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PODCAST

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

Rock Fight, LLC

Tired of the same old outdoor industry narratives? If your post-adventure chats are filled with laughter over mishaps, commiseration about broken gear, and celebrating real triumphs (and epic fails), then The Rock Fight is your new tribe. Imagine this: you"re no longer stuck in echo chambers. After listening in, you"ll be part of honest, unfiltered discussions that mirror the conversations you have with your closest outdoor buddies. You"ll gain fresh perspectives and feel more connected to a

sports wilderness

All Episodes

44:39

GOA Connect Discovery Marketplace: 6 Brands That...

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/11/10

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.Rugged Road: A foam-first, ultra-light cooler that floats upright.VSSL: From prepper tools to the most over-engineered coffee system ever

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32:28

PFAS Isn’t Over: What Comes Next for Outdoor Brands?

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/11/07

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:PFAS bans and

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43:31

Outdoor Industry Trends: Reporting Season & Trade...

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/11/03

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!VF’s Up-and-Down Quarter: North Face & Timberland steady the ship while Vans still struggles. HOKA’s Plateau: Deckers cools expectations as HOKA’s U.S. sales flatten but international growth keeps soaring. Is the bubble finally bursting or just shifting?Marmot’s Resurrection: Newell Brands shows signs of life, prompting

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01:02:55

Tradeshow News Recap + America's Next Top Trail...

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/10/27

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

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46:15

How Mammut Made Humor Work in the Outdoor Industry

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/10/24

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:How Mammut’s team turned an internal truth into creative goldThe challenges and wins behind Mountain Wear RescueWhy humor in outdoor

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52:35

Outdoor Industry Buy or Sell: Patagonia, VF, Trail...

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/10/20

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!Rough Q4 on the way? Multiple reports this past week paint a less than rosy picture for the end of the year. (06:44)A new survey names what is trending with teens. Spoiler: it's not Puffin Drinkwear. (12:17)The Rock Fight Lightning Round! Rutabaga changes course, Runnin' and Gunnin' in our National Parks, and On sued for their squeaky shoes

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35:42

Pitchfest 2025: Women Building the Future of the...

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/10/17

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

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30:55

The Rock Fight Deep Dive: Fabric Innovation Isn’t...

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/10/15

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:Charles Ross,

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53:52

REI Retreats, Orvis Shrinks & Lulu Loses Its Mojo

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/10/13

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!REI shutters its SoHo and Boston stores: Both shops are unionized, sparking speculation about whether this is cost-cutting, anti-union, or just part of the Peak 28 overhaul. (03:55)Orvis blames tariffs for closing 36 stores: Are we sure it isn't just the brand’s long drift away from its fishing roots

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43:04

So What Is An Emerging Brand Anyway?

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/10/10

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.Defining “Emerging”: Why the term is so fuzzy and whether it even matters.Founded Outdoors: How the organization is creating a free, vibrant community (and consulting arm) to support founders, minimize gatekeeping, and provide resources for

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42:52

REI’s 'Peak 28' Unwrapped + Hobie Hooks Up with Bass Pro

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/10/06

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

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42:33

Outdoor Retailer’s Big Shake-Up: Instant Reaction!

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/10/03

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

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48:58

Good News or Bad News: The Latest Wins & Facepalms...

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/09/29

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:Retail updates: Sherman Outdoor Sports closes after 103 years, while Sherpers celebrates 90 years and Eau Claire Outdoors gets it going. (04:07)Brand updates: Is Marmot

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42:40

Why Outdoor Brands Should Show Up At Outdoor Economy...

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/09/26

Could Outdoor Economy Conferences be the future of industry gatherings?Today on The Rock Fight, Colin sits down with returning guest Darren Josey (First Seed Sown, Founded Outdoors, Great Malden Outdoors) to unpack what went down at the National Outdoor Economy Conference in North Carolina.Unlike trade shows, these conferences bring together governors, policymakers, state OREC directors, economic developers, tourism leaders, trail builders, and healthcare advocates. All of them focused on one

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48:34

Rutabaga’s Last Paddle: Another Outdoor Retailer...

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/09/22

Today on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin, and Producer Dave are joined by Darren Bush, longtime owner of Rutabaga Paddle Sports in Madison, WI, to talk about his decision to close one of the most beloved specialty outdoor retailers in the U.S.Here is the full rundown for today's episode:VF sells Dickies for $600m 8 years after acquiring the 103 year old workwear brand for $820m. How does this benefit VF and what does it mean for the outdoor industry? (03:10)Is an increase in participation driving fresh

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39:13

From Trendy to Timeless? Cotopaxi’s Plan for the Future

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/09/19

Today Colin sits down with Lindsay Shumlas, CEO of Cotopaxi, for a conversation about the brand’s evolution, impact, and future.What we cover:How Cotopaxi sees itself today: outdoor brand, lifestyle brand, or both?The role of iconic products in a market that’s shifting toward versatility and lifestyle.The future of Del Día and Más Vida, Cotopaxi’s sustainability-driven product lines.Why resale and circularity matter for the outdoor industry.How Cotopaxi is planning for growth across wholesale, D2C,

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51:33

Can Run Outpace Outdoor? Plus: Are U.S. Outdoor...

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/09/15

It's Monday on The Rock Fight! Which means that Colin is joined by outdoor industry insider Eoin Comerford and brand & creative expert Producer Dave to run through the following topics that have emerged over the past week (or so):Comeback brand feedback & Eoin's surf brand game: We discuss the listener feedback to last weeks episode where we nominated the candidates for 2026 comeback brand of the year and Eoin quizzes Colin & Producer Dave about their knowledge of current up and coming

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33:44

The Launch of RE:PUBLIC - Public Lands Get Their...

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/09/12

Today on the show Colin is joined by longtime journalist and former Outside magazine editor-in-chief Chris Keyes to discuss his new venture: RE:PUBLIC, nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to covering the policies, people, and forces shaping America’s public lands.What we cover:How the decline of journalism (75% fewer reporters than 20 years ago) impacts public lands coverage.Why RE:PUBLIC chose the nonprofit model and how it differs from traditional outdoor media.The role of brands and

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53:04

Who Will Be The 2026 Outdoor Industry Comeback Brand...

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/09/08

Today Colin and the Monday Boys (outdoor industry insider Eoin Comerford and brand & creative expert Producer Dave) talk through some stories making waves in the outdoor industry before predicting who will be the "Mountain Hardwear of 2026". Here's the rundown!Listener Mailbag! We hear from a new outdoor retailer and long time industry vet about last Monday's episode. (03:55)Backcountry acquires Portland cycling retailer a month after acquiring a different retailer in SLC. What's the strategy

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34:13

Outdoor Retail Shakeup: Closures, Comebacks & Community

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports... ·

2025/09/05

On this episode of The Rock Fight, Colin sits down with Todd Frank, owner of The Trailhead in Missoula, MT, and board member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, to dig into the state of specialty outdoor retail.With recent closures like Summit Hut and Next Adventure , the question looms: what’s the future of independent gear shops? Todd shares what makes specialty retail resilient, the challenges of D2C and online competition, and why resale programs could be a lifeline for shops like his.They also

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