The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary
The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

Colin True - outdoor industry journalist

Overview
Episodes

Details

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.

Recent Episodes

NikeSKIMS, VF Gets Upstaged By Kontoor & Merrell Heads Back To The Mall Plus: Patagonia: PFAS Leader?
FEB 24, 2025
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!

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.

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49 MIN
The Outdoor Market Alliance Media Event Recap!
FEB 21, 2025
The Outdoor Market Alliance Media Event Recap!

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 how the event could benefit from seeking out smaller brands to attend as well as how the current threat to our public lands are present even at a show like this one and how that is likely to impact the broader outdoor industry.

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.

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27 MIN
Trump's Layoffs Come For The Outdoors
FEB 19, 2025
Trump's Layoffs Come For The Outdoors

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 we grapple with the fallout from these sweeping (and ridiculous) changes. (04:49)

Then the guys quickly hit a couple of items to come out of the gear world including Snow Peak entering the fly fishing space and a new way to cover up your truck bed. They also talk about the amazing video making the rounds of a humpback whale that swallowed and spit out a kayaker. (21:36)

They of course wrap things up with The Parting Shot! (34:10)

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.

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43 MIN
Is Authentic Brands The Canary In The Outdoor Coal Mine? Plus: The Burgum Endorsement
FEB 17, 2025
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.

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45 MIN
Is This Company The Outdoor Industry's Secret Weapon?
FEB 14, 2025
Is This Company The Outdoor Industry's Secret Weapon?

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 circular economy for outdoor apparel, as well as the necessity for brands to embrace responsibility for their products beyond the point of sale.

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.

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47 MIN