The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

Today on the show we start by helping to break the news about Brands For Public Lands, a coalition of outdoor industry businesses who are speaking up on behalf of our sacred public spaces.

Colin is joined by the Executive Director of The Conservation Alliance, Paul Hendricks, who gives the background on this new coalition, how it came together, and what will happen next.

Then Mountain Gazette's Kyle Frost returns to The Rock Fight. Last weeks edition of Kyle's newsletter, Here & There, discussed partisanship in nature. He and Colin dig into the examples Kyle offered that show we are not always united when it comes to outdoor conversations. They also talk about the current tariff situation and get Kyle's point of view from an American currently living abroad.

To learn more about participating in Brands For Public Lands click here.

Subscribe to Here & There by clicking here or by subscribing to Mountain Gazette.

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What else could The Rock Fight's normal Monday crew of Colin, Outdoor Industry Insider Eoin Comerford, and Producer Dave be talking about today but the recent announcement of tariffs and their impact on the business of going outside.

They start off by getting into the broader impact of the announcement and the idea that higher tariffs could drive manufacturing back to the US. Then they talk about the how the tariffs will specifically impact the outdoor industry and offer suggestions on what brands and retailers should expect ahead of the delivery of Fall 25 products.

They wrap things up with The Parting Shot where they take a look at some of the better 2025 attempts by brands to pull off an April Fools Day joke on social media including the following posts:

• Eoin: The Hoka Speed Loafer
• LIVSN: Adventure Pants Capital
• Garage Grown Gear: Move To Analog
• Gnara: Netflix n Chill Pant
• Wild Rye: Ski Ballet
• Darn Tough: Dating App
• Skratch Labs: Marathong

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Today on the show Colin takes a look back at an age old outdoor industry problem.

The 'outdoor boys club' and a continued lack of gender representation is something that has persisted in the outdoor industry since there has been an outdoor industry. Today on the show Colin is joined by Cassie Abel, the founder and CEO of Wild Rye, who provides a unique perspective on the challenges and progress regarding women's inclusion in outdoor spaces.

Throughout their conversation, Cassie & Colin take a look at the historical patterns of inequality, significant steps taken been taken, and the ongoing obstacles that hinder true equity. Cassie also articulates the necessity for women in leadership positions to in order to create meaningful change and highlights the importance of collaboration over competition among outdoor brands.

Basically as Cassie puts it, "it's time to prop up the girls club."

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Today Colin is joined by our regular Wednesday co-host Justin Housman to talk through some recent stories to come out of the outdoor community!

• They open the show with the news that the fallout from the Trump layoffs have caused the Fiery Furnace Trail in Arches National Park to close indefinitely. Buckle up because we're probably gonna be getting news like this for a while. (07:57)
• Lady Gaga is being sued by surf brand ...Lost. Apparently her new album, Mayhem is also the trademarked nickname of ...Lost's founder/boardmaker. So....what's the connection here? (13:04)
• Cybertruck owners can now get a pop up camper because even the lamest vehicle of all time deserves after market accessories...I guess? (17:15)
• Q&A Corner: Reddit edition! What if you don't want to do outdoor activities but you still have the urge to go outside? (25:55)

They of course wrap things up with The Parting Shot (38:52). Colin has a stone to throw at footwear maker Lems while Justin would like us to pick a firm date for Easter.

Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear!

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Today on show Colin is joined by the regular Monday crew (Producer Dave, Outdoor Industry Insider Eoin Comerford) to talk about the recent movement that is encouraging outdoor enthusiasts in Europe to look locally for their outdoor products in protest of recent "political" developments in the US. (06:46)

They also talk about Academy forging ahead with plans to open 25 new doors in 2025 and Lululemon's recent earnings report showing double digit growth. (21:10)

Then they crack open listener feedback that came in after last week's episode regarding the evolution of innovation in the outdoor industry. (30:38)

They of course wrap things up with The Parting Shot where this week we have a look back on a busy first quarter of 2025 in the Outdoor Industry. (44:34)

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Today Rock Fight's resident brand, culture, and media experts, Shawnté Salabert and Producer Dave, join Colin to review some recently released outdoor brand videos by On, Puma, & Outdoor Research.

First the hosts rely on their experience working in the outdoor industry and media to breakdown what makes a great brand video including the best way to deploy these types of brand assets and what we should expect from the finished product. (02:26)

Then they take a detailed look at the following videos:

• On: Dream Together, with Zendaya (22:43)
• Outdoor Research: Rooted (35:51)
• Puma: Go Wild (44:15)

After offering a detailed description of each video Colin, Shawnté, and Producer Dave give their thoughts and then rate each video with a thumbs up or thumbs down. Which will be their favorite? You'll have to listen to find out!

Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear!

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The Rock Fight is once again breaking news to the outdoor industry!

On Wednesday an alert listener of The Rock Fight sent us this article on PE Hub which reports outdoor brand Stio is being shopped for acquisition.

Players in the mix to take over the venerable Jackson brand being Columbia, YETI, or potentially several PE firms.

On this emergency reaction podcast, Colin and outdoor industry insider Eoin Comerford take a few minutes to offer some context and run through what they know.

On this emergency reaction podcast, Colin and outdoor industry insider Eoin Comerford take a few minutes to offer some context and run through what they know.

Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear!

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On this episode of The Rock Fight Justin Housman opens up about his own mental health struggles and how that has impacted his relationship with outdoor activities.

A few weeks back in Rock Fight's weekly newsletter, News From The Front, Justin wrote about how he mistook the slow erosion of his participation in his favorite outdoor sports as part of getting older when in actuality there were some bigger issues that he needed to address. If you missed it you can read that column by clicking here.

Colin & Justin talk about the impact of the outdoors on one's mental health as well as what Justin has learned along the way.

Then they hit Q&A corner and discuss the overwhelming response we received from our listeners about your favorite outdoor socks.

They of course wrap up with The Parting Shot. Justin is looking for a shorter hockey season and Colin has a TV recommendation.

Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear!

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Today on the show Colin, Producer Dave, and Outdoor Industry Insider Eoin Comerford have some innovative suggestions for the outdoor industry.

Innovation in the outdoors is a misunderstood word. It's often only applied to the performance of the apparel, gear, and footwear that the industry produces. And while there will surely be advances that will improve the stuff we make the opportunity for the industry to innovate lies more within our approach to making and marketing that stuff.

On this episode we take a look at what can be learned from (gasp!) fast fashion as well as the opportunities that lie within experiential marketing. We of course wrap things up with The Parting Shot by lobbing a rock at the latest news to come out of Authentic Brands.

Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear!

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Today on the show Colin is rolling solo as he talks about the recent ThredUp report about the growth of secondhand as well as reflecting fondly on the recently concluded Barkley Marathons.

Then Colin offers a take on why you may not want going outside to be your sole existence for being.

Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear!

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Today on the show Justin Housman has the week off so Colin welcomes Shawnté Salabert as to the co-host chair! Together they run through some of the topics that have come out of the outdoor community over the past week.

• First up, The North Face has yet another collaboration with a fashion brand that has (almost) sold out! There has probably been too much TNF chatter around here the past few weeks, but this collection is super cool. (05:05)
• Jetboil has a new version of it's iconic stove out so Colin asks accomplished backpacker Shawnté to power rank the top 5 camp stoves ever! (13:25)
• The Everest pregame is on! News has started to come out of Everest basecamp including this story about how the famed Everest Ice Doctors will use drones to help map this year's route through the Khumbu icefall. (24:00)
• It's time for The Parting Shot! Colin is over the moon with his new pair of Norda's while Shawnté finds similarities between her recent experience at SXSW and the old days of Outdoor Retailer (33:46)

Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear!

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Today on the show Colin is joined by Producer Dave and Outdoor Industry Insider Eoin Comerford to take a look a bigger look at the outdoor industry.

Optimism was high at the end of 2024 that the outdoor industry was due for a come back year. Inventory issues had improved and open to buy was increasing. But with the end of the first quarter just a couple of weeks away things have fallen off of a cliff. We take a look at what happened and what to expect. (07:25)

Then the crew turns their attention to a new backpack by Yeti (that looks an awful lot like something made by Mystery Ranch) and the recent news that two outdoor parent companies Solo Brands & Pelican International are experiencing financial distress. Is this related to the other issues the industry is experiencing? We take a deeper look. (24:59)

Lastly for The Parting Shot Colin looks at the new footwear collection launched by Stio. Will Stio's Mahomes like luck continue? (43:08)

Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear!

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Today Colin opens the show by giving his thoughts on the big outdoor story of the week: The letter that was sent to Outside, Inc CEO Robin Thurston from more than 30 notable journalists making the request to have their names removed from Outside's masthead.

Then outdoor industry insider and consigliere to The Rock Fight, Eoin Comerford joins Colin to run through what he learned from The North Face's presentation at VF's recent Investor Day.

Lastly for The Parting Shot, Eoin highlights two brands from his Founder's Friday series on LinkedIn.

Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear!

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Today Colin & Justin hit the following topics to come out of the outdoor adventure community!

• Several brands put out new product press releases over the past week including Mountain Hardwear, Tifosi, and NEMO. Colin & Justin give their thoughts on each of these but save most of their commentary for the NEMO Dagger OSMO that is bluesign certified and PFAS free.
• They read responses they received to last weeks question they posed to The Rock Fight listeners about the value athletes offer to outdoor brands in 2025. This week's question? What is your favorite outdoor sock brand and why?
• For The Parting Shot, a recent crazy outdoor story prompts Colin to wonder why we don't get action movies featuring action sports anymore. And Justin would like you to know what you're ordering before you get to the counter.

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Today the hosts, writers and consigliere's of the Rock Fight universe gather to once again rank the top outdoor brands... only this time it's all about accessories.

They've ranked footwear and they've ranked gear and today the Outdoor Media Avengers are assembling to do the same for accessories. Only for this round we don't have our own version of Thor as Producer Dave couldn't join the show.

In his place is the latest addition to the team, acclaimed author and outdoor journalist, Shawnté Salabert!

Shawnté joins Colin, Justin Housman, and Eoin Comerford to do the impossible and whittle down the hundreds of outdoor accessory brands and name the top 5.

Will our heroes pull it off? You have to listen to find out!

Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear!

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It's a return fire episode as Patagonia joins The Rock Fight to defend their efforts on PFAS!

Recently on The Rock Fight Colin was critical of a new video from Patagonia that detailed their journey to remove forever chemicals from their product line. In Colin's point of view he thought Patagonia was late to the party and this was a case where the brand was behind their peers rather than leading.

Patagonia heard that episode, and they're here today to throw some rocks of their own.

Today on the show Patagonia's VP of Global Product Footprint, Matt Dwyer, joins Colin to talk about the path Patagonia has taken when it comes to PFAS, the unique challenges they faced in order to remove these chemicals from their product line, and offer a glimpse into what lay ahead for outdoor product innovation.

Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear!

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Today Colin & Justin belatedly talk about stories and headlines to come out of the outdoor adventure community. Belatedly because the flu recently landed right on Justin's handsome face!

On the docket:

• Last weekend there were protests held at National Parks across the country. Are we feeling encouraged about the state of things? (06:03)
• A non profit in Kentucky purchased 700 acres and 14 miles of cliffline to establish new climbing areas. Is this a road map for when our public lands are sold off? (10:10)
• We debut a new segment presented by Obōz: Q&A Corner! Where we ask the questions and listeners send in their responses. This week: Do branded athletes really matter anymore? Send your responses to myrockfight@gmail.com. (20:43)
• A man who spent the past five months attempting to row from San Diego to Brisbane had to be rescued after getting caught in a cyclone. This may be the scariest outdoor thing ever. (31:18)
• It's time for The Parting Shot! This week Justin has stern words for his favorite author and Colin celebrates a study that celebrates swearing! (36:30)

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What better way to start your week then by entering The Rock Fight for the best outdoor industry commentary you'll find anywhere?!

Today Colin is joined by Monday regulars Eoin Comerford and Producer Dave and they break down the following topics:

• After being acquired by Kontoor Brands last month, Helly Hansen has announced their intention to make a meaningful push into the United States' outdoor market. After announcing Helly's intentions, Kontoor CEO Scott Baxter said "Get ready, this is going to be fun." Points to Kontoor for the smack talk. (04:55)
• TJX announced last week that Sierra will be adding 20 new doors in 2025 with their long term plan to have as many as 325 locations. Is this growth plan a sign that Sierra could become outdoor's most dominant US retailer? (17:55)
• Lastly for The Parting Shot, Colin begs all would-be outdoor pundits to simple leave The North Face alone! (31:59)

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Today Colin is rolling solo! First he offers his comments and observations after attending the virtual launch of Arc'teryx's spring footwear collection earlier this week. While the launch itself was a leap forward in how outdoor brands should be engaging with outdoor media, it was also a good example of how brands could improve how they promote their products. (02:16)

Next Colin talks about how the outdoor industry needs to unite in order to fight for our public lands over the next four years. He looks at a story that was recently published on the DCReport by war veteran and outdoor advocate Stacy Bare as an example of how important our wild places are and can be. You'll hear how the outdoors helped save Stacy's life in his own voice. (08:46)

Lastly for The Parting Shot, for third year in a row on The Rock Fight, Colin makes his prediction for Best Picture at Sunday's Academy Awards. (15:40)

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Today Colin and Justin take a look at recent headlines to come out of the outdoor adventure community.

On the docket:

• In response to the Trump Administration's Valentine's Day staffing and budget cuts, employees at Yosemite National Park hung an upside down flag on the top of El Cap. Hope ensued. (04:55)
• The Trump Administration backtracked on those cuts with the Department of the Interior announcing they would allow agencies to hire 7,700 seasonal employees. (08:21)
• On Tuesday 2/25 Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert posted an Op-Ed on Time.com stating Patagonia's intention to fight back against the moves made by the Trump Administration, breaking the silence from outdoor industry brands over the past weeks. (12:06)
• Kelly Slater opened a wave pool in Abu Dhabi and the WSL hosted a comp there. In related news: Justin Housman is angry. (18:41)
• A runner was recently disqualified as the winner of a 100 mile road ultramarathon as his shoes violated a USATF rule about stack height. So, this is a thing? (26:14)
• The Parting Shot! Colin loves the name of a new shoe by Obōz while Justin encourages you to do the maintenance. (35:05)

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Today Colin is joined by outdoor industry insider Eoin Comerford (Producer Dave is out sick) to talk about all the big stories that came out of the outdoor industry last week.

On the docket today:

• In a rare industry spite move (ok it's not just that) VF spinoff Kontoor Brands acquired Helly Hansen from Canadien Tire Corporation. Eoin gives us the background and we take a look at what may be next. (05:20)
• SKIMS is back in the news as it was announced that they will be creating a new brand with Nike. Of course, backlash ensued. Colin & Eoin break it down. (16:30)
• Wolverine announces that Merrell products are "going back to the mall" and Saucony is a big part of their plans for 2025. (28:31)
• Lastly, The Parting Shot, where Colin talks about the latest video from Patagonia who wants you to believe they are leading on the PFAS front...fun fact: they aren't. (39:27)

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Today Colin is joined by outdoor journalist and host of Open Container, Doug Schnitzspahn to talk about what they saw this week at the Outdoor Market Alliance Media Event.

They recount their experiences at the show, how it compares to larger national events, and emphasize how the format allows PR Agencies and those in outdoor media to engage with brands in a focused manner.

They also talk about how the event could benefit from seeking out smaller brands to attend as well as how the current threat to our public lands are present even at a show like this one and how that is likely to impact the broader outdoor industry.

Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear!

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Today on the show Colin and Justin talk about the turmoil caused by the Trump Administration's layoffs at various land management agencies.

They cover the ramifications of substantial layoffs that have left numerous employees without positions, thereby compromising the operational integrity of our national parks. The episode further examines the uncertainty that permeates the outdoor community as we grapple with the fallout from these sweeping (and ridiculous) changes. (04:49)

Then the guys quickly hit a couple of items to come out of the gear world including Snow Peak entering the fly fishing space and a new way to cover up your truck bed. They also talk about the amazing video making the rounds of a humpback whale that swallowed and spit out a kayaker. (21:36)

They of course wrap things up with The Parting Shot! (34:10)

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Today on The Rock Fight Colin is joined by Rock Fight Consigliere Eoin Comerford and Producer Dave to discuss several news stories that paint a picture about the long term health of the outdoor industry.

First they look at the recent earnings report by Newell (parent company of Marmot, Coleman, and Ex Officio, among others) which shows how the outdoor industry may be on the same path that was recently traveled by the surf industry. Eoin recaps how many iconic surf brands ended up being owned by Authentic Brands and how that past may serve as a cautionary tale for outdoor brands facing similar challenges. (02:55)

Next they talk about a recent report that Dick's Sporting Goods is quietly leaving outdoor behind as it closes most of their remaining Public Land and Moosejaw locations. They talk about how this move will impact the outdoor retail landscape. (18:29)

Then they dig into event news including the report that Europe's biggest summer show, OutDoor, is going on "hiatus" as well as the announcement of Outdoor Retailer's Industry Day. (29:15)

Lastly it's a combined Parting Shot as the hosts weigh in on the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable's endorsement of Trump Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, as well as the organizations who co-signed that endorsement including the OIA, People For Bikes, and REI. They look at what missteps may have been made and what the focus should be going forward. (35:55)

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Today Colin is joined by Peter Whitcomb of Tersus Solutions, one of the players working to enable a thriving secondhand marketplace in the outdoor industry.

Tersus Solutions acts as a backbone for brands striving to establish sustainable practices by managing their re-commerce efforts. Throughout their conversation, Colin and Peter examine the complexities and challenges inherent in fostering a circular economy for outdoor apparel, as well as the necessity for brands to embrace responsibility for their products beyond the point of sale.

Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear!

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Today on the show Colin & Justin Housman talk about some of the stories making the rounds through the outdoor community.

First up is an article that summarizes recent studies looking at the value of cold plunges. Turns out, there's not a lot science to support the claims that sitting in cold water is good for you. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't sit in cold water if you get something out of it! (5:55)

Then the guys stop in at Housman's House to dig into a new feature that Justin wrote about some folks who weren't as bullish on the EXPLORE Act as most of us and really hammer home the issues that lie in the conservation vs recreation debate. (21:40)

Lastly for this weeks Parting Shot, Colin reads the piece he wrote for Rock Fight about Outside's recent layoffs and he and Justin talk about the role Outside now occupies in the outdoor media landscape. (37:22)

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Today the various hosts, producers, and consigliere's of The Rock Fight gather to once again rank the top outdoor brands! And this time it's all about gear.

Coming off of last months episode where they ranked the top 5 outdoor footwear brands, Colin, Justin Housman, Producer Dave, and Eoin Comerford come back together to do the same for outdoor gear. They try to learn from their missteps (try being the operative word) from the footwear episode as they take on boiling down the absolutely massive category of outdoor gear to simply the top 5 brands going in 2025.

Did they succeed? Let them know! Email your feedback to myrockfight@gmail.com.

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Today on the show Colin and Producer Dave are joined by the most unlikely of guests... someone from Outside, Inc!

Chris Jerard (aka CJ), Outside's VP of Marketing and Executive Director of The Outside Festival and Summit heard Colin's thoughts about a recent press release regarding the 2025 edition of the festival on Monday's episode of The Rock Fight and is here today to return fire and shed a little more light on what can be expected during the second year of this event.

The conversation delves into the event's purpose and how there is more to expect from The Summit then what has already been announced. CJ addresses topics such as the cost to attend as well as why professionals should consider coming to Denver even though June is packed with other outdoor industry events

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Today Colin and Justin pop into Housman's House to talk about Justin's big break down of the BOLT Act which is just one element of what's inside the seminal piece of conservation legislation known as the EXPLORE Act.

Then the guys resurrect Gear & Beer to do a round of Overrated, Underrated or Properly Rated. The items being evaluated? Gaiters, insulated hiking boots, and snowshoes.

They wrap things up with The Parting Shot. Justin has some advice for what to wear in the rain while Colin takes issue with the lack of pop culture references in this article.

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Today Colin opens the show by talking about the amount of outdoor industry events scheduled to be held in just a few months (aka Junepocalypse) as well as the recently announced details for The Summit at the Outside Festival.

Then he is joined by outdoor industry insider and consigliere to The Rock Fight, Eoin Comerford and "Producer" Dave to react to the recently launched Speed Loafer from Hoka.

They also talk about how these big swings by brands can lead to a weaker outdoor industry and potentially put us on a path that would be similar to the fate currently being suffered by the surf industry.

Lastly Colin wraps up the show with a Hoka themed edition of The Parting Shot!

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Today on the show Colin and Justin are joined by journalist Rachelle Schrute, who offers insights into the world of hunting.

The conversation explores the walls we build between outdoor categories and examines hunting in terms of conservation and ethical food sourcing, emphasizing how these principles can resonate with human powered outdoor enthusiasts.

Rachelle also shares her experiences taking curious individuals, including vegans, on hunting trips, illustrating the transformative power of firsthand exposure to the hunting process. This particular rock fight underscores the potential for greater unity within the outdoor community, encouraging listeners to consider the common ground that exists among diverse outdoor pursuits.

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Today Colin and Justin break down some recent headlines to come out of the outdoor adventure community.

First up is the news that Black Diamond is partnering with Rainier Mountaineering, Inc to help with their product development. This is a reunion between BD president Neil Fiske and RMI owner Peter Whittaker who teamed up at Eddie Bauer to create First Ascent.

Next the boys make a stop at Housman's House to talk about Justin's story covering the efforts to get single use plastics out of our National Parks.

Then they talk about the reports that the world's largest glacier could potentially collide with South Georgia Island. Lastly they of course wrap things up with The Parting Shot!

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Today on the show, outdoor retailer Wes Allen returns to talk about the article he wrote for Rock Fight about the fallout of Altra giving REI exclusivity on the newest version of the popular Lone Peak trail running shoe.

The Altra Lone Peak Plus is the first version of the iconic trail runner to feature a Vibram outsole, and will be available exclusively at REI for five months. This move has sparked significant discussion among outdoor specialty retailers, as it raises concerns about the impact of exclusivity on independent shops and the overall dynamics in the outdoor retail market.

Wes joins Colin, outdoor industry insider Eoin Comerford, and Producer Dave to share his perspective on this move by Altra. The conversation then turns towards the recent CEO shakeup at REI as well as thoughts on gray marketed Cotopaxi products turning up at Costco.

The show of course wraps up with The Parting Shot!

Read Wes's piece on the Lone Peak exclusive by clicking here.

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Today on the show Colin and his guest talk about an overlooked opportunity for inclusivity and revenue in the outdoor industry.

Outdoor apparel brands are missing a significant opportunity by not offering more sizes. Andrea Kelly, founder of Make Plus Equal, joins The Rock Fight to emphasize the importance of size inclusivity in the outdoor industry but also how a lack of information and awareness about the size-inclusive market has led to missed financial opportunities for brands.

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Today on the show we're reacting to breaking news coming out of the outdoor industry as Colin and outdoor industry insider Eoin Comerford give their instant reactions to the CEO shake up at REI.

Earlier today it was announced that REI CEO Eric Artz is retiring at the end of March, making way for former Nike executive Mary Beth Laughton to take the helm of the outdoor retailer. Colin & Eoin reflect on Artz's legacy as well as the road ahead for Laughton.

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Today Colin and Justin start the show with a conversation about the use of xenon gas by climbers on Mt. Everest as a means to reduce risk at high altitudes.

Haters take note: is it really any different then fixed ropes or supplemental oxygen?

Then they are joined by outdoor journalist and writer Doug Schnitzpahn, the host of Open Container, aka the newest podcast on The Rock Fight Podcast Network.

Doug talks about his reasons for creating the podcast, emphasizing the broader significance of the outdoors in our lives and how it can serve as a source of healing and creativity.

Colin & Justin then talk about the news that Moderna is close to a vaccine for the Norovirus (aka the stomach bug) which has many backpackers, thru-hikers, and parents celebrating, before opening up the mailbag and responding some listener emails.

Finally they wrap things up with The Parting Shot! Justin takes umbrage with off roaders in Death Valley while Colin has a new rule for outdoorsy employees of outdoor brands.

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Today on The Rock Fight (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show by lamenting how outdoor brands never really figured out what to do with TikTok including a look at the one brand that actually does: Gnara.

Then he and Producer Dave are joined by outdoor industry insider and Rock Fight Consigliere, Eoin Comerford to talk about the rumors that Canadian outdoor retailer MEC has been sold. They also take a look at a couple of names that have turned up on Retail Dive's bankruptcy watch list.

And be sure to stick around for an musical edition of The Parting Shot!

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Join Colin True and his team on the Rock Fight a podcast that isn’t afraid to tackle the tough issues and challenge conventional wisdom.

The Rock Fight is here to provide listeners with a refreshing perspective on the outdoor industry. Every week, the crew explores the latest headlines, shares hot takes, and features special guests, all while encouraging open discussions that might not align with corporate narratives.

With a focus on authenticity and unfiltered dialogue, the Rock Fight aims to give a voice to the community and spark meaningful conversations. Tune in for a unique blend of insights, critiques, and camaraderie that you won’t find in traditional outdoor podcasts.

Find and follow The Rock Fight on your favorite podcast app.

Today on The Rock Fight (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) author, journalist, and Los Angeles resident Shawnté Salabert returns to the show to talk about her experience during the worst of the LA wildfires.

Shawnté recounts the surreal moments leading up to the fire, including her frantic drive home amidst chaos and uncertainty. The discussion highlights the broader implications of urban wildfires, emphasizing the loss of not just homes but vital community spaces and natural areas that play a crucial role in people's lives.

Both Colin and Shawnté reflect on the resilience of the Los Angeles community and the importance of supporting those affected, calling for action from the outdoor industry to respond to this crisis.

Click here to read Shawnté's piece on rockfight.co.

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Today on The Rock Fight (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin run through several of the stories that are dominating the current conversation in the outdoor community.

First on the list is the significant impact of the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. Colin and Justin discuss their personal connections to LA as well as the alarming frequency of such events, emphasizing the need for awareness and action in the face of climate change.

Then they are joined by consigliere to The Rock Fight, Eoin Comerford, to discuss the implications of REI's recent decision to shut down its Experiences division as well as the fall out from the Park City Ski Patrol strike that was resolved last week.

Lastly Justin pays tribute to The Endless Summer's Mike Hynson who passed away this past weekend at 82 before they wrap things up with The Parting Shot.

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Today on The Rock Fight (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we're once again breaking news!

Outdoor blanket maker Rumpl has announced a significant management change, with founder Wiley Robinson shifting from CEO to chairman of the board, while Josh Simpson steps in as general manager. And The Rock Fight has the scoop as both of them join Colin and outdoor industry insider Eoin Comerford on today's episode to break it all down.

This transition is aimed at enhancing Rumpl's focus on brand and product innovation, as Robinson seeks to balance personal responsibilities with the complexities of running a growing company.

During the show, Robinson and Simpson discuss the strategic implications of this leadership shift, including how it will affect Rumpl's approach to product development and market positioning. They also delve into the brands challenges, such as inventory management and pricing strategies in the wake of recent economic pressures.

Lastly they offer a look at what 2025 may hold as tariffs loom and sustainability remains a key demand from the outdoor consumer.

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Today on The Rock Fight (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Producer Dave are joined by legendary outdoor industry analyst Matt Powell.

Over the course of his five predictions for 2025, Matt highlights the need for a shift in the outdoor industry's business model and emphasizes that the current approach of relying heavily on winter sports is unsustainable.

The discussion touches on the convergence of athletic and outdoor markets, the importance of embracing fashion within the industry, the need for inclusivity to attract a more diverse customer base, and a whole lot more.

Read Matt's latest Sneakernomics column (for even more 2025 predictions) by clicking here.

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Today on The Rock Fight (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin get caught up on some of the headlines to come out of the outdoor adventure community over the past few weeks.

Today's topics include:

• The Park City Ski Patrol Strike! The topic of the moment that needs to be discussed because resort skiing has some brand problems. (06:02)
• Are 'Gravel Shoes' coming? Dear lord we hope not. Shoe brands take note: just don't. (20:28)
• Two men lose their lives while searching for Sasquatch. Folks, we hate to be the ones to tell you this... but ghosts, Bigfoot, and aliens: all not real. (31:04)
• The Parting Shot! Justin takes issues with his own e-bike and Colin pours a little out for South Sound Running. (37:55)

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Today on The Rock Fight (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin is joined by Rock Fight regulars Justin Housman, Eoin Comerford, and Producer Dave to power rank the current top 5 outdoor footwear brands!

This episode presents a (sorta) thorough examination of the outdoor footwear market, as The Rock Fight crew rank the top five footwear brands currently shaping the outdoor industry. They start with a candid acknowledgment of the overwhelming amount of brands, before holding a focused discussion on footwear that will set the stage for category rankings to come.

The episode wraps up by establishing the current five outdoor footwear brands with the most juice going into 2025 as well as an encouragement to our listeners to send all of their (angry?) footwear feedback to myrockfight@gmail.com!

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Today on The Rock Fight (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Justin Housman run through the top 10 episodes from 2024 that focused on the outdoor adventure community.

Running down the top episodes from the past year from 10 to 1, each episode explored significant topics, including the impact of outdoor media on small towns, the controversial legal issues surrounding athletes like Michelino Sunseri, the groundbreaking inclusion of women in events like the Red Bull Rampage along with many others.

Today Colin & Justin reflect on their original opinions and offer updated takes on the ten best rock fights of 2024.

Here is the full list along with links so you can go back and hear the original conversation:

10. Dec 11: Can outdoor media ruin a town/Hunting Grizzlies & Rocky Mounts Acquired by Clarus

9. May 20: Grand Canyon Tragedy, National Bike Month

8. Nov 13: Yeti to Sunset Mystery Ranch

7. Oct 23: The Jailtime FKT, Most Famous Foot on Everest

6. July 2: Patagonia’s Wetsuit Breakthrough, Cabins v Offices

5. June 10: Red Bull Rampage The Women Are In, A Talking Headlamp

4. July 8: Should Fireworks Be Banned

3. May 13: Baja Surfer Tragedy, Jackson Hole Skier Charged with Homicide

2. Sep 7: Should We Care About Killian Jornet’s New Record

1. May 6: Patagonia’s New Movie, Nepal Everest Ruling & Trash on the PCT

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Today on The Rock Fight (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin is joined by industry insider Eoin Comerford and Producer Dave to run down the top 10 outdoor industry rock fights from the past year.

Going from 10 to 1 they provide their updated thoughts on the most popular industry focused episodes of 2024 and make predictions about what to expect in the future.

This past year The Rock Fight explored trends and challenges within the outdoor industry, including topics like "zombie brands" and the impact of economic shifts on consumer purchasing habits.

The topics that dominated the outdoor industry news cycle highlighted the importance of authentic engagement and innovation for outdoor brands, while also looking at topics such as the growing trend of secondhand markets and their potential to reshape consumer behavior.

This year end episode offers a comprehensive look into the landscape of outdoor retail and the pivotal changes on the horizon. We are excited to continue to elevate The Rock Fight as your go to source for outdoor industry news and discourse in 2025!

Here is the full list along with links so you can go back and hear the original conversation:

10. Oct 28: Marmot: From Outdoor Pioneer To Zombie Brand?

9. Sep 2: Outside Inc Goes Social

8. May 6: Patagonia’s New Movie

7. Sep 23: Secondhand Websites & Upcycled Garments: Why Outdoor Brands Need To Do Better

6. Sep 30: Is A Consumer Shift Coming To The Outdoor Industry?

5. Aug 12: EMS Sells For A Song

4. May 27: REI’s Union Problem

3. Aug 1: Let People Try: Inclusion In The Outdoor Industry

2. Sep 16: Does The North Face Actually "Play Different"?

1. Rock Fight Breaks The News! Sep 9: Backcountry Acquired/Nov 13: Yeti To Sunset Mystery Ranch

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Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Jessica Turner from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable returns to the show to talk about finally getting the EXPLORE Act through congress!

The passage of the EXPLORE Act marks a significant milestone for the outdoor recreation community, as it is the first comprehensive recreation package to be enacted without being tied to other legislative measures. Jessica joins Colin and Justin to discuss the implications of this landmark legislation, emphasizing its potential to modernize land management and improve recreational opportunities across the country. That conversation starts at (28:20).

Before that Colin & Justin hit a couple of headlines to come out of the outdoor adventure community over the past week including a hiker who made a poor footwear choice on a big hike in Nevada and a quick detour into Housman's House to talk about how the EXPLORE Act will impact filming in our National Parks.

The whole episode wraps up with The Parting Shot: holiday edition!

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• Support and Shop Western North Carolina Brands
• Fuel Goods
• Outdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief Fund
• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

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Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show with his reaction to Gear Patrol's mention of THE ROCK FIGHT in their recent best products of 2024 list.

Colin and Producer Dave use this mention to pump the tires of an outdoor media scene who has way more clout than many realize when it comes to how they cover the brands that drive the conversation in the outdoor industry.

Then Eoin Comerford joins the show to showcase his recent deep dive into the evolving landscape of outdoor direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands based on his recent LinkedIn post.

Lastly it's time for The Parting Shot where Eoin highlights the importance of inclusivity and diversity within the industry, emphasizing that these values should be seen as business imperatives rather than mere societal goals while Colin wants to reject your very thoughtful hand written thank you note.

Follow Eoin Comerford on LinkedIn.

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• Support and Shop Western North Carolina Brands
• Fuel Goods
• Outdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief Fund
• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's 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.

Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin is joined by the founder of LIVSN, Andrew Gibbs-Dabney, who shares his compelling journey from personal struggle to building an outdoor brand focused on sustainability and quality.

Andrew discusses the challenges of launching a new brand in a saturated outdoor market and highlights the need for innovation that aligns with environmental responsibility. The conversation also explores how LIVSN's approach to product development merges sustainability with functionality, ensuring that their offerings resonate with a younger, more environmentally conscious customer base.

Lastly today is the two year anniversary of the first episode of THE ROCK FIGHT! So Colin ends the show by reading TRF's first episode, Ski Resorts Are Not Outdoor, as today's Parting Shot.

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• Support and Shop Western North Carolina Brands
• Fuel Goods
• Outdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief Fund
• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's 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.

Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin run through some stories to come out of the outdoor community from the past week.

First up they respond to emails received about last weeks episode which featured a story about how outdoor media and enthusiasts can possibly ruin unknown mountain towns.

Then they talk about a hiker was rescued from quicksand and implore outdoor media sites to give us all a little more reporting about something crazy that happens in the backcountry before clicking that upload button.

Next they enter the House of Housman to explore the controversial topic of wildlife management in Alaska, where plans to cull bears and wolves have raised ethical questions.

The episode of course ends with The Parting Shot! This week Justin admonishes some over eager mountain bikers while Colin gives the definitive ranking of Rankin/Bass Christmas specials.

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• Support and Shop Western North Carolina Brands
• Fuel Goods
• Outdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief Fund
• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

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