership issues keeping the rating below investment grade. Finally, Rumpl founder and chairman Wiley Robinson and GM Josh Simpson join from the Switchback New Orleans show floor to discuss navigating tariffs, abandoning promotional discounting, launching the Rapsack sleeping bag line, sleep system accessories, and the brand-new Game Time Puffy — a sideline stadium cushion that converts into a full puffy blanket. Timestamps [0:00] — Introduction to the episode: paid loyalty programs, Amer Sports' credit rating, and a live interview with the Rumpl team at Switchback New Orleans. [0:52] — How Dick's Sporting Goods' Scorecard Plus, Backcountry's Summit Club Plus, and REI's co-op membership are competing for the outdoor consumer's wallet — and what independent specialty retailers should do about it. [5:27] — Sponsor: ENDVR — The network that connects brands, retailers, and frontline associates to power sell-through across your wholesale channel. www.endvr.io [6:38] — Why Amer Sports, parent of Arc'teryx, Salomon, and Wilson, remains rated speculative grade by Moody's despite $7B+ in sales, 30% growth, and 60% gross margins — and what it means for the industry. [10:50] — Sponsor: Crux Retail — Creating bold retail displays for bold brands. www.crux-retail.com [11:40] — Outdoor Unfiltered ranks as the most popular outdoor industry podcast on Apple Podcasts in the Wilderness category. [13:00] — Wiley Robinson and Josh Simpson of Rumpl join live from the Switchback New Orleans show floor. [13:55] — How the founder/GM leadership transition between Wiley Robinson and Josh Simpson has played out 18 months in. [15:37] — How Rumpl navigated tariffs, held price on 95% of its line, and protected margins while many peers struggled. [17:45] — How Rumpl cut MAP breaks from six per year to one and reduced off-price transactions by 50% to rebuild a full-price business. [19:40] — Why Rumpl launched the Rapsack sleeping bag after 12 years focused exclusively on blankets, and how REI's early commitment validated the category. [21:00] — How Rumpl is expanding the Rapsack into a full sleep system with new temperature ratings, sizes, and sleep liners. [25:15] — Introducing the Game Time Puffy — a $99.95 stadium seat cushion and puffy blanket in one, already sold into Dick's Sporting Goods. [27:47] — Closing thoughts, how to follow the pod, and how to reach out. Guests Wiley Robinson — Co-Founder & Chairman, Rumpl Josh Simpson — General Manager, Rumpl Rumpl — www.rumpl.com Sponsors ENDVR — The network that connects brands, retailers, and frontline associates to power sell-through across your wholesale channel. Crux Retail — Creating bold retail displays for bold brands. Connect With Us We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries, or whatever's on your mind. DM Eoin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/ Email the show: outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com If Outdoor Unfiltered brings value to your week, please follow the pod and leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. It helps other outdoor industry professionals find us — and makes sure you never miss an episode. | |||
| Is Screen Time Killing Outdoor Outings? Plus: Switchback’s 2027 Shakeup! | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:37:33 | |
In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, host Eoin Comerford breaks through the PR speak to deliver critical insights on the outdoor industry's evolving landscape. First, we unpack the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report. While the participant base hit a record 183 million, actual outings are declining. Eoin looks at why screen time is the ultimate enemy and how Merrell is tackling this with their It Starts Outside campaign. Next, Eoin analyzes Switchback’s shocking shift to late May 2027 dates in New Orleans, navigating what a weekend trade show means for specialty retailers, Grassroots Connect, and the 360 Collective. Later, Mike Massey, Founder and CEO of Locally (and former GOA president), joins the show to discuss reviving the brand-retailer relationship. We dive deep into the math of D2C vs. wholesale contribution margins, why brands like Patagonia and Yeti succeed by prioritizing local retail, and how Locally’s new AI-powered ShopSense platform is helping reps and stores optimize regional product assortments for brands like Helly Hansen. Tune in for an unfiltered conversation on thriving in a channel-agnostic retail world, brought to you by our sponsors ENDVR and Crux Retail. Host: Eoin Comerford Guest: Mike Massey, Founder & CEO of Locally Timestamps [0:00] – Intro & Episode Overview Eoin previews the three topics: the OIA Outdoor Participation Trends Report, Switchback 2027 dates, and the interview with Mike Massey of Locally. [0:23] – OIA 2026 Outdoor Participation Trends Report Kelly Davis's presentation at Switchback revealed a record 183 million outdoor participants in 2025 — 59% of Americans — up 1.6% from 2024 and nearly 20% above pre-COVID levels. [1:29] – The Dark Side of the Data: Declining Outings Per Participant Despite record participation, outings per participant have dropped 14% from COVID highs and 15% from 2016 peaks. Eoin traces the decline back to 2007 — the year the iPhone launched — arguing screen time is stealing outdoor time. [1:55] – 18–34 Year Olds & the Smartphone Problem The 18–34 age group is the only one showing declining participation rates, correlating with record levels of anxiety and depression tied to smartphone use. [3:09] – Industry Call to Action: "Put Your Phone Down" Eoin makes the case that addressing smartphone addiction is both a business and social imperative. He highlights Merrell's It Starts Outside campaign as a step in the right direction. [4:04] – Sponsor: Endeavor Endeavor connects brands directly to 140,000+ frontline retail associates for product education and sales incentives. [4:49] – Switchback 2027: New Dates Announced The show is moving to May 22–24, 2027 — a Saturday through Monday, the weekend before Memorial Day — shifting earlier rather than later to avoid June's crowded buying calendar. [6:02] – Pros, Cons & Eoin's Unsolicited Advice for Switchback Eoin weighs the challenges (retailers may be on the floor Memorial weekend) against opportunities and encourages Switchback to lean into the New Orleans weekend vibe with brand parties, partner packages, and an industry awards ball. [7:57] – Sponsor: Crux Retail Crux Retail designs custom retail fixtures for outdoor brands like Yakima, Dometic, Wahoo, and Clif Bar. [8:47] – Interview: Mike Massey, Founder & CEO of Locally Eoin welcomes Mike to discuss Locally's origin story — born out of outdoor retail (Massey's is a third-generation New Orleans chain) and funded by industry insiders — with a mission to use digital marketing to drive foot traffic to local stores. [9:22] – What Is Locally & How Does It Work? Locally aggregates real-time inventory from 70,000 retailers and uses digital tools to connect online shoppers to products available in local stores. Revenue comes ~80% from brand tools/data and ~20% from retailer transaction fees (3.5% on confirmed local pickups and same-day delivery). [13:52] – The Brand-Retailer Partnership Score Eoin introduces his scoring framework evaluating brands on two lenses: (1) how discount-heavy their D2C experience is, and (2) how well they promote retail partners on their site. [14:10] – Why Are Brands So Discount-Oriented? Mike and Eoin discuss how short-term investor pressure and siloed conversion-rate thinking have driven brands toward constant discounting, undermining retailer relationships built over decades. [15:41] – The Conversion Rate Trap Brands obsess over converting visitors on their D2C site, but lose sight of the 98%+ who don't buy — and those shoppers often end up on Amazon. Locally argues the online-to-offline journey should be treated as a continuous funnel, not separate channels. [18:04] – Showing Retailer Inventory on the Product Page (PDP) The highest-scoring partnership behavior: displaying local retailer inventory directly on a brand's product page so customers can find the right size/color at a nearby store. AB testing by major brands shows this actually increases e-commerce conversion too. [21:14] – Ship from Store & Sustainability Locally is launching ship-from-store, enabling brands to fulfill online orders from nearby retail inventory — reducing cross-country shipping and making specialty retail a distributed warehouse network. [23:05] – Specialty Retail as Amazon's Antidote The 70,000 retailers on Locally's platform are effectively a distributed fulfillment network that can compete with Amazon on speed and locality — brands just need to wire it together. [24:17] – The Channel-Agnostic / Marketplace Model The future: brand websites function as demand aggregators showing all available inventory (brand + retail), with an Amazon-style "buy box" that sometimes directs the sale to the nearest local retailer. [26:13] – The D2C vs. Wholesale Math: Contribution Margin Reality Eoin breaks down how a 70% gross D2C margin can collapse to 20% contribution margin after discounts, returns, fulfillment, and marketing costs — while wholesale's 45% gross margin often yields a higher 25% contribution margin. [29:26] – Locally's Unique Data Assets Mike outlines three proprietary data sets: (1) real-time inventory from 10%+ of U.S. durable goods retailers, (2) a daily sales velocity model with ~100% confidence, and (3) 60 million unique shoppers/month (up to 6 million/hour) generating real-time trend signals. [33:21] – ShopSense: AI-Powered Retail Intelligence Locally's ShopSense platform is being rebuilt with AI at its core — retailers will be able to ask natural language questions and receive instant, actionable reports on what to carry, what to drop, and where the demand is. [35:30] – Tools for Reps & New Account Development Reps can use Locally's data to show prospective retailers proven local demand for their brand, making the pitch data-driven rather than anecdotal. [36:31] – Closing: The Industry's Path Forward Eoin and Mike agree: Amazon isn't going away, but specialty retail — properly wired together — can compete. The key is brands and retailers working as true partners. Connect With UsWe would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries, or whatever's on your mind.
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| Switchback New Orleans Reaction: Did The Show Work In Year 2? | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:40:42 | |
What is the purpose of an outdoor trade show beyond sales? Live from the floor of Switchback in New Orleans, Eoin Comerford sits down with thru-hiking expert Shawnté Salabert (Gear Abby) to break down the hits, the misses, and the future of the outdoor tradeshow. In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, Eoin and Shawnté dive deep into reactions of the exhibit hall. From the highly anticipated US Participation Report presented by Kelly Davis to navigating the timing clash with regional shows like GOA, they examine what it takes to build a true national show. Plus, the duo doesn’t hold back on their unfiltered booth reviews, praising the stunning blonde-wood aesthetics of Snow Peak, Fjällräven, and Teva, while calling out the underwhelming setups from other brands. Tune in for an inside look at the latest gear innovations shaking up the market, including Dometic’s interchangeable tumbler system, GRAYL’s Carry Project pack line, Butt Napkins’ upcoming submarine bidet wand, Date Fix’s intense food culture mission, Rumpl’s clever cape clips, and the mouth-watering backpacking meals from Lux Fly. Whether you are a specialty retail buyer, a major outdoor brand, or a gear junkie, this episode is your ultimate backstage pass to the business and culture of the great outdoors. Then later in the show, Eoin sits down with Switchback Event Director Sean Smith to share his impressions and break some news about a time change for next year. Connect With UsWe would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind!
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| Bonus Episode! The Rock Fight Heads To Oboz | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:22:34 | |
On this special bonus episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, Eoin welcomes the founders of The Rock Fight -- Colin True and Producer Dave Karstad. Colin and Dave share why they decided to go out on top with the Rock Fight at its peak, what drew them to their new roles at Oboz, and what lies ahead for them and the brand. | |||
| The Hottest Brands We Saw At The GOA Connect Discovery Marketplace! | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:38:45 | |
In this episode, we take you inside the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (GOA) Connect show and the newly expanded, high-energy Grassroots Discovery Marketplace. We examine the shifts in retail distribution, including the wave of D2C darlings breaking into wholesale brick-and-mortar specialty shops. We discuss Huckberry’s full-circle evolution with their private labels Flint and Tinder and Proof, alongside top D2C and international players like Poncho Outdoors, Half Days, Melin, Baja Llama, Solbari, Parkit Chairs. Get the inside track on the most innovative product designs shaking up the market: the mule-style shoes from Moondeck, the premium $275 Parkit folding camp chair, and Poncho Outdoors’ hyper-focused men's shirts. Plus, discover how Suunto is mounting a retail comeback, why Gear Envie's patented Hikas Gaiters are reinventing the puffy leg warmer, and how Furnagami is taking outdoor camp furniture engineering to rugged new heights. Finally, sit down on the show floor for exclusive, unfiltered interviews with Jeff Anderlite, founder of the "fight against boring" apparel brand Baja Llama, and Damien Huang, former CEO of Cotopaxi and Eddie Bauer, as he introduces his premium down outerwear brand, Maveral. We also catch up with John Peretti of Coastal Range Equipment to check out their ultra-lightweight, 9.2-ounce 1.2-liter integrated camping stove backpacker system, and close things out with a look at the innovative waterless coffee from Dry Brew. Timestamps:
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| Beyond the Black Square: Teresa Baker on Inclusivity Action vs. Rhetoric in the Outdoor Industry | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:29:54 | |
In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, Eoin sits down with Teresa Baker, the co-director and co-founder of the Outdoor Diversity Alliance (ODA) and the unofficial queen of outdoor inclusivity, for a transparent look at the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoor industry. Tracing their collaborative roots back to 2018 with the launch of the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge and a fateful 2022 summit at the Patagonia Ventura headquarters, Eoin and Teresa discuss what it takes to build authentic corporate relationships. Modeled originally after the industry action of The Conservation Alliance (TCA), the ODA has rallied an impressive collective of over 23 brands committed to real action—including Burton, Keen, Smartwool, REI, Cirrus, BOA, SIA, Aspen, Bonfire Collective, and the Switchback trade show. This conversation confronts the heavy challenges facing modern brands around inclusiviyt work. Teresa directly addresses the shift from performative corporate gestures to the deep internal work of diversifying corporate boards and staff. Eoin and Teresa unpack why brands are "turtling" in fear of political boycotts, why companies like Brooks Running get authenticity right, and why high-profile outdoor faces need to step up and use their platforms. Unfiltered, urgent, and inspiring, this episode is a call to action to lean into "good trouble," adapt to changing cultural demographics, and rewrite the corporate script to preserve our collective Joy in the Outdoors. Connect With UsWe would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind. You can reach out directly via the following channels:
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| Revamping ISPO, Inside KMD's Strategic Review & The Truth Behind Recreation dot Gov | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:48:10 | |
Dive beyond the PR spin with Outdoor Unfiltered, your insider look into the outdoor industry's biggest shifts. In this episode, host Eoin Comerford breaks down why KMD Brands -- the parent company of global surf icon Rip Curl, retail giant Kathmandu, and hiking footwear favorite Oboz -- has launched a major strategic review. Next, we call out the non-stop promotional spam from recreation.gov, peeling back the curtain on its operator, Booz Allen Hamilton, and how their contract impacts public lands' funding. On a brighter note, we highlight Mountain High Outfitters and their impressive 31-store expansion, showing why the "Big Os" specialty retail model is thriving. Finally, Mike Seaman and Tracy Bebbington of Racoon Media Group join the show to discuss their massive €3 million investment to revitalize and completely revamp the iconic ISPO show as it moves to Amsterdam this November. Timestamps:
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| The North Face Turnaround, Lululemon’s Feud, & Shein Buys Everlane | 25 May 2026 | 00:21:38 | |
In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, host Eoin Comerford pulls back the curtain on major shifts hitting the outdoor and apparel markets. We analyze the 4-year financial trajectory of The North Face, look past the personality drama at Lululemon, and deliver a sobering wake-up call to outdoor brands relying too heavily on sustainability as their primary differentiator. Timestamps:
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Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rock Fight LLC. | |||
| The Real Story Behind REI’s 2025 Numbers & Should You Attend OR 2026? | 18 May 2026 | 00:48:44 | |
Dive deep into the real numbers behind the outdoor industry with host Eoin Comerford in Episode 12 of Outdoor Unfiltered. In this episode, we unpack REI’s fiscal 2025 financial reports, breaking down what flat revenues, rising gross margins, and a declining active membership base mean for the future of the cooperative. Then, we look beyond the PR spin of recent Q1 earnings reports from top brands, including Yeti's wholesale surge, Wolverine Worldwide's lifestyle expansion with Saucony, Under Armour's ongoing retail challenges, and Compass Diversified's technical insights from Boa and Primaloft. Finally, we analyze the latest NSGA (National Sporting Goods Association) sports participation numbers, revealing massive growth in hiking, kayaking, and alpine skiing. In our expert guest segment, we are joined by industry leaders Lindsay Hubley and Sunny Stroeer from Emerald X to discuss the upcoming revamp of the Outdoor Retailer show in Minneapolis, its shifting calendar to August, and the game-changing Wild Reach creator platform powered by Popfly. Show NotesEpisode SummaryIn this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, host Eoin Comerford goes line-by-line through the reality of REI’s 2025 financial performance, separates the signal from the noise in recent outdoor brand earnings reports, and highlights which outdoor sports are actually growing according to the NSGA. Plus, Lindsay Hubley and Sunny Stroeer join the show to detail how the upcoming Outdoor Retailer show in Minneapolis is adapting to meet the needs of modern specialty retailers, brands, and content creators. Timestamps
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| The Outdoor Industry's Amazon Dilemma! Plus: The Power of SOBAN | 11 May 2026 | 00:32:22 | |
Join Eoin Comerford on Outdoor Unfiltered as we strip away the PR speak to examine the real forces driving the outdoor industry. In this episode, we tackle the "elephant in the room": Amazon. With roughly 50% of all U.S. e-commerce searches starting on Amazon, outdoor brands can no longer ignore the platform. Eoin breaks down six specific Amazon strategies—from the "Full Blackout" favored by Patagonia and Birkenstock to the "Single Designated 3P Seller" model. Later, Eoin is joined by Jonathan Jarosz, Executive Director of Heart of the Lakes and Co-Founder of Land of Outsiders. They dive deep into the world of Outdoor Business Alliances (OBAs) and the State Outdoor Business Alliance Network (SOBAN). Discover how these alliances work alongside Offices of Outdoor Recreation (ORECs) to bolster the outdoor economy in states like Michigan, Maine, and Minnesota. Whether you are an emerging brand or an industry veteran, this episode provides a roadmap for navigating digital marketplaces and state-level advocacy. Show NotesEpisode Summary: Host Eoin Comerford explores the tactical realities of Amazon for outdoor brands and discusses the vital role of state-level business alliances with guest Jonathan Jarosz. Timestamped Highlights:
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| Switchback Spring: What To Expect In Year Two! Plus: Scoring The Outdoor Industry's Brand/Retailer Partnerships | 04 May 2026 | 00:37:27 | |
This episode of Outdoor Unfiltered dives into the data behind retail relationships and the future of industry gatherings. Host Eoin Comerford reveals the latest Partnership Scores for 32 major outdoor brands—including Patagonia, Hoka, Black Diamond, and Keen—measuring how effectively they support local retailers versus their own D2C channels. We also explore a unique opportunity to own Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD), as founder Ron Bell offers a "management to ownership" track for the iconic ultralight brand. The headliner features Sean Smith, Event Director for Switchback, who discusses the show's strategic move to New Orleans in June 2026. Sean breaks down the growth of the show, the importance of the specialty outdoor retailer, and the robust educational programming featuring Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). We also get an inside look at specialized floor sections like Pathfinders, in partnership with Garage Grown Gear, and the vital role of nonprofits like the Conservation Alliance and Leave No Trace. Show Notes: 0:00 – Introduction Host Eoin Comerford previews today’s topics: updated partnership scores, a chance to own Mountain Laurel Designs, and a deep dive into the Switchback trade show with Sean Smith. 0:45 – The Partnership Score Explained Eoin breaks down his 100-point scoring system that tracks how outdoor brands balance D2C sales with retail partner support. 2:40 – Winners and Movers: Patagonia, Hoka, and More A look at the massive 27-point industry improvement in partnership scores, highlighting big moves from Black Diamond, Keen, and the return of local dealer links on Patagonia’s site. 4:45 – Top Tier Brands Shoutouts to the brands consistently scoring 90–100 points: Brooks, Nemo, Oboz, and Rab. 5:40 – Own Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD) Ron Bell is looking for a successor for his 25-year-old ultralight brand. Eoin explains the "no money down" management-to-ownership track. 8:18 – Interview: Sean Smith on Switchback Sean Smith discusses his transition to Switchback and the show’s mission to serve as the heart of the specialty outdoor retail industry. 10:30 – Why New Orleans in June? Addressing the "swampy" elephant in the room: why the June timing in NOLA serves the buying calendar of the outdoor industry. 13:10 – Growth and Capacity Switchback is expanding, targeting 230 brands and over 40,000 square feet of booth space, featuring industry giants like Arc'teryx, Fjallraven, and Cotopaxi. 15:00 – The 20x20 Booth Cap Why Switchback limits booth size to "save brands from themselves" and keep the focus on products rather than massive displays. 17:35 – Supporting Emerging Brands: Pathfinders Details on the Pathfinders section for emerging and women-owned brands like Halfdays and Soul Sisters, curated with Garage Grown Gear. 20:10 – The Role of Nonprofits and SOBA The importance of the State Outdoor Business Alliance Network (SOBAN) and why nonprofits are the "401k of the outdoor industry." 23:25 – Education and Networking A preview of Education Day (Tuesday) and the Trailheads Theater, featuring 47 speakers covering everything from risk management to participation research. 26:50 – How to Attend Sean provides details on the retail scholarship program and how to register for the June 2026 event.
Connect With Us We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever’s on your mind.
Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| Backcountry’s Bold Pivot: Loyalty, Acquisitions, and Retail Growth | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:40:10 | |
This episode of Outdoor Unfiltered dives deep into the shifting landscape of tariffs and retail strategy. Host Eoin Comerford breaks down why the White House pivoted on IEEPA tariffs, offering a guide for brands to claim their share of the potential $166 billion in refunds through the CBP’s CAPE portal. We also celebrate Lowa’s record-breaking 2025 sales and growth in the trail running sector. The headliner features Kevin Lenau, President of Backcountry, who reveals the strategic transformation of the outdoor e-commerce giant since its acquisition by CSC Generation. From the launch of the Summit Club+ loyalty program and a new digital ad network with AllGear, to the acquisitions of Level Nine Sports, VeloTech, and CoalaTree, Kevin shares how Backcountry is prioritizing "pursuits" like bike, climb, and ski to win in a competitive market. Topics and Timecodes: 0:00 – Introduction Host Eoin Comerford introduces the episode’s agenda: Trump’s pivot on tariffs, Lowa’s record year, and an exclusive interview with Backcountry President Kevin Lenau. 0:44 – The Tariff Turnaround Analysis of the administration’s decision to accept a court order to refund IEEPA tariffs and what it means for outdoor brands. 3:20 – How to Claim Your Refund A practical walkthrough of the CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries) portal and the 60-to-90-day refund window. 6:17 – Lowa’s Record Success Celebrating Lowa’s 242 million Euro year and their 5% increase in shoe sales despite a tough retail climate. 8:18 – Interview: Kevin Lenau on the "New" Backcountry Kevin Lenau discusses the "post-COVID whiplash," inventory management, and the transition following the CSC Generation acquisition. 13:17 – Pricing Strategy: E-commerce vs. Brick and Mortar A look at the pressures of Google PLA and why the "sales cadence" online differs from physical stores. 15:05 – The Summit Club+ Loyalty Program Kevin breaks down the 10% cash-back model, the $50 annual fee, and how it compares to competitors like REI. 19:28 – Building a Digital Ad Network Backcountry’s partnership with AllGear and the focus on "native" brand advertising for tourism and high-end gear. 21:18 – Strategic Acquisitions: Level Nine Sports, VeloTech, & KoaTree The rationale behind buying specialized retailers to bolster Backcountry’s authority in skiing, cycling, and sustainable apparel. 28:09 – The Garage Brand Incubator How Backcountry is helping emerging brands through streamlined onboarding and marketing support. 30:58 – The Future of Physical Retail and Private Brands Why Backcountry is focusing on "experiential retail" and the evolution of the Backcountry Gear & Apparel line. Our Sponsors
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Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| Allbirds’ AI Pivot, Backcountry’s Brand Incubator & The Evolution of the Outdoor Sales Rep | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:40:58 | |
Join host Eoin Comerford on Outdoor Unfiltered for an inside look at the business of the outdoors. In this episode, we tackle the viral news of Allbirds pivoting toward AI infrastructure and GPU-as-a-service, and what that really means for the brand. We also dive into Backcountry.com’s launch of Backcountry Garage, a new outdoor brand incubator and fund that kicked off with the acquisition of Salt Lake City-based CoalaTree. Later, we review the innovative Universal Collection from The North Face, featuring adaptive camping gear like the Universal One Sleeping Bag, the Wawona 3 Tent, the Universal Daypack, and Traction Mules. Finally, Eoin sits down with Eric Haberman, President and Founder of Mountain High Sales & Marketing, to discuss the evolving role of the outdoor sales rep and the critical relationship between brands and retailers.
Connect With Us We would love to hear your thoughts on the show, inside intel, guest ideas, sponsorship inquiries or whatever's on your mind:
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| Trump's impact on the Outdoor Industry & is Trail Running Going Mainstream? | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:33:45 | |
This episode of Outdoor Unfiltered dives deep into the shifting landscape of the outdoor industry. Host Eoin Comerford breaks down critical first-quarter sales data from Academy Sports + Outdoors and discusses the legal pressures facing Lululemon and Fabletics regarding consumer tariff refunds. We analyze the acquisition of Allbirds by American Exchange Group and explore how current consumer sentiment is being shaped by inflation and the war in Iran. Our main topic is the impact of the Trump administration's policies on the outdoor industry from a business perspective, along with a potential positioning strategy for outdoor brands. Later, Eoin is joined by Seth LaReau, founder of Trail Waves, to discuss the "Trailcore" trend, Nike’s strategic pivot to ACG in the trail space, and the sponsorship power rankings of brands like Hoka, Salomon, Nordas, Speedland, and Mount to Coast. Show Notes: Episode SummaryIn this episode, we tackle the hard numbers and political headwinds facing outdoor brands today. From the retail expansion of Academy Sports to the "brand licensing" fate of Allbirds, we look at what’s driving the market. Special guest Seth LeRoux provides a masterclass on the culture and economics of trail running, explaining why major players and indie challengers alike are racing for a piece of the "Trailcore" pie. Timeline
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| Is the Gear Shop Dead? Surviving the Shift to Lifestyle Apparel! | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:38:46 | |
Is the classic outdoor gear shop model dead? In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, host Eoin Comerford explores why iconic retailers like Wilderness Exchange, Summit Hut, and Midwest Mountaineering are facing new challenges. We look at why expanding specialty chains like Gearhead Outfitters, Half-Moon Outfitters, and Mountain High Outfitters are shifting toward apparel and footwear over technical hard goods. Eoin is joined by industry legend Wes Allen, President of Sunlight Sports and former leader at REI, Chacos, and the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (GOA). Together, they break down the critical delineation between the "Outdoor Economy" (activity-based) and the "Outside Economy" (lifestyle-based). They discuss why brands like Vuori, On, Patagonia, The North Face, Marmot, Hoka, and Merrell are navigating a complex landscape of technical authenticity versus mass-market appeal. We also dive into how OIA participation data can be misleading and how Amazon and ecommerce has impacted out the equipment business. Timestamps:
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Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| KMD's Snarky Rejection of Paul Naudé, Solo Stove's Struggles & How Specialty Retail Wins in 2026! | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:37:41 | |
Go beyond the PR spin with Eoin Comerford, former CEO and industry advisor, as he deconstructs the business mechanics of the outdoor world. In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, we break down the high-stakes merger attempt between Rip Curl and Paul Naudé’s StokedHouse Unlimited, revealing why KMD Brands (owners of Kathmandu and Oboz) ultimately passed on the deal. Eoin examines the cautionary tale of Solo Brands (Solo Stove, Chubbies, and Oru Kayak), analyzing how an "addiction" to D2C discounting and the fallout from their Snoop Dogg campaign impacted their valuation and wholesale relationships with giants like REI and Dick’s Sporting Goods. On the "Unfiltered Upside," we highlight the success of Youer, a Montana-based brand winning with a US-based supply chain. Finally, we sit down with Todd Buckley, owner of Town to Trail Outfitters, to discuss why a 1,900 sq. ft. specialty store with a full-service bar is the future of local retail. [00:00] Introduction Eoin introduces the mission of the show: looking at the "why" behind outdoor industry headlines. [00:46] The Rip Curl & StokedHouse Unlimited Merger
[08:05] The Solo Brands D2C Trap
[12:35] The Unfiltered Upside: Youer
[15:15] Interview: Todd Buckley of Town to Trail Outfitters
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| Why Eddie Bauer Failed & The OIA Rendezvous Recap Plus: Has Athleisure Finally Peaked? | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:31:05 | |
In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, host and former CEO Eoin Comerford dissects the collapse of Eddie Bauer and the "vampire" licensing model that is hollowing out iconic brands. Eoin also takes a hard look at the slowdown of athleisure, exploring whether the category has reached peak saturation and what outdoor brands can learn from the rise of Vuori and Alo Yoga. Later in the show, Kent Ebersole, President of the Outdoor Industry Association, joins the podcast to discuss the reboot of OIA Rendezvous 2026, where industry leaders gathered to tackle shared challenges and rebuild collaboration across the outdoor community. Timestamps
Outdoor Unfiltered goes beyond the headlines to explain what’s happening in the outdoor industry and why it matters. Connect with Eoin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/ Email the show: outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| Profitability vs. People: REI Cuts Pay & Benefits | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:36:13 | |
Today on Outdoor Unfiltered, Eoin Comerford breaks down the news that REI is cutting pay and benefits for employees as the co-op struggles to return to profitability. After four straight years of losses REI is facing some tough financial realities — and payroll is squarely in the spotlight. Eoin digs into what’s driving the decision, why payroll costs at REI are significantly higher than other retailers, and why a healthy REI still matters to the broader outdoor industry. Also in this episode:
Outdoor Unfiltered looks past the PR spin to explore what’s really happening in the outdoor industry and why it matters. Connect with Eoin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/ Email the show: outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com | |||
| The Death Of Misery Marketing, Ultralight Goes Mainstream & Switchback vs. Outdoor Retailer | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:37:17 | |
Move past the PR speak and into the boardroom. In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, host Eoin Comerford breaks down the latest strategic shifts from the industry’s biggest players before sitting down with the "unofficial mayor of the outdoor industry," Lloyd Vogel. On the Business Desk:
The Insider Interview: Lloyd Vogel (CEO, Garage Grown Gear)
Follow Outdoor Unfiltered on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to stay a step ahead of the competition. Connect with Eoin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/ Learn more about GGG: www.garagegrowngear.com | |||
| Tariff Decision Explained, Outdoor Earnings & Sustainability Under Attack | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:31:34 | |
Is the outdoor industry in trouble, or just in transition? Host Eoin Comerford is joined by industry icon Kristin Hostetter (former Editor-in-Chief of SNEWS) to pull back the curtain on why sustainability is currently under fire and what the "Trump Tariffs" reversal actually means for your wallet. In this debut episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, we move past the PR fluff to give you the "why" behind the headlines. What we’re digging into today:
Connect with us:
Outdoor Unfiltered is part of the Rock Fight podcast network. | |||
| Welcome to Outdoor Unfiltered! | 26 Feb 2026 | 00:01:02 | |
Tired of the PR spin and LinkedIn platitudes? Outdoor Unfiltered is a new podcast hosted by industry veteran Eoin Comerford that digs into what’s actually driving the outdoor business. In this trailer, Eoin lays out the mission: honest conversations with insiders and experts about the forces shaping the industry — from innovation and branding to affordability, sustainability, and the real stories behind the headlines. If you want to understand where the outdoor industry is headed — and why — Outdoor Unfiltered delivers the straight talk. Follow now and get ready for the first episode dropping March 2. Outdoor Unfiltered is part of the Rock Fight podcast network. | |||