The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

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

NOV 18, 2024

YETI's Strategy: Unpacking Why Mystery Ranch is Getting the Axe

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show taking a closer look at this weeks big story: YETI telling retailers they will be sunsetting Mystery Ranch after 2025.

YETI's decision to phase out Mystery Ranch's consumer-facing business while retaining its military operations has raised eyebrows in the outdoor industry. Colin looks at the implications of this move and questions why YETI wouldn't continue to leverage Mystery Ranch as a specialty brand alongside its broader offerings.

Producer Dave contributes insights on the industry's dynamics, reflecting on how acquisitions often reshape brand identities and market strategies.

Then Colin and Producer Dave talk about the odd move of French ski brand blackcrowes setting up a shop-in-shop at two Rapha clubhouses.

Lastly the duo offer their Parting Shots. Producer Dave brings back his book club with another recommendation while Colin defends the real consumer who buys outdoor apparel.

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

40 MIN

NOV 15, 2024

Why Brand 'Recommerce' Is Important To The Future Of The Outdoor Industry

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Aaron Provine, the president and owner of Geartrade, returns to discuss the evolving landscape of secondhand gear and recommerce in the outdoor industry.

Aaron highlights the growing momentum toward secondhand products and picks a fight with Colin's criticism of brand recommerce platforms as he believes that these brand initiatives are giving consumers more reasons than ever to put secondhand first.

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

46 MIN

NOV 13, 2024

YETI to Sunset Mystery Ranch, REI's New CMO & Shackleton in 3D!

Multiple sources have reached out to THE ROCK FIGHT from the GOA Connect show happening in Kansas City this week with the news that after acquiring the brand just this past January, Yeti will be sunsetting the consumer arm of Mystery Ranch after 2025 while retaining their military business.

Colin & Justin talk about the implications of this move and then address the other big news story of the week, REI's hire of Abigail Jacobs as their new Chief Marketing Officer.

They also talk about new images of Ernest Shackleton's sunken Endurance as well as tech that is enabling big ships to stop the annual slaughter of thousands of whales.

They of course wrap up the show with their Parting Shots. Colin addresses Sunny Stroeer's AZ Trail FKT attempt and the misogyny that has followed (click here to support Sunny's effort to close the gender gap in the outdoors) while Justin shows support for some newbies who tried to haul a lot of stuff up Mt. Whitney.

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

41 MIN

NOV 11, 2024

Polartec's Shed Less Fleece: Fabric Innovation Or Greenwashing?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head), Colin opens the show discussing Polartec's recent announcement of their Shed Less fleece, a fabric that, according to the brand, reduces microfiber shedding by up to 85%.

Drawing on his experience, Colin offers insights into the challenges ingredient brands face when developing innovative products, especially given the outdoor apparel industry's tendency to prioritize cost over performance. This approach often causes product messaging, like the press release for Shed Less, to come across as greenwashing rather than true innovation.

Finally, Colin concludes with The Parting Shot and a tribute to JanSport co-founder Murray McCory, who recently passed away.

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

20 MIN

NOV 8, 2024

Brand Updates & Other Insights with the Outdoor Industry's Consigliere

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) outdoor industry insider Eoin Comerford returns to give Colin and Producer Dave his perspective on some of the topics that we've been covering lately.

Eoin discusses the loss of identity and authenticity brands deal with after being acquired by larger corporations. Using Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, and Columbia's new creative push examples their conversation explores the importance of maintaining a connection to a brand's roots and the risks associated with prioritizing short-term financial gains over long-term brand health. They also look at why a brand like Vasque failed when they maintained the same ownership over their lifetime.

Additionally, Eoin highlights the growing opportunity in the secondhand market, emphasizing its potential to make outdoor gear more accessible to younger consumers while fostering sustainability.

Lastly Eoin offers his initial thoughts of what to expect the outdoor industry should expect from a second Trump presidency and why we need to prioritize sustainability, conservation, and inclusivity.

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.

Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

46 MIN