Outdoor Unfiltered – Details, episodes & analysis

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Outdoor Unfiltered

Rock Fight, LLC

Sports

Business

News

Frequency: 1 episode/7d. Total Eps: 28

Want to know what's REALLY going on in the outdoor industry? Move past the PR speak and platitudes. Get the "why" behind the headlines with the unvarnished truth about the outdoor industry's biggest drivers. Host Eoin Comerford -- former CEO, marketer, and consultant -- brings two decades of industry scars and successes to the table. He’s calling out the missteps, celebrating the innovators, and dissecting the "playbook" used by the world’s leading outdoor brands and retailers. Alongside guest experts, Eoin dives into the topics that actually move the needle: - Market Drivers: Affordability, sustainability, and the "authenticity" gap. - Retail Reality: What’s actually happening on the floor vs. the boardroom. - Future-Proofing: Connecting you to the insiders shaping where the industry goes next. Stop skimming the surface. Hit play to get better informed, more connected, and a step ahead of the competition. It’s way more interesting down here.

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Apple Podcasts

🇬🇧 Great Britain - wilderness
26/08/2026
#53
🇫🇷 France - wilderness
26/08/2026
#70
🇬🇧 Great Britain - wilderness
25/08/2026
#93
🇺🇸 USA - wilderness
25/08/2026
#96
🇫🇷 France - wilderness
25/08/2026
#45
🇬🇧 Great Britain - wilderness
24/08/2026
#91
🇬🇧 Great Britain - wilderness
23/08/2026
#75
🇫🇷 France - wilderness
23/08/2026
#81
🇬🇧 Great Britain - wilderness
22/08/2026
#59
🇫🇷 France - wilderness
22/08/2026
#61

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RSS feed quality

Good

Score global : 79%

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Welcome to Outdoor Unfiltered!

Thursday, February 26, 2026 • Duration 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.

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Tariff Decision Explained, Outdoor Earnings & Sustainability Under Attack

Episode 1

Monday, March 2, 2026 • Duration 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:

The Supreme Court vs. The Tariffs: Eoin breaks down how brands might get their refunds and why your gear probably won't get cheaper anytime soon.
Earnings Season Reality Check: What do the latest results tell us about where the market is heading? Why are footwear brands like Hoka and Birkenstock winning while the rest of the US market lags?
Sustainability Under Attack: Kristin Hostetter shares her raw take on the repeal of scientific findings and why Patagonia’s latest "transparency report" is being called greenwashing by some and a blueprint by others.

Connect with us:

Follow Eoin Comerford: www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford
Email the show: OutdoorUnfilteredPod@gmail.com
Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this deep dive, please leave a 5-star review!

Outdoor Unfiltered is part of the Rock Fight podcast network.

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The Death Of Misery Marketing, Ultralight Goes Mainstream & Switchback vs. Outdoor Retailer

Episode 2

Monday, March 9, 2026 • Duration 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:

Amer Sports & Anta: A deep dive into the $6.6B powerhouse. Why are they raising $750M despite 27% growth? We look at the debt, the margins, and the "Arc’teryx effect."
The North Face vs. Merrell: Analyzing the pivot away from "misery marketing." Why TNF is taking a run at owning "Hiking" and what Merrell’s "Secret Garden" approach means for inclusivity.

The Insider Interview: Lloyd Vogel (CEO, Garage Grown Gear)

The Ultralight Takeover: Why "Ultralight" isn't a niche anymore—it's just the new standard for backpacking.
The "Boomer" Impact: How lighter gear is extending the longevity of the industry’s most loyal demographic.
The Trade Show Tug-of-War: An unfiltered look at Switchback vs. Outdoor Retailer. Can small, cottage brands save the traditional trade show model?

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

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Why Eddie Bauer Failed & The OIA Rendezvous Recap Plus: Has Athleisure Finally Peaked?

Episode 4

Monday, March 23, 2026 • Duration 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

0:00 – 1:07 | Introduction Eoin introduces the episode's themes: Eddie Bauer's retail closure and the state of the athleisure market.
1:08 – 4:40 | The Eddie Bauer "Vampire" Model A breakdown of Eddie Bauer’s third bankruptcy and how Authentic Brands Group’s licensing model sucks brands drink leaving debt-laden "husks."
4:41 – 8:43 | Has Athleisure Peaked? Analysis of Lululemon and Athleta’s struggles versus the rise of Vuori and Alo Yoga. Eoin discusses why "technical stories" are failing while comfort and social-media-driven "cool factors" are winning.
8:44 – 11:45 | The OIA Rendezvous 2026 Recap Kent Ebersole joins to discuss the reboot of the OIA Rendezvous in Denver and the importance of leadership coming together to solve shared industry challenges.
11:46 – 14:32 | Key Takeaways from the Summit Discussion on the impact of AI (with insights from Microsoft), financial stress on P&Ls, and the core pillars of sustainability and participation.
14:33 – 17:15 | The Soul of the Industry Highlights from Ryan Gellert (Patagonia) and Neil Fisk (Black Diamond) on innovation, stewardship, and the "energy in the room" when the industry collaborates.
17:16 – 20:30 | What’s Next for OIA? Kent outlines the call to action, the upcoming April Town Hall, and why the Rendezvous will likely remain an intimate, leadership-focused annual event rather than a massive trade show.
20:31 – End | Closing Remarks How to stay involved with the OIA and where to follow the podcast for future updates.

Profitability vs. People: REI Cuts Pay & Benefits

Episode 3

Monday, March 16, 2026 • Duration 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:

Vail Resorts’ historically bad winter season
Why ski resorts are still making money despite poor snow
Eoin is then joined by Rock Founder and Outdoor Industry veteran, Colin True, to discuss the outdoor recreation economy’s “$1.3 trillion” headline number (and why it’s misleading) as well as the new brand campaigns from The North Face and Merrell.

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

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Trump's impact on the Outdoor Industry & is Trail Running Going Mainstream?

Episode 7

Monday, April 13, 2026 • Duration 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 Summary

In 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

01:03 – Academy Sports + Outdoors: Analyzing Q1 sales growth and expansion plans through 2030.
01:52 – Lululemon & Fabletics: The $240 million class-action lawsuit over passed-on tariff costs.
02:35 – Allbirds Acquired: The $39 million deal with American Exchange Group and the "broken" licensing model.
03:41 – Consumer Sentiment: How inflation and gas prices are squeezing the outdoor participant.
04:30 – The Unfiltered Upside: How GLP-1 drugs (Ozempic/Wegovy) could drive a $13B boost in apparel.
05:40 – : Empowering frontline associates with .

Is the Gear Shop Dead? Surviving the Shift to Lifestyle Apparel!

Episode 6

Monday, April 6, 2026 • Duration 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:

00:00 – Intro: The closing of iconic shops like Wilderness Exchange and Midwest Mountaineering.
01:30 – The shift from hard goods to apparel: Insights from Town to Trail Outfitters.
03:15 – 5 factors killing the equipment-centric model.
09:40 – Introducing Wes Allen: A life spent at REI, Chacos, and Sunlight Sports.
12:15 – Defining the Outdoor Economy vs. the Outside Economy.
15:00 – The "Lifestyle" giants: How The North Face and Patagonia paved the way.
18:30 – The rise of Vuori and On: Why lifestyle brands are winning the floor space.
22:15 – The Sustainability Gap: Why eco-friendly tech often loses at the register.
– Debunking data: The questionable $271 billion sales number.

KMD's Snarky Rejection of Paul Naudé, Solo Stove's Struggles & How Specialty Retail Wins in 2026!

Episode 5

Monday, March 30, 2026 • Duration 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

Analysis of Paul Naudé’s bid to merge StokedHouse (Vissla, Sisstrevolution) with Rip Curl.
Why KMD Brands Chairman David Kirk rejected the offer as "immaterial" and "misaligned."
The history of Billabong’s debt and the lessons of private equity in surf.

[08:05] The Solo Brands D2C Trap

How Solo Brands (Solo Stove) saw a 44% sales drop after retreating from aggressive D2C discounting.

Allbirds’ AI Pivot, Backcountry’s Brand Incubator & The Evolution of the Outdoor Sales Rep

Episode 8

Monday, April 20, 2026 • Duration 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.

00:00 – Introduction
00:54 – Allbirds’ surprising pivot to AI computing infrastructure and GPU-as-a-service.
08:31 – Backcountry.com launches Backcountry Garage and acquires CoalaTree.
10:50 – A look at past outdoor incubators: Moosejaw Outdoor Accelerator and REI’s Path Ahead Ventures.
16:03 – The North Face Universal Collection: A deep dive into adaptive design for the Wawona 3 Tent, Universal One Sleeping Bag, and more.
21:50 – Interview with Eric Haberman, President of Mountain High Sales & Marketing, on the modern role of the sales rep.
27:10 – The importance of trust and the "balancing act" between brands and retailers.
33:20 – Advice for emerging brands on navigating the wholesale landscape and working with reps.

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:

outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com

Switchback Spring: What To Expect In Year Two! Plus: Scoring The Outdoor Industry's Brand/Retailer Partnerships

Episode 10

Monday, May 4, 2026 • Duration 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.

Outdoor Unfiltered – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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Apple Podcasts

Spotify

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Outdoor Unfiltered – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other21

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

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Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

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