Outdoor Unfiltered

Rock Fight, LLC
  • 4.8 (17)
  • WILDERNESS

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

Episodes

  1. 3D AGO

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

    In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, host and former CEO Eoin Comerford dissects the collapse of Eddie Bauer and the "vampire" licensing model that is hollowing out iconic brands. Eoin also takes a hard look at the slowdown of athleisure, exploring whether the category has reached peak saturation and what outdoor brands can learn from the rise of Vuori and Alo Yoga. Later in the show, Kent Ebersole, President of the Outdoor Industry Association, joins the podcast to discuss the reboot of OIA Rendezvous 2026, where industry leaders gathered to tackle shared challenges and rebuild collaboration across the outdoor community. Timestamps0:00 – 1:07 | Introduction Eoin introduces the episode's themes: Eddie Bauer's retail closure and the state of the athleisure market.1:08 – 4:40 | The Eddie Bauer "Vampire" Model A breakdown of Eddie Bauer’s third bankruptcy and how Authentic Brands Group’s licensing model sucks brands drink leaving debt-laden "husks."4:41 – 8:43 | Has Athleisure Peaked? Analysis of Lululemon and Athleta’s struggles versus the rise of Vuori and Alo Yoga. Eoin discusses why "technical stories" are failing while comfort and social-media-driven "cool factors" are winning.8:44 – 11:45 | The OIA Rendezvous 2026 Recap Kent Ebersole joins to discuss the reboot of the OIA Rendezvous in Denver and the importance of leadership coming together to solve shared industry challenges.11:46 – 14:32 | Key Takeaways from the Summit Discussion on the impact of AI (with insights from Microsoft), financial stress on P&Ls, and the core pillars of sustainability and participation.14:33 – 17:15 | The Soul of the Industry Highlights from Ryan Gellert (Patagonia) and Neil Fisk (Black Diamond) on innovation, stewardship, and the "energy in the room" when the industry collaborates.17:16 – 20:30 | What’s Next for OIA? Kent outlines the call to action, the upcoming April Town Hall, and why the Rendezvous will likely remain an intimate, leadership-focused annual event rather than a massive trade show.20:31 – End | Closing Remarks How to stay involved with the OIA and where to follow the podcast for future updates. Outdoor Unfiltered goes beyond the headlines to explain what’s happening in the outdoor industry and why it matters. Connect with Eoin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/ Email the show: outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com Outdoor Unfiltered is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

    31 min

  2. MAR 16

    Profitability vs. People: REI Cuts Pay & Benefits

    Today on Outdoor Unfiltered, Eoin Comerford breaks down the news that REI is cutting pay and benefits for employees as the co-op struggles to return to profitability. After four straight years of losses REI is facing some tough financial realities — and payroll is squarely in the spotlight. Eoin digs into what’s driving the decision, why payroll costs at REI are significantly higher than other retailers, and why a healthy REI still matters to the broader outdoor industry. Also in this episode: Vail Resorts’ historically bad winter seasonWhy ski resorts are still making money despite poor snowEoin is then joined by Rock Founder and Outdoor Industry veteran, Colin True, to discuss the outdoor recreation economy’s “$1.3 trillion” headline number (and why it’s misleading) as well as the new brand campaigns from The North Face and Merrell. Outdoor Unfiltered looks past the PR spin to explore what’s really happening in the outdoor industry and why it matters. Connect with Eoin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/ Email the show: outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com

    36 min

  3. MAR 9

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

    Move past the PR speak and into the boardroom. In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, host Eoin Comerford breaks down the latest strategic shifts from the industry’s biggest players before sitting down with the "unofficial mayor of the outdoor industry," Lloyd Vogel. On the Business Desk: Amer Sports & Anta: A deep dive into the $6.6B powerhouse. Why are they raising $750M despite 27% growth? We look at the debt, the margins, and the "Arc’teryx effect."The North Face vs. Merrell: Analyzing the pivot away from "misery marketing." Why TNF is taking a run at owning "Hiking" and what Merrell’s "Secret Garden" approach means for inclusivity. The Insider Interview: Lloyd Vogel (CEO, Garage Grown Gear) The Ultralight Takeover: Why "Ultralight" isn't a niche anymore—it's just the new standard for backpacking.The "Boomer" Impact: How lighter gear is extending the longevity of the industry’s most loyal demographic.The Trade Show Tug-of-War: An unfiltered look at Switchback vs. Outdoor Retailer. Can small, cottage brands save the traditional trade show model? Follow Outdoor Unfiltered on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to stay a step ahead of the competition. Connect with Eoin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/ Learn more about GGG: www.garagegrowngear.com

    37 min

  4. MAR 2

    Tariff Decision Explained, Outdoor Earnings & Sustainability Under Attack

    Is the outdoor industry in trouble, or just in transition?  Host Eoin Comerford is joined by industry icon Kristin Hostetter (former Editor-in-Chief of SNEWS) to pull back the curtain on why sustainability is currently under fire and what the "Trump Tariffs" reversal actually means for your wallet. In this debut episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, we move past the PR fluff to give you the "why" behind the headlines. What we’re digging into today: The Supreme Court vs. The Tariffs: Eoin breaks down how brands might get their refunds and why your gear probably won't get cheaper anytime soon.Earnings Season Reality Check: What do the latest results tell us about where the market is heading? Why are footwear brands like Hoka and Birkenstock winning while the rest of the US market lags?Sustainability Under Attack: Kristin Hostetter shares her raw take on the repeal of scientific findings and why Patagonia’s latest "transparency report" is being called greenwashing by some and a blueprint by others. Connect with us: Follow Eoin Comerford: www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerfordEmail the show: OutdoorUnfilteredPod@gmail.comRate & Review: If you enjoyed this deep dive, please leave a 5-star review! Outdoor Unfiltered is part of the Rock Fight podcast network.

    32 min

  5. FEB 26

    Welcome to Outdoor Unfiltered!

    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.

    1 min

Trailer

4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Rock Fight, LLC
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Rock Fight, LLC
  • Show Website
    Outdoor Unfiltered

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