The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

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, performance material expert, who defines true innovation as “solving real problems — not just changing colors.”
• Michelle Rose, designer and founder of Struktur Society, who argues that imagination and play—not process—drive breakthroughs.
• Greg Garrigues, Director of Innovation at Mountain Hardwear, who insists innovation is about diligence and iteration, not just creativity.
• Mya Franklin of LifeLabs, a new textile company pushing thermal-regulation fabrics born from Stanford research.
• Stewart Sheppard, sustainability veteran, who explains that consumers don’t dream of “green products” — they dream of great gear that works and feels good.
• And Ben Ryan, formerly of The North Face and Salomon, who reminds us that the spark of excitement and curiosity still fuels every real innovation.

What did we find when we dove deep? Innovation isn’t dead — it’s just not where you used to look for it.

Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-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, 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? (13:15)
• Backcountry partners with AllGear Digital: Smart retail-media synergy or just another way to cram ads into your shopping experience? (19:35)
• The Rock Fight Lightning Round: Hydro Flask’s poor quarter, Mount To Coast gets sustainable, Halfdays raises $10 million! (28:50)
• Chip Wilson is Back: Lululemon takes it on the chin and hears about it from their founder. (41:05)

Lastly for The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, Colin draws a parallel between dying local hockey shops and the decline of outdoor retail. (47:48)

Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-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, 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 early stage outdoor companies.
• Success & Failure: Why most small brands don’t flame out dramatically, but quietly fade away and how expectations play a huge role.
• Product vs. Brand: The chicken-and-egg debate. Do you lead with killer gear, or build a story first?
• Why Small Brands Matter: Faster innovation, closer ties to real community needs, and local economic impact.

They also debate whether the outdoor industry is too insular, how outside perspectives (Sephora anyone?) could add value, and why supporting small brands doesn’t always mean paying a premium.

Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-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, 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. (05:56)

Next, the conversation turns to Bass Pro’s acquisition of Hobie. Once a pioneering surf and sailing brand turned kayak powerhouse, Hobie has faced dealer frustration, supply chain nightmares, and brand drift. Will Bass Pro revive Hobie, turn it into a house brand, or alienate specialty retailers even further? Dave dives into Hobie’s rich heritage and what Bass Pro could do with the name; if they think beyond fishing kayaks. (13:23)

The lightning round brings more industry headlines (21:20):

• Kohl’s pushes its FLX line into kids’ activewear.
• Keen jumps into the crowded trail running shoe market with “The Seek.”
• Arc’teryx shrugs off PR fallout from its controversial Himalayan fireworks stunt.

Support those who support The Rock Fight! Today's sponsors: Ibex, Fjallraven, Lems Shoes, Royal Robbins, and Conatus Counsel! (26:18)

Finally, the hosts analyze REI’s new strategic plan, Peak 28. With four lofty pillars—culture, assortment, service, and membership—the co-op hints at big changes ahead. But with payroll bloat, declining margins, and vague promises, the question remains: will REI truly reinvent itself, or is this just frosting on an underbaked cake? (30:37)

The show closes with The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, celebrating a big week for women-led outdoor brands like Wild Rye, Gnara, and Title Nine’s Pitchfest. Proof that despite the challenges, inspiring things are happening across the outdoor landscape. (39:59)

Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-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, 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 Expositions) join to explain the vision behind these moves, why Minneapolis won out, and how they plan to attract retailers, brands, and groups like the OIA and Conservation Alliance back into the fold.

Topics Covered:

• Why August makes strategic sense for buyers and brands
• The role of emerging brands in reviving OR’s relevance
• How nonprofits and advocacy groups could bring back OR’s “soul”
• Whether lifestyle and run trends are a blind spot for the show
• What success in Minneapolis would look like

Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-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, 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 showing signs of life? (07:38)

Good News or Bad news?

• New Shells: Rab launches a PFAS-free Gore-Tex line. (08:36)
• Collabs gone grocery: Nike x Kirkland shoes hit the internet. (13:04)
• Athletes & influence: Does Killian Jornet’s 14er linkup land the way it once might have? (16:09)
• Support those who support The Rock Fight! Today's partners: Ibex, Fjallraven, Royal Robbins, Lems, Conatus Counsel
• Marketing done right: Mammut’s mockumentary-style campaign hits the landing. (27:08)
• The big one: Arc’teryx’s fireworks fiasco in the Himalayas begs the question: how did this even happen? (33:03)
• Lightning Round: Salt Life eyewear, Eastern Mountain Sports, and Huffy. (40:41)
• Parting Shot: The X Games announce a new “league” with betting baked in. (43:15)

Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-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].

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 thing: using outdoor recreation to strengthen communities and economies.

Colin & Darren discuss:

• Why states like Tennessee and Arkansas are leading the charge on outdoor rec.
• How outdoor economy conferences differ from traditional trade shows.
• Why brands and retailers need to show up and what they stand to gain.
• The untapped link between outdoor rec and healthcare costs.
• How states are building infrastructure that literally creates new customers.
• The opportunity for the outdoor industry to move beyond selling gear into shaping healthier, more resilient communities.

TL;DR: The outdoor industry can move beyond its bubble and spoiler: brands that get involved early may benefit the most.

Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-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, 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 M&A actitivity? Capstone Partners says that is. The Rock Fight's consigliere weighs in. (11:25)
• Support this weeks partners of The Rock Fight! Ibex, Fjallraven, Royal Robbins, Lems Shoes, and Conatus Counsel! (22:12)

The Monday Boys are then joined by Darren Bush to talk about the following topics (26:22):

• Why Darren is closing Rutabaga after more than 25 years of ownership.
• How his personal journey, from epidemiologist to retailer to chaplain, shaped his outlook.
• The state of specialty retail, from margins to customer service.
• Why experiential opportunities like paddling schools and Canoecopia still matter.
• The challenges of succession planning and selling independent shops.
• What the closures of Rutabaga, Summit Hut, and Next Adventure say about the industry.
• Darren’s proudest moments and the thousands of hugs he’s received from grateful paddlers.

Finally for The Parting Shot, Colin thinks the outdoor industry may be a little too concerned with that 'seat at the table' and could stand to be a little louder in the face of recent events. (43:40)

Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-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 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, and international markets.
• Shumlas’ 5-year vision: Cotopaxi as a household name, known as much for impact as for bold gear.

Cotopaxi has taken its share of rocks on The Rock Fight which makes this open conversation even more exciting. Lindsay showed up ready for the fight and to talk about whether “doing good” can coexist with growth.

Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-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].

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 surf brands. (04:05)
• Topo has themselves a quarter and continues the trend of running brands showing big growth which begs the question, can run overtake outdoor like outdoor once overtook surf and ski? (14:56)
• Adidas releases a new shoe designed just for running on the treadmill. No really, they did that. (21:55)
• The Rock Fight Lightning Round! This weeks fast acting topics: Glamping over camping, are outdoor retailers missing the boat on the grow wearable tech category, and Combat Flip Flops! (26:26)
• Support those who support The Rock Fight! This weeks partners: Ibex, Fjallraven, Royal Robbins, Lems Shoes, Conatus Counsel. (30:37)
• Pre-holiday blues? Three surveys dropped this past week painting a relative gloomy picture of the upcoming holiday shopping season. (35:32)
• Are US outdoor brands at risk overseas? A new article from The Guardian details challenges being faced by US fashion brands, are outdoor brands facing the same challenges? (39:20)

For The Parting Shot Producer Dave offers an update on the roll out of Columbia's campaign and rebrand. (44:42)

Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Sign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's semi-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].