The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

The Rock Fight – not just another outdoor or adventure podcast; it's a full on rebellion. We’re here for those inside and outside the outdoor industry. Outdoorsy listeners who are tired of the same worn-out paths. If you want to hear honest discussions that mirror the candid outdoor industry banter you have after a long hike in the wilderness, cracking the cooler while loading the bikes, sharing the ski lift with a stranger, waxing your board at the beach, jumping off rocks into the river, or over a beer at the bar...you've found your tribe. The Rock Fight will dissect the latest headlines to come out of the outdoor industry. We'll weigh in on topics other outdoor media companies avoid like the plague. We'll also hit the things outdoorsy folks care about like pop culture, gear, footwear, apparel and even more important topics like debating the ideal attire for an adventure on the ice planet of Hoth. Our discussions are as diverse as they are real. We’re challenging the conventional, offering a fresh perspective on outdoor industry topics you won't hear anywhere else. The outdoor industry has been stagnant for too long. Missing out on The Rock Fight is missing out on the evolution of outdoor media.

  1. 16 HR AGO

    Will Sierra Take Out REI? Plus: Helly Hansen's US Push & Leave The North Face Alone!

    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) Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear! Click here to take The Rock Fight Podcast Listener Survey! Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. 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.

    43 min
  2. 3 DAYS AGO

    Arc'teryx's Virtual Footwear Launch & Soldiering On For Our Public Lands

    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) Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear! Click here to take The Rock Fight Podcast Listener Survey! Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. 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.

    19 min
  3. 5 DAYS AGO

    Yosemite Protests & Patagonia Speaks Out! Plus: Illegal Super Shoes?

    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) Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear! Click here to take The Rock Fight Podcast Listener Survey! Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. 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.

    43 min
  4. 24 FEB

    NikeSKIMS, VF Gets Upstaged By Kontoor & Merrell Heads Back To The Mall Plus: Patagonia: PFAS Leader?

    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) Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear! Click here to take The Rock Fight Podcast Listener Survey! Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. 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.

    50 min
  5. 17 FEB

    Is Authentic Brands The Canary In The Outdoor Coal Mine? Plus: The Burgum Endorsement

    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) Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown Gear! Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. 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.

    45 min

About

The Rock Fight – not just another outdoor or adventure podcast; it's a full on rebellion. We’re here for those inside and outside the outdoor industry. Outdoorsy listeners who are tired of the same worn-out paths. If you want to hear honest discussions that mirror the candid outdoor industry banter you have after a long hike in the wilderness, cracking the cooler while loading the bikes, sharing the ski lift with a stranger, waxing your board at the beach, jumping off rocks into the river, or over a beer at the bar...you've found your tribe. The Rock Fight will dissect the latest headlines to come out of the outdoor industry. We'll weigh in on topics other outdoor media companies avoid like the plague. We'll also hit the things outdoorsy folks care about like pop culture, gear, footwear, apparel and even more important topics like debating the ideal attire for an adventure on the ice planet of Hoth. Our discussions are as diverse as they are real. We’re challenging the conventional, offering a fresh perspective on outdoor industry topics you won't hear anywhere else. The outdoor industry has been stagnant for too long. Missing out on The Rock Fight is missing out on the evolution of outdoor media.

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