The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

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.

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

Help those who have been impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires by clicking here.

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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.

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

Help those who have been impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires by clicking here.

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.

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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!

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

Help those who have been impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires by clicking here.

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.

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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.

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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.

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

Help those who have been impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires by clicking here.

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 [email protected].

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.

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

Help those who have been impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires by clicking here.

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 [email protected].

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.

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

Help those who have been impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires by clicking here.

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 [email protected].

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.

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

Help those who have been impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires by clicking here.

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 [email protected].

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)

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected]!

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 [email protected].