Explore every episode of the podcast The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I Pitched 5 Outdoor Brands to a Retailer. Here's What Happened. | 10 Nov 2026 | 00:42:24 | |
What does it actually take for a new outdoor brand to earn a spot on the shelves of a specialty retailer? Today on The Rock Fight, Colin is recording from GOA Connect in Kansas City, where he welcomes back Sunlight Sports owner Wes Allen for a little experiment. After exploring the show's Discovery Marketplace, Colin selected five promising outdoor brands and decided to pitch them to Wes. The goal? Find out which brands have what it takes to succeed at specialty retail and which ones might have a tougher road ahead. Five brands. One retailer. Some surprising answers. Who makes the cut? Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your emails to myrockfight@gmail.com. The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| The Soul of Hiking Isn't in Your Boots & ISPO Instant Reaction | 06 Nov 2026 | 00:16:58 | |
It's Friday, which means it's time for The Rock Fight's Parting Shot! This week, Colin welcomes back Gear Abby host Shawnté Salabert for two very different takes on the outdoor industry. First, a severely jet-lagged Colin delivers his immediate reaction to the newly reinvented ISPO trade show in Amsterdam. Did ISPO deliver enough to make the outdoor industry believe in its comeback? Then Shawnté takes aim at a recent Backpacker essay suggesting that hiking is losing part of its soul as traditional boots give way to trail runners. While she appreciates the author's love of hiking boots, she questions why footwear preferences so often turn into rules about who belongs outdoors and how they should participate. All that plus, Colin's growing frustration with Halloween. It's Friday on The Rock Fight... time for the parting shot! Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your emails to myrockfight@gmail.com. The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| The Outdoor Trade Show Wars: OR Makes Its Case | 05 Nov 2026 | 00:31:04 | |
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin welcomes Outdoor Retailer show director Matthew Mathiasen to make the case for why OR should once again become the outdoor industry's premier national event. With Outdoor Retailer and Switchback competing for the industry's attention (and exhibitor dollars), the future of the national outdoor trade show is anything but settled. Colin and Matthew dig into what brands actually want from these events, why the traditional focus on retail buyers might be outdated, and the challenge of convincing major outdoor brands to return. Plus, can Outdoor Retailer and Switchback coexist? And can OR embrace its legacy without getting trapped by it? Send your feedback to myrockfight@gmail.com 04:06 – Outdoor Retailer's New Ownership Under Forge 06:38 – Does the Outdoor Industry Need a National Trade Show? 12:54 – How Committed Is Forge to Outdoor Retailer's Future? 15:34 – Sponsor Break 19:25 – Can You Sell a Trade Show Based on Vibes? 24:11 – Turning Influencer Content Into Business Results 27:10 – Can Outdoor Retailer and Switchback Coexist? 27:57 – Can Outdoor Retailer Escape Its Past? The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| AI Influencers, Fake Gear Reviews & the Future of Outdoor Media | 03 Nov 2026 | 00:32:02 | |
What if the outdoor influencer recommending your next backpack wasn't actually a real person? Today on The Rock Fight, Colin welcomes back independent outdoor journalist Kyle Frost to talk about how AI is already disrupting the outdoor industry. Kyle recently uncovered Brook Wilder, an AI-generated outdoor influencer publishing gear reviews built from content created by actual outdoor journalists. And while the technology might still have some obvious flaws, it's improving quickly. They also debate whether trusted independent creators are better positioned for the future than legacy outdoor media companies, the role of influencer marketing platforms like Popfly, and why human experience might become more valuable as AI-generated content becomes increasingly common. Send your feedback to myrockfight@gmail.com. Timestamps: 05:53 – Why AI Is Becoming Impossible for the Outdoor Industry to Ignore 07:30 – The Fake Outdoor Influencer Reviewing Real Gear 13:53 – Is AI a Threat to Legacy Outdoor Media? 16:42 – What Outdoor Brands and Retailers Should Be Preparing For 21:43 – Sponsor Break 24:54 – Are Influencers the Future of Outdoor Product Reviews? 27:07 – Are Individual Creators More Valuable Than Media Brands? 28:05 – Why Traditional Journalism Still Has an Advantage The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| Patagonia Just Put Used Gear Next to New. Why Isn't Everyone Else? | 30 Oct 2026 | 00:37:06 | |
Today Colin is joined by Patagonia's Aileen Ottenweller, Senior Director of Impact Marketing, Policy and Communications, to discuss the company's decision to integrate its Worn Wear secondhand marketplace directly into Patagonia.com. It's a significant shift in how an outdoor brand approaches resale. Instead of sending shoppers to a separate website, Patagonia is putting used products alongside new ones and giving consumers the choice. But why did it take four years to make the change? And does keeping resale separate from a brand's primary e-commerce business undermine the environmental message behind offering secondhand products in the first place? Send your feedback to myrockfight@gmail.com 05:17 – Why Patagonia Is Bringing Worn Wear Into Its Main Website 17:11 – Do Brand-Owned Resale Platforms Have a Future? 20:17 – Can Secondhand Become a True Retail Distribution Channel? 21:00 – Sponsor Break 23:00 – Does the Outdoor Industry Make Too Much Stuff? 27:36 – The Contradictions of Growth and Environmental Responsibility 29:55 – Patagonia's Leadership on Public Lands The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC | |||
| The 2026 Outdoor Activity Draft! | 28 Oct 2026 | 01:06:54 | |
What's the greatest outdoor activity of all time? And if you could assemble the ultimate team of outdoor pursuits, what would make your roster? Today on The Rock Fight, Colin welcomes Outdoor Unfiltered host Eoin Comerford, Gear Abby host Shawnté Salabert, and Garage Grown Gear co-founder Lloyd Vogel for The 2026 Outdoor Activity Draft! The rules are simple: Each competitor must draft seven outdoor activities across categories including trails, wheels, water, snow, climbing, science, and one wild card. No duplicate picks, plenty of questionable strategy, and absolutely no guarantee that everyone will agree on what qualifies. Along the way, Colin declares war on camping, Lloyd makes some truly unexpected selections, Shawnté defends the activities she loves, and Eoin attempts to assemble the coolest outdoor roster imaginable. Four competitors. Seven rounds. Twenty-eight picks. One winner. What would your team look like? Send your feedback on this and every episode of The Rock Fight to myrockfight@gmail.com! Time Stamps: 01:32 – Welcome to The Rock Fight's Outdoor Activity Draft! 03:15 – The Rules: Seven Categories, Four Teams 06:21 – Is Camping Actually an Outdoor Activity? 07:09 – Setting the Draft Order 08:32 – The Outdoor Activity Draft! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| The Reinvention of ISPO: Can The Show Find Its Mojo Again? | 27 Oct 2026 | 00:34:12 | |
Can one of the outdoor industry's most iconic trade shows reinvent itself? And what does its comeback mean for the future of industry gatherings? Today on The Rock Fight, Colin welcomes ISPO Managing Director Tracy Bebbington to discuss the major changes coming to the legendary European trade show as it prepares for its first event in Amsterdam under new ownership. After years of declining relevance and questions about its future, ISPO is getting a fresh start. Tracy explains why Raccoon Media Group moved the show from Munich to Amsterdam, how a million-euro hosted buyer program is bringing retailers back, and what attendees should expect from the revamped event. Send your feedback to myrockfight@gmail.com! Topics / Chapters 03:15 – ISPO's Decline, New Ownership & Move to Amsterdam 08:16 – What's Different About ISPO 2026? 11:58 – Are the Buyer Numbers Real? 12:58 – Why Have Outdoor Trade Shows Lost Their Relevance? 17:13 – Is Connecting Brands With Buyers Still Enough? 21:38 – Sponsor Break 22:45 – Are Outdoor Trade Shows Different From Other Industries? 26:40 – What Will Success Look Like for ISPO 2026? 30:29 – Can ISPO Bring the Biggest Brands Back? The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| Does the World Really Need YETI Jackets? | 23 Oct 2026 | 00:18:14 | |
YETI makes jackets now. And apparently, everyone else wants in on the apparel business, too. On this week's Parting Shot, Colin welcomes Gear Abby host Shawnté Salabert to ask a simple question: Does the outdoor industry really need more clothes? First, Shawnté takes aim at YETI's new technical apparel collection and the suggestion that a cooler and drinkware company is suddenly coming for Patagonia and The North Face. Then Colin expands the conversation to NNormal and MiiR, two more brands making moves into technical apparel. More jackets. More brands. More stuff. Do we really need any of it? That's this weeks parting shot. Send us your emails! myrockfight@gmail.com The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| The $50 Million Outdoor Brand You've Never Heard Of | 22 Oct 2026 | 00:36:31 | |
What if one of the outdoor industry's fastest-growing brands was already generating more than $50 million in annual revenue and most traditional outdoor retailers barely knew it existed? Today on The Rock Fight, Colin welcomes Brian Davis, co-founder of Hollow Socks, to explore how a seven-year-old alpaca sock brand built a massive direct-to-consumer business before making a serious push into traditional outdoor retail. Topics / Chapters 06:15 – How Hollow Became a $50 Million Brand 10:19 – Why It's Never Been Easier to Start a Brand 11:18 – Do You Need Deep Pockets to Build a D2C Business? 15:03 – How Hollow Built a Million-Dollar Monthly Ad Budget 20:04 – Sponsor Break + ISPO 2026 22:57 – Why Hollow Wants Wholesale After Succeeding Without It 27:25 – How Many Other Multimillion-Dollar D2C Brands Are Out There? Send your feedback and question to myrockfight@gmail.com! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| The Outdoor Industry Stock Market: What Are We Buying & Selling? | 20 Oct 2026 | 00:46:06 | |
The outdoor industry stock market is open for business! So which brands and trends are worth buying, and which ones are headed for a crash? Today on The Rock Fight, Colin welcomes back Outdoor Unfiltered host and Rock Fight consigliere Eoin Comerford for a game of Buy or Sell. Each brings three buys and three sells from across the outdoor industry, making their cases for the brands, business models, and trends they believe are headed for big things or headed for trouble. Twelve picks. Two opinionated podcasters. Absolutely zero investment advice. Welcome to The Rock Fight's Outdoor Stock Market! Send your own outdoor buy and sells to myrockfight@gmail.com. Topics / Chapters 03:25 – The Outdoor Stock Market: Buy or Sell? 04:00 – Is the Snow Sports Industry in Trouble? 06:31 – Are Season Passes Hurting Skiing? 09:43 – Can On Running Challenge Nike? 14:35 – A Comeback Story in Outdoor Equipment 17:43 – Selling Legacy Outdoor Media 22:26 – The Trouble With Dick's Acquisition of Foot Locker 24:52 – Sponsor Break 27:44 – Buying Into the Creator Economy 30:26 – Why YouTube Matters for Outdoor Brands 32:36 – Is Big Box Retail Losing Its Appeal? 36:14 – Has Arc'teryx Become a Luxury Brand? 39:30 – Can a National Outdoor Trade Show Make a Comeback? 41:47 – El Niño and the Future of Winter Retail The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| Cancel Commercial Climbing & OnlyFans Goes Fly Fishing | 16 Oct 2026 | 00:19:59 | |
Should we put an end to commercial high-altitude mountaineering? And why is the fly fishing community losing its mind over an OnlyFans creator? It's time for The Parting Shot! Colin welcomes Gear Abby host Shawnté Salabert for two outdoor hot takes. First, after watching the new K2 documentary The Last First: Winter K2, Colin argues that commercial mountaineering has gone too far. When inexperienced climbers can buy their way onto some of the world's most dangerous mountains, who's responsible when things go wrong? Then Shawnté takes aim at the fly fishing community's outrage over rod maker Winston gifting gear to an OnlyFans creator. Why does someone's career outside the sport determine whether they deserve to participate? And shouldn't the industry be more concerned with welcoming newcomers and supporting women in fishing? Two controversies. Two parting shots. One Rock Fight. Send your feedback on this and every episode of The Rock Fight by sending an email to myrockfight@gmail.com. Topics / Chapters 02:58 – The Parting Shot with Shawnté Salabert 03:31 – Colin's Parting Shot: Cancel Commercial Climbing! 08:36 – Shawnté on the Business of High-Altitude Guiding 10:33 – Lessons From Climbing Kilimanjaro 12:14 – Shawnté's Parting Shot: OnlyFans Meets Fly Fishing 15:37 – Colin Weighs In on Sex Work and Outdoor Gatekeeping 16:55 – The Double Standards Facing Women in Outdoor Sports The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| The 5 Best Ways to Die in the Outdoors | 15 Oct 2026 | 00:43:51 | |
Everybody dies. But if you could choose how you go, wouldn't you rather have a great story? Longtime Rock Fight co-host Justin Housman returns to join Colin to debate the five best ways to die in the outdoors. From big wave wipeouts and wild animal attacks to falling rocks, volcanoes, and lightning strikes, Colin and Justin rank the outdoor demises they'd choose if dying peacefully in their sleep were somehow off the table. What do you think the best way to die in the outdoors would be? Send your vote to myrockfight@gmail.com! 03:23 – Justin Housman Returns! 06:53 – Introducing the Five Best Ways to Die Outdoors 12:28 – The Outdoor Death Rankings Begin 16:11 – Falling Rocks and Other Mountain Hazards 20:00 – Big Wave Surfing: The Ultimate Way to Go? 24:51 – Wild Animal Attacks and Outdoor Fears 36:01 – Lightning Strikes and Mountain Summits 37:03 – Producer Dave, Shawnté & Friends Weigh In The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| The Outdoor Industry's D2C Revolution Isn't Over Plus: What's Next for Backcountry? | 13 Oct 2026 | 00:36:01 | |
What's next for Backcountry? And are direct-to-consumer outdoor brands making a comeback? Today on The Rock Fight, Colin welcomes back Outdoor Unfiltered host and Rock Fight consigliere Eoin Comerford to check in on the changing landscape of outdoor retail. First, they examine Backcountry's efforts to reinvent itself through acquisitions, new brand partnerships and an enormous online assortment. Can the longtime e-commerce player regain its former momentum, or has the increasingly competitive digital marketplace put a ceiling on its growth? Then Colin and Eoin dig into the surprising success of D2C outdoor brands that most industry insiders have never heard of. What's changed since the last D2C boom went bust? How are these brands finding customers and growing without traditional retail? And do they even need wholesale anymore? Plus, Colin explains why gravel running shoes are a sham, clears up the rumors about Marmot selling at Costco, and comes to terms with Bedrock Sandals finally making a proper shoe. Topics / Chapters 02:00 – Welcome to The Rock Fight + Programming Updates 03:15 – Mailbag: Is Lowe Alpine Officially a Zombie Brand? 06:00 – Why Gravel Running Shoes Are a Sham 08:15 – The Truth About Marmot at Costco 09:15 – Bedrock Sandals Finally Makes a Shoe 13:54 – Eoin Comerford Joins The Rock Fight 14:27 – The Sierra vs. REI Debate Continues 16:05 – What's Next for Backcountry? 17:31 – Backcountry's Strategy Under New Ownership 20:14 – Can Backcountry Compete With Amazon and REI? 22:07 – Will Acquisitions Move the Needle? 23:24 – Is Direct-to-Consumer Making a Comeback? 24:50 – Why Some D2C Outdoor Brands Are Thriving 26:49 – The Outdoor Brands Making Millions You've Never Heard Of 29:21 – Do DTC Brands Still Need Specialty Retail? 32:50 – Could Kickstarter Produce the Next Big Outdoor Brand? Pick a fight with The Rock Fight! Send your emails to myrockfight@gmail.com! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| The Return of the Light Hiker (The Parting Shot!) | 09 Oct 2026 | 00:16:54 | |
The light hiker is coming back. At least that's Colin's prediction. On this week's Parting Shot, Colin welcomes Gear Abby host Shawnté Salabert to debate his latest outdoor industry prediction: 2027 will be the year of the light hiker. He makes his case by looking at footwear's fashion cycles, an increasingly saturated running category, emerging retail trends, and why shoes like the Merrell Moab might be poised for a comeback. Will running shoes finally lose their grip on casual footwear or is Colin just trying to make dad shoes cool again? Send your feedback to myrockfight@gmail.com. The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| The Outdoor Industry Needs to Get Loud About Public Lands | 08 Oct 2026 | 00:27:21 | |
The outdoor industry depends on public lands. So why does it sometimes seem reluctant to fight for them? Chris Keyes, founder and executive director of public lands newsroom RE:PUBLIC, returns to The Rock Fight to talk with Colin about the industry's response to the growing number of threats facing America's public lands. Chris and Colin discuss what brands can do beyond posting another carefully workshopped statement on social media, why encouraging people to vote might be the industry's most effective move, and how RE:PUBLIC's first year is demonstrating that good old-fashioned outdoor journalism can still make a difference. Topics / Chapters 02:08 – Why the Outdoor Industry Needs to Get Loud 06:32 – Chris Keyes Joins The Rock Fight 07:50 – One Year of RE:PUBLIC 09:27 – Is the Outdoor Industry Doing Enough? 10:59 – Why Brands Have Been Reluctant to Speak Up 13:44 – How Corporate Ownership Changed Outdoor Activism 14:42 – The Business Case for Defending Public Lands 16:50 – One Thing Every Outdoor Brand Can Do 17:57 – Why Today's Public Lands Fights Are Harder to Communicate 19:09 – Stop Posting Links and Start Driving Action 20:33 – Why You Can't Compare Every Brand to Patagonia 22:12 – If You're Going to Speak Up, Say Something 23:24 – How Journalism Can Actually Create Change Read RE:PUBLIC's job performance review for Doug Burgum here. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your comments or questions to myrockfight@gmail.com. The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| A New Zombie Brand? Plus: Power Ranking Big Box Outdoor Retailers | 06 Oct 2026 | 00:43:06 | |
Big box retailers drive a massive amount of outdoor industry revenue. So which ones matter most and which are best positioned for the future? Today Colin is joined by Outdoor Unfiltered host and Rock Fight consigliere Eoin Comerford to power rank the biggest players in outdoor retail. And, as you might expect, Colin and Eoin don't exactly agree on the rankings. Plus, Colin answers a listener question about whether outdoor brands can differentiate on vibes alone, nominates another once iconic outdoor company for zombie-brand status, and explains what the Outdoor Media Summit gets right about industry gatherings. Timestamps: 03:40 – Mailbag: Is Brand Vibe More Important Than Innovation? 06:55 – Has Outdoor Gear Become Commoditized? 08:20 – Is Lowe Alpine a Zombie Brand? 10:50 – What Outdoor Media Summit Gets Right About Industry Events 12:40 – Why Big Box Retail Matters to the Outdoor Industry 15:26 – Eoin Comerford Joins the Show 20:13 – Colin & Eoin Have Their First Major Disagreement 26:20 – The Specialty Experience at Big Box Scale 30:22 – The Middle of the Outdoor Market 37:07 – Honorable Mentions & Eoin's Rankings Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your questions and feedback to myrockfight@gmail.com The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| Punk Rock Running, Mammut Streetwear & the Death of “Print Ain’t Dead” | 02 Oct 2026 | 00:30:04 | |
Friday is for The Parting Shot! To close out The Rock Fight's big return week, Colin welcomes back two Rock Fight Hall of Famers, Producer Dave and Shawnté Salabert, to chuck four rocks aimed squarely at the outdoor world. First, Colin defends the Satisfy x Adidas Circle Pit and wonders why runners get so worked up whenever a brand tries something different. Producer Dave then weighs in on Mammut's latest streetwear-heavy campaign and the strange pivot from the brand that spent the past two years reminding everyone that it definitely wasn't a streetwear brand. Then Shawnté joins Colin to talk outdoor media, why everyone needs to stop saying "print ain't dead," and how print journalism has actually evolved. Finally, Shawnté takes aim at the outdoor brands staying quiet about the potential rollback of the Roadless Rule and what it could mean for public lands. Four parting shots. Two returning Rock Fight favorites. One final batch of rocks to take into the weekend. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your emails to myrockfight@gmail.com. The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| Can DoorDash Change the Game for Outdoor Retail? | 30 Sep 2026 | 00:30:33 | |
What happens when you can DoorDash a pair of trail runners as easily as an order of pad thai? Locally founder and CEO Mike Massey joins Colin to talk about the company's new partnership with DoorDash and why getting outdoor gear delivered in an hour could be about much more than convenience. They also dig into the health of specialty outdoor retail, the shift toward at-once buying, how real-time local data could change inventory decisions, and whether the coming battle over last-mile delivery could create a major opportunity for independent retailers. Topics / Chapters 02:29 – DoorDash is coming to your local gear shop 06:58 – Locally CEO Mike Massey joins the show 07:21 – How the Locally/DoorDash partnership happened 11:31 – Are delivery apps becoming the new everything store? 15:09 – Could this be a game changer for specialty retail? 16:01 – The current health of outdoor specialty retail 21:32 – At-once buying, inventory risk & real-time demand 23:58 – Can local retailers compete with Amazon? 27:05 – Why specialty shops shouldn't try to become Amazon Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Email us! myrockfight@gmail.com The Rock Fight is (an awesome) production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| Trail Running Has Peaked & Who Really Has the Power in the Outdoor Industry? | 28 Sep 2026 | 00:48:51 | |
It's the day you've been waiting for because The Rock Fight, the best outdoor culture podcast, is back! And we're starting things back up with some spice as host and outdoor industry veteran Colin True returns with five rocks for the outdoor industry. Is the hype around trail running finally peaking? Does the industry need to rethink what “outdoor participation” actually means? Is REI exactly what we need it to be? And with Outdoor Retailer, Switchback, GOA Connect and Outside Days all fighting for attention, do we already have the national outdoor gathering everyone keeps asking for? Then Outdoor Unfiltered host and Rock Fight consigliere Eoin Comerford joins the show to dig into the growing power of specialty retailers, why dealers are increasingly favoring at-once orders over preseason commitments, and what that shift could mean for outdoor brands. Plus: Helly Hansen wants to more than triple its U.S. business by 2030. Eoin and Colin discuss where that growth could possibly come from. TOPICS & CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome back to The Rock Fight! 04:00 – Rock #1: Has trail running peaked? 07:00 – Rock #2: Outdoor participation is changing 09:30 – Rock #3: REI is the Steadiest of Eddies 12:15 – Rock #4: The Outdoor Trade Show Wars 18:30 – Rock #5: Specialty retail has the power 23:15 – Eoin Comerford joins the show 24:50 – Why retailers are moving away from preseason orders 27:20 – The “sea of sameness” comes home to roost 32:05 – How specialty retailers influence consumers 35:55 – How much power do independent retailers really have? 38:45 – Are there too many outdoor brands? 40:40 – Helly Hansen’s massive U.S. growth ambitions Send your feedback and questions to myrockfight@gmail.com The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC | |||
| The Rock Fight Is Back! | 20 Sep 2026 | 00:01:01 | |
Let’s not beat around the bush. If you’ve listened to The Rock Fight in the past you know that we’ve never minced words on this podcast. So why start now? Here’s the deal: On Monday September 28th, The Rock Fight returns! Why, you ask? Because the voice of the outdoor industry has been quiet for long enough. And because the people demanded it. And because we still have rocks to throw! And lastly, because…. It just is. We’ll be returning with hot takes, actual interesting conversations, top 5’s, outdoor drafts, and our signature brutally honest point of view of the outdoors and the outdoor industry. If you are into going outside or the business and brands of going outside, then The Rock Fight is the podcast for you. So warm up that shoulder, find a couple of pointy rocks, and get ready for the return of The Rock Fight. Follow The Rock Fight on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| Did Outdoor Retailer Just Pull Off a Comeback? | 29 Aug 2026 | 00:18:39 | |
Don't call it a comeback! No, seriously, don't call it a comeback. The Rock Fight just needed to let Eoin Comerford weigh in on Outdoor Retailer! Today Colin dusts off the mic and welcomes Eoin to answer one question: Is Outdoor Retailer back? Fresh from OR 2026 in Minneapolis, Eoin reports on surprisingly strong crowds, actual buyer activity, new brands, influencers, and some genuine buzz around the longtime outdoor industry trade show. The Rock Fight may be gone... but apparently we still have some rocks to throw (seriously, not a comeback). Head to www.rockfightllc.com to listen to and follow Outdoor Unfiltered with Eoin Comerford and Gear Abby with Shawnté Salabert. The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. | |||
| Profitability vs. People: REI Cuts Pay & Benefits - Outdoor Unfiltered | 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 | |||
| Welcome to Outdoor Unfiltered! - 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. | |||
| The Rock Fight Signs Off With a Final Look at the Outdoor Industry | 26 Jan 2026 | 00:48:34 | |
This is it; the final episode of The Rock Fight. In one last, wide-ranging conversation, Colin True, Eoin Comerford, and Producer Dave take a final look at the outdoor industry they’ve spent three years questioning, criticizing, and celebrating. From the state of outdoor media and the resilience of specialty retail to brand sameness, authenticity, and the growing influence of algorithms and AI, this episode serves as a candid closing argument for why curiosity and critical thinking still matter. No headlines. No hot takes. Just one last honest conversation before the final stone is thrown. | |||
| All Rock Fights Must Come To An End | 23 Jan 2026 | 00:14:26 | |
In the penultimate episode of the podcast, Colin True explains why it’s time to bring The Rock Fight to a close and why ending things at their peak feels like the right call. Drawing parallels to sports dynasties, iconic artists, and cultural moments that knew when to walk away, Colin reflects on the three year run of the show, what it became for the outdoor industry, and the realities of podcasting, media, money, and burnout in the outdoor space. Come back on Monday January 23 for our final episode. Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| What Does Stoke Footwear Mean For The Outdoor Industry? | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:52:37 | |
Today on The Rock Fight Colin, Eoin Comerford and Producer Dave talk about some recent headlines to come out of the outdoor industry including recent comments made by some of the industry's more notable CEO's. For the Lightning Round they do quick hits on J Crew, JD Sports, and OR's new athlete team. Then they unpack the launch of Stoke Footwear, a running-inspired shoe brand built for “real American men” that’s already landed in hundreds of retail doors. Is this smart retail validation, or another case of active heritage being repackaged for a different audience? Lastly for The Parting Shot, Colin takes aim at the promotion of Alex Honnold's next big thing. Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| The Bottle Bubble & the Brick-and-Mortar Pivot | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:55:49 | |
This week on The Rock Fight, the crew digs into a round of reactions to some of the latest headlines to emerge from the outdoor industry! From Fleet Feet’s growing footprint, to the maturation of the hydration category and what it means for brands like Hydro Flask and YETI, the conversation spans retail scale, category fatigue, and where real opportunity still exists. The episode also explores why more brands are opening their own stores, how DTC has evolved into an omnichannel strategy, and what that means for wholesale partners. Plus, the Lightning Round covers ski patrol strikes*, Everest trash, and why bikes still sit awkwardly outside the outdoor industry. *This episode was recorded before the Telluride Patroller's strike ended. Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| 10 Predictions for 2026 + Timberland’s No Good Very Bad Boot | 05 Jan 2026 | 01:05:11 | |
Today on The Rock Fight Colin and Producer Dave help break down Eoin's ten predictions for the outdoor industry in 2026! From tariffs and retail shakeups to REI’s membership future, used gear going mainstream, peak trail running culture, and AI becoming your next gear buddy. Then for The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, Colin calls out Timberland’s latest boot, using it as a case study in what happens when legacy brands lose the plot on product quality, relevance, and execution. Watch the video that sparked the conversation by clicking here. What do you think of our predictions? Weigh in with your opinion and make your own outdoor industry 2026 prediction by clicking here! Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| The 2025 Rock Fight Awards! | 22 Dec 2025 | 01:06:22 | |
In this special episode, Colin, Owen, Shawnté, and Producer Dave hand out the 2025 Rock Fight Awards, recognizing the outdoor industry’s biggest wins, painful missteps, strangest products, and standout brands and individuals of the year. From trail running’s continued dominance to zombie brands, WTF products, creative breakthroughs, and a few well-earned shots across the bow, this is a no-filter temperature check on where the outdoor industry stands and where it might be headed next. Award Categories: 🪨 THE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN BRAND COLLABORATION 🪨 THE CHIP WILSON SELF INFLICTED WOUND AWARD (AKA BIGGEST BRAND BONER) 🪨 THE OPEN CONTAINER AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE OUTDOOR COMMUNITY 🪨 THE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN OUTDOOR INDUSTRY OVEREXPOSURE 🪨 THE CATEGORY OF THE YEAR 🪨 THE WTF PRODUCT OF THE YEAR 🪨 THE NEWCOMER OR EMERGING BRAND OF THE YEAR 🪨 THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE OUTDOOR ZOMBIE HORDE 🪨 THE BRIEF AWARD FOR BRAND CREATIVE EXCELLENCE 🪨 THE GEAR ABBY GOLDEN BIDET AWARD FOR CONSUMER EDUCATION 🪨 THE JUSTIN HOUSMAN MEMORIAL ROCK FIGHTER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 🪨 THE 2025 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN TRADE SHOWS 🪨 THE 2025 ROCK FIGHT LISTENER AWARD 🪨 2025 OUTDOOR INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR 🪨 2025 BRAND OF THE YEAR See you in 2026! Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| Too Many Shows? Taking the Outdoor Industry’s Trade Show Temperature | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:59:04 | |
Today on The Rock Fight, the crew runs a temperature check on the outdoor industry national trade show scene! From fragmentation to event fatigue, Colin, Eoin Comerford, and Producer Dave break down whether outdoor still needs a single “north star” gathering; and who should be responsible for making it happen. But first they hit a rapid-fire six-pack of industry stories, including:
Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| The Running Event Recap: Who Brought It and Who Phoned It In | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:49:32 | |
In this episode, Colin, Shawnté, Eoin, and Producer Dave deliver their on-the-ground, end-of-show breakdown of The Running Event and Switchback 2025 — recorded moments after the TRE Retailer Awards wrapped in San Antonio. The crew dig into what worked, what surprised them, and what the outdoor industry should take away from a trade show that knows exactly what it is. On The Docket!
Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| The Rock Fight LIVE at TRE 2025! | 06 Dec 2025 | 00:37:57 | |
From San Antonio, TX it's The Rock Fight LIVE! Colin, Shawnté Salabert, Producer Dave and Eoin Comerford take the stage at The Running Event & Switchback 2025 for a fast, funny, high-energy conversation on the annual trade show. On The Docket!
Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| 5 Predictions For The Running Event, Dick's Assimilates Foot Locker & Is Resale Profitable? | 01 Dec 2025 | 01:09:04 | |
It's an action packed episode of The Rock Fight as Colin, Eoin Comerford, Producer Dave are joined by Gear Abby herself, Shawnté Salabert to preview and offer their predictions for this week's edition of The Running Event & Switchback! They also dig into Dick's Sporting Goods plans for Foot Locker and respond to a listener email about the profitablity of resale economics. Lastly it's the final interview recorded at GOA Connect in Kansas City last month as the Monday crew chats with Fjallraven CEO Nathan Dopp. On The Docket!
Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| Nike Eyes Trail Running & Sierra Steals the Suburbs | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:53:11 | |
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin Comerford, and Producer Dave break down two major outdoor-industry storylines: Nike’s push into trail running and Sierra’s rapid suburban takeover. Plus listener feedback, The Lightning Round, and The Parting Shot! On The Docket!
For The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear Colin highlights a friend of the pod's outdoor industry trade show call out (and solution)! Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| Topo’s Big Year: Tariffs, Trail Running & Staying Authentic | 22 Nov 2025 | 00:28:04 | |
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin, and Producer Dave sit down with Tony Post, founder and CEO of Topo Athletic, live from GOA Connect in Kansas City, to talk about the booming trail running market and Topo’s big year. Topo has quietly become one of the most talked-about brands in trail running. Growing 70% last year and expanding into 25 countries all while staying true to its specialty roots and never running a sale on its website in 12 years. In This Episode
For The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, Colin struggles with the glut of poorly executed maximal midsoles. Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| Vuori Snow, Patagonia’s Paradox & Goodbye Gorewear | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:58:10 | |
Today on the show Colin, Eoin, and Producer Dave return with a full-tilt breakdown of the outdoor industry’s latest developments. From trade show energy to tariff fallout to brands making questionable product choices. On The Docket!
For The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, Sorel released a new brand video and Colin would like to see prAna get some Columbia portfolio love. Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| Why The Outdoor Industry Needs Its Cool Back | 14 Nov 2025 | 00:26:23 | |
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin Comerford, and Producer Dave sit down with Amy Beck, President of Obōz Footwear (recorded at GOA Connect in Kansas City), for a wide-ranging, and honest conversation about what’s missing in the outdoor industry. Here's the rundown!
Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| GOA Connect Discovery Marketplace: 6 Brands That Delivered The Goods | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:44:39 | |
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin Comerford, and Producer Dave hit the show floor at GOA Connect and explore their favorite brands and products from the Discovery Marketplace. From coolers to chef-designed backpacking meals (and at least one trail running brand) these are the most exciting things they saw at the outdoor industry's most consequential event.
For The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, Colin takes aim at our nation's airport bathrooms (seriously). Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| PFAS Isn’t Over: What Comes Next for Outdoor Brands? | 07 Nov 2025 | 00:32:28 | |
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin and Eoin Comerford sit down at the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Connect show with Alex Lauver, the former Director of Materials & Sustainability at Outdoor Research, now leading Douglas Strategies LLC, a consultancy focused on impact reduction and supply-chain transparency. They unpack the state of PFAS (“forever chemicals”). Once the outdoor industry’s biggest story, now quietly complicated by regulation, cost, and unintended consequences. They dig into:
Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| Outdoor Industry Trends: Reporting Season & Trade Show Shake-Ups | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:43:31 | |
This week on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin, and Producer Dave break down a packed slate of outdoor industry headlines, from financial shakeups to listener drama. On the docket!
2026 Outdoor Trade Show Watch!
Lightning Round!
The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear! A listener calls The Rock Fight “Patagonia’s biggest haters.” The crew responds (with vigor) clarifying that critique comes from love, not spite. Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| Tradeshow News Recap + America's Next Top Trail Running Brand! | 27 Oct 2025 | 01:02:55 | |
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin Comerford, and Producer Dave put three buzzworthy trail running brands to the test in the first-ever America’s Next Top Trail Running Brand showdown. Focusing on Brand Position, Retail Appeal, and wear test performance, the trio have a look at Speedland, Norda, and Mount to Coast to crown one who will move on to the next round (provided there will be a next round). But before the big shoe showdown, they have a look at a couple of stories that have come out of the outdoor trade show scene:
Lastly for The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, Colin uses history as a bucket of cold water for all of the people out there who think that trail running is the next big mainstream sport. Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| How Mammut Made Humor Work in the Outdoor Industry | 24 Oct 2025 | 00:46:15 | |
The Brief is back! Today on The Rock Fight Colin and Producer Dave break down Mammut’s Mountain Wear Rescue campaign. They’re joined by Mammut’s Chief Marketing Officer Nic Brandenberger, who shares the inside story of how the campaign came together, from the insight that “8 out of 10 jackets never see a mountain” to the decision to embrace humor. Episode Topics:
Spoiler: Mammut scores high and gives zero f*cks. Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| Outdoor Industry Buy or Sell: Patagonia, VF, Trail Running and More! | 20 Oct 2025 | 00:52:35 | |
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin, and Producer Dave return with Outdoor Industry Buy or Sell as they name what’s hot (and what’s not). Here's the rundown!
Lastly for The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, Colin has a note for a recent cycling study. (49:00) Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| Pitchfest 2025: Women Building the Future of the Outdoor Industry | 17 Oct 2025 | 00:35:42 | |
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin is joined by Shawnté Salabert to break down her trip to Title Nine’s Pitchfest 2025, where women founders are reshaping the outdoor industry from the ground up. Since 1989, Title Nine and its founder Missy Park have been putting money behind women-led brands; more than $1.7 million in Pitchfest investments and $72 million in total purchasing power. Shawnté attended this year's edition and shares what makes this event different: collaboration over competition, community over ego, and a focus on solving real problems. The conversation covers:
Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| The Rock Fight Deep Dive: Fabric Innovation Isn’t Dead (But It’s Different) | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:30:55 | |
Introducing The Rock Fight Deep Dive! A new series where we team up with a partner for a deeper look at an outdoor industry topic. Today Colin takes an unfiltered look at the state of fabric innovation in the outdoor industry by heading to the Functional Fabric Fair in Portland, Oregon. Prompted by a listener letter asking whether the industry’s obsession with lifestyle over performance has killed innovation, Colin hits the trade show floor to find out for himself. He’s joined by:
What did we find when we dove deep? Innovation isn’t dead — it’s just not where you used to look for it. Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| REI Retreats, Orvis Shrinks & Lulu Loses Its Mojo | 13 Oct 2025 | 00:53:52 | |
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin, and Producer Dave tackle a chaotic week for outdoor retail, from store closures to corporate pivots and questionable marketing moves! On the docket!
Lastly for The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, Colin draws a parallel between dying local hockey shops and the decline of outdoor retail. (47:48) Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| So What Is An Emerging Brand Anyway? | 10 Oct 2025 | 00:43:04 | |
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin digs into the question: what the hell is an “emerging brand” anyway? Joined by Emily Holland (Founded Outdoors) and Lloyd Vogel (Garage Grown Gear), the conversation talks about what life is really like for small outdoor businesses.
They also debate whether the outdoor industry is too insular, how outside perspectives (Sephora anyone?) could add value, and why supporting small brands doesn’t always mean paying a premium. Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| REI’s 'Peak 28' Unwrapped + Hobie Hooks Up with Bass Pro | 06 Oct 2025 | 00:42:52 | |
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin Comerford, and Producer Dave tackle a packed week of outdoor industry news! First up, the crew reacts to the latest ripple effects of Outdoor Retailer’s Minnesota move and whether the industry is being too quick to jump on the “OR is back” bandwagon. With questions around the “Leadership Village,” the role of run and lifestyle categories, and whether the show truly knows who it’s for, Colin and Eoin argue that defining the audience is the only way forward. (05:56) Next, the conversation turns to Bass Pro’s acquisition of Hobie. Once a pioneering surf and sailing brand turned kayak powerhouse, Hobie has faced dealer frustration, supply chain nightmares, and brand drift. Will Bass Pro revive Hobie, turn it into a house brand, or alienate specialty retailers even further? Dave dives into Hobie’s rich heritage and what Bass Pro could do with the name; if they think beyond fishing kayaks. (13:23) The lightning round brings more industry headlines (21:20):
Support those who support The Rock Fight! Today's sponsors: Ibex, Fjallraven, Lems Shoes, Royal Robbins, and Conatus Counsel! (26:18) Finally, the hosts analyze REI’s new strategic plan, Peak 28. With four lofty pillars—culture, assortment, service, and membership—the co-op hints at big changes ahead. But with payroll bloat, declining margins, and vague promises, the question remains: will REI truly reinvent itself, or is this just frosting on an underbaked cake? (30:37) The show closes with The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, celebrating a big week for women-led outdoor brands like Wild Rye, Gnara, and Title Nine’s Pitchfest. Proof that despite the challenges, inspiring things are happening across the outdoor landscape. (39:59) Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| Outdoor Retailer’s Big Shake-Up: Instant Reaction! | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:42:33 | |
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin and Eoin Comerford break down the breaking news about Outdoor Retailer’s big shake-up. After years of controversy, shrinking attendance, and competition from upstart shows like Switchback, OR has announced a dramatic reset. Colin and Eoin debate whether these changes are enough to reestablish OR as the national gathering for the outdoor industry, or whether the momentum has permanently shifted away from the iconic show. Guests Sunny Stroeer and Lindsay Hubley (Emerald Expositions) join to explain the vision behind these moves, why Minneapolis won out, and how they plan to attract retailers, brands, and groups like the OIA and Conservation Alliance back into the fold. Topics Covered:
Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||
| Good News or Bad News: The Latest Wins & Facepalms From The Outdoor Industry! | 29 Sep 2025 | 00:48:58 | |
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin and Producer Dave break down the latest headlines in the outdoor industry with a game of Good News or Bad News. From new products to hilarious marketing campaigns (and one massive brand blunder in the Himalayas), they separate the wins from the fails in a wild week for outdoor brands. On the docket:
Good News or Bad news?
Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List. Please follow and subscribe to The Rock Fight and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts. Want to pick a fight with The Rock Fight? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com. | |||