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The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary
The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary
Author: Rock Fight, LLC
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Tired of the same old outdoor industry narratives? If your post-adventure chats are filled with laughter over mishaps, commiseration about broken gear, and celebrating real triumphs (and epic fails), then The Rock Fight is your new tribe.
Imagine this: you're no longer stuck in echo chambers. After listening in, you'll be part of honest, unfiltered discussions that mirror the conversations you have with your closest outdoor buddies. You'll gain fresh perspectives and feel more connected to a community that speaks your language.
On The Rock Fight we get into the topics others shy away from – the real, sometimes messy, and always engaging aspects of the outdoor industry and culture. Ever debated the best layering system for an imaginary ice planet adventure? We're there. Concerned about the true environmental impact of outdoor brands beyond the marketing spin? We're digging in.
We're not afraid to challenge the conventional and offer the candid insights you crave.
We're those voices around the campfire, on the chairlift, and at the pub who aren't holding back. Our diverse discussions are fueled by a genuine love for the outdoors and a healthy dose of skepticism towards the status quo. Our goal is to create meaningful conversations and a stronger sense of community for outdoor lovers who are ready for something real.
So grab your rock, hit play, and get ready to step up and participate in The Rock Fight.
Imagine this: you're no longer stuck in echo chambers. After listening in, you'll be part of honest, unfiltered discussions that mirror the conversations you have with your closest outdoor buddies. You'll gain fresh perspectives and feel more connected to a community that speaks your language.
On The Rock Fight we get into the topics others shy away from – the real, sometimes messy, and always engaging aspects of the outdoor industry and culture. Ever debated the best layering system for an imaginary ice planet adventure? We're there. Concerned about the true environmental impact of outdoor brands beyond the marketing spin? We're digging in.
We're not afraid to challenge the conventional and offer the candid insights you crave.
We're those voices around the campfire, on the chairlift, and at the pub who aren't holding back. Our diverse discussions are fueled by a genuine love for the outdoors and a healthy dose of skepticism towards the status quo. Our goal is to create meaningful conversations and a stronger sense of community for outdoor lovers who are ready for something real.
So grab your rock, hit play, and get ready to step up and participate in The Rock Fight.
433 Episodes
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This week on The Rock Fight, the crew digs into a round of reactions to some of the latest headlines to emerge from the outdoor industry!From Fleet Feet’s growing footprint, to the maturation of the hydration category and what it means for brands like Hydro Flask and YETI, the conversation spans retail scale, category fatigue, and where real opportunity still exists.The episode also explores why more brands are opening their own stores, how DTC has evolved into an omnichannel strategy, and what that means for wholesale partners. Plus, the Lightning Round covers ski patrol strikes*, Everest trash, and why bikes still sit awkwardly outside the outdoor industry.*This episode was recorded before the Telluride Patroller's strike ended.Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. 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.
Today on The Rock Fight Colin and Producer Dave help break down Eoin's ten predictions for the outdoor industry in 2026! From tariffs and retail shakeups to REI’s membership future, used gear going mainstream, peak trail running culture, and AI becoming your next gear buddy.Then for The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, Colin calls out Timberland’s latest boot, using it as a case study in what happens when legacy brands lose the plot on product quality, relevance, and execution. Watch the video that sparked the conversation by clicking here.What do you think of our predictions? Weigh in with your opinion and make your own outdoor industry 2026 prediction by clicking here!Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. 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.
In this special episode, Colin, Owen, Shawnté, and Producer Dave hand out the 2025 Rock Fight Awards, recognizing the outdoor industry’s biggest wins, painful missteps, strangest products, and standout brands and individuals of the year.From trail running’s continued dominance to zombie brands, WTF products, creative breakthroughs, and a few well-earned shots across the bow, this is a no-filter temperature check on where the outdoor industry stands and where it might be headed next.Award Categories:🪨 THE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN BRAND COLLABORATION🪨 THE CHIP WILSON SELF INFLICTED WOUND AWARD (AKA BIGGEST BRAND BONER)🪨 THE OPEN CONTAINER AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE OUTDOOR COMMUNITY🪨 THE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN OUTDOOR INDUSTRY OVEREXPOSURE🪨 THE CATEGORY OF THE YEAR🪨 THE WTF PRODUCT OF THE YEAR🪨 THE NEWCOMER OR EMERGING BRAND OF THE YEAR🪨 THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE OUTDOOR ZOMBIE HORDE🪨 THE BRIEF AWARD FOR BRAND CREATIVE EXCELLENCE🪨 THE GEAR ABBY GOLDEN BIDET AWARD FOR CONSUMER EDUCATION 🪨 THE JUSTIN HOUSMAN MEMORIAL ROCK FIGHTER LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD🪨 THE 2025 AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN TRADE SHOWS🪨 THE 2025 ROCK FIGHT LISTENER AWARD🪨 2025 OUTDOOR INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR🪨 2025 BRAND OF THE YEARSee you in 2026!Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. 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.
Today on The Rock Fight, the crew runs a temperature check on the outdoor industry national trade show scene!From fragmentation to event fatigue, Colin, Eoin Comerford, and Producer Dave break down whether outdoor still needs a single “north star” gathering; and who should be responsible for making it happen.But first they hit a rapid-fire six-pack of industry stories, including:ANTA’s push into the U.S. marketArc’teryx living between performance and luxuryL.L. Bean’s retail expansion strategyWhy outdoor still plays it safe with colorTNF x Skims (you know, for kids!)Kappa’s Olympic kits Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. 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.
In this episode, Colin, Shawnté, Eoin, and Producer Dave deliver their on-the-ground, end-of-show breakdown of The Running Event and Switchback 2025 — recorded moments after the TRE Retailer Awards wrapped in San Antonio. The crew dig into what worked, what surprised them, and what the outdoor industry should take away from a trade show that knows exactly what it is.On The Docket!The TRE Retailer Awards: Emotion, community & why it worksTRE vs. Outdoor Industry Trade ShowsBooth Breakdown: The Best & WorstTrends & Rumors From the FloorPredictions: Who got it right and who missed? The crew evaluates their earlier predictions now that the show is done.Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. 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.
From San Antonio, TX it's The Rock Fight LIVE! Colin, Shawnté Salabert, Producer Dave and Eoin Comerford take the stage at The Running Event & Switchback 2025 for a fast, funny, high-energy conversation on the annual trade show.On The Docket!The Future of TRE & Switchback: Christina Henderson and Kent Ebersole discuss where the event is heading, how outdoor fits in, and whether an awards program is coming.RUNHER Magazine founder and Editor In Chief joins TRF to discuss what outdoor can learn from running when it comes to being more inclusive.Gear Abby Live: Shawnté answers your burning questions!Booth Hits & Misses: Standouts include Brooks’ funhouse, Superfeet’s geodesic dome, and Rabbit’s unbooth. Low points: Clif Bar’s table and Prana’s identity crisis.Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. 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.
It's an action packed episode of The Rock Fight as Colin, Eoin Comerford, Producer Dave are joined by Gear Abby herself, Shawnté Salabert to preview and offer their predictions for this week's edition of The Running Event & Switchback!They also dig into Dick's Sporting Goods plans for Foot Locker and respond to a listener email about the profitablity of resale economics. Lastly it's the final interview recorded at GOA Connect in Kansas City last month as the Monday crew chats with Fjallraven CEO Nathan Dopp.On The Docket!Is resale profitable? Becky from Tersus challenges the pod on resale profitability.Dick's/Foot Locker Update! What a $500–$750M of “pretax charges” actually means and why so much of Foot Locker’s inventory is getting liquidated.The Running Event Preview & Predictions: What the crew is excited for and what they think will happen at the showFjallraven's Nathan Dopp: Our final GOA Connect interview!Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. 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.
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin Comerford, and Producer Dave break down two major outdoor-industry storylines: Nike’s push into trail running and Sierra’s rapid suburban takeover. Plus listener feedback, The Lightning Round, and The Parting Shot!On The Docket!Mailbag: A listener response to the Patagonia Impact Report and how they make their stuff.Nike Targets Trail Running: Does a Hoka lookalike and a new race sponsorship puts Nike ACG in the trail running pole position?The Lightning Round! Running continues to crush, REI's new travel partnership, and highlighting Women Led Wednesday!Sierra’s Expansion: Now at 141 U.S. stores Sierra's growth continues so The Rock Fight takes a field trip a couple of local stores to see the chain for themselves.For The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear Colin highlights a friend of the pod's outdoor industry trade show call out (and solution)!Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. 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.
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin, and Producer Dave sit down with Tony Post, founder and CEO of Topo Athletic, live from GOA Connect in Kansas City, to talk about the booming trail running market and Topo’s big year.Topo has quietly become one of the most talked-about brands in trail running. Growing 70% last year and expanding into 25 countries all while staying true to its specialty roots and never running a sale on its website in 12 years.In This EpisodeTrail Running’s Not New: Why today’s hype is really the second (or third) wave. From Leadville in the ’90s to the Born to Run era to now.Surviving 145% Tariffs: How Topo shifted production from China to Vietnam without sacrificing fit or durability.A 13-Year Overnight Success: Why Topo focused on authentic growth, not blowing up fast.Run vs. Outdoor Specialty: Why the brand refuses to choose.Silent Flex: Zero discounting… everThe Up-and-Comers: Tony weighs in on Speedland, Norda, and Mount to Coast and why entering the category is harder than it looks.Why Topo Will Still Be Here in 10 Years: Tony’s philosophy: deliver a better experience, every time.For The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, Colin struggles with the glut of poorly executed maximal midsoles.Thanks for listening! The Rock Fight is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. 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.
Today on the show Colin, Eoin, and Producer Dave return with a full-tilt breakdown of the outdoor industry’s latest developments. From trade show energy to tariff fallout to brands making questionable product choices.On The Docket!Functional Fabric Fair Recap: Dave reports from Portland with notes on increased exhibitor energy, better layouts, stronger innovation hubs, and heritage insulation brands making a comeback.Tariff Watch 2025 (DUN-DUN!): New China tariff adjustments, South American deals, and what they actually mean for outdoor brands. Astral, Osprey, and Terramar are already making painful adjustments.Patagonia’s First Impact Report: Transparency, paradox, and the “greener than thou” crowd. Vuori Snow Is… a Thing: A new winter sports line with a clunky launch video. Can Vuori make the jump from soft gymwear to genuine snow apparel? RIP Gorewear (1985–2025): Gore is shutting down its cycling/run brand after 40 years.Lightning Round: ON’s tariff-proof sales surge, the secondhand market grows, and Fleet Feet’s big Adidas partnershipFor The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, Sorel released a new brand video and Colin would like to see prAna get some Columbia portfolio love.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 myrockfight@gmail.com.
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin Comerford, and Producer Dave sit down with Amy Beck, President of Obōz Footwear (recorded at GOA Connect in Kansas City), for a wide-ranging, and honest conversation about what’s missing in the outdoor industry.Here's the rundown!Hiking vs. Trail Running: Why Obōz believes hiking has never been less appreciated.Innovation Pressure: How the obsession with the next same thing can hold brands back, and what true innovation actually requires.Specialty Retail’s Role: Why Obōz waited until 2021 to launch e-commerce and why independent retailers continue to be the heartbeat of the outdoor world.Operating Under KMD Brands: The advantages and challenges of being part of a New Zealand-based outdoor portfolio.The Energy Gap: Amy’s case for why the industry needs more personality, more creativity, and more willingness to stand for something.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 myrockfight@gmail.com.
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin Comerford, and Producer Dave hit the show floor at GOA Connect and explore their favorite brands and products from the Discovery Marketplace. From coolers to chef-designed backpacking meals (and at least one trail running brand) these are the most exciting things they saw at the outdoor industry's most consequential event.Rugged Road: A foam-first, ultra-light cooler that floats upright.VSSL: From prepper tools to the most over-engineered coffee system ever made.NNormal: Kilian Jornet’s performance-meets-design trail running brandLems Shoes: The 15-year “overnight success” building momentum in retail.Thacker NYC: A stylish, urban-inspired brand shaking up outdoor fashion.Luxefly: Gourmet freeze-dried meals created by a celebrity chef (goodbye unwanted freeze dried gas).For The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, Colin takes aim at our nation's airport bathrooms (seriously).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 myrockfight@gmail.com.
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin and Eoin Comerford sit down at the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Connect show with Alex Lauver, the former Director of Materials & Sustainability at Outdoor Research, now leading Douglas Strategies LLC, a consultancy focused on impact reduction and supply-chain transparency.They unpack the state of PFAS (“forever chemicals”). Once the outdoor industry’s biggest story, now quietly complicated by regulation, cost, and unintended consequences.They dig into:PFAS bans and the fallout — where the legislation stands and which states are next.Who benefits most from PFAS removal (hint: supply chain workers).Legal gray zones — what brands can (and can’t) claim as “PFAS free.”What’s next — new concerns around solvents, BPA, phthalates, and antimicrobials.The rise of natural fibers and the myth of “cotton kills.”The F/M/K round: “PFAS Free,” “Non-PFAS,” and “No Added PFAS.”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 myrockfight@gmail.com.
This week on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin, and Producer Dave break down a packed slate of outdoor industry headlines, from financial shakeups to listener drama.On the docket!VF’s Up-and-Down Quarter: North Face & Timberland steady the ship while Vans still struggles. HOKA’s Plateau: Deckers cools expectations as HOKA’s U.S. sales flatten but international growth keeps soaring. Is the bubble finally bursting or just shifting?Marmot’s Resurrection: Newell Brands shows signs of life, prompting Producer Dave to upgrade Marmot from “zombie” to “revenant.”2026 Outdoor Trade Show Watch!Outdoor Retailer’s “Leadership Village” expands with new names from Cotopaxi, Garage Grown Gear, and Founded Outdoors plus a focus on small and emerging brands.ISPO Moves to Amsterdam: Europe’s biggest outdoor trade show changes cities and strategy, raising questions about timing, purpose, and relevance.Lightning Round!Wolverine Named Footwear News Company of the Year (and somehow not Nike).Lululemon x NFL Collab would Chip Wilson have ever approved?Specialized E-bike Lawsuit: The latest in “gear that tries to kill you.”The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear!A listener calls The Rock Fight “Patagonia’s biggest haters.” The crew responds (with vigor) clarifying that critique comes from love, not spite.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 myrockfight@gmail.com.
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin Comerford, and Producer Dave put three buzzworthy trail running brands to the test in the first-ever America’s Next Top Trail Running Brand showdown.Focusing on Brand Position, Retail Appeal, and wear test performance, the trio have a look at Speedland, Norda, and Mount to Coast to crown one who will move on to the next round (provided there will be a next round).But before the big shoe showdown, they have a look at a couple of stories that have come out of the outdoor trade show scene:OIA and Switchback’s deeper partnership (and what it means for Outdoor Retailer)The new Cascade Summit trade show launching in Portland in 2026Next Adventure LIVES!Nike vs. Adidas: Can Adi take down the top dog?Lastly for The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, Colin uses history as a bucket of cold water for all of the people out there who think that trail running is the next big mainstream sport.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 myrockfight@gmail.com.
The Brief is back! Today on The Rock Fight Colin and Producer Dave break down Mammut’s Mountain Wear Rescue campaign.They’re joined by Mammut’s Chief Marketing Officer Nic Brandenberger, who shares the inside story of how the campaign came together, from the insight that “8 out of 10 jackets never see a mountain” to the decision to embrace humor.Episode Topics:How Mammut’s team turned an internal truth into creative goldThe challenges and wins behind Mountain Wear RescueWhy humor in outdoor marketing is so hard to pull offWorking with Katie Burrell and casting for comedyThe evolution of Mammut’s brand voice and personalityOutdoor industry tropes that need to dieThe Rock Fight’s final score: originality, brand fit, messaging, visuals & strategic clevernessSpoiler: Mammut scores high and gives zero f*cks.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 myrockfight@gmail.com.
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin, Eoin, and Producer Dave return with Outdoor Industry Buy or Sell as they name what’s hot (and what’s not). Here's the rundown!Rough Q4 on the way? Multiple reports this past week paint a less than rosy picture for the end of the year. (06:44)A new survey names what is trending with teens. Spoiler: it's not Puffin Drinkwear. (12:17)The Rock Fight Lightning Round! Rutabaga changes course, Runnin' and Gunnin' in our National Parks, and On sued for their squeaky shoes. (18:50)Support those who support The Rock Fight! Ripstop By The Roll, Fjallraven, Lems Shoes, and Ibex! (22:47)Outdoor Industry Buy or Sell! Each host brings outdoor brands, trends or products and make the case for why they are either buying or selling. (26:50)Lastly for The Parting Shot presented by Garage Grown Gear, Colin has a note for a recent cycling study. (49:00)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 myrockfight@gmail.com.
Today on The Rock Fight, Colin is joined by Shawnté Salabert to break down her trip to Title Nine’s Pitchfest 2025, where women founders are reshaping the outdoor industry from the ground up.Since 1989, Title Nine and its founder Missy Park have been putting money behind women-led brands; more than $1.7 million in Pitchfest investments and $72 million in total purchasing power. Shawnté attended this year's edition and shares what makes this event different: collaboration over competition, community over ego, and a focus on solving real problems.The conversation covers:How Pitchfest is rewriting the rules of outdoor entrepreneurship.Standout brands from this year’s event.Why representation in design and leadership still matters.The growing movement to fund women founders, not just feature them.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 myrockfight@gmail.com.
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 myrockfight@gmail.com.
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 myrockfight@gmail.com.




