The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

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 m...

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 th...

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 announc...

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....

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 h...

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...

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 rece...

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 ci...

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 o...

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 bein...

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 li...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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 spark...

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 awarenes...

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 ref...

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...

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 h...

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...

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...

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...

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 o...

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 touche...