The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

Colin True - outdoor industry journalist

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 diss...

Yosemite Protests & Patagonia Speaks Out! Plus: Illegal Super Shoes?

Yosemite Protests & Patagonia Speaks Out! Plus: Illegal Super Shoes?

Today Colin and Justin take a look at recent headlines to come out of the outdoor adventure community. On the docket:In response to the Trump Administration's Valentine's Day staffing and budget cuts, employees at Yosemite National Park hung an upside down flag on the top of El Cap. Hope ensued. (04:55)The Trump Administration backtracked on those cuts with the Department of the Interior announcing they would allow agencies to hire 7,700 seasonal employees. (08:21)On Tuesday 2/25 Patagonia CEO R

Feb 26, • 42:49

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

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.

Feb 24, • 49:35

The Outdoor Market Alliance Media Event Recap!

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

Feb 21, • 27:10

Trump's Layoffs Come For The Outdoors

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 quick

Feb 19, • 43:45

Is Authentic Brands The Canary In The Outdoor Coal Mine? Plus: Dick's Quiet Quits Outdoor

Is Authentic Brands The Canary In The Outdoor Coal Mine? Plus: Dick's Quiet Quits Outdoor

Today on The Rock Fight Colin is joined by Rock Fight Consigliere 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, the 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 B

Feb 17, • 45:24

Is This Company The Outdoor Industry's Secret Weapon?

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 fo

Feb 14, • 47:05

Outside's Layoffs, The Science And Value Of Cold Plunges & Conservation vs Recreation

Outside's Layoffs, The Science And Value Of Cold Plunges & Conservation vs Recreation

Today on the show Colin & Justin Housman talk about some of the stories make the rounds through the outdoor community.First up is an article that summarizes recent studies looking at the value of cold plunges. Turns out, there's not a lot science to support the claims that sitting in cold water is good for you. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't sit in cold water if you get something out of it! (5:55)Then the guys stop in at Housman's House to dig into a new feature that Justin wrote about some

Feb 12, • 54:39

The Rock Fight's Top 5 Outdoor Gear Brands!

The Rock Fight's Top 5 Outdoor Gear Brands!

Today the various hosts, producers, and consigliere's of The Rock Fight gather to once again rank the top outdoor brands! And this time it's all about gear.Coming off of last months episode where they ranked the top 5 outdoor footwear brands, Colin, Justin Housman, Producer Dave, and Eoin Comerford come back together to do the same for outdoor gear. They try to learn from their missteps (try being the operative word) from the footwear episode as they take on boiling down the absolutely massive c

Feb 10, • 55:15

Outside Joins The Rock Fight!

Outside Joins The Rock Fight!

Today on the show Colin and Producer Dave are joined by the most unlikely of guests... someone from Outside, Inc!Chris Jerard (aka CJ), Outside's VP of Marketing and Executive Director of The Outside Festival and Summit heard Colin's thoughts about a recent press release regarding the 2025 edition of the festival on Monday's episode of The Rock Fight and is here today to return fire and shed a little more light on what can be expected during the second year of this event.The conversation delves

Feb 7, • 52:41

Overrated, Underrated or Properly Rated? Plus: What's Actually In The EXPLORE Act?

Overrated, Underrated or Properly Rated? Plus: What's Actually In The EXPLORE Act?

Today Colin and Justin pop into Housman's House to talk about Justin's big break down of the BOLT Act which is just one element of what's inside the seminal piece of conservation legislation known as the EXPLORE Act.Then the guys resurrect Gear & Beer to do a round of Overrated, Underrated or Properly Rated. The items being evaluated? Gaiters, insulated hiking boots, and snowshoes.They wrap things up with The Parting Shot. Justin has some advice for what to wear in the rain while Colin takes

Feb 5, • 45:51

Is The Hoka Speed Loafer A Sign Of Our Imminent Demise? Plus: Checking In On 2025's Outdoor Industry Events

Is The Hoka Speed Loafer A Sign Of Our Imminent Demise? Plus: Checking In On 2025's Outdoor Industry Events

Today Colin opens the show by talking about the amount of outdoor industry events scheduled to be held in just a few months (aka Junepocalypse) as well as the recently announced details for The Summit at the Outside Festival.Then he is joined by outdoor industry insider and consigliere to The Rock Fight, Eoin Comerford and "Producer" Dave to react to the recently launched Speed Loafer from Hoka. They also talk about how these big swings by brands can lead to a weaker outdoor industry and potenti

Feb 3, • 45:06

What The Outdoor Industry Can Learn From The World Of Hunting

What The Outdoor Industry Can Learn From The World Of Hunting

Today on the show Colin and Justin are joined by journalist Rachelle Schrute, who offers insights into the world of hunting. The conversation explores the walls we build between outdoors categories and examines hunting in terms of conservation and ethical food sourcing, emphasizing how these principles can resonate with human powered outdoor enthusiasts. Rachelle also shares her experiences taking curious individuals, including vegans, on hunting trips, illustrating the transformative power of f

Jan 31, • 49:55

Black Diamond Recruits RMI, The World's Biggest Glacier & Plastics In Our National Parks

Black Diamond Recruits RMI, The World's Biggest Glacier & Plastics In Our National Parks

Today Colin and Justin break down some recent headlines to come out of the outdoor adventure community.First up is the news that Black Diamond is partnering with Rainier Mountaineering, Inc to help with their product development. This is a reunion between BD president Neil Fiske and RMI owner Peter Whittaker who teamed up at Eddie Bauer to create First Ascent.Next the boys make a stop at Housman's House to talk about Justin's story covering the efforts to get single use plastics out of our Natio

Jan 29, • 40:17

Altra, REI, and the Cost of Exclusivity

Altra, REI, and the Cost of Exclusivity

Today on the show, outdoor retailer Wes Allen returns to talk about the article he wrote for Rock Fight about the fallout of Altra giving REI exclusivity on the newest version of the popular Lone Peak trail running shoe.The Altra Lone Peak Plus is the first version of the iconic trail runner to feature a Vibram outsole, and will be available exclusively at REI for five months. This move has sparked significant discussion among outdoor specialty retailers, as it raises concerns about the impact o

Jan 27, • 54:29

Why Outdoor Apparel Brands Can't Afford to Ignore Plus Sizes

Why Outdoor Apparel Brands Can't Afford to Ignore Plus Sizes

Today on the show Colin and his guest talk about an overlooked opportunity for inclusivity and revenue in the outdoor industry.Outdoor apparel brands are missing a significant opportunity by not offering plus sizes, as 67% of women in North America are considered plus sized. Andrea Kelly, founder of Make Plus Equal, joins The Rock Fight to emphasize the importance of size inclusivity in the outdoor industry but also how a lack of information and awareness about the size-inclusive market has led

Jan 24, • 37:19

Emergency Reaction To The REI CEO Shake Up!

Emergency Reaction To The REI CEO Shake Up!

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

Jan 22, • 17:11

Listener Mailbag, Xenon Gas On Everest & A Norovirus Vaccine Plus: Open Container Joins The Rock Fight!

Listener Mailbag, Xenon Gas On Everest & A Norovirus Vaccine Plus: Open Container Joins The Rock Fight!

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 o

Jan 22, • 1:02:26

TikTok: How Outdoor Brands Always Fall Short Plus: Bankruptcy Watch 2025 & MEC Sold?

TikTok: How Outdoor Brands Always Fall Short Plus: Bankruptcy Watch 2025 & MEC Sold?

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 bankrupt

Jan 20, • 47:32

A New Trailer For The Rock Fight

A New Trailer For The Rock Fight

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 g

Jan 18, • 0:59

Inside The Los Angeles Wildfires

Inside The Los Angeles Wildfires

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

Jan 17, • 45:11

LA Wildfires, REI Cuts Experiences & The End Of The Park City Strike!

LA Wildfires, REI Cuts Experiences & The End Of The Park City Strike!

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

Jan 15, • 56:09

Breaking News: Inside Rumpl's Management Shakeup!

Breaking News: Inside Rumpl's Management Shakeup!

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 a

Jan 13, • 50:42

Five Outdoor Industry Predictions For 2025

Five Outdoor Industry Predictions For 2025

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

Jan 10, • 43:39

The Park City Ski Patrol Strike! Plus: Gravel Shoes & Searching For Sasquatch

The Park City Ski Patrol Strike! Plus: Gravel Shoes & Searching For Sasquatch

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 Sasqu

Jan 8, • 45:06

Who Are The Top Five Outdoor Footwear Brands Heading Into 2025?

Who Are The Top Five Outdoor Footwear Brands Heading Into 2025?

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 di

Jan 6, • 59:15

The Top 10 Rock Fights Of 2024: The Outdoor Adventure Community

The Top 10 Rock Fights Of 2024: The Outdoor Adventure Community

Today on The Rock Fight (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Justin Housman run through the top 10 episodes from 2024 that focused on the outdoor adventure community.Running down the top episodes from the past year from 10 to 1, each episode explored significant topics, including the impact of outdoor media on small towns, the controversial legal issues surrounding athletes like Michelino Sunseri, the groundbreaking inclusion of women in events like the Red Bull Rampage along

Jan 2, • 48:33

The Top 10 Rock Fights Of 2024: The Outdoor Industry

The Top 10 Rock Fights Of 2024: The Outdoor Industry

Today on The Rock Fight (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin is joined by industry insider Eoin Comerford and Producer Dave to run down the top 10 outdoor industry rock fights from the past year. Going from 10 to 1 they provide their updated thoughts on the most popular industry focused episodes of 2024 and make predictions about what to expect in the future. This past year The Rock Fight explored trends and challenges within the outdoor industry, including topics like "zombie bran

Dec 30, 2024 • 48:38

The EXPLORE Act Passes! Plus: Legalized Filming In National Parks & Crocs For Hiking?

The EXPLORE Act Passes! Plus: Legalized Filming In National Parks & Crocs For Hiking?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Jessica Turner from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable returns to the show to talk about finally getting the EXPLORE Act through congress!The passage of the EXPLORE Act marks a significant milestone for the outdoor recreation community, as it is the first comprehensive recreation package to be enacted without being tied to other legislative measures. Jessica joins Colin and Justin to discuss the implications of this landmark legi

Dec 25, 2024 • 59:07

The DTC Brands Shaping The Future Of The Outdoor Industry

The DTC Brands Shaping The Future Of The Outdoor Industry

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show with his reaction to Gear Patrol's mention of THE ROCK FIGHT in their recent best products of 2024 list. Colin and Producer Dave use this mention to pump the tires of an outdoor media scene who has way more clout than many realize when it comes to how they cover the brands that drive the conversation in the outdoor industry.Then Eoin Comerford joins the show to showcase his recent deep dive into the evolvin

Dec 23, 2024 • 44:07

A Modern Outdoor Origin Story Plus: Revisiting The First Rock Fight!

A Modern Outdoor Origin Story Plus: Revisiting The First Rock Fight!

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin is joined by the founder of LIVSN, Andrew Gibbs-Dabney, who shares his compelling journey from personal struggle to building an outdoor brand focused on sustainability and quality. Andrew discusses the challenges of launching a new brand in a saturated outdoor market and highlights the need for innovation that aligns with environmental responsibility. The conversation also explores how LIVSN's approach to product developme

Dec 20, 2024 • 47:19

Saved From Quicksand! Alaska Takes Up Arms Against Wildlife & The Davis, WV Mailbag

Saved From Quicksand! Alaska Takes Up Arms Against Wildlife & The Davis, WV Mailbag

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin run through some stories to come out of the outdoor community from the past week.First up they respond to emails received about last weeks episode which featured a story about how outdoor media and enthusiasts can possibly ruin unknown mountain towns.Then they talk about a hiker was rescued from quicksand and implore outdoor media sites to give us all a little more reporting about something crazy that happens in

Dec 18, 2024 • 43:57

What Is The Outdoor Industry Afraid Of? Plus: The TNF/Skims Controversy & The State of Big Box Outdoor Retail

What Is The Outdoor Industry Afraid Of? Plus: The TNF/Skims Controversy & The State of Big Box Outdoor Retail

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show by talking about how the outdoor industry steadily operates from a position of fear.Then Eoin Comerford joins Colin to analyze the dynamics of big box retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy, looking at their struggles and strategies in a competitive landscape, and what specialty retail can learn from these big chains.The conversation then focuses on the recent collaboration between The North Face &

Dec 16, 2024 • 43:15

From Reviews to Rescue: How Blister+ is Changing Outdoor Safety

From Reviews to Rescue: How Blister+ is Changing Outdoor Safety

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin is joined by the founder and editor in chief of Blister, Jonathan Ellsworth, to talk about making the backcountry a safer and more affordable place for outdoor enthusiasts.Outdoor enthusiasts face significant risks when engaging in their favorite activities, and having the right insurance coverage can be a game changer; which is exactly what Blister+ is looking to be.Blister+, the gear review site's membership program, inc

Dec 13, 2024 • 34:28

Can Outdoor Media Ruin A Town? Plus: Hunting Grizzlies & When Does Brand Matter?

Can Outdoor Media Ruin A Town? Plus: Hunting Grizzlies & When Does Brand Matter?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Justin hit on a few of the more interesting and notable stories to come out of the outdoor community over the past week. The show kicks off by delving into a discussion about the complexities of brand loyalty in outdoor gear, based on the news that Rocky Mounts has been acquired by Clarus. The guys contemplate when brand identity truly matters versus when functionality takes precedence. Then they touch on the impact

Dec 11, 2024 • 43:43

The ISPO Recap! Plus: The TNF/Kardashian Collab & C-Suite Moves At Cotopaxi and Merrell

The ISPO Recap! Plus: The TNF/Kardashian Collab & C-Suite Moves At Cotopaxi and Merrell

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) outdoor industry insider Eoin Comerford joins Colin and Producer Dave to recap his time at the ISPO trade show in Munich!Eoin discusses the notable decline in participation and booth sizes at the show and how the changes seen at ISPO can tell us what to expect at future shows in the US. He also talks about his time touring Munich's legendary outdoor retail scene. Then the trio react to a flurry of industry news to drop over the

Dec 9, 2024 • 57:17

Is This Brand The Future Of Nutrition For The Outdoor Industry?

Is This Brand The Future Of Nutrition For The Outdoor Industry?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin sits down with the founders of Fuel Goods, a new nutrition fulfillment brand looking to change up an entire category.Fuel Goods is reshaping the nutrition landscape within the outdoor industry by offering a subscription service that emphasizes the importance of proper fueling for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts as well as every day folks. Founders Laura Jorgensen and Courteney Lowe, both former professional cyclists, share t

Dec 6, 2024 • 47:57

California's Propane Ban, BC Camper Found After 50 Days! Plus: Why Hiking Is Awesome

California's Propane Ban, BC Camper Found After 50 Days! Plus: Why Hiking Is Awesome

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin break down some of the more notable stories to come out of the outdoor industry and community.They start with the implications of new legislation in California that will ban single-use propane canisters in 2028. They also talk about a man who got lost while camping in BC and was recently found after 50 days. And lastly they talk about why hiking is great based off of the role hiking played in the discovery of a

Dec 4, 2024 • 36:48

Too Many Brands? Exploring Oversaturation In The Outdoor Industry. Plus: Here Come The Tariffs & The 'Contract To Grow' Strategy

Too Many Brands? Exploring Oversaturation In The Outdoor Industry. Plus: Here Come The Tariffs & The 'Contract To Grow' Strategy

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin starts the show by taking a look at the sheer number of outdoor apparel brands that are all making pretty much the same products and have the same brand messaging. He and Producer Dave talk about how this situation has created an upside for differentiation and success for the brand who is bold enough to try something different.Eoin Comerford then joins Colin and PD for his weekly look Inside the Outdoor Industry. This week

Dec 2, 2024 • 56:37

Adventure Entertainment: The Biggest Outdoor Media Company You Haven't Heard Of

Adventure Entertainment: The Biggest Outdoor Media Company You Haven't Heard Of

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin sits down with Toby Ryston-Pratt, the founder and CEO of Australia's Adventure Entertainment. Do you know about Adventure Entertainment? If you do, you are one up on Colin. AE was founded by Toby in 2016 and has made remarkable strides since its inception, acquiring multiple outdoor magazines, creating it's own streaming platform, and launching a successful adventure film tour series. And today Toby joins THE ROCK FIGHT to

Nov 29, 2024 • 35:35

A French Revolution? Millet Mountain Eyes U.S. Specialty Shops! Plus: The WI Paddler Who Faked His Own Death

A French Revolution? Millet Mountain Eyes U.S. Specialty Shops! Plus: The WI Paddler Who Faked His Own Death

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Justin run through some of the more notable headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community over the past week.The episode kicks off with a discussion about French brand Millet announcing their intention to enter the US outdoor marketplace and the challenges faced by the European brands have tried before them (05:33). Then Justin takes a look (18:00) at the recent piece he wrote for National Parks Travele

Nov 27, 2024 • 42:09

The Running Event/Switchback Reaction Show! Plus: Is REI Back?!

The Running Event/Switchback Reaction Show! Plus: Is REI Back?!

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Producer Dave offer their thoughts on their time at last weeks edition of The Running Event/Switchback.Then Eoin Comerford makes his debut as a weekly regular on THE ROCK FIGHT! Eoin will be appearing each Monday on the show to offer his unique insights into what is happening in the outdoor industry. This week Eoin looks at a positive report to come out of REI, Arc'teryx's dominance in China, and offers his reaction

Nov 25, 2024 • 50:28

The Persistent Gender Gap in How We Cover Outdoor Adventure

The Persistent Gender Gap in How We Cover Outdoor Adventure

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) professional adventure athlete Sunny Stroeer joins Colin to talk about how there continues to be a gender gap in the way the outdoor media covers women's outdoor accomplishments. The outdoor gender gap is a pressing issue that continues to impact women in adventure sports, as discussed by Stroeer, a professional adventurer and the first woman to complete the Iditarod Trail Invitational on skis, shares her insights on the challen

Nov 20, 2024 • 34:36

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

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 along

Nov 18, 2024 • 40:20

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

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:

Nov 15, 2024 • 46:03

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

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 im

Nov 13, 2024 • 41:11

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

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 mes

Nov 11, 2024 • 20:07

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

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 an

Nov 8, 2024 • 46:15

Climate Change Claims French Ski Resort, Congress Gets Graded & Gravel Bikes Get Bouncier

Climate Change Claims French Ski Resort, Congress Gets Graded & Gravel Bikes Get Bouncier

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Justin run through topics and headlines to come out of the outdoor adventure community over the past week or so including a French ski resort that has closed due to climate change, grades for Congress when it comes to National Parks, and Hipcamp's acquisition of BookOutdoors. Here's the full list of topics with time codes:4:49 - Congress gets graded on their record when it comes to National Parks11:51 - Specialized r

Nov 6, 2024 • 45:27

HeyDude: A $2.5 Billion Footwear Fumble? Plus: prAna Is Channeling The Gap & Vans Gets Technical

HeyDude: A $2.5 Billion Footwear Fumble? Plus: prAna Is Channeling The Gap & Vans Gets Technical

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show reflecting on the latest earnings report from Crocs that details how their $2.5 billion investment, HeyDude, has not been faring too well.Then he and producer Dave explore how HeyDude's limited demographic and marketing could end up making the whole thing a risky investment for Crocs. They then comment on a listener email that identified prAna as another possible outdoor industry zombie brand and ponder why

Nov 4, 2024 • 43:27

A New Outdoor Brand For The "New Woman In The Outdoors"

A New Outdoor Brand For The "New Woman In The Outdoors"

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Producer Dave are joined by the founders of SENIQ; a new brand focused on making outdoor apparel for women.It's not a secret that for much of the Outdoor Industry's history the primary directive when it came to apparel or footwear for women was to take something made for men and 'shrink it and pink it'. Even though there have been a number of advancements in recent years for female adventurers, there is still a long wa

Nov 1, 2024 • 48:35

Friday the 13th: The 2024 Halloween Special!

Friday the 13th: The 2024 Halloween Special!

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Justin continue their annual Halloween tradition by taking in an outdoorsy horror flick. Last year it was The Blair Witch Project this year? The original Friday the 13th!They start the show by talking about a couple of headlines to come out of the outdoor community in the past week including an Australian hiker was caught upside down for 7 hours and a new AI that has a soft spot for wild places. Then they delve into

Oct 30, 2024 • 47:28

Marmot: From Outdoor Pioneer to Zombie Brand? Plus: Dick's Closes Public Lands & Hoka Keeps Growing

Marmot: From Outdoor Pioneer to Zombie Brand? Plus: Dick's Closes Public Lands & Hoka Keeps Growing

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show reacting to last weeks earnings report from Newell, owner of Marmot, that shows how the once great outdoor brand is sliding further into mediocrity.Then Colin and Producer Dave discuss the historical significance of Marmot and its innovative past, contrasting it with mistakes that were made by their various owners (here's that Super Bowl ad they talk about).The pair also discuss the recent earnings report th

Oct 28, 2024 • 43:27

Is The Outdoor Industry Leading When It Comes To Sustainability? Plus: This Week In Greenwashing!

Is The Outdoor Industry Leading When It Comes To Sustainability? Plus: This Week In Greenwashing!

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) environmental fashion journalist Sophie Benson returns to talk about the latest sustainability topics to come out of the outdoor industry.Sophie joins Colin & Producer Dave to share her insights on the recent upcycling and recommerce initiatives from various outdoor brands. The episode also delves into the implications of new legislation in California, SB707, which holds producers accountable for their textile waste. They al

Oct 25, 2024 • 41:03

The Jail Time FKT, The Most Famous Foot On Mt. Everest & Pickleball Corner!

The Jail Time FKT, The Most Famous Foot On Mt. Everest & Pickleball Corner!

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head), Paddy O'Connell returns for his record setting 6th appearance! He joins Colin & Justin to talk about the production of season 2 of his show "PaddyO Sucks At..." and sticks around to chat about some adventure headlines to come out of the outdoor community. Three hosts means three Parting Shots. And for his, PaddyO saves the best for last.Want to skip around? Here are the topics that the trio cover:04:50 - Season Two of "Padd

Oct 23, 2024 • 50:08

Vasque's Downfall: A Cautionary Tale For Outdoor Brands

Vasque's Downfall: A Cautionary Tale For Outdoor Brands

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin kicks off the show talking about the decision by Red Wing to sunset the Vasque brand. Colin and Producer Dave delve into the historical significance of Vasque, a company that since 1964 has played a crucial role in shaping outdoor footwear in the US. They examine the trajectory of the brand, from its early innovations, such as the iconic Sundowner boot, to its struggles with brand identity and market competition. The duo

Oct 21, 2024 • 35:59

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance President Talks Outdoor Specialty Retail

Grassroots Outdoor Alliance President Talks Outdoor Specialty Retail

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) it's all about outdoor specialty retail!Specialty retailers play a crucial role in the outdoor industry, serving as community connection points and acting as tastemakers essential for brand legitimacy and consumer engagement. Today on THE ROCK FIGHT Gabe Meyer, president of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, joins Colin to talk about the about the evolving landscape of specialty retail in the wake of direct-to-consumer trends and

Oct 16, 2024 • 29:41

The OIA Teams Up with Switchback

The OIA Teams Up with Switchback

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Kent Ebersole, the president of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), joins Colin to discuss the recent shift from its long-standing trade show relationship with Outdoor Retailer to a new partnership with Switchback.Kent talks about the rationale for moving on from OR and why they decided Switchback was the right move at this time. He and Colin also discuss the current state and purpose of the OIA and where the organization is

Oct 14, 2024 • 39:22

National Forest Service Job Cuts, A Texas Thru Hike & The Best Outdoor Sports Draft!

National Forest Service Job Cuts, A Texas Thru Hike & The Best Outdoor Sports Draft!

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT Colin & Justin kick off the show with the Outdoor Sports Draft where they take turns assembling a roster of their favorite outdoor activities that you get you to vote on! Check out Rock Fight's Instagram & LinkedIn feeds to vote or if you're listening on Spotify you can vote in the Spotify app.Then they run through some of the latest headlines to come out of the outdoor adventure community including seasonal job cuts at the National Forest Service, a climbing mis

Oct 9, 2024 • 34:44

The Art of Collaborations: How Outdoor Brands Are Missing the Mark

The Art of Collaborations: How Outdoor Brands Are Missing the Mark

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show with his thoughts on the new running focused collaboration between Altra Running, Smartwool and REI. He and Producer Dave critique the decision to launch a collection that feels uninspired and overly safe, and also highlights how outdoor brands often fail to generate excitement around their products. Then the discussion moves to the recent layoffs at Patagonia, where the hosts reflect on the harsh realities

Oct 7, 2024 • 33:09

Inside The Outdoor Secondhand Marketplace

Inside The Outdoor Secondhand Marketplace

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) the secondhand conversation continues with a real life secondhand retailer.Barruch Ben-Zekry is the founder of Out&Back, an online secondhand website. Today Barruch sits down with Colin to discuss the importance of brands engaging with the secondhand market and how consumer awareness is growing, leading to increased demand for resale options. They also talk about the structural challenges of branded resale and the need

Oct 4, 2024 • 37:15

Hurricane Helene's Lasting Impact, Mount Rainier Gets Shorter & Space Is Scary

Hurricane Helene's Lasting Impact, Mount Rainier Gets Shorter & Space Is Scary

Wednesdays mean adventure here on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) and Colin & Justin open the show by celebrating this past Sunday's National Coffee Day with THE ROCK FIGHT's official National Coffee Day Quiz! Because, you know, coffee is our greatest adventure beverage (or something).Then they discuss the lasting impact of Hurricane Helene, how Mount Rainier's summit has moved and gotten shorter and then react to two new stories to come out of space.They of course

Oct 2, 2024 • 30:49

Is A Consumer Shift Coming To The Outdoor Industry? Plus The 'Recommerce' Mailbag!

Is A Consumer Shift Coming To The Outdoor Industry? Plus The 'Recommerce' Mailbag!

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show by commenting on a quote from the CEO of a major outdoor retailer that a "notable shift in consumer behavior is on the horizon". Then he and Producer Dave go through some of the more notable listener feedback we have received regarding brand specific secondhand sites and 'upcycling' as solutions to sustainability and circularity initiatives. They close the show with their parting shots. Dave offering his us

Sep 30, 2024 • 35:01

Do Climbers Make Better Business Leaders? A Conversation With Black Diamond's President

Do Climbers Make Better Business Leaders? A Conversation With Black Diamond's President

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we sit down with Neil Fiske, the president of Black Diamond.Two stories lead to this conversation. First was the news that broke a few months back about BD 'narrowing their focus' after years of unwieldy expansion and then the story from a few weeks back about BD investing in and taking over Wilderness Exchange in Denver while retaining that retailers current ownership. There is clearly something interesting happening at Black D

Sep 27, 2024 • 54:41

Outdoor Retailer Moves To One Show Per Year

Outdoor Retailer Moves To One Show Per Year

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head), Outdoor Retailer Show Director Sean Smith joins Colin & Producer Dave to talk about the recent announcement that OR is putting Winter Market out to pasture and moving to one June event per year.Sean talks about the reasoning behind the move, the response, comments and criticism that has emerged since the announcement and how he and his team are working to ensure the future of the event.Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up f

Sep 25, 2024 • 34:09

Secondhand Websites & Upcycled Garments: Why Outdoor Brands Need To Do Better

Secondhand Websites & Upcycled Garments: Why Outdoor Brands Need To Do Better

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show by offering his thoughts on two sustainability focused stories to come out of the outdoor industry in the past week.Flylow announced the arrival of it's secondhand e-commerce site while Cotopaxi launched a new collection of upcycled garments. And while both initiatives are admirable, outdoor brands are much to dependent on these types of avenues to claim that they are being 'sustainable' and/or 'circular'. T

Sep 23, 2024 • 29:44

The Outdoor Industry's Podcast Blindspot

The Outdoor Industry's Podcast Blindspot

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin promises you that he's not trying lure in sponsors or pat himself on the back. Because we're talking podcasts... not the creative side of podcasts but the business side of podcasts.Podcast advertising is $4 billion large globally. But very few outdoor industry brands and retailers include podcasts as a part of their advertising plans. To dig into why that is Emily Holland and Angie Marie from Wild Poppy Creative Consultin

Sep 20, 2024 • 37:57

Otters Attack! Cave Cheetos! A Lost Hiker! A New World Record!

Otters Attack! Cave Cheetos! A Lost Hiker! A New World Record!

It's adventure headlines day on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head)! Today Colin & Justin Housman run through headlines to come out of the outdoor community over the past week.Here's the rundown:A dropped bag of Cheetos caused big problems at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico proving that wherever people go, litter follows. (02:58)A pack of otters attacked a jogger who was out for her morning run in Malaysia. This story begs the question: what is the cutest

Sep 18, 2024 • 41:28

The North Face & The State Of Outdoor Brand Messaging

The North Face & The State Of Outdoor Brand Messaging

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show by talking about the new brand video from The North Face and what the messaging from outdoor brands should be in 2024 (00:55). Then Colin & Producer Dave talk about the latest stores to open under the banner of Gearhead Outfitters (22:23), a prediction for the future of Public Lands (26:52) and the rumor that Interbike may be making a comeback (28:33). They wrap things up with their Parting Shots (29:25

Sep 16, 2024 • 33:31

Unpacking The Backcountry Acquistion

Unpacking The Backcountry Acquistion

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we dig into the details behind the acquisition of Backcountry.com by CSC Generation with former Moosejaw CEO Eoin Comerford.Eoin joins Colin and Producer Dave to chat about how Backcountry found themselves in their current position, what we know about their new owner, and how this news was communicated.Lastly Eoin gives his thoughts on a recent promotion at REI and Mountain Warehouse's bid to acquire EMS being approved.Head to w

Sep 12, 2024 • 35:17

Backcountry.com Acquired & What Do We Do About Dogs In The Outdoors?

Backcountry.com Acquired & What Do We Do About Dogs In The Outdoors?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show by digging into one of the more touchy subjects in the outdoors: Dogs and their place in our community (01:01).Then he and Producer Dave talk about the news that broke last week that Backcountry.com has sold to CSC Generations (16:37) and how an executive promotion at REI and the acquisition of EMS by Mountain Warehouse show us where outdoor retail could be headed (25:09). And of course they wrap things up w

Sep 9, 2024 • 34:33

Should We Care About Killian Jornet's New Record?

Should We Care About Killian Jornet's New Record?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin open the show by getting Justin's thoughts on the new social platform from Outside and how it's integration into Gaia will impact Justin's use of that app (02:50).Then they run through the following headlines to come out of the outdoor community over the past week:Killian Jornet set a new record last week summiting all 82 peaks in the Alps that are over 4000 meters high in 19 days. Why do we care about incredibl

Sep 7, 2024 • 37:31

Outdoor Retail Shake Up: Black Diamond Teams With Wilderness Exchange

Outdoor Retail Shake Up: Black Diamond Teams With Wilderness Exchange

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) owner and founder of Wilderness Exchange, Don Bushey, sits down with Colin to give a behind the scenes look at his new partnership with Black Diamond.Last month news broke that Black Diamond and Wilderness Exchange would be forming a new retail partnership. One that allows Wilderness Exchange to remain independent while Black Diamond effectively takes over the majority of the store.It's a unique approach to a collaboration that

Sep 5, 2024 • 33:11

Outside Inc Goes Social, Solo Stove Goes Back To Snoop & Rossignol Goes Running

Outside Inc Goes Social, Solo Stove Goes Back To Snoop & Rossignol Goes Running

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin starts the show by giving his thoughts on Outside Inc launching their own social media platform and offers why he thinks Outside keeps making these bizarre strategic decisions (01:03). Then he and Producer Dave talk about the following headlines to come out of the outdoor industry last week:Rossignol has launched a new line of trail running shoes to better compete in spring and summer. Is Sierra just sitting there licking

Sep 2, 2024 • 44:11

How Do We 'Re-Center' The Outdoor Industry?

How Do We 'Re-Center' The Outdoor Industry?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Doug Schnitzpahn joins the fray to talk about how the outdoor industry has lost it's way.(Look at that 'poet and didn't even know it' type stuff here on THE ROCK FIGHT)Doug is a journalist and the Editor In Chief for Elevation Outdoors and has been in and around the outdoor industry since the 1990's. He believes that the changes to the outdoor trade show scene that we've talked about a ton here on THE ROCK FIGHT have come with o

Aug 29, 2024 • 36:28

Arc'teryx DTC Strategy Hits Big, Patagonia's New Election Policy & Switchback Adds Even More Brands

Arc'teryx DTC Strategy Hits Big, Patagonia's New Election Policy & Switchback Adds Even More Brands

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin starts the show by digging into Arc'teryx and Amer's big second quarter and why good brand strategy is paying off for the premium outdoor brand.Then he and Producer Dave take a look at the latest brands to join the roster at The Running Event and Switchback as well as the new election day policy put into by Patagonia before wrapping things up with their Parting Shots.Time Codes:Arc'teryx surges ahead thanks to their long t

Aug 26, 2024 • 33:59

National Park Tragedies, Mowing Lawns For A Ski Pass plus Deuter & Hydraflask's New Partnership

National Park Tragedies, Mowing Lawns For A Ski Pass plus Deuter & Hydraflask's New Partnership

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head), Justin Housman is back on the mic!Monday's on THE ROCK FIGHT are for stories to hit the outdoor industry and now Saturday's are for the adventure community. Today on the show Colin & Justin get caught up on several stories to come out of the outdoor and gear world including:There have been several tragedies to hit our National Parks this summer. Falls in Yosemite and at the Grand Canyon and heat related deaths at Death Val

Aug 24, 2024 • 38:35

Outdoor Trade Show Update: News Out Of The Running Event & Switchback

Outdoor Trade Show Update: News Out Of The Running Event & Switchback

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Christina Henderson returns to the show to talk about the recent news to come out of The Running Event and Switchback Trade Shows.Last week the following news stories came out of The Running Event/Switchback trade show world:The Running Event will be leaving it's long time home of Austin and head down to San Antonio in 2025.Switchback launched a digital resource for retailers called Trailheads.Several big brand names have commit

Aug 22, 2024 • 23:59

The 10 Greatest Outdoor Shoes Ever, BD's New Gear Shop & Lolë Acquires Sanuk From Deckers

The 10 Greatest Outdoor Shoes Ever, BD's New Gear Shop & Lolë Acquires Sanuk From Deckers

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show (01:05) by ranking the 10 outdoor shoes that appear on Footwear News list of The Greatest Shoes of All Time.Then Colin and Producer Dave run through the following headlines that came out of the outdoor industry over the past week:Lolë Brands has acquired Sanuk from Deckers. But why? (24:57)Black Diamond is partnering with Denver based outdoor retailer Wilderness Exchange to launch a 'partner run mountain sho

Aug 19, 2024 • 46:18

REI Retail Rumble, Dick's, EMS & More Outdoor Drama

REI Retail Rumble, Dick's, EMS & More Outdoor Drama

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we’re bringing out a big gun who can speak to what is happening in outdoor retail. Eoin Comerford, is the principal at Outsize Consulting and is an outdoor industry veteran as the former CEO of Moosejaw Mountaineering. He has a unique view on outdoor big box retail as well as what's happening in the specialty market. On this episode Eoin joins Colin and brings some facts and figures to the rock fight to weigh in on what's happen

Aug 15, 2024 • 40:12

EMS Sells For A Song, Nike's 'Winning Isn't For Everyone' Ad & Switchback Adds Heavy Hitters To Fall Show

EMS Sells For A Song, Nike's 'Winning Isn't For Everyone' Ad & Switchback Adds Heavy Hitters To Fall Show

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show talking about the negative reaction to Nike's Winning Isn't For Everyone ad campaign (01:05). TL;DR: outdoorsy people need to relax.Then Colin & Producer Dave hit the following headlines to come out of the outdoor industry over the last week:Last Friday the $5m bankruptcy sale of Eastern Mountain Sports to the UK's Mountain Warehouse was approved just two years after EMS sold to GoDigital Media for $70m

Aug 12, 2024 • 35:13

How The Outdoor Market Alliance Is Shaking Up The Outdoor Industry

How The Outdoor Market Alliance Is Shaking Up The Outdoor Industry

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we take a look at a new outdoor organization and the impact it has had on the business of going outside.The Outdoor Market Alliance is a group of Rocky Mountain based independent sales agencies that have established a permanent showroom for the more than 175 outdoor brands that they represent. Established as a non-profit, OMA has changed how outdoor business gets done in the region.In this episode OMA President Steve Copeland jo

Aug 8, 2024 • 27:17

REI Listener Backlash & Crocs Sneaker Drama

REI Listener Backlash & Crocs Sneaker Drama

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens things up by responding to listener responses to last week's episode and how REI and Dick's are growing increasingly close to being the same thing.Then Colin & Producer Dave hit the following headlines to come out of the outdoor industry over the past week:Black Diamond posts a loss in the second quarter in part because of PFAS. Could this have been avoided? (16:13)BOA & Primaloft post second quarter gains.

Aug 5, 2024 • 33:13

Let People Try: Inclusion In The Outdoor Industry with Teresa Baker

Let People Try: Inclusion In The Outdoor Industry with Teresa Baker

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we're going there.Enter: Teresa Baker.Teresa has been a force for change in the outdoor industry when it comes to DEI and environmental initiatives for the past 7 years. She founded the In Solidarity Project to build a more diverse outdoor industry with a core component of her work being the Outdoor CEO Pledge which is aimed at those in positions of power within the outdoor industry to create change as well as the Outdoorist Oat

Aug 1, 2024 • 43:32

Can REI Get It's Mojo Back? Camber Outdoors Closes Shop & Hoka Continues To Surge

Can REI Get It's Mojo Back? Camber Outdoors Closes Shop & Hoka Continues To Surge

Headlines on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head)! Colin starts the show (01:03) with his take on how REI's recently announced vendor of the year awards only show how boring they've become and the risk they're taking by trying to become everything to everyone. Justin and Producer Dave then weigh in on what REI can do to get their mojo back.Then the crew hits the following topics:In a surprise bombshell that dropped this past Saturday Camber Outdoors has announced that they

Jul 29, 2024 • 47:41

The Paradox Of Outdoor Participation

The Paradox Of Outdoor Participation

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we take a look inside the Outdoor Industry Association's latest participation trends report.Since 2007 the OIA has published the trends of who is going outside. And this year participation hit an all time high while core participants dropped. And it begs the question: how will these numbers impact the industry?In order to make sense of this trend Kelly Davis, Director of Research of the OIA and Wes Allen from Sunlight Sports in

Jul 25, 2024 • 46:15

VF Sells Supreme, Lebron James Joins Canyon Bikes & The OMA Media Show

VF Sells Supreme, Lebron James Joins Canyon Bikes & The OMA Media Show

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) it's time for Outdoor Industry headlines!Colin kicks off the show with a recap of the Outdoor Market Alliance Media Show, highlighting an event that fills a longstanding industry need as well as uncovering a problem that persists in the Outdoor Industry. Then Producer Dave joins Colin to run through the following topics:Colin's summertime check in during More with Thermore (12:34)VF sells Supreme to EssilorLuxottica. What will h

Jul 22, 2024 • 37:14

The Secret Of Going Outside

The Secret Of Going Outside

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin digs into the recent OIA report that shows how outdoor participation is at an all time high.But it also shows that hardcore outdoor enthusiasts are on the decline. How can both of these things be the case? Because more people than ever have learned The Secret of going outside and the old guard is aging out.Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscri

Jul 18, 2024 • 10:52

Final Trade Show Thoughts, Deadly Elephants & The World's Highest Unclimbed Mountain

Final Trade Show Thoughts, Deadly Elephants & The World's Highest Unclimbed Mountain

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) it's time for our weekly round up of headlines from the outdoor industry and community.Colin is joined by Producer Dave for today's rundown (Justin has the weekend off) and here's the lineup:More with Thermore! (01:40)Colin's final summer 24 events & trade show thoughts (04:20)A herd of elephants tramples a tourist in South Africa (16:08)The multiple heat related deaths in the Grand Canyon and other iconic Southwest location

Jul 15, 2024 • 30:37

Outdoor Retailer Strikes Back with Sean Smith

Outdoor Retailer Strikes Back with Sean Smith

Last November the show director of Outdoor Retailer, Sean Smith, joined THE ROCK FIGHT to tell Colin why the stalwart outdoor industry trade show was going to make a comeback starting in June of 2024.And if you listened to Colin's instant reaction of the June 2024 edition of Outdoor Retailer you know that Sean and his team delivered.Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Sean returns to talk about how things went in Salt Lake City, how they intend to ride the momentu

Jul 11, 2024 • 47:18

Should Fireworks Be Banned? The Conservation Alliance Embraces Fishing & e-SUP's On The Rise

Should Fireworks Be Banned? The Conservation Alliance Embraces Fishing & e-SUP's On The Rise

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) it's time to bust out the headlines!Come along as Colin & Justin run through the more notable stories to come out of the outdoor industry and community including the following:More with Thermore! (04:57)A new article on Outside Online says that fireworks should be banned (11:45)The Conservation Alliance welcomes seven fishing brands to it's roster of outdoor companies (21:30)Paddling Magazine lists out everything you need to

Jul 8, 2024 • 40:35

Tech's Place In The Outdoors with Kyle Frost

Tech's Place In The Outdoors with Kyle Frost

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) it gets a little techy around here.A couple of weeks ago Colin & Justin spoke about the outdoor upgrades coming to Apple Maps and the impact of technology on outdoor pursuits. To go deeper on this topic Mountain Gazette writer and career tech-guy Kyle Frost has returned to break down the following topics:Changes coming to Apple Maps and how those changes could impact other outdoor focused apps.The role of technology in the b

Jul 4, 2024 • 46:10

Patagonia's Wetsuit Breakthrough, Cabins v. Offices & A 4 Year Old Sets A Hiking Record

Patagonia's Wetsuit Breakthrough, Cabins v. Offices & A 4 Year Old Sets A Hiking Record

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) it's time for a round of outdoor headlines!Come along as Colin & Justin run through stories to come out of the outdoor industry and community including the following:A new edition of More with Thermore! (08:03)A 4 year old sets a record for the youngest hiker to hike all of New Hampshire's 4000' peaks. Badass or a little much? (15:05)Patagonia develops an end of life solution for their wetsuits. (26:11)Are you more productiv

Jul 2, 2024 • 41:43

Ultra Something & Building A Career in Outdoor Media with Brendan Leonard

Ultra Something & Building A Career in Outdoor Media with Brendan Leonard

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Justin welcome Brendan Leonard back to the show.Brendan was the fourth guest ever on THE ROCK FIGHT and today he joins the boys to talk about the state of outdoor media, how his son has impacted his outdoor adventure lifestyle and of course his new book Ultra Something, which is available for purchase over at www.semi-rad.com.Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter

Jun 28, 2024 • 49:47

Switchback Spring: Why It's Happening & What To Expect with Christina Henderson

Switchback Spring: Why It's Happening & What To Expect with Christina Henderson

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we're wrapping up a very busy trade show month by breaking down the newest trade show of them all: Switchback Spring!THE ROCK FIGHT had a busy trade show season. We attended GOA Connect and Outdoor Retailer and we even broke the news about the solo debut of Switchback (the outdoor show that launched at The Running Event in 2022). This new show has created a lot of buzz as well as a lot of questions.Today Show Director Christina

Jun 26, 2024 • 35:41

Outdoor Enthusiasts On The Decline? Shaun White Launches The Snow League & Amazon Gets Greener

Outdoor Enthusiasts On The Decline? Shaun White Launches The Snow League & Amazon Gets Greener

It's time for a round of outdoor headlines here on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head)! Today Colin & Justin run through stories to come out of the outdoor industry and community including the following:The Outdoor Industry Association trend report shows that outdoor participation is up but hardcore enthusiasts are declining. (09:23)Snowboarder Shaun White announces the formation of a new snowboard league. (19:13)Amazon & Burton make green choices in how they ship

Jun 25, 2024 • 36:25

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Instant Reaction!

Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Instant Reaction!

Another week another trade show. Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin is fresh off a flight home from SLC and is here with his off the cuff thoughts Outdoor Retailer.You know, Outdoor Retailer. The most popular topic of discussion within the US based outdoor industry! So what happened at OR this week? Was it a return to form? The bottom of the barrel? Well, you'll have to click play to find out.Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Ro

Jun 20, 2024 • 9:56

Apple Maps Gets Outdoorsy, NPS Uniforms At Pride & SUP'ing The Texas Water Safari

Apple Maps Gets Outdoorsy, NPS Uniforms At Pride & SUP'ing The Texas Water Safari

It's Headlines day on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) as Colin & Justin run through stories to come out of the outdoor industry and community including the following:How will Colin & Justin get MORE out of their weekends? (05:24)A new bike saddle has been introduced that aims to reduce sore tushy's everywhere (spoiler: the boys aren't sure this is gonna get traction). (09:58)National Park Service employees will be allowed to wear their uniforms while participat

Jun 17, 2024 • 43:04

GOA Connect Instant Reaction and a Gear & Beer Teaser

GOA Connect Instant Reaction and a Gear & Beer Teaser

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin is back from Reno and is ready to talk about his instant reaction to attending GOA Connect.The Grassroots Outdoor Alliance (GOA) is a coalition of 104 independent outdoor specialty retailers and Connect is their twice annual trade show. This week Colin had the opportunity to spend a day at Connect and today Colin offers his thoughts on why this show is different. Then its a sneak peak of the latest episode of Gear & Be

Jun 14, 2024 • 13:36

The Switchback Blowback with Wes Allen

The Switchback Blowback with Wes Allen

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we're dipping our toes back into the trade show world with some retailer feedback on the recently announced Switchback Spring show that's coming to Nashville next June.When news broke about Switchback adding a spring version of the show that has been historically part of The Running Event, Wes Allen (former guest of THE ROCK FIGHT and principal of Sunlight Sports in Cody, WY) was not stoked. The bottom line is that Wes is concer

Jun 13, 2024 • 40:20

Red Bull Rampage: The Women Are In! A Talking Headlamp & The Historic Brood of Cicadas

Red Bull Rampage: The Women Are In! A Talking Headlamp & The Historic Brood of Cicadas

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Justin run through headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community including the following:Colin & Justin's goals for the summer. (06:11)Red Bull Rampage will allow women to compete for the first time. (18:35)Ever want to talk to a headlamp? Now you can! (28:01)Fitbit makes a smartwatch for kids. We don't like this. (33:22)The Cicadas are taking over Illinois. (42:23)Head to www.rockfight.co and sign

Jun 10, 2024 • 49:35

Rad Power Bikes + Lost Coast Brewery Downtown Brown (Gear & Beer!)

Rad Power Bikes + Lost Coast Brewery Downtown Brown (Gear & Beer!)

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT we're featuring an episode from the new addition to The Rock Fight Podcast Network: GEAR & BEER!That's right, Gear & Beer has it's own podcast feed. But we'll still share Gear & Beer episodes here on THE ROCK FIGHT for the time being. But head to Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts and follow and rate Gear & Beer.Today Justin talks about Rad Power Bikes Expand 5 Plus and he and Colin go deep on the environmental impact of the ebike category.T

Jun 7, 2024 • 49:19

The 2024 Ugliest Outdoor Shoe Award

The 2024 Ugliest Outdoor Shoe Award

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we hand out the prestigious Ugliest Shoe of 2024 Award.There have been plenty of ugly shoes that have succeeded in the past because while they may not have been lookers, they served a real purpose.And then there are those that straight up look bad and leave us all wondering simply... why?Today THE ROCK FIGHT goes deep into the recent history of ugly shoes and declares a winner of the ugliest shoe of 2024.Head to www.rockfight.co

Jun 6, 2024 • 13:57

Outdoor Trade Show Season, Sierra's 100th Store & Spring Energy's Not So Awesome Sauce

Outdoor Trade Show Season, Sierra's 100th Store & Spring Energy's Not So Awesome Sauce

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Justin run through headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community including some breaking trade show news! Here's the rundown:It's trade show season and Switchback, which launched at The Running Event in 2022, is adding a spring event to be held in Nashville in 2025 and THE ROCK FIGHT has the scoop. (04:20)Closeout retailer Sierra opens it's 100th store and may have accidentally fallen into a collab wi

Jun 3, 2024 • 39:33

Obōz Katabatic Wind Low + Montucky Cold Snacks (Gear & Beer!)

Obōz Katabatic Wind Low + Montucky Cold Snacks (Gear & Beer!)

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT it's the pairings that matter most... GEAR & BEER!Most hiking shoes are just overbuilt sneakers and leave you wanting either a pair of trail runners or an actual pair of leather boots. But what if you could truly blend those two worlds into an athletic looking shoe that is well made and built specifically for hiking? Well then you'd have the Obōz Katabatic Wind Low. And if you have the Obōz Katabatic Wind Low's and you also have the hosts of Gear & Beer one of wh

May 31, 2024 • 48:10

The Dirtbag Diaries Plus: The Future Of Digital Outdoor Media?

The Dirtbag Diaries Plus: The Future Of Digital Outdoor Media?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Justin and Colin sit down with Fitz Cahall to talk about the industry of podcasting and how one of the original podcasts, The Dirtbag Diaries, fits into that industry. At 17 years old, The Dirtbag Diaries are endemic to anyone who listens to outdoor podcasts as part of their adventure lifestyle. And while most podcasts rely on advertising revenue to make money, last year Fitz and his company Duct Tape Then Beer did something un

May 30, 2024 • 41:16

REI's Union Problem, Kona's Back & Top 5 Coolest Sports

REI's Union Problem, Kona's Back & Top 5 Coolest Sports

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Justin run through a slate of headlines, their top 5 all time coolest looking sports and have a special conversation with Bryce Covert who has been covering efforts by REI employees to form a union. Here is the full rundown with time codes!Our top 5 coolest sports; outdoor or otherwise. (07:44)Thomas Robison posts his obituary on YouTube. (21:40)Zombie Kona rises from the grave! Kona bikes is back! (24:47)Everest new

May 27, 2024 • 57:39

The Best MTB Baggie Shorts + Rationale Mexican Lager (Gear & Beer!)

The Best MTB Baggie Shorts + Rationale Mexican Lager (Gear & Beer!)

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT it's the pairings that matter most... GEAR & BEER!What kind of shorts do you wear when you go mountain biking? Straight spandex bibs? Jorts? Whatever you have lying around?Today Justin and Colin talk about their mountain biking preferences while reviewing two outdoor brand entries in the cycling apparel space. The Rab Cinder Crank Shorts and the Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride Shorts.Then THE ROCK FIGHT's in house Cicerone (aka Justin) pairs the perfect post activity

May 24, 2024 • 36:37

Get Out Of Your Outdoor Adventure Bubble

Get Out Of Your Outdoor Adventure Bubble

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin shares with you his adventure muse.The inspiration of Colin's outdoor adventure life isn't a trail, mountain or body of water. It's ice hockey. And a recent return to the game that started it all showed him how important it is to pop the bubble that all of us in the outdoor community are living in.So click play and get out of your comfort zone.Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating where

May 22, 2024 • 10:11

Grand Canyon Tragedy, National Bike Month & The Midwest Is The New Outdoor Hotspot

Grand Canyon Tragedy, National Bike Month & The Midwest Is The New Outdoor Hotspot

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we're slinging rocks at some of the more interesting and notable headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community over the past week.On this weeks slate:Can Justin ace Colin's National Bike Month quiz? (03:55)Gamel's new safety oriented commuter bike helmet, The Remarkable (13:28)Bay Area swimmer sets record by swimming from the Golden Gate Bridge to Farallon Islands (21:03)A report from The Guardian declares the Midw

May 20, 2024 • 54:55

Our Favorite Tents + 10 Barrel’s Juicy Drama (Gear & Beer!)

Our Favorite Tents + 10 Barrel’s Juicy Drama (Gear & Beer!)

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT it's time for the pairings that matter most... GEAR & BEER!We wrap up our four weeks of 10 Barrel beers by pairing their 9.6 ABV monster IPA, Juicy Drama, with Justin & Colin's favorite piece of camping gear.For Justin that's the REI Half Dome 2 tent and NEMO's Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair while Colin talks about his Mountainsmith Celestial 2 tent (aka the Morrison).Because that's what you get here on Gear & Beer... the pairings that matter most!Head to www.r

May 17, 2024 • 41:25

The Outdoor Industry & Sustainability-  So What?!

The Outdoor Industry & Sustainability- So What?!

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we take a deeper look at the Outdoor Industry's favorite topic, sustainability, and try to answer the question... So What?What is the right answer to the stuff problem that we all agree that we have? Do we change the habit of consumers? Do we expect brands to do the right thing and choose the environment over profits? So far these seem to be the two solutions that everyone points to when discussing a more sustainable outdoor ind

May 15, 2024 • 14:29

Baja Surfer Tragedy, Jackson Hole Skier Charged With Homicide & The Return of Pickleball Corner

Baja Surfer Tragedy, Jackson Hole Skier Charged With Homicide & The Return of Pickleball Corner

Please follow THE ROCK FIGHT wherever you are listening!Colin & Justin load up some rocks and take aim at their weekly turn through some of the more interesting headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community from the past week. On this weeks docket:What is Justin doing this weekend? (02:54)A trio of surfers were discovered dead in Baja, Mexico. Will Justin ever head south for a surf trip again? (08:12)The charges against the historic Northwest Passage paddlers known as the Arcti

May 13, 2024 • 40:12

Feral Wetsuits + 10 Barrel All Ways Down IPA (Gear & Beer!)

Feral Wetsuits + 10 Barrel All Ways Down IPA (Gear & Beer!)

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT it's time for the pairings that matter most... GEAR & BEER!Justin has been surfing in Feral wetsuits, a boutique wetsuit brand from the Bay Area for years while Colin just had his first experience trying them out. Today it's all about the wetsuit category and what makes Feral stand apart from a material and design point of view.Then 10 Barrel Brewing month continues as the boys crack open a can of All Ways Down IPA. The perfect pairing after a long day in the water w

May 10, 2024 • 40:43

Should The Outdoor Industry Really Make Less Stuff?

Should The Outdoor Industry Really Make Less Stuff?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we're taking a look at one of the founding pillars of the outdoor industry: innovation.Ever since the material, design and textile boom of the 1970's and 1980's the outdoors has been an example of how innovation could solve problems and fuel commerce.But over the past 20 years there haven't been that many innovative breakthroughs even though outdoor brands continue to tell us every season that they have the next great thing.Toda

May 8, 2024 • 34:46

Patagonia's New Movie, Nepal Everest Ruling & Trash On The PCT!

Patagonia's New Movie, Nepal Everest Ruling & Trash On The PCT!

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Justin break down some of the more interesting and exciting headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community from the past week.On the docket this week:What are WE doing this weekend? Colin & Justin are going to meet up in person for the first time ever! (04:03)An article from The Trek covers how much trash is on the PCT (07:41)Colin's review of Shitthropocene, Patagonia's new movie about fast fashion

May 6, 2024 • 39:37

Softopping Your Truck With The Perfect Beer (Gear & Beer!)

Softopping Your Truck With The Perfect Beer (Gear & Beer!)

Today Colin & Justin are prepping for the apocalypse... 10 Barrel's Apocalypse IPA that is! But before the end of the world arrives we first get Justin's review of the Softopper. The Softopper eliminates the need for immovable and expensive camper shells while still giving you some piece of mind when you pull off at the fishing hole with a half loaded Yeti cooler in the back (this oddly specific example will make sense after you click play on this episode).Then 10 Barrel Brewing month contin

May 3, 2024 • 30:20

Patagonia & Sustainability Messaging In The Outdoor Industry

Patagonia & Sustainability Messaging In The Outdoor Industry

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we're digging into how the brands of the outdoor industry talks about sustainability.Chris Goddard is the founder of CGPR, a PR agency that works with outdoor brands like Houdini, Lowa and Nite Ize. Chris recently posted on LinkedIn an article about Patagonia's new marketing campaign Fashion Is None Of Our Business which promptly blew up.The engagement on that post was off the charts with many supporting Patagonia's new messagin

May 1, 2024 • 29:09

Trail Running In The Olympics? REI Exits Footwear & Kona Closes Shop!

Trail Running In The Olympics? REI Exits Footwear & Kona Closes Shop!

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Justin & Colin break down some of the more notable headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community over the past week.On today's slate:What is Justin doing this weekend? Volunteering and Dad'ing, apparently. (02:45)Per Gearjunkie, details have emerged from the Kona drama at the Sea Otter Classic. (07:37)The new report from Athletics Weekly of a campaign to include trail running in future Olympics games. (15:40)Pe

Apr 29, 2024 • 36:36

Bedrock Sandals + 10 Barrel Cloud Mentality Hazy IPA (Gear & Beer!)

Bedrock Sandals + 10 Barrel Cloud Mentality Hazy IPA (Gear & Beer!)

Today THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we present another episode of the pairings that matter most...GEAR & BEER!How did Justin & Colin actually meet? Their origin story is rooted in a shared love of Bedrock Sandals. And on today's episode they'll break down the updated Bedrock Cairn Evo 3D PRO's as well as the brand new Bedrock Cairn Evo C's. And then we begin 10 Barrel month here on Gear & Beer.Our pals at 10 Barrel Brewing Co have graciously donated four

Apr 26, 2024 • 48:18

The Outside Sized Hole In Outdoor Media

The Outside Sized Hole In Outdoor Media

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin reveals if he'll be attending the Outside Festival!He also discusses how the recent article written by Outside CEO Robin Thurston played into his decision and he takes a look at the opportunities that exist in the current outdoor media landscape that have arisen since Outside has shifted their focus.Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to T

Apr 25, 2024 • 11:18

Patagonia Is A Fashion Brand, Kona Bikes In Trouble, Earth Day Trivia & A TNF/icebreaker Collab

Patagonia Is A Fashion Brand, Kona Bikes In Trouble, Earth Day Trivia & A TNF/icebreaker Collab

Today on the very special 200th episode of THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Justin and Colin tackle a jam packed slate of headlines and topics!On the docket for today:What Is Justin Doing This Weekend? Did Kona just go out of business at Sea Otter? (03:49)Earth Day trivia (10:21)The big brain behind the Stanley boom is heading to HeyDude (15:43)VF deploys TNF to elevate icebreaker in an apparel collaboration (17:39)Patagonia debuts new a marketing campaign claiming that

Apr 22, 2024 • 44:34

Coleman Dual Fuel Lantern + Sierra Nevada Pale (Gear & Beer!)

Coleman Dual Fuel Lantern + Sierra Nevada Pale (Gear & Beer!)

Are you ready for the pairings that matter most? It's time for Gear and it's time for Beer here on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) and today we are going old school!Chances are that if you do any camping whatsoever you have a lantern. But do you have an OG fuel burning Coleman Lantern? Justin does and today he is going to break down why you should too.And what is the perfect pairing for the classic lantern? How about a classic craft beer like a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

Apr 19, 2024 • 41:26

Whitewater, Canoeing, Sea Kayaking - What Happened To Paddling?

Whitewater, Canoeing, Sea Kayaking - What Happened To Paddling?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin reflects on how sea kayaking was a formative activity in his outdoor adventure career and ponders what has happened to the paddling category since it's heyday in the 1990's. Has it's popularity decreased?Then Joe Potoczak, Digital Editor of Paddling Magazine, joins Colin and provides updates on paddling's growth, the effect of the Stand Up Paddle board boom and how user generated content has impacted the paddling media sce

Apr 17, 2024 • 31:19

The EXPLORE Act, Stop The Crocs! & Teqball Rules

The EXPLORE Act, Stop The Crocs! & Teqball Rules

Start your day off the right way with a healthy dose of headlines from your pals here at THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head)!Today your humble rock fighting duo Colin True & Justin Housman tackle the following topics (with time codes):What is Justin doing this weekend? Will he try indoor rock climbing? (01:03)What foods can be described as a flavor and is Colin actually AI? (07:00)Mail time! Responding to listener feedback on resoleable footwear and should THE ROCK FI

Apr 15, 2024 • 39:32

Bike Bags and The Perfect Beer To Go In Them (Gear & Beer!)

Bike Bags and The Perfect Beer To Go In Them (Gear & Beer!)

It's Friday and that means it's time for Gear and it's time for Beer here on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) and on today's edition of Gear & Beer we're loading up the bikes!For the first time in G&B history both Justin and Colin are reviewing a piece of gear and today it's all about bike bags. First up Colin reviews the Oveja Negra Lunchbox handlebar bag and then Justin breaks down the Old Mountain Mountain Juniper Trunk. They talk about what makes them great

Apr 12, 2024 • 33:55

Trail Runners Replace Boots, Rabbit's Running Shoes & Unisex Sizes

Trail Runners Replace Boots, Rabbit's Running Shoes & Unisex Sizes

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) it's a grab bag of outdoor topics!Colin answers a listeners email and addresses comments about unisex sizing as well as addressing their concerns regarding a recent interaction they had with a notable boot brand.Lastly, Colin gives his thoughts on the recent news that Rabbit Running has entered the running footwear space.Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.Have

Apr 11, 2024 • 13:14

Going Deep On Adidas, Deckers & Lulu (Footwear Headlines)

Going Deep On Adidas, Deckers & Lulu (Footwear Headlines)

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we're going deep on recent footwear headlines with a real life footwear designer!Richard Kuchinsky has been making footwear for over 20 years and is the Founder of The Directive Collective, an agency that partners with brands to go from concept to production in the running shoe space. An expert in both product and brand, Richard has no problem offering his opinion on the direction a brand is taking when it comes to the sho

Apr 9, 2024 • 49:43

The Top 10 Fastest Growing Outdoor Brands, Sunny Stroeer Makes Skiing History & California Skiers Head To The Emergency Room

The Top 10 Fastest Growing Outdoor Brands, Sunny Stroeer Makes Skiing History & California Skiers Head To The Emergency Room

Monday's are for headlines here on THE ROCK FIGHT! Today Colin & Justin dig into some of the more notable stories to come out of the outdoor industry and community over the past week. On the docket this week:A new report lists the top 10 fastest growing brands at specialty outdoor retailers. Can Justin name them all? (04:29)New data reported by The Inertia shows a 50% jump in ER visits from California skiers and snowboarders. (13:04)Backpacker ran a story this week about Carson City, NV off

Apr 8, 2024 • 36:31

Hoka Mafate Speed 4 + Athletic Brewing Free Wave Hazy IPA (Gear & Beer!)

Hoka Mafate Speed 4 + Athletic Brewing Free Wave Hazy IPA (Gear & Beer!)

It's Friday and that means it's time for Gear and it's time for Beer here on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) and on today's edition of Gear & Beer we're getting athletic!Justin has recently gotten back into trail running so today he and Colin break down the Hoka Mafate Speed 4 and go deep into the trail running category before rating the shoes on the STUFF-O-METER!Then to cool themselves off after burning up the trails our friends at Athletic Brewing have donated a

Apr 5, 2024 • 48:27

Do Not Attend Your Friend's Wedding... Go Hiking Instead

Do Not Attend Your Friend's Wedding... Go Hiking Instead

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin leverages his age and experience to tell all the young people out there why they need to cancel wedding season.Folks in their 20's are all anticipating summer when they want to go on big outdoor adventures but they have also been invited to like a dozen weddings. Well THE ROCK FIGHT is here to tell you to cancel those destination wedding plans that you don't really want to attend anyway, and enjoy your summer! Because pre

Apr 3, 2024 • 12:12

The Business Of Reviewing Gear With Stephen Regenold (aka The GearJunkie)

The Business Of Reviewing Gear With Stephen Regenold (aka The GearJunkie)

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we welcome Stephen Regenold the OG GearJunkie to get a behind the scenes look at the world of reviewing gear.Stephen started GearJunkie in 2002 as a newspaper column that eventually became one of the go to website's for gear enthusiasts and newbies alike.Today he sits down with Colin to talk about the current state of gear reviews, how changes in the media landscape has impacted the medium and what to expect from gear reviewing

Apr 2, 2024 • 34:31

Secondhand Apparel's Big Jump, Reflecting on Jasmin Paris At The Barkley & You Can Have Dinner In Space For $500k

Secondhand Apparel's Big Jump, Reflecting on Jasmin Paris At The Barkley & You Can Have Dinner In Space For $500k

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin take their weekly turn through some of the headlines to come out of the outdoor community and industry over the past week.On the docket for this week (with time codes if you want to jump around):A closer look at Jasmin Paris's record setting finish at the Barkley (10:20)For $500,000 you can have dinner in a balloon at the edge of space with a bunch of other rich people (14:09)ThredUp's 2023 report on secondhand

Apr 1, 2024 • 37:45

Slumberjack Big Timber Pro 0° Sleeping Bag + Budweiser (Gear & Beer!)

Slumberjack Big Timber Pro 0° Sleeping Bag + Budweiser (Gear & Beer!)

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) it's Gear & Beer Friday and on this episode we're talking about two classics.If you can only have one sleeping bag would you make it your super high end backpacking mummy style bag? You could, but when you go car camping wouldn't you be so much more comfortable in an old school flannel bag?And when pairing the perfect beer with a classic staple like the cotton lined sleeping bag, do you really think you need a super hipster

Mar 29, 2024 • 37:21

Do Ingredient Brands Still Matter & Could They Shape The Future Of The Outdoor Industry?

Do Ingredient Brands Still Matter & Could They Shape The Future Of The Outdoor Industry?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we're going deep on INGREDIENT BRANDS!Ingredient brands are material and textile manufacturers like Gore, Cordura, Polartec or Primaloft. Folks that actually make the materials and fabrics that brands use in order to craft the gear and apparel we all love to buy.A history of innovations by ingredient brands have led to amazing breakthroughs in the outdoor space but it's been a long time since any innovation has really broken thr

Mar 27, 2024 • 11:53

The State Of Outdoor Retail with Wes Allen

The State Of Outdoor Retail with Wes Allen

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin is joined by Wes Allen to talk about what is happening at outdoor retail.Wes is a principal of Sunlight Sports in Cody, WY and has had a long career in the outdoor industry. In addition to his work at Sunlight, Wes has also spent time at both REI and Chaco.Today Wes talks with Colin about the state and mission of outdoor retailers, how brands and products have changed over the past few decades, as well as what the industry

Mar 26, 2024 • 44:44

Welcome To Everest Basecamp, The 2024 Barkley Marathons & RIP David Breashears

Welcome To Everest Basecamp, The 2024 Barkley Marathons & RIP David Breashears

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) it's time to run through some headlines that have come out of the outdoor industry and community over the past week.Colin & Justin run through the following topics:Ethical concerns for our backyard trails (06:56)A new welcome to basecamp sign for Mt. Everest (09:30)A lawsuit over the ability to use cash to enter our National Parks (14:20)The 2024 Barkley Marathons (21:13)Pouring a little out for David Breashears who passed a

Mar 25, 2024 • 32:48

Scarpa SL Active + Deschutes Black Butte Porter (Gear & Beer!)

Scarpa SL Active + Deschutes Black Butte Porter (Gear & Beer!)

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) it's Friday, which means it's time for... GEAR & BEER!This week we're prepping for hiking and backpacking season as Justin gives us his review of the Scarpa SL Active and pairing this classic full grain leather hiking boot with Deschutes Black Butte Porter. How do these boots compare to other hiking footwear options? Why is a Black Butte Porter the perfect pairing for the Scarpa SL Active's? All will be revealed in this edit

Mar 22, 2024 • 32:32

Adidas Made A Single Use Shoe, Cascale's Red Carpet Event & This Week In Greenwashing with Sophie Benson

Adidas Made A Single Use Shoe, Cascale's Red Carpet Event & This Week In Greenwashing with Sophie Benson

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) environmental fashion journalist Sophie Benson returns to talk about what is happening on the sustainability front.Topics today include:Adidas has quietly made a single use shoe (01:57)Inside the Sustainable Apparel Coalition name change (08:17)This week in greenwashing: The Kardashian Comeuppance (18:10)Be sure to buy Sophie's book by clicking here!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating wherev

Mar 20, 2024 • 25:58

Cotopaxi: Doing Good or Just A Trendy Outdoor Vibe?

Cotopaxi: Doing Good or Just A Trendy Outdoor Vibe?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin takes a peek under the hood of Cotopaxi following their announcement last week about the return of the Questival, their college student focused outdoor adventure race series.Over the past ten years Cotopaxi has grown because of their vibe, their stated purpose of creating 'Gear For Good', and their colorful outdoor basics coming into trend. But if they closed up shop today, what would their legacy be when compared to othe

Mar 19, 2024 • 11:51

Black Diamond's Big Reset, Cole Brauer's Record Trip Around The World plus A Gear & Beer Mailbag

Black Diamond's Big Reset, Cole Brauer's Record Trip Around The World plus A Gear & Beer Mailbag

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin kick off your week with a batch of headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community. This week the boys hit the following:Gear & Beer first episode mailbag (10:02)Black Diamond's big line cut (18:26)The tragic death of an avalanche forecaster (28:43)Celebrating the accomplishment of round the world sailor Cole Brauer (39:35)All this plus "What Is Justin Doing This Weekend?" (01:00) presented by Lo

Mar 18, 2024 • 48:20

Kona Unit X + Founders All Day IPA (Gear & Beer)

Kona Unit X + Founders All Day IPA (Gear & Beer)

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we are excited to debut a new weekly segment...GEAR & BEER!This is reviewing gear, THE ROCK FIGHT way because largely speaking gear reviews have become pretty boring. There's rarely a 'so what' in these reviews because stuff mostly works. So Colin and Justin are here to throw rocks at the status quo and approach gear reviews the same way we approach most things: Through the types of conversations we have when out riding,

Mar 15, 2024 • 28:25

Can Outdoor Apparel Brands Commit To Unisex Sizing?

Can Outdoor Apparel Brands Commit To Unisex Sizing?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) design executive Michelle Rose returns to break down a recent story about unisex sizing at outdoor apparel brands.A recent REI blog post talked about how unisex sizing is starting gain traction in the outdoor apparel world. But a deeper look reveals shallow penetration with outdoor brands and that there are significant gains left to be made. Today on the show Michelle details the upside of embracing genderless sizing and what c

Mar 13, 2024 • 34:33

Karma Points: A Running Diary Of A Recent Outdoor Adventure

Karma Points: A Running Diary Of A Recent Outdoor Adventure

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we are celebrating the return of spring with a running diary of Colin's most recent mountain bike ride.Trail etiquette is super important and bad behavior during our time on trail can result in bad karma. Today on the show Colin keeps a running diary of the people he encountered on a recent 20 mile mountain bike ride; awarding karma points along the way. Keep smiling everyone!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and gi

Mar 12, 2024 • 11:55

NYC Record High Bike Deaths, The Return Of The Woolly Mammoth & Choppers Head Back To Everest

NYC Record High Bike Deaths, The Return Of The Woolly Mammoth & Choppers Head Back To Everest

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin take their weekly look at headlines coming out of the outdoor industry and community.This week the boys talk about the following:Khumbu authorities ease helicopter restrictions on Everest; you still have to bag your poop though. (05:16)A record number of bikers have been killed while riding in New York City. Are e-bikes to blame? (10:56)Efforts to bring back the Woolly Mammoth clear another hurdle. (24:43)All t

Mar 11, 2024 • 38:00

The Future Of Outdoor Media with Caley Fretz

The Future Of Outdoor Media with Caley Fretz

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Caley Fretz from Escape Collective joins the show to talk about the future of outdoor media.Escape Collective is a cycling focused digital outdoor media company that relies entirely on paid subscribers. No print magazine or online advertisers and a year into their existence they are able to make the content they want to make and make money while doing it.Today Caley joins THE ROCK FIGHT to give his observations on the state of

Mar 8, 2024 • 30:46

Deckers Reveals The Super Sneaker: A Rock Fight Emergency Reaction!

Deckers Reveals The Super Sneaker: A Rock Fight Emergency Reaction!

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) it's an emergency reaction to Tuesday's breaking news: the release of the 'super sneaker' from Deckers.On Tuesday afternoon Footwear News dropped an article with all of the details around the much hyped super sneaker brand that Deckers has been teasing since last year and (spoiler alert ) Deckers is just bringing Ahnu back.Today on the show we push the episode we had scheduled for today to Friday so Colin could offer you this e

Mar 6, 2024 • 8:09

The Wolves & Vultures Of The Outdoor Industry

The Wolves & Vultures Of The Outdoor Industry

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin reacts to the news that came out last week that TJX is going to open 26 new Sierra stores over the next year.Using his own experience working with a closeout ninja, Colin looks at the real problem we have in the outdoor industry: making too much stuff.Be excited because this episode has everything: wolves, PFAS, vultures, Pulp Fiction and mountains of outdoor stuff. Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us

Mar 4, 2024 • 13:37

Navigating PFAS-Free Outdoor Apparel, The Biggest Snake In The World & The Latest From Outdoor Tech

Navigating PFAS-Free Outdoor Apparel, The Biggest Snake In The World & The Latest From Outdoor Tech

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin gather to tackle the following topics and headlines to come out of the outdoor industry & community from the past week.Are you planning on swapping your current outdoor apparel for PFAS free replacements? (04:47)New moons discovered orbiting Uranus & Neptune (15:15)Are we excited for the upcoming eclipse? (19:07)Biggest snake on the planet discovered in the Amazon (22:17)Tech Headlines to come out of out

Mar 2, 2024 • 36:32

Don't Move To A Mountain Town (Unless You Really Want To)

Don't Move To A Mountain Town (Unless You Really Want To)

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Emily Holland returns to chuck a few rocks at mountain towns.Colin and Emily redefine how we should view outdoor towns as they recount their journeys and moves to various outdoorsy locations in the United States.Then Emily (currently a Colorado resident) picks apart Colin's rules (biased against Colorado) for moving to a mountain town. Those rules were featured in this episode of THE ROCK FIGHT. Ultimately they decide, people s

Mar 1, 2024 • 36:52

Arctic Ascent Falls Flat: Breaking Down Alex Honnold's New Show

Arctic Ascent Falls Flat: Breaking Down Alex Honnold's New Show

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) our expert on all things rock climbing Kris Hampton returns, this time to talk about the latest offering in climbing entertainment: Arctic Ascent with Alex Honnold.The new 3 episode show by National Geographic (available on Disney+) has Honnold leading a team of climbers and climate scientists to an unclimbed big wall in Greenland. Colin and Kris dig into what works about the show but also how the dual story lines never really c

Feb 28, 2024 • 32:47

Time Is A Flat Circle (Especially In The Outdoor Industry)

Time Is A Flat Circle (Especially In The Outdoor Industry)

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we are going back in time and talking about the history of the outdoor industry.Thanks to the fine folks at Utah State University's Outdoor Recreation Archive we've been having a look at some old copies of Specialty News (aka SNEWS) and you know what we have learned? The business of adventure in 2024 is pretty much the same as it was in 1994.Today on the show we dig into why that is and what can we do about it (spoilers: the ans

Feb 26, 2024 • 10:32

Merrell Plays The Lifestyle Card, Seattle Cougar Attack & A Rescue On Mount Washington

Merrell Plays The Lifestyle Card, Seattle Cougar Attack & A Rescue On Mount Washington

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin Housman celebrate Justin's one year Rock-aversary by running through the headlines!The two hit the following news stories to come out of the outdoor community and industry this past week:A cougar attacked 5 cyclists just east of Seattle (07:18)Wolverine CEO announces that Merrell and Saucony will both pursue expanding their lifestyle offerings (13:39)Andrew Hughes sets altitude SUP record in the Andes (21:42)Unp

Feb 24, 2024 • 33:38

WEAK LAYERS: Skiing, Partying & Growing Up

WEAK LAYERS: Skiing, Partying & Growing Up

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we're talking about WEAK LAYERS; the movie taking the outdoor community by storm from filmmaker Katie Burrell.Lauded as a throwback to the hilarious ski movies of yore but with a refreshingly different perspective, WEAK LAYERS tells the story of a filmmaker in a ski town who needs to win a ski film contest in order to pay for a new place to live for her and her friends. Katie Burrell is the writer, director and star and within

Feb 23, 2024 • 11:15

The Mid-Winter State Of The Ski Season with Paddy O

The Mid-Winter State Of The Ski Season with Paddy O

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Paddy O'Connell comes back for his record setting 5th appearance to check in on how things are going in the mountains this winter.Dubbed by some as the "Mayor of Skiville", Paddy has a straight passion for making turns and today the mayor is here to give us a state of the season. Colin & Paddy check in on the up and down storm cycles that have impacted just about everyone across the US, why we continue to talk about gear an

Feb 21, 2024 • 39:56

The 10 Ways We Fall Down In The Outdoors

The 10 Ways We Fall Down In The Outdoors

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin reflects on what he's learned from Batman and reflects on the different ways we fall down when we pursue outdoor adventure sports.There are 10 classifications of the way we fall when we go skiing, hiking, paddling, running, biking, surfing, climbing and all the other cool stuff we do outside. Today Colin runs through all 10 and tells you what you can stand to learn from all the different ways we fall down. Oh, and Batman

Feb 19, 2024 • 13:38

Poop Bags For Everest Climbers, History Made At Pipeline & Questioning The Value Of Outdoor Apps

Poop Bags For Everest Climbers, History Made At Pipeline & Questioning The Value Of Outdoor Apps

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin Housman take a spin through some of the stories to come out of the outdoor industry and community over the past week.This week the pair take on the following topics:Everest climbers will be required to pack their poop off of the mountain and local authorities in the Khumbu region are limiting basecamp amenities (04:42)Women make history at the WSL's Lexus Pipe Pro (16:25)Is Surfline a good or bad thing for the s

Feb 17, 2024 • 47:36

Blue Zones: The Secret To Long Life Or Another Pre-Packaged Lifestyle?

Blue Zones: The Secret To Long Life Or Another Pre-Packaged Lifestyle?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Mountain Gazette's Kyle Frost returns to break down his latest column.You may have heard of Blue Zones, which are places on our planet where residents tend to live longer than in most locations. But how much of that is a packaged lifestyle trend and what is actually real?Kyle took on this topic in last week's edition of his newsletter and today he and Colin sit down to dig into what Kyle discovered.Please follow and subscribe t

Feb 16, 2024 • 18:06

The EXPLORE Act Explained with Jessica Turner from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

The EXPLORE Act Explained with Jessica Turner from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Jessica Turner returns to the show to break down the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences, or EXPLORE, Act!Shortly after Jessica's first appearance on THE ROCK FIGHT, the EXPLORE Act unanimously passed through the House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee and is poised to finish it's journey through congress later this year.Today Jessica is back to give us the TL;DR of what the EXPLORE Act is, why it’

Feb 14, 2024 • 18:51

The Position Every Outdoor Company Needs To Guide Their Brand and Products

The Position Every Outdoor Company Needs To Guide Their Brand and Products

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin talks about how Fischer Skis and every other brand out there needs to have a Brand [CENSORED]... we want to write the word but we also don't want this episode flagged by the podcast gods. Don't worry though, you'll hear the word over and over again while listening to this episode.After working at outdoor brands for more than 20 years, Colin learned that brands are often the worst judge for how consumers will view some of t

Feb 12, 2024 • 11:25

The Enhanced Games Are Coming, Shark Attacks Doubled In 2023 & What To Do About Airline Waste?

The Enhanced Games Are Coming, Shark Attacks Doubled In 2023 & What To Do About Airline Waste?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin Housman celebrate Justin's return from vacation by breaking down some recent headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community.The pair discuss the following!The Enhanced Games Are Coming: (08:37)The ESports Olympics Are Coming: (16:40)Shark Attacks Doubled In 2023 (and should we even talk about it): (19:12)What To Do About Airline Waste?: (25:00)This all of course after America's favorite podcast segm

Feb 10, 2024 • 34:38

The State of Outdoor Podcasts with Emily Holland

The State of Outdoor Podcasts with Emily Holland

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) podcast strategist Emily Holland sits down with Colin to talk about all things podcasting.Despite being less than 20 years old, podcasts are now an established part of the media ecosystem and are expected to generate over $4 billion in advertising revenue in 2024. And for outdoor podcasts, the landscape is full of lots of folks producing shows similar, in a lot of ways, to THE ROCK FIGHT. Emily Holland is a podcast strategist an

Feb 9, 2024 • 28:57

Trail Advocacy For Dummies & What To Do About Poor Trail Etiquette with Susie Murphy of the SDMBA

Trail Advocacy For Dummies & What To Do About Poor Trail Etiquette with Susie Murphy of the SDMBA

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin welcomes the Executive Director of the San Diego Mountain Biking Association, Susie Murphy, to provide a deeper understanding on some recent Rock Fights. First the pair breakdown the issues that Colin detailed in last November's episode of THE ROCK FIGHT about poor trail etiquette and electric mountain bikes. Then Colin and Susie get into the politics and challenges (regardless of state or activity) of trail advocacy, the

Feb 7, 2024 • 28:32

Lululemon's New Shoes & Icebreaker Misses Their Plastic Removal Deadline

Lululemon's New Shoes & Icebreaker Misses Their Plastic Removal Deadline

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin gives his thoughts on the public messaging of two headlines to come out of the outdoor industry last week.First up is the news that merino-centric apparel maker Icebreaker missed their 2023 deadline to remove plastic fibers from their products. After that Colin digs into the news that Lululemon is launching a lineup of men's footwear. Should Lulu do this? One of these headlines gets a few more rocks thrown at it than the o

Feb 5, 2024 • 9:13

Finding Optimism In The Mainstream Media Meltdown with Mike Rogge

Finding Optimism In The Mainstream Media Meltdown with Mike Rogge

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin sits down with Mountain Gazette's Mike Rogge to breakdown the meltdown happening in mainstream media.Over the past few weeks names like Sports Illustrated, Condé Nast, Pitchfork, the LA Times and many others have all dealt with a variety of issues that have left a major impact across the media landscape. Colin and Mike talk about the silver linings being left behind in the carnage, the importance of strong branding as a m

Feb 3, 2024 • 43:51

The Peak Of Stanley & Solving The Mountain Town Housing Issue

The Peak Of Stanley & Solving The Mountain Town Housing Issue

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Mountain Gazette's Kyle Frost is back for his weekly appearance on the show to break down the latest from his newsletter.First Colin and Kyle talk about the proposed legislation in Colorado to pump up the taxes on short term rentals to help solve the housing issues in mountain towns. Then they talk about the Stanley cup trend potentially reaching its pop culture peak and how long the trend can actually last.Please follow and sub

Feb 2, 2024 • 23:15

The 2024 Outdoor Industry Design & Trend Report With Struktur Society's Michelle Rose

The 2024 Outdoor Industry Design & Trend Report With Struktur Society's Michelle Rose

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin is joined by Michelle Rose to talk macro outdoor trends for 2024.Michelle is a design executive who has worked at brands like The North Face and Columbia and is also the founder of Struktur Society, a media company focused on building a community for creators and designers. On today's episode Michelle breaks down the current influences affecting the outdoor industry, particularly when it comes to apparel, and what to expe

Jan 31, 2024 • 30:12

Avoiding The Joy Void In Your Outdoor Industry Career

Avoiding The Joy Void In Your Outdoor Industry Career

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we're doling out unsolicited career advice.After more than 20 years of working in the outdoor industry Colin has some advice for those with aspirations of climbing the ranks of an outdoor brand...avoid The Joy Void! On today's episode Colin will offer three tips to be sure you never set foot in The Joy Void if you decide to pursue a career working in the outdoor industry.Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us

Jan 29, 2024 • 12:52

REI's Latest Layoffs, The EXPLORE Act, Going Outside Causes Cancer & Are We All Just Cheaters?

REI's Latest Layoffs, The EXPLORE Act, Going Outside Causes Cancer & Are We All Just Cheaters?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin Housman take their weekly turn through some of the stories to come out of the outdoor industry and community over the past week. Here's the rundown:REI's Latest Layoffs (4:30)The EXPLORE Act Makes It Through Committee (9:44)Surfers, Swimmers, Runners & Walkers Are More Likely Develop Melanoma - shocking, we know (15:47)Another Endurance Event Cheating Scandal (21:30)All that plus America's favorite podcast s

Jan 27, 2024 • 34:02

The Colorado Wolf Controversy & Solo Stove Fires Their CEO

The Colorado Wolf Controversy & Solo Stove Fires Their CEO

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Kyle Frost returns to the show to talk through recent outdoor industry headlines.First off, Kyle addresses the industry news regarding himself! Last week it was announced that his newsletter Here & There is moving under the banner of Mountain Gazette and Kyle tells us how that came together.Then Colin & Kyle talk about the most recent topic on Here & There: the reintroduction of gray wolves in Colorado. Kyle walks

Jan 26, 2024 • 22:35

The PFAS Problem, Circularity On The Rise & 'This Week In Greenwashing' with Environmental Journalist Sophie Benson

The PFAS Problem, Circularity On The Rise & 'This Week In Greenwashing' with Environmental Journalist Sophie Benson

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin sits down with environmental journalist Sophie Benson to check in on what is happening in the outdoor and fashion world when it comes to sustainability initiatives.Sophie and Colin ponder if circularity is on the rise, how brands like Outerknown have embraced regenerative organic cotton, the PFAS problem in apparel and play a round of THIS WEEK IN GREENWASHING!Find more of Sophie's work and buy her new book, THE SUSTAINABL

Jan 24, 2024 • 34:35

Vertical Limit: Blood Bags, Nitroglycerin & Ed Viesturs

Vertical Limit: Blood Bags, Nitroglycerin & Ed Viesturs

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Shawnté Salabert returns to the show for an outdoor movie review of the 2000 Chris O'Donnell mountaineering action classic...VERTICAL LIMIT!Colin and Shawnté break down the best and worst outdoor scenes, the best use of outdoor gear, apparel and footwear and determine if VERTICAL LIMIT makes them want to go outside. They also pay special attention to what can be learned from the use of nitroglycerin, bags of blood and incorporat

Jan 22, 2024 • 41:20

Paddy O'Connell On PaddyO Sucks At... (The Outside TV Show That Bears His Name)

Paddy O'Connell On PaddyO Sucks At... (The Outside TV Show That Bears His Name)

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we welcome back Paddy O'Connell who is here to talk about his new TV show: PaddyO Sucks At....Paddy tells Colin and Justin how PaddyO Sucks At... came to be, his approach to making the show, behind the scenes stories from production as well as teasing the status of season 2.You can watch PaddyO Sucks At... on Outside Watch by clicking here and get more Paddy in your life by clicking here.Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK F

Jan 20, 2024 • 31:01

How The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Is Building And Unifying The Entire Outdoor Community

How The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable Is Building And Unifying The Entire Outdoor Community

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we're diving back into the world of the outdoor economy.In November the Bureau of Economic Analysis released a report showing that outdoor recreation contributes $1.1 trillion to the US economy. You may remember Kyle Frost and Colin going deep on this topic right here on THE ROCK FIGHT.And now we get to talk to the folks who use that data to help grow the entire outdoor economy (not just the part that you participate in): the Ou

Jan 17, 2024 • 36:28

Wolverine Punts Sperry To Authentic Brands & How Outdoor Brands Lose Their Authenticity

Wolverine Punts Sperry To Authentic Brands & How Outdoor Brands Lose Their Authenticity

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin reacts to the news from last week that Wolverine has sold iconic footwear brand Sperry to Authentic Brands.Authentic Brands has put together an incredible roster of brands and a successful strategy to become one of the largest outdoor lifestyle networks in the world. How do they do it? We'll dig into that as well as ponder how a brand that was founded on a purpose can lose their authenticity with consumers.Read the Glossy.

Jan 15, 2024 • 11:39

E-Snowboard's Hit The Snow Sports Market, Outside Goes All In On PaddyO & The Triumphant Return Of Pickleball Corner

E-Snowboard's Hit The Snow Sports Market, Outside Goes All In On PaddyO & The Triumphant Return Of Pickleball Corner

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin Housman discuss some headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community over the past week. The following stories are on the docket:Colin Defends Tracking Your Activities (05:07)The Launch of an E-Snowboard (07:14)PaddyO's New Show On Outside Watch (13:08)The Return of Pickleball Corner (17:06)They also answer the question featured in America's favorite podcast segment, What Is Justin Doing This Weeken

Jan 13, 2024 • 25:03

Are Sponsored Climbers More Like Taylor Swift or Casey Neistat? It's Climbing Corner with Kris Hampton!

Are Sponsored Climbers More Like Taylor Swift or Casey Neistat? It's Climbing Corner with Kris Hampton!

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Kris Hampton returns for another edition of Climbing Corner!Colin and Kris hit the following topics: The massive growth and internal politics of the climbing world within the larger human powered outdoor industry including climbing specific trade shows (01:37)Kris puts on his coach's hat and talks about climbing vs strength training (13:36)Finally the two break down Kris's take on what modern sponsored outdoor athletes can learn

Jan 10, 2024 • 34:00

The Shawshank Redemption's Mantra For Life And Outdoor Adventure

The Shawshank Redemption's Mantra For Life And Outdoor Adventure

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin laments his aging body by reflecting on the best advice he ever got from a movie. We can all agree that THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION is the greatest movie of all time, right? Good. Well there is a message in that flick that is all any outdoor enthusiast needs to get out the front door at any age.When you combine Shawshank with Doc Rivers, The Golden Globes and Travis Kelcie what do you get? Well, this episode of THE ROCK FIGH

Jan 8, 2024 • 9:13

Historic Paddlers Get Arrested, Strava Loves Gen Z and California's Historic Swell

Historic Paddlers Get Arrested, Strava Loves Gen Z and California's Historic Swell

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin Housman talk through the following headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community from the past week. Historic paddlers, the Arctic Cowboys were charged with illegally staying on a protected island during their successful 2023 attempt to kayak the Northwest Passage (05:20)Strava's Year In Sport Report shows that Gen Z’s active behaviors vary greatly from those who came before them. (14:05)Justin wei

Jan 6, 2024 • 30:25

Snoop Dogg Gives Up Smoke: Behind The Scenes Of The Biggest Outdoor Ad Of The Year

Snoop Dogg Gives Up Smoke: Behind The Scenes Of The Biggest Outdoor Ad Of The Year

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) where today we will pull back the curtain on the 2023 ad that took everyone by storm: Snoop Dogg & Solo Stove Give Up Smoke! Just before this past Thanksgiving hip hop superstar Snoop Dogg informed the world that he was giving up his trademark "smoke" based persona in what turned out to be wildly successful ad for backyard fire pit brand, Solo Stove.Today, the owner of Purple Orange (Solo Stove's PR agency of record),

Jan 3, 2024 • 29:19

Top 10 Lessons I Learned On My First Bikepacking Trip

Top 10 Lessons I Learned On My First Bikepacking Trip

Happy New Year and welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head).Today on the show Colin recaps his favorite adventure from 2023 to inform his approach to 2024 as he goes through the top 10 lessons he learned on his first bikepacking trip. Those lessons include things like the value of tortillas and beans, why the hotel bed still rules, don't force your kid to be outdoorsy and making time for your friends. Check out the full episode to hear the full top 10 and get c

Jan 1, 2024 • 14:34

Breaking Up With Running: Revisiting A Goodbye To An Outdoor Activity

Breaking Up With Running: Revisiting A Goodbye To An Outdoor Activity

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT we are celebrating the one year anniversary of the show by revisiting ...Breaking Up With Running! Check out one of the most downloaded episodes from THE ROCK FIGHT in 2023, this time with additional commentary from Colin on the anniversary of the surgery that inspired it. This is our final episode of 2023, but don't fret, 2024 is only two days away so be sure to ring in the New Year with THE ROCK FIGHT.Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star r

Dec 30, 2023 • 11:39

Jeep Blew It: Revisiting Jeep's Fall From Grace

Jeep Blew It: Revisiting Jeep's Fall From Grace

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT we are celebrating the one year anniversary of the show by revisiting ...Jeep Blew It! Check out one of the most downloaded hot take's from THE ROCK FIGHT in 2023, this time with additional commentary from Colin. And then come back this weekend to revisit one more of our first year Rock Fights as we head into 2024!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episod

Dec 28, 2023 • 9:25

Mountain Bike Suspension Is Pointless: Revisiting THE ROCK FIGHT's First Big Hit

Mountain Bike Suspension Is Pointless: Revisiting THE ROCK FIGHT's First Big Hit

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT we are celebrating the one year anniversary of the show by revisiting our first hit...Mountain Bike Suspension Is Pointless! Check out one of the most downloaded hot take's from THE ROCK FIGHT in 2023, this time with additional commentary from Colin. And then come back this weekend to revisit one more of our first year Rock Fights as we head into 2024!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.Have a question

Dec 26, 2023 • 9:19

Ski Resorts Are Not Outdoor: Revisiting The First Rock Fight

Ski Resorts Are Not Outdoor: Revisiting The First Rock Fight

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT we are celebrating the one year anniversary of the show by revisiting our first ever episode...Ski Resorts Are Not Outdoor! Check out the original hot take of THE ROCK FIGHT this time with additional commentary from Colin. And then come back next week to revisit more of our first year Rock Fights as we head into 2024!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag epi

Dec 23, 2023 • 10:09

The Impact Of NEMO's Endless Promise & Shasta Ski Park's Controversial New Statue

The Impact Of NEMO's Endless Promise & Shasta Ski Park's Controversial New Statue

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and Justin Housman talk about two headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community in the past week after they do America's favorite podcast segment "What Is Justin Doing This Weekend?!"Click the links below to read more about the topics they discuss.What Did Justin Do This Past Weekend (01:30)NEMO's Endless Promise (06:50)Shasta Ski Park's Controversial New Statue (18:46)Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK

Dec 20, 2023 • 30:54

Mailbag! Listeners Weigh In On E-Mtn Bikes & THE OUTSIDE SHOW

Mailbag! Listeners Weigh In On E-Mtn Bikes & THE OUTSIDE SHOW

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin responds to two listener emails.The first email comes from a listener who has has their own on trail experiences with mountain bikes as well as thoughts about Colin's take on the problem with electric mountain bikes. Click here to listen to the original episode. (01:05)The second email comes from a listener who thinks Colin may have missed the point of who THE OUTSIDE SHOW is actually for. Click here to that listen to the

Dec 17, 2023 • 14:58

GearJunkie's AI Obituary, Strava's Potential Marketplace & Climbing Faces New Federal Guidelines

GearJunkie's AI Obituary, Strava's Potential Marketplace & Climbing Faces New Federal Guidelines

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) journalist Kyle Frost returns to the show to talk with Colin about recent outdoor industry headlines. The pair run through the following:The US Forest Service and National Park Service proposed new rules for climbing in wilderness areas (01:05)Strava's future under their new CEO (15:20)GearJunkie pairs with Pit Viper and AI to write their own obituary (20:25)Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rat

Dec 14, 2023 • 30:28

REI or Specialty Gear Shops: The Big Outdoor Retail Debate

REI or Specialty Gear Shops: The Big Outdoor Retail Debate

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we’re talking outdoor retail; specifically REI versus the independent gear shop.A few episodes back, Colin had a few choice words for REI (click here to listen to that episode) thus raising the ire of a Rock Fight listener who reached out to set the record straight on the most established outdoor retailer we have. So today Colin talks about the history that has brought us to this point where REI has become the establishment and

Dec 11, 2023 • 10:05

Welcome To THE ROCK FIGHT!

Welcome To THE ROCK FIGHT!

Welcome to THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head).This is the trailer for the show. You should listen to it and then listen to the show. That's how this thing works.Please follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave the show a 5 star rating along with a comment or review.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

Dec 9, 2023 • 1:07

UTMB vs Gary Robbins: Inside An Ultramarathon Turf War

UTMB vs Gary Robbins: Inside An Ultramarathon Turf War

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) journalist Kyle Frost returns to talk about the big battle that happened in the ultra and trail running community this past fall when UTMB stepped in and usurped local BC running legend and race director Gary Robbins and one of his more popular events, the Whistler Alpine Meadows 100.The kerfuffle creates an interesting question about the growth and future of ultramarathons as bigger entities like UTMB (who have partnered with I

Dec 8, 2023 • 24:07

What's The Deal With Bode Miller's New Ski Brand?

What's The Deal With Bode Miller's New Ski Brand?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Adam Jaber from the Out Of Collective makes his return to THE ROCK FIGHT to help Colin dig into Bode Miller's new brand, Peak Skis.Peak Skis have been making a lot of waves in the outdoor and ski industries. Billed as "the next evolution in ski design" Peak is the new brand from Olympic skier Bode Miller that anyone can invest in due to their crowd sourcing initiatives. But they also are constantly running deep discounts on exi

Dec 7, 2023 • 28:32

Let's Talk About THE OUTSIDE SHOW

Let's Talk About THE OUTSIDE SHOW

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin gives you his impressions of the most recent offering from Outside, Inc...THE OUTSIDE SHOW. A morning magazine style talk show that was released last week.Spoiler alert...this is not a good TV show. Colin breaks down why it doesn't work and tries to get to the bottom of the motivation for producing THE OUTSIDE SHOW at all.Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcas

Dec 5, 2023 • 9:19

Cycling's New Doping Craze, AI Can Predict Rogue Waves & Kansas Has The Gravel

Cycling's New Doping Craze, AI Can Predict Rogue Waves & Kansas Has The Gravel

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin and journalist Justin Housman start with America's favorite podcast segment, "What Is Justin Doing This Weekend?" and then go deep on a listener email before running down some of the more interesting headlines to come out of the outdoor community over the past couple of weeks.The pair talk about the following:A listener email pushing back on the assertion that rock climbing is the most badass outdoor sport (03:35)Cyclists

Dec 2, 2023 • 28:27

The Outdoor Industry Is A Trillion Dollars: So What?

The Outdoor Industry Is A Trillion Dollars: So What?

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) it's a breakdown of the new report that says Outdoor Recreation in the United States carries an economic impact of $1.1 trillion.Two weeks ago the Bureau of Economic Analysis released a report showing that outdoor recreation impacts the United States economy to the tune of a trillion dollars. But what is in this report? Is it all hiking boots and fishing poles? It's much more complex than that however most folks have been happy

Nov 29, 2023 • 30:03

Electric Mountain Bikes Are A Problem

Electric Mountain Bikes Are A Problem

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin breaks down the problem with e-mountain bikes and e-mountain bikers. Now before you freak out, he's not talking about all e-bikes, but mountain bikes specifically because there seems to be a growing number of e-mountain bikers who have zero knowledge of true mountain bike etiquette. And that creates a much more dangerous and consequential environment for everyone on multi-use trails.Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK

Nov 27, 2023 • 9:18

Rock Climbing Rock Fights with Kris Hampton! Crag Dogs, Outdoor Curmudgeons And A TKO For Shirtless Climbing Dudes

Rock Climbing Rock Fights with Kris Hampton! Crag Dogs, Outdoor Curmudgeons And A TKO For Shirtless Climbing Dudes

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin is joined by rock climbing coach, podcaster and musician Kris Hampton.The two talk about Colin's previous rock climbing centric hot takes, Kris's new podcast Written In Stone: Climbing's Most Important Ascents and the role of the old curmudgeon in outdoor sports.The pair wrap up the episode with Kris picking a rock fight with poorly behaved dogs and dog owners at the crag!Find more from Kris Hampton on Threads, Instagram a

Nov 25, 2023 • 29:48

REI's Labor Woes And A Deeper Dive Into Backcountry.com's Play For Wholesale

REI's Labor Woes And A Deeper Dive Into Backcountry.com's Play For Wholesale

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) journalist Kyle Frost returns to talk through some of the latest headlines coming out of outdoor retail over the past couple of weeks.Colin and Kyle start by giving props to the latest ad from Solo Stove featuring Snoop Dogg before talking about the latest news regarding the 8 REI stores that are attempting to unionize as well as REI's recent labor woes and place in the outdoor industry and community (01:51).Then the pair go dee

Nov 22, 2023 • 35:15

Alaskan Survival: It's Race To Survive vs Outlast For The Outdoor TV Championship Belt

Alaskan Survival: It's Race To Survive vs Outlast For The Outdoor TV Championship Belt

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) we're breaking down two recently released Alaskan survival TV shows to see who takes home the outdoor pop culture championship belt and help you decide what to watch while eating your Thanksgiving leftovers. Who will win Race to Survive or Outlast?Building off of the success of shows like Eco-Challenge, Survivor, Alone and Naked & Afraid we have two new entrants into the survival TV Rock Fight: Netflix's Outlast and Peacock'

Nov 21, 2023 • 9:49

Gearjunkie Gets It Wrong, Pinkbike's Podcast Controversy & Heinz Ketchup Packets For Your Run

Gearjunkie Gets It Wrong, Pinkbike's Podcast Controversy & Heinz Ketchup Packets For Your Run

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin is joined by journalist Justin Housman to talk about notable headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community in the past week. The pair get into the following topics (with time codes):Listener email about Colin & Justin's Star Wars transgressions (02:04)Heinz ketchup packets as on the go nutrition for runners (05:44)Gearjunkie reverts to form and puts a murder trial verdict as it's lead story (08:40)Pinkbik

Nov 18, 2023 • 26:40

Backcountry.com Is Betting On Their Outdoor Competitors

Backcountry.com Is Betting On Their Outdoor Competitors

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin reacts to the press release put out this week by online outdoor retailer Backcountry.com about their new wholesale initiative to sell their in house apparel line to other retailers.Colin speculates what has caused Backcountry to make this decision and the challenges they'll face along the way before putting out the call to someone at Backcountry to join this rock fight and come on the show in a future episode.Please follow

Nov 16, 2023 • 8:27

Wool's On The Rise, Gearjunkie Gets It Right & You Need To Cool It With Your Outdoorsy Kid

Wool's On The Rise, Gearjunkie Gets It Right & You Need To Cool It With Your Outdoorsy Kid

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin talks about a few outdoor stories including news and ads from brands like Ibex, Icebreaker and the new shacket from Minus 33 that have wool trending upwards in the outdoor industry. He then applauds Gearjunkie for taking their coverage of the trial of cyclist Mo Wilson's alleged murderer off of their homepage. If you missed the criticism Colin and Justin levied at Gearjunkie a couple of weeks ago you can hear that here.La

Nov 13, 2023 • 12:17

Can Outdoor Retailer Make A Comeback? An Interview with OR Show Director Sean Smith

Can Outdoor Retailer Make A Comeback? An Interview with OR Show Director Sean Smith

A couple of weeks back right here on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin posited that it was last rites time for Outdoor Retailer and vowed not to talk about the long running outdoor industry trade show again unless something newsworthy happened.You can listen to that episode by clicking here.Not long after that Colin's phone rang with an offer to bring Show Director of Outdoor Retailer, Sean Smith, on to THE ROCK FIGHT to chat about the state of the show, what the s

Nov 9, 2023 • 53:59

The Outside Inc And CU Denver Gear Test Partnership

The Outside Inc And CU Denver Gear Test Partnership

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin gives his thoughts on the recent press release that announced a partnership between Outside, Inc and the University of Colorado Denver. On the surface the partnership between a media entity and an institution of higher learning focused on testing outdoor products may seem like a good idea, but if you pull back a few layers there are more questions than answers. Colin leans on his history working at a textile manufacturer t

Nov 7, 2023 • 9:41

The BLM's Moab Trail Closure, Columbia's Star Wars Ski Kit & Laird's New Outdoor Store

The BLM's Moab Trail Closure, Columbia's Star Wars Ski Kit & Laird's New Outdoor Store

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT, an outdoor podcast that aims for the head.Today on the show Colin & Justin break down some of the latest headlines to come out of the outdoor community and industry. What's happening in Moab? Do we need Laird's new polo shirt? Star Wars sucks now. And more!On the docket today (with time codes):The BLM Closes 317 Miles of Moab Trails to Off Road Vehicles (3:13)LAIRD opens their first store in Manhattan Beach, CA (13:02)Gearjunkie's "What you need to know" arti

Nov 4, 2023 • 29:23

Will The Outside Festival Actually Happen?

Will The Outside Festival Actually Happen?

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT, an outdoor podcast that aims for the head!Today on the show we welcome one of the brightest new voices in outdoor media: independent journalist Kyle Frost. Kyle previously covered Outside.io (Outside Inc's failed foray into the NFT world) and wrote an amazing piece on the announcement of the Outside Festival which they are billing as the "SXSW of the outdoors". Kyle is here on THE ROCK FIGHT to talk about the backstory and challenges of the festival, what the hell

Nov 2, 2023 • 27:14

2023 Halloween Special: The Blair Witch Project Outdoor Movie Review

2023 Halloween Special: The Blair Witch Project Outdoor Movie Review

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head)! To celebrate the best holiday on the calendar Colin & Justin watched and are reviewing (from an outdoorsy perspective) the 1999 found footage classic: THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT!Does The Blair Witch Project make them want to go outside (spoiler alert, no because this is a freaking scary movie)? Add a little rock fight to your Halloween to find out!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star review

Oct 31, 2023 • 24:38

Sanuk And Eureka! Get Dumped By Their Owners

Sanuk And Eureka! Get Dumped By Their Owners

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT, an outdoor podcast that aims for the head. Today Colin gives his thoughts on two outdoor headlines from the past week. First up is the news that Deckers is moving on from Sanuk (00:39). Was choosing Sanuk over Simple Shoes back in 2011 the right call in hindsight? Secondly Johnson Outdoors, Inc is shutting down 128 year old outdoor stalwart Eureka! (03:58). After a long history that includes products being present at seminal outdoor milestones what will the futur

Oct 30, 2023 • 7:59

Leatherman's Reward Program, Suunto Uses Your Head As An Antennae & More On Outside's Outdoor Festival

Leatherman's Reward Program, Suunto Uses Your Head As An Antennae & More On Outside's Outdoor Festival

Welcome to THE ROCK FIGHT, an outdoor podcast that aims for the head. Today on the show Colin & Justin read listener emails, one that is a response to Colin's views on mountain towns and another on the merits of Big Wednesday as an outdoor movie.Then the guys break down the following headlines out of the outdoor industry from the past week (time codes provided):Leatherman's New Rewards Program (10:23)The Suunto Wing's Bone-Sound Technology (14:09)Justin's Thoughts On The Recently Announced O

Oct 28, 2023 • 32:52

Mammut Is Coming For America, Outdoor Retailer's Tiny Winter Market & Outside Has An Outdoor Festival

Mammut Is Coming For America, Outdoor Retailer's Tiny Winter Market & Outside Has An Outdoor Festival

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT, an outdoor podcast that aims for the head, we dig into the following 3 outdoor headlines from the past week (time codes included for your listening pleasure):First up is the story that Mammut is pulling out all of the stops to get their North American business over $100m by 2028 (00:58)Outdoor Retailer Winter Market reveals a tiny floor plan for the upcoming show (05:30)Outside and The Big Gear Show announced The Outside Festival for 2024 and they seem to be missing the

Oct 23, 2023 • 11:52

ALL IS LOST Is The Greatest Outdoor Movie Ever Made

ALL IS LOST Is The Greatest Outdoor Movie Ever Made

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT, an outdoor podcast that aims for the head. Today we not only have another outdoor movie review for you, we have an outdoor movie review of the greatest outdoor movie ever made: ALL IS LOST!Why does this 2013 JC Chandor movie that stars Jeremiah Johnson himself, Robert Redford hold the best outdoor movie of all time championship belt? Listen to this episode of THE ROCK FIGHT to find out!Please subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star review wherever you get

Oct 18, 2023 • 8:48

Crocs Makes A Cowboy Boot, Eddie Bauer's New Logo & Risk vs Reward In The Outdoors

Crocs Makes A Cowboy Boot, Eddie Bauer's New Logo & Risk vs Reward In The Outdoors

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin & Justin take on the latest outdoor headlines from the past week! On the agenda:Crocs releases a cowboy boot for Crocs day (1:55)SmartWool partners with thredUP for a new secondhand initiative (7:20)Eddie Bauer revises their logo so a cursiveless generation can read it (11:50)Killian Jornet has a big week in the mountains and that leads to Justin & Colin talking about risk versus reward in the outdoors (17:10)Pleas

Oct 15, 2023 • 36:38

Mountain Hardwear & Inov8: Breaking Down Two Outdoor Rebrands

Mountain Hardwear & Inov8: Breaking Down Two Outdoor Rebrands

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast that aims for the head.Last week there were two outdoor rebrands announced. Trail running shoe brand Inov8 dropped the hyphen (it used to be Inov-8) as well as changed their mark and outdoor stalwart Mountain Hardwear updated the consumer experience on their website by leaning into their heritage.Today on the show brand and tradeshow critic Booth MacGyver stops by to talk about these changes and break down the greatest brand blunder of all time:

Oct 12, 2023 • 19:39

3 Rules For Living In A Mountain Or Outdoor Town

3 Rules For Living In A Mountain Or Outdoor Town

Welcome to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast that aims for the head and today it's THE MOUNTAIN TOWN TAKEDOWN! There are some things that people who move to mountain towns really need to do differently and THE ROCK FIGHT is here to help! Today we'll tell you the three rules you need to follow if you live in a mountain town or if you aspire to live in a mountain town. Listen and share with the mountain town folks in your life.Please subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star review whereve

Oct 10, 2023 • 13:59

A Canadian Grizzly Attack, Columbia Attempts To Make A New Outdoor Category & A Cheater In Wales

A Canadian Grizzly Attack, Columbia Attempts To Make A New Outdoor Category & A Cheater In Wales

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT, an outdoor podcast that aims for the head. Today Colin & Justin dig into recent headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community including the recent theft of a shipment of Bedrock Mountain Clogs, Columbia trying to make Overlanding shoes a thing, a deadly grizzly attack in Canada and the runner who tried to cheat their way to a 21st place finish at a half marathon in Wales. Tales From The Trail/Bedrock Stolen Clogs: 2:07Columbia's Landroamer Launch

Oct 8, 2023 • 38:41

The Rab Rebuttal: An Outdoor Brand Fires Back At The Rock Fight!

The Rab Rebuttal: An Outdoor Brand Fires Back At The Rock Fight!

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT! An outdoor podcast that aims for your head and folks, today is the rock fight of the year.Back in March Colin & Justin responded to UK outdoor brand Rab's launch of Cinder, their self described 'adventure cycling' line with an episode of the show that discussed the challenges of branching into a new category and the inherent marketing BS that comes with promoting something new. Rab was the example that sparked the conversation but this is something that happe

Oct 5, 2023 • 42:59

MEG 2: THE TRENCH An Outdoor Movie Review

MEG 2: THE TRENCH An Outdoor Movie Review

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT, an outdoor podcast that aims for the head.THE MEG surprised Colin by fulfilling it's destiny as a true outdoor movie and making him want to go outside. Can it's recently released sequel, THE MEG 2: THE TRENCH do the same? Check out this episode of THE ROCK FIGHT to find out!Please follow THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star review wherever you get your podcasts.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a mess

Oct 3, 2023 • 7:10

Reinhold Messner Stripped Of A World Record, Whoop Pimps AI, Another Outdoor Retailer Bites The Dust

Reinhold Messner Stripped Of A World Record, Whoop Pimps AI, Another Outdoor Retailer Bites The Dust

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast that aims for your head! Today on the show Colin & Justin weigh in on recent headlines to come out of the outdoor industry and community. The boys break down the Guinness Book of World Records stripping Reinhold Messner of two records, Erin Ton's controversial FKT, Whoop's new AI product and the latest outdoor retailer to have (most of) their doors shuttered and another one that added a new location.Please follow THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a

Oct 1, 2023 • 41:49

The State Of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion In The Outdoor Industry

The State Of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion In The Outdoor Industry

For an industry built on the accomplishments of skinny white men standing on mountain tops, furthering DEI efforts in the Outdoor Industry has been, let's say, challenging.Brands try to say and do the right thing but long lasting efforts to create change and represent different races, genders and those with disabilities in an industry that supports transformative outdoor experiences have had a tough time finding traction.Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for your head) we wel

Sep 28, 2023 • 54:40

Top 5 Lessons Learned From A Year Without Running

Top 5 Lessons Learned From A Year Without Running

It's been a year since Colin entered Running Retirement. What has he learned? Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for your head) Colin reflects on his 48th birthday which coincides with when he had to give up running and offers 5 lessons he's learned over the last 12 months.Listen to why Colin retired from running here.Please follow THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star review wherever you get your podcasts.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myro

Sep 26, 2023 • 11:09

Chaco's New Boots, Outdoor Peril And A Bike Review Of The Hudski Doggler

Chaco's New Boots, Outdoor Peril And A Bike Review Of The Hudski Doggler

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head)! This is part 2 of our weekend release extravaganza!On this episode Justin offers a review of his new bike, the Hudski Doggler as the boys make plans for an upcoming Bay Area bikepacking trip.Then they take a look at new products from Chaco before getting into recent stories about outdoorsy people who got into trouble including a caver in Istanbul and a hiker in Alaska.If you missed part 1 where the guys go deep on the ou

Sep 24, 2023 • 18:26

Overloaded With Outdoor Stuff: A Listener Chimes In

Overloaded With Outdoor Stuff: A Listener Chimes In

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT it's part 1 of a two part Justin Housman extravaganza! On part 1 a listener weighs in on our recent episode recapping Houdini Sportswear's announcement about their new circular store in Stockholm. If you missed that you can listen to it here.Justin and Colin dig into the 'too much stuff' issue facing the outdoor industry and give examples of brands who are starting to provide solutions. Listen to this episode and then check out part 2 where the guys talk through some rece

Sep 24, 2023 • 17:34

Houdini's New Store: Can It Change The Outdoor Industry?

Houdini's New Store: Can It Change The Outdoor Industry?

On Tuesday of this week outdoor apparel brand Houdini announced that it was opening a new store in Stockholm that would allow 'customers to choose how they access their garments' with options to rent, subscribe or purchase new or secondhand Houdini sportswear.This move by Houdini further points out the issues the larger outdoor apparel world faces in the amount of product that gets made and the way in which it is made. Read the entire press release by clicking here.Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an ou

Sep 20, 2023 • 11:13

An Outdoor Movie Review of THE MEG!

An Outdoor Movie Review of THE MEG!

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for your head) Colin gives his thoughts on the 2018 giant shark movie THE MEG which stars Jason Statham as...eh, who cares who Statham is starring as in this movie...that's not what THE MEG is all about!Does THE MEG make Colin want to go outside (the mark of a good outdoor movie)? Can Colin offend anyone who likes Warren Miller films (please say yes)? Will you have to wait long until Colin reviews THE MEG 2: THE TRENCH (most definitely not)?

Sep 18, 2023 • 7:42

Dauwalter, Walmsley & Sabbe Set Records, Lowa ATR On Shelves And Getting Rid Of An Outdoor Trend

Dauwalter, Walmsley & Sabbe Set Records, Lowa ATR On Shelves And Getting Rid Of An Outdoor Trend

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for your head) Colin resumes his rock fight with Lowa's new ATR line of trail runners that are now available to purchase (listen to his conversation on THE ROCK FIGHT with Peter Verry here) questions why we value big accomplishments like what has been in the news recently (UTMB course records by Courtney Dauwalter & Jim Walmsley and an FKT by Karl Sabbe) and punts on a current trend that has roots in the outdoor industry (read about it he

Sep 15, 2023 • 12:33

Flashback & Feedback: The Original Outdoor Rock Fights

Flashback & Feedback: The Original Outdoor Rock Fights

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast that aims for your head!As we close in on 100 episodes it's time to have a look back at some of the original hot takes that kicked off the show last December and today is all about getting your feedback. Listen as Colin checks in on three of the OG rock fights and then send your thoughts to myrockfight@gmail.com or dm us on Instagram or Threads. Do you agree that Crocs are terrible or that skiing at a resort is not an outdoor activity? Send Co

Sep 13, 2023 • 10:36

Gran Fondos for All: Expanding the Horizons of Outdoor Sports

Gran Fondos for All: Expanding the Horizons of Outdoor Sports

Cycling figured it out with the Gran Fondo. A gathering with no pressure and a celebration of the activity and the community.So why don't we have the equivalent of the Gran Fondo for every other outdoor adventure sport? Running in particular relies on races for the runners to gather even if only a small percentage of racers can actually win any given race.Today on THE ROCK FIGHT Colin talks about the how the running community (and every other segment of those who go outside) could benefit from

Sep 11, 2023 • 9:49

The Illusion of Innovation In The Modern Outdoor Industry

The Illusion of Innovation In The Modern Outdoor Industry

Two weeks ago Colin & Justin gave their thoughts on Puffin Drinkwear (listen to that episode here) and how the brand that makes cute coozies for your beer should really offer some sort of performance advantage if it was going to operate like an 'outdoor brand'. After receiving listener feedback on the topic Colin decided a deeper dive was necessary.Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for your head) Colin gives you the history of innovation in the outdoor industry, why we g

Sep 8, 2023 • 11:57

Jam Bands Are Dead: A Sonic Shift for the Outdoor Community

Jam Bands Are Dead: A Sonic Shift for the Outdoor Community

When all of Colin's outdoorsy friends and former colleagues were rushing to see The Dead & Company this past summer it became obvious that the old guard of the outdoor community is on life support. A new soundtrack is required for the outdoors. It's time to say goodbye to jam bands and adopt punk as the musical genre that defines who we are as a community and industry! Join Colin and find out why this is the only choice by listening to this episode of THE ROCK FIGHT: Outdoor Ideas That Ai

Sep 6, 2023 • 10:06

The Great Indoors: An Outdoor Family Hits The Gym

The Great Indoors: An Outdoor Family Hits The Gym

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast that aims for the head, Colin talks about a summer spent in the gym with his family, how working out indoors with his wife and kids provides the same feelings you get from a day on the trails and how outdoorsy parents can be just as bad about mountain sports as overly invested team sports parents can be about soccer or football.You also don't want to miss it when Colin breaks down his famous TRIPLE B RULE which is a tactic that can benefit any parent,

Sep 4, 2023 • 12:04

HOKA's are Everywhere, Skratch Labs Takes On Betty Crocker, RIP Midwest Mountaineering and More Outdoor Topics!

HOKA's are Everywhere, Skratch Labs Takes On Betty Crocker, RIP Midwest Mountaineering and More Outdoor Topics!

Today on The Rock Fight Colin and Justin address listener feedback from last weeks show including a listener spotted correction and a sport that is challenging Pickleball's dominance in the 'anyone can do it' category.Then the guys run through outdoor headlines including Justin's recent review of the Specialized Turbo Levo e-mountain bike on Adventure Journal's blog, Skratch Labs entering the instant cookie market, HOKA being the newest shoe for Karen's and Dad's everywhere and celebrating the l

Sep 1, 2023 • 34:29

Puffin Drinkwear Is The Worst, Moots Makes A Big Wheel, The End Of Pickleball Corner and an Outdoor Listener Mailbag

Puffin Drinkwear Is The Worst, Moots Makes A Big Wheel, The End Of Pickleball Corner and an Outdoor Listener Mailbag

On today's episode of THE ROCK FIGHT Colin & Justin crack open a mailbag of listener rock fights and run through a slate of outdoor headlines including Moots new 750d gravel bike, the abomination that is Puffin Drinkwear and potentially the last ever ROCK FIGHT trip to Pickleball Corner.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Subscribe to Adventure Journal to get more Justin Housman in your life.Supp

Aug 29, 2023 • 29:51

An Outdoor Journalist Weighs In On Outside's AI Chatbot

An Outdoor Journalist Weighs In On Outside's AI Chatbot

Today on the show Adventure Journal's Justin Housman returns from a weekend in the wilderness to give his thoughts on Scout, the outdoor trip planning AI Chatbot featured in a recent episode of the Outside Podcast, and discussed by Colin here on THE ROCK FIGHT.If you haven't already listened to that episode of THE ROCK FIGHT check it out here. On this episode Justin and Colin talk about how the discovery and learning are elements that come with the planning of adventures, how embracing AI could

Aug 26, 2023 • 29:44

From Summits to Sidewalks: The Rise of Urban Hiking with Miles Howard

From Summits to Sidewalks: The Rise of Urban Hiking with Miles Howard

If I asked you where you go hiking you'd probably rattle off a bunch of trails that snake up mountains, past streams and are generally all dirt. But if I told you there was a growing movement within the outdoor community to take hiking to the streets? Today on THE ROCK FIGHT journalist Miles Howard sits down to talk about Boston's Walking City Trail and HIKING EVERY CITY, his initiative to get urban areas connected by their green spaces and change the way we look at hiking here in the United St

Aug 24, 2023 • 37:08

Outside Unveils An AI Chatbot And All It Cost Was Their Soul

Outside Unveils An AI Chatbot And All It Cost Was Their Soul

If you're an outdoor enthusiast of a certain age, it is likely that Outside has played an important role in your life of outdoor adventure. There was a time when they were the outdoor community's authority, our leader. Outside Magazine provided destinations, products, and knowledge for an outdoorsy lifestyle better than anyone.But that was a long time ago. Over the past few years, Outside has struggled to maintain their relevance in our space so their recent announcement (via an episode of the

Aug 22, 2023 • 12:57

Electronic Clothing, Belt Buckles, Listener Mailbag & Pickleball Corner

Electronic Clothing, Belt Buckles, Listener Mailbag & Pickleball Corner

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! First up, Justin Housman was supposed to be backpacking through Yosemite National Park but instead he's on THE ROCK FIGHT. Find out what happened.Then we open up the mailbag as Colin & Justin respond to listener feedback and questions.Finally Colin & Justin go through this weeks outdoor headlines including a new line from Primus, new belt buckles from Arcade, the release of an on water navigation app from NRS, t

Aug 17, 2023 • 37:14

The American West on The Pony Express with Will Grant (feat Chicken Fry & Badger)

The American West on The Pony Express with Will Grant (feat Chicken Fry & Badger)

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Outdoor adventure is ingrained in the soul of every listener of THE ROCK FIGHT. And it's our daily adventures that keep the dream of bigger outings alive. Bigger outings like retracing THE PONY EXPRESS from Missouri to California on horseback as journalist Will Grant did in 2019; a journey he recounts in his new book: THE LAST RIDE OF THE PONY EXPRESS.Today on THE ROCK FIGHT, Will stops by to talk about his trip, the A

Aug 15, 2023 • 40:42

Salewa's New Trekking Line, Run Retail Goes After Pickleball and Do Branded Materials Matter?

Salewa's New Trekking Line, Run Retail Goes After Pickleball and Do Branded Materials Matter?

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Today Colin & Justin catch up on their latest and upcoming outdoor adventures, the value of crowded National Parks and a bad encounter at a mountain town outdoor retailer. Then they dig into some recent headlines including new product lines from Outdoor Research & Salewa, run retailers who are getting into the Pickleball world and debate the value of branded fabric in outdoor apparel. All this and a few other

Aug 10, 2023 • 44:58

Outdoor Brands Make Too Much Stuff with GEARTRADE's Aaron Provine

Outdoor Brands Make Too Much Stuff with GEARTRADE's Aaron Provine

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Our outdoor community has a stuff problem. Brands keep making way more stuff than we need and there's not a lot of motivation for them to stop. Today on the show, owner and president of GEARTRADE, Aaron Provine joins THE ROCK FIGHT to talk about how outdoor brands, the resale category, the impact brands are creating in the world and how consumers can approach changing their shopping habits to put secondhand first. Las

Aug 9, 2023 • 30:43

Outdoor Research Expands into MTB, Defending Speaker Guy & A Mailbag of Listener Rock Fights

Outdoor Research Expands into MTB, Defending Speaker Guy & A Mailbag of Listener Rock Fights

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Today on THE ROCK FIGHT Colin digs into the announcement that Outdoor Research is expanding into mountain bike apparel (00:38), how to deal with the folks who like to blare the bluetooth while biking and skiing (10:57) and lastly Colin opens up the mailbag and addresses some rock fights that have been picked by our listeners (16:44)!Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.co

Aug 2, 2023 • 25:29

National Lampoon's VACATION: An Outdoor Movie Review

National Lampoon's VACATION: An Outdoor Movie Review

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! It's time for another outdoor movie review here on THE ROCK FIGHT and today Justin and Colin are watching NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo.They cover what makes this a classic outdoor movie, the best and worst outdoor moments, the best use of gear or apparel and answer the question: Does this movie make you want to go outside? Support our sponsors!Head over to Gear Trade to turn you

Jul 28, 2023 • 35:43

You Can't Be Outdoorsy If You Haven't Climbed A Rock

You Can't Be Outdoorsy If You Haven't Climbed A Rock

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Today on THE ROCK FIGHT Colin digs into a requirement for anyone looking to live an outdoorsy lifestyle: You have to go ROCK CLIMBING! You don't need to be or become a rock climber, you just need to do it at least once in order to gain your outdoorsy street cred.Then Colin gives an update on what's happening with THE ROCK FIGHT and how your support has helped to grow the show. Want to be featured in our upcoming mailba

Jul 27, 2023 • 12:26

How Do We Fix Gear Reviews?

How Do We Fix Gear Reviews?

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Are gear reviews anything more than easy content to fill up the pages or websites of outdoor media companies? Today on THE ROCK FIGHT Colin and Justin (one of the outdoor industry's most notable gear reviewers) review the gear review. What's good about them, what needs to improve and do we really have anything left to say. They start the show with Tales from the Trail where there is a lot of summer water chatter as wel

Jul 20, 2023 • 47:54

The Sports Nutrition Draft with Jules Lambries

The Sports Nutrition Draft with Jules Lambries

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Today on THE ROCK FIGHT Colin's friend and former boss Jules Lambries joins to talk about building PROBAR from a tasty new product to a competitive brand during a two year road trip with his family. Then Colin and Jules draft their best sports nutrition teams with categories like bar, gel, beverage and real food. It's a full meal of the best portable nutrition has to offer today on THE ROCK FIGHT!Support our sponsors!H

Jul 18, 2023 • 33:34

Don't Do Parking Lot Laps

Don't Do Parking Lot Laps

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Do you keep running or riding when you get back to your car just because you didn't hit a mileage goal? Yeah, don't do that. Tell the demons in your head it's ok and go get a burrito. Support our sponsors!Head over to Gear Trade to turn your unused gear and apparel into cash money or to pick up that piece of gear you need for your next adventure! Check out Long Weekend Coffee! From Adventure Journal founder Steve Casimi

Jul 14, 2023 • 7:22

The Tree Army Boys of the CCC with David Meerman Scott

The Tree Army Boys of the CCC with David Meerman Scott

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Can you tell us what the CCC stands for? Before reading THE TREE ARMY BOYS by David Meerman Scott in the latest issue of MOUNTAIN GAZETTE there was a damn good chance that neither could we. But as it turns out, much of the infrastructure that our outdoor community enjoys was built by this initiative from the 1930's.Today on THE ROCK FIGHT, David Meerman Scott stops by to talk about the CCC and what he learned researchin

Jul 13, 2023 • 32:38

Deliverance: An Outdoor Movie Review

Deliverance: An Outdoor Movie Review

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Does this movie make you want to go outside? If the answer is yes it's the highest acclaim an outdoor film can achieve and it's what Colin & Justin are going to decide today with the 1972 classic ...DELIVERANCE! They'll also cover why DELIVERANCE is included as an outdoor movie, the best and worst outdoor moments in the film, the best use of outdoor gear, apparel and footwear and listing all of the outdoor lessons y

Jul 11, 2023 • 52:59

The Outdoor Implications of Apple's Vision Pro

The Outdoor Implications of Apple's Vision Pro

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! A few weeks back Apple unveiled Vision Pro, a headset which aims to integrate personal computing and entertainment with your field of vision and mixing your personal reality with your digital reality. Today on THE ROCK FIGHT Justin and Colin talk about their different views on the implication of something like this entering our lives as people who aim to reduce our screen time in the name of getting outside. Listen to

Jul 6, 2023 • 51:43

In Defense of Lance Armstrong

In Defense of Lance Armstrong

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Today on THE ROCK FIGHT it's a celebration of the TOUR de FRANCE and the reason why many of us started riding bikes or even cared about the Tour in the first place: LANCE ARMSTRONG. Is it possible to separate the feelings we felt in the early 2000's from the fallout of the 2010's? Yes. The answer is yes. Listen to hear more! Support our sponsors!Head over to Gear Trade to turn your unused gear and apparel into cash m

Jul 4, 2023 • 12:19

Actually, Cotton Does Kill: A Rebuttal with Shawnté Salabert

Actually, Cotton Does Kill: A Rebuttal with Shawnté Salabert

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Today on THE ROCK FIGHT, journalist, author and backpacker Shawnté Salabert returns to offer a rebuttal to Colin's take on the phrase 'Cotton Kills'. She believes there is a real educational value in the expression and Colin needs to stop endangering the lives of new outdoorsy people immediately. Will he acquiesce? Listen to find out! Listen to Colin's original take on Cotton Kills here.Support our sponsors!Head over

Jun 28, 2023 • 13:03

Moonrise Kingdom: An Outdoor Movie Review

Moonrise Kingdom: An Outdoor Movie Review

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Wes Anderson's new movie ASTEROID CITY opens tomorrow, so today we're taking a look at one his most outdoorsy movies: MOONRISE KINGDOM! Colin and Justin talk about the production of the movie, the cast, the gear, the outdoorsy moments and (most importantly) decide if MOONRISE KINGDOM makes them want to go outside. Tell us another outdoor podcast who gives you as much for your money as THE ROCK FIGHT?! If there is one em

Jun 22, 2023 • 32:14

Crowning the Best Backpacking Pillow with Shawnté Salabert (feat Pillow Jason Mamoa)

Crowning the Best Backpacking Pillow with Shawnté Salabert (feat Pillow Jason Mamoa)

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Backpacking pillows are a sneaky underrated piece of outdoor gear that have not gotten the attention they deserve by most outdoor media outlets and gear reviewers. The good folks over at Treeline Review wanted to change that so recently they charged journalist and backpacker Shawnté Salabert with evaluating the 10 most popular models of backpacking pillows and picking the best of the lot. Today on THE ROCK FIGHT Shawnt

Jun 20, 2023 • 39:36

Boston's New Hiking Trail & Why the East Coast Rules with Mike Rogge

Boston's New Hiking Trail & Why the East Coast Rules with Mike Rogge

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Today on the show we're throwing some love at the east coast. Editor of Mountain Gazette, Mike Rogge, returns to THE ROCK FIGHT to tell Colin about the new Walking City Trail that recently came to life in the city of Boston, MA. Colin & Mike also talk about what makes the east coast of the United States special from an outdoorsy and cultural point of view. Make sure to press play to get the best outdoor content y

Jun 15, 2023 • 30:31

Jeremiah Johnson: An Outdoor Movie Review

Jeremiah Johnson: An Outdoor Movie Review

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! A lot of movies can be considered 'outdoor' but there are some that are first ballot hall of fame, Mount Rushmore style titles that everyone knows as an outdoorsy flick. JEREMIAH JOHNSON is one of those movies. Today on THE ROCK FIGHT, Justin & Colin break down the outdoorsy moments and the gear representation in JEREMIAH JOHNSON, one of the most influential outdoorsy themed movies ever made.You just can't find ou

Jun 13, 2023 • 48:51

Mountain Biking Does NOT Suck with Mr. Adam X

Mountain Biking Does NOT Suck with Mr. Adam X

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Fellow podcaster and outdoor enthusiast Mr. Adam X from The Out of Collective recently put up a podcast called Mountain Biking Sucks where he offers a bunch of hot takes about cycling. After Colin finished listening to the episode, and swearing at his car stereo, he hit up Adam and insisted on a rebuttal podcast for THE ROCK FIGHT, to which Adam agreed! Click play to hear these two dig into the finer aspects of mountain

Jun 8, 2023 • 55:30

Kelly Slater's New Shoes! The KLLY Sandal Review

Kelly Slater's New Shoes! The KLLY Sandal Review

Welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT an outdoor podcast where we aim for the head! Today on the show Justin Housman reviews the new sandal from legendary surfer Kelly Slater, KLLY. Made with recycled materials and a midsole that is derived from algae, KLLY claims to be creating a cleaner world through the creation of their shoes. Justin has been wearing the flip flops so we start with a straight gear review before we get into claims made by the brand and the branding itself. Can making anything be

Jun 6, 2023 • 53:05

Can Camping Be Comfortable? A Rebuttal with Matt Liddle

Can Camping Be Comfortable? A Rebuttal with Matt Liddle

It's time for another rebuttal! Matt Liddle from Snow Peak USA is picking a rock fight with Colin over Colin's takes on camping. First that a bed in a hotel is better than camping out and second that complex camp meals are overrated. Hear both of those episodes of THE ROCK FIGHT here and here. Snow Peak is the authority when it comes to camping so Matt is here to convince Colin he's wrong and teach him the ways of the Jedi Camper. Who wins this battle royal? You'll have to listen to find out.

Jun 1, 2023 • 36:54

The Big Adventure Vehicle Breakdown

The Big Adventure Vehicle Breakdown

What do you drive? Do your outdoor pursuits influence the kind of car you own? Today on THE ROCK FIGHT Colin & Justin go deep on the vehicles that get us to the trails, mountains and put ins. From the venerable Jeep Cherokee to the over exposed Toyota Tacoma to topics like Vanlife they cover all the car trends that impact your life in the outdoors. Listen to or read THE ROCK FIGHT that started it all: https://rockfight.co/home/jeepThis episode of THE ROCK FIGHT is brought to you by LONG WEE

May 31, 2023 • 1:07:27

Mountain Bike Suspension Part 2: The Stanchion Strikes Back!

Mountain Bike Suspension Part 2: The Stanchion Strikes Back!

Mountain Bike Suspension is Pointless. One of our most popular and divisive episodes in which Colin posits that suspension on a mountain bike is, well, pointless. Since that episode Colin has rediscovered some of the benefits of squish on a bike. Does that mean he's ready to change his tune? Listen to find out! Listen to or read THE ROCK FIGHT that started it all: https://rockfight.co/home/mountain-bike-suspensionThis episode of THE ROCK FIGHT is brought to you by LONG WEEKEND COFFEE. Head to

May 30, 2023 • 8:57

Jorts, Button Downs and Looking Rad in the Outdoors

Jorts, Button Downs and Looking Rad in the Outdoors

Whether you're a newb, a kook or a seasoned backcountry guide, we all want to look good when head outdoors and none of us can ignore that little voice that judges what others have on. Today on THE ROCK FIGHT Colin and Justin go deep on why we can be so judgey when it comes to what others choose to wear on their adventures, the tribalism inherent in our community and why jorts are objectively rad. What are your thoughts on backcountry fashion? Send your comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gma

May 25, 2023 • 43:22

Captain Fantastic: An Outdoor Movie Review

Captain Fantastic: An Outdoor Movie Review

Happy Noam Chomsky day! Colin and Justin are here for another outdoor movie review, this time they watched 2016's CAPTAIN FANTASTIC. They talk about how well the gear, outdoor settings and outdoor activities were portrayed and whether or not it's ok to allow your (very young) children to dig up their dead mother even if her last will & testament was not being honored (spoiler alert: it's not). Full spoiler warning for Captain Fantastic on this, the latest episode of THE ROCK FIGHT! What d

May 23, 2023 • 33:05

The Cycling Apparel Rules

The Cycling Apparel Rules

Are you a roadie? A mountain biker? A graveler? Do you know the rules of how to dress when riding your favorite bike? Listen to this episode of THE ROCK FIGHT to make sure you do. Agree? Disagree? Want to pick a fight with THE ROCK FIGHT? What do you like you to wear on your favorite bike? Send your comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com. THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. www.rockfight.co

May 18, 2023 • 9:16

Mountain Bike Newbs vs Surf Kooks and the Value of Trying Something New

Mountain Bike Newbs vs Surf Kooks and the Value of Trying Something New

Is there a difference between a 'newb' and a 'kook'? Is localism a surf only problem or does bad behavior extend to mountain biking and other outdoor sports? On today's episode of THE ROCK FIGHT Colin and Justin Housman dig into these questions before talking about the value of trying of new things; something any outdork should make a concerted effort to try and do as often as possible! What are your experiences with newbs or kooks? Have you recently started a new outdoor sport, tried learning a

May 16, 2023 • 49:16

Awarding the Adventure TV Championship Belt

Awarding the Adventure TV Championship Belt

In the past year there have been three shows that have done a great job capturing the best aspects of our community: The Climb on HBOPinkbike Academy on YouTube100 Foot Wave on HBOPreviously on THE ROCK FIGHT Colin recapped the first four episodes of The Climb season 1 and now he's back to talk about how that show wrapped up as well as give his thoughts on Pinkbike Academy and 100 Foot Wave. Listen now to hear who is the current reigning champ of adventure sports television! What's your favori

May 11, 2023 • 14:59

Outdoor Parenting and Endurance Sports plus a Second Opinion on Bedrock Mtn Clogs

Outdoor Parenting and Endurance Sports plus a Second Opinion on Bedrock Mtn Clogs

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT Colin & Justin start digging into the topic of outdoor parents and parenting by shining a light on the pitfalls of combining outdoor endurance aspirations with raising your kids. Outdoor parents is a topic we're going to revisit often on THE ROCK FIGHT, so consider this part of 1 of a 10,000 part series. Then, it's time for Bedrock's Mountain Clogs part 2! Colin finally got some Mtn Clogs on his size 13 dogs and wants to offer his own ratings for this hot new shoe.

May 9, 2023 • 54:53

Coffee & Adventure with Steve Casimiro

Coffee & Adventure with Steve Casimiro

Can you even have an adventure without first having coffee? Today on THE ROCK FIGHT we're talking about the intersection of the outdoors and coffee as we chat with the founder of Adventure Journal and the newly launched LONG WEEKEND coffee company, Steve Casimiro. We get into the role coffee has played in our lives and how both adventure and coffee inspire optimism and happiness. So brew up a pot of joe and enjoy this freshly made podcast...welcome back to THE ROCK FIGHT. Do you enjoy daily coff

May 4, 2023 • 36:05

The Backyard Trail

The Backyard Trail

The best trails are not the trails that everyone has heard of and aspires to ride, run or hike. The best trails are local. The trails you have out your back door. Agree? Disagree? What do you love about your backyard trail? Send your comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com. THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. www.rockfightllc.com

May 2, 2023 • 6:03

The Future of Mountain Towns with PaddyO

The Future of Mountain Towns with PaddyO

Mountain towns are the epicenters of our outdoor world. Cool places built on accessibility to amazing outdoor adventure and the outdoorsy lifestyle, these towns attract outdoor enthusiasts as well as plenty of people with money who are seeking the status that living in a mountain town can afford. A recent episode of the Outside Podcast titled 'To Save the Soul of a Mountain Town' captured some of the struggles that have resulted as dirtbag adventure seekers have been priced out of these places

Apr 27, 2023 • 25:40

Stickering Your Adventure Whip

Stickering Your Adventure Whip

There are certain rules that you need to adhere to when putting stickers on your adventure vehicle. Today we go through each of them including, the one sticker that should never....EVER....adorn the back of your car. Do you love stickers? Do you put them on your car? Laptop? Water bottle? What are your rules for what gets stickered and when? Send your comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com. THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. www.rockfightllc.com

Apr 25, 2023 • 6:58

Secondhand First with Sophie Benson

Secondhand First with Sophie Benson

Shopping for new gear and apparel is fraught with peril. Even if you find something made without forever chemicals and with the highest amount of recycled content possible you still have to consider what to do when you are done using it to keep it from the inevitable graveyard: the landfill. What's a consumer to do? That's the question we asked today's guest, Sophie Benson and her answer? Think secondhand first.Sophie is an environmental fashion journalist who has written extensively about fast

Apr 20, 2023 • 44:39

First Blood: An Outdoor Movie Review

First Blood: An Outdoor Movie Review

It's over, Johnny! Today we are heading back to 1982 and to the origin of the modern action movie as we watch FIRST BLOOD to offer another outdoor movie review! And by 'we' we mean we! Justin Housman is here today to give his thoughts on this Sylvester Stallone classic and it was the first time he's seen the movie. So hunker down in an old mine shaft, roast some wild boar, make a sweet homemade torch and listen to see if FIRST BLOOD will get THE ROCK FIGHT stamp of approval! THE ROCK FIGHT is a

Apr 19, 2023 • 42:28

Snowsports Rule But Winter Sucks

Snowsports Rule But Winter Sucks

Winter, your time has come. You have gaslit us into believing you're a season worth celebrating but you're mostly inconvenient and uncomfortable. Snowsports rule, but Winter, you suck. Agree? Disagree? Have thoughts or opinions on Winter? Summer? Spring? Fall? Send your comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com. THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. www.rockfightllc.com

Apr 18, 2023 • 8:11

Sunglasses: A Rebuttal with Paddy O'Connell

Sunglasses: A Rebuttal with Paddy O'Connell

Apparently another nerve has been touched because today, journalist, podcaster and THE ROCK FIGHT superfan, Paddy O'Connell, is entering the arena to return fire on Colin's take that ski goggle inspired sunglasses are the worst. Who is right? Who is wrong? Send your opinions, comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com. Listen to the episode that started a war: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f200fb3e-c865-4d35-90e2-4a02f68c95e7Check out all of PaddyO's work by heading to www.paddyroc

Apr 13, 2023 • 19:40

Our Top 5 Most Hardcore Moments (so far)

Our Top 5 Most Hardcore Moments (so far)

Yesterday you got the rules for being hardcore in 2023. Today we're getting even more hardcore as we breakdown what it means to be a hardcore outdoorist with Adventure Journal's Justin Housman. We'll try to figure out why being hardcore is so important to the outdoor community before we each list our top 5 most hardcore moments from our lives (so far). What is your most hardcore moment? Send your comments and feedback to myrockfight@gmail.com. Did you miss yesterday's episode about being 'HARDCO

Apr 12, 2023 • 50:32

(Don't Try To Be) Hardcore

(Don't Try To Be) Hardcore

Would you call yourself 'HARDCORE'? If so, that automatically makes you not 'HARDCORE' and in fact, it actually makes you a poseur. To hear all of the rules around being 'HARDCORE', listen to this episode of THE ROCK FIGHT. Agree? Disagree? Think you're hardcore and proud to say so? Send your comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com. THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC. www.rockfightllc.com

Apr 11, 2023 • 7:04

THE CLIMB Season 1, Episodes 1 - 4 Recap

THE CLIMB Season 1, Episodes 1 - 4 Recap

Colin is rolling solo today as he reacts and recaps the first four episodes of HBO's Chris Sharma and Jason Mamoa fronted rock climbing reality show, THE CLIMB. He breaks down what he likes about the show, the issues holding the show back and offers his predictions for episodes 5-8. Full spoilers abound so if you haven't watched THE CLIMB boot up HBO Max and check it out! What are your thoughts on THE CLIMB or any other outdoor themed TV shows? Send your comments and suggestions to myrockfight@

Apr 6, 2023 • 17:16

Priority Sauce: A Gear Review

Priority Sauce: A Gear Review

It's bike season! To kick it off, Justin Housman is here to to review Priority Bicycles new rig the Priority Sauce. A belt driven, low maintenance 'do anything' bike. Is this steed worthy of your attention? Listen to get the verdict! Do you have a Priority Sauce or another bike with a belt drive? We want to hear your thoughts! Send your comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com. Check out the Priority Sauce here: https://www.prioritybicycles.com/products/sauceRead Justin's written rev

Apr 5, 2023 • 17:29

Power Ranking The All Time Top 20 Campfire Songs

Power Ranking The All Time Top 20 Campfire Songs

Today we're power ranking the top 20 campfire songs ever. So pick up your acoustic guitar and tear into a cover of one of these legendary ballads of the fire pit! If you are unfamiliar with any of these songs or just want to revisit one of your favorites, check out the full list and listen to them all by heading to: https://rockfightllc.com/powerrankingspopculture Send your feedback, omissions, revised positioning, comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com. THE ROCK FIGHT is a productio

Apr 4, 2023 • 12:33

Blue Crush: An Outdoor Movie Review

Blue Crush: An Outdoor Movie Review

Let's head back to 2022 when the music was an all time low, frosted tips were at an all time high and on the island of Oahu everyone was getting excited for the all female edition of Pipe Masters. That's right it's time to crush on some NFL quarterbacks while waiting to get barreled and watch...BLUE CRUSH! Will BLUE CRUSH receive THE ROCK FIGHT stamp of approval or will be forced to erase it from all human consciousness? Check out this Outdoor Movie Review to find out! Agree? Disagree? Have an

Mar 30, 2023 • 6:25

The Free Race Swag Bag Tech Tee

The Free Race Swag Bag Tech Tee

The rules around the t-shirt you get in a swag bag at race check-in: If it's cotton: stoked. Wear it all the time.If it's synthetic: You can't wear it. Ever. Making it left behind a path of environmental destruction and wearing it will immediately result in stinky pits and chafed nips. Run up to the race director and throw it back at them. Agree? Disagree? Want to pick a fight with us? Send your comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com. THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, L

Mar 29, 2023 • 5:56

Kitsbow Closes Shop

Kitsbow Closes Shop

Emergency pod alert! Last week it was announced that premium cycling apparel brand Kitsbow would be closing up shop. Known for it's high end, high performance goods, Kitsbow tried to buck the system by producing apparel exclusively in the United States which proved to be too challenging according to the statement put out by CEO David Billstrom. Today on THE ROCK FIGHT, we are joined by Justin Housman to break down what happened and look at what would be necessary for Kitsbow's goal of domestic

Mar 27, 2023 • 26:40

The Rock Fight News: w/e March 24, 2023

The Rock Fight News: w/e March 24, 2023

Good day gear junkies, tree huggers and dirtbags, and welcome to the Rock Fight News. RFN is our weekly rundown on the topics, events, business rumors and headlines important to the Outdoor Community at large. Today we run down some of the top stories that have been reported for the week ending March 24, 2023. Want to have a news story featured in a future episode? Send your comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com. THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Mar 24, 2023 • 4:29

Better Off Dead: An Outdoor Movie Review

Better Off Dead: An Outdoor Movie Review

No more influential words have been spoken in American history then those of: "I want my $2." Today it's another OUTDOOR MOVIE REVIEW and we're watching the 1985 ski classic BETTER OFF DEAD! Do the outdoorsy elements make the movie better? Is BETTER OFF DEAD the greatest ski movie of all time? Listen to find out if one of the most quotable flicks ever gets THE ROCK FIGHT stamp of approval or if it will be erased from all human consciousness! Do you have a movie you'd like to see featured on a f

Mar 23, 2023 • 7:41

Cooking in Camp

Cooking in Camp

Cooking complex meals in camp is ridiculous. Just cook a hot dog over the damn fire and be done with it. Agree? Disagree? Want to pick a fight with us? Email your comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com. Watch Justin's review that inspired this episode: https://youtu.be/u4yb1Qi_W-Q THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Mar 22, 2023 • 6:42

Vasque Tells Everyone to Log Outside

Vasque Tells Everyone to Log Outside

Last week on THE ROCK FIGHT we dug into the bullshit embedded into a lot of the marketing consumers get from outdoor brands. And in an example of absolutely impeccable timing, this week, Vasque Footwear launched Log Outside. A new call to action that isn't tied to a specific product or with built in ROI metrics but is more of a mindset to value putting down the device and building some outdoor time into our busy lives. So is this the direction we all need right now? Will we look back on this a

Mar 21, 2023 • 32:37

Bedrock Sandals Mountain Clog: A Gear Review

Bedrock Sandals Mountain Clog: A Gear Review

Are you a clog person? Historically that has not been a go to style for the host of THE ROCK FIGHT. But when Bedrock Sandals released their new shoe, the Mountain Clog, it was a sign that just like Rocky Balboa told us in Rocky IV, 'everybody can change'. Justin Housman from Adventure Journal (aka Bedrock's biggest fan aka Beddie the Baddie aka Lay Me Down on a Bed of Rocks) is back to offer a gear review about Bedrock's new offering where (unlike a lot of other outdoor media) you'll leave wit

Mar 20, 2023 • 24:12

The Rock Fight News: w/e March 17, 2023

The Rock Fight News: w/e March 17, 2023

Today we run down some of the top stories happening in the outdoors for the week ending March 17, 2023 (Happy St. Patricks Day!). Want to have a news story featured in a future episode? Send your comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com. THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Mar 17, 2023 • 5:40

The River Wild: An Outdoor Movie Review

The River Wild: An Outdoor Movie Review

Get ready...the vacation is over! Let's head to Montana (or was it Idaho?) as we take a rafting trip with the best actress of all time as our guide, do our best to survive Evil Kevin Bacon and head down THE RIVER WILD! Do the outdoorsy elements make the movie better? Is this even a good movie? Listen to find out if THE RIVER WILD gets THE ROCK FIGHT stamp of approval, or if it will be erased from all human consciousness. Do you have a movie you'd like to see featured on a future episode? Send

Mar 16, 2023 • 6:16

MTV Sports

MTV Sports

Dan Cortese. We need you. We need you more than ever. Because MTV Sports has to come back. Agree? Disagree? Do you know Dan Cortese? Please make an introduction so we can have him on the podcast! Send your Dan Cortese introduction, comments, suggestions and introductions to the legend himself to myrockfight@gmail.com. THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Mar 15, 2023 • 5:29

The Top 5 Things About Modern Workplace Culture That Are Bullshit with Lisa Slagle

The Top 5 Things About Modern Workplace Culture That Are Bullshit with Lisa Slagle

The office used to be a super vanilla topic. In 2023? It's a discourse mainstay. Work from home. Return to Office. That Zoom should have been an email. There's a lot to unpack. For outdoor brands a cool office space has been integral to being a cool place to work. But we now know there are different ways to do things and a lot to evaluate and change. Today's guest is Lisa Slagle who is the founder/owner of WHEELIE a creative agency out of Crested Butte and she has seen it all. She has taken

Mar 14, 2023 • 32:48

Rab Launches Cinder

Rab Launches Cinder

When the outdoor brand Rab launched their new adventure cycling lineup Cinder a few weeks ago, they did what most outdoor brands do: promoted the new line by touting the technical abilities of the materials the line contains. The problem with that is all of those abilities have existed in some form for a very long time. Outdoor apparel brands need to move on from technical proficiency as the primary way they market their products, but that's hard to do because the backbone of the outdoor industr

Mar 13, 2023 • 37:08

The Oscars! An Outdoor Themed Preview of the 2023 Academy Awards

The Oscars! An Outdoor Themed Preview of the 2023 Academy Awards

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT...It's time to celebrate the 95th annual Academy Awards by handing out Oscars for the most outdoorsy part of each of the 10 Best Picture Nominees and then choosing the best outdoorsy movie of the year. Be sure to stick around to the end of the episode (c'mon, this show is like 13 minutes long, do you really have something better to do?) to hear Colin's prediction for who will win Best Picture for real on Sunday night. Want to make fun of Colin when his prediction is prove

Mar 10, 2023 • 13:44

Mountain Bike Suspension: A Rebuttal with Adam Jaber

Mountain Bike Suspension: A Rebuttal with Adam Jaber

Any good fight has multiple rounds and lots of rocks thrown. And today, Adam Jaber from the OUT OF COLLECTIVE is here to return fire on the third hot take ever posited on THE ROCK FIGHT, the notion that Mountain Bike Suspension is largely pointless. Adam thinks that there's a real reason that mountain bike suspension exists. So we're allowing him a rebuttal. Who's the ultimate winner here? You! Because you get to listen to these two chuckleheads chuck rocks at each other. Have your own opinio

Mar 9, 2023 • 27:53

Camping vs My Bed

Camping vs My Bed

You know what's an awesome place to lay your head at night? Your own bed. Agree? Disagree? Want to pick a fight with THE ROCK FIGHT? Email your comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com.THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Mar 8, 2023 • 4:22

The Future of Outdoor Trade Shows with Kenji Haroutunian

The Future of Outdoor Trade Shows with Kenji Haroutunian

Trade Shows. If you work in Customer Service, Sales, Marketing, Product Development, Operations...it doesn't really matter, you've likely been to a trade show. For the Outdoor Industry, historically the biggest trade show has been OUTDOOR RETAILER. But after years of dominance things for this twice annual nexus event is changing drastically. And with the emergence of events like THE BIG GEAR SHOW and calls to integrate consumers, the landscape of trade events itself is changing. To get an idea

Mar 7, 2023 • 29:51

Eddie Bauer Kills 'Guide Built'

Eddie Bauer Kills 'Guide Built'

When Eddie Bauer announced it was ending Guide Built, the legacy program of it's 2009 First Ascent program, it got the wheels turning: What value do outdoor athletes and ambassadors truly bring to the products that these brands make? Is the outdoor athlete team an antiquated notion? Today on THE ROCK FIGHT Colin welcomes back Adventure Journal's Justin Housman to dig into the ins and outs of how athletes and ambassadors are deployed and if at the end of the day their presence really matters to

Mar 6, 2023 • 23:01

The Edge: An Outdoor Movie Review

The Edge: An Outdoor Movie Review

THE ROCK FIGHT is back again with another OUTDOOR MOVIE REVIEW!Today we are watching the 1997 survival classic THE EDGE starring Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin. Did the outdoorsy elements of the movie work? Was Bob realistic as an aspiring cuckolding murderer? Listen to find out!If you've never seen THE EDGE be careful, this is spoilery territory you're in. THE EDGE can be streamed on YouTube, Apple TV or Amazon. Have a favorite outdoor movie you'd like to see featured in a future episode

Mar 3, 2023 • 4:31

Multi-Tools

Multi-Tools

Justin Housman from Adventure Journal offers his hot take on the most overrated piece of gear in an outdoorsy persons kit: the multi-tool.Agree? Disagree? Want to pick a fight with THE ROCK FIGHT? Send your comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.comGet more from Justin Housman by heading over to www.adventure-journal.com.THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Mar 1, 2023 • 6:45

The Outdoor Industry Has A Big Sustainability Problem with Ken Pucker

The Outdoor Industry Has A Big Sustainability Problem with Ken Pucker

The outdoor industry is often defined by the brands who create the gear and apparel that help enable our adventures. But every year the output of goods continues to increase and despite greener components like recycled fabrics and less harmful chemicals, the process to create the stuff we love is damaging. Plus even if something is built to last a long time, almost everything that gets made still has a one way ticket to a landfill. So what do we do? We pick a fight..with Ken Pucker on our side

Feb 28, 2023 • 41:10

Trail Runners vs Hiking Boots with Justin Housman

Trail Runners vs Hiking Boots with Justin Housman

It's an all time classic debate. Right up there with 'tastes great/less filling' and 'is a hot dog a sandwich?' sits: TRAIL RUNNING SHOES vs HIKING BOOTS when it comes to what you like to hike in.Today on THE ROCK FIGHT, the man who wrote the article (literally, see the link below), Justin Housman of ADVENTURE JOURNAL, comes on to talk about his journey from boots to runners and back again. What do you think? Hiking boots? Trail running shoes? Sport sandals? Something else? Email your feedback

Feb 27, 2023 • 23:32

Cliffhanger: An Outdoor Movie Review

Cliffhanger: An Outdoor Movie Review

It's time for an OUTDOOR MOVIE REVIEW! Today we look at the 1993 action classic CLIFFHANGER and determine if the outdoorsy elements work and if the film is worthy of THE ROCK FIGHT stamp of approval.Spoilers abound in this conversation so be sure to check out CLIFFHANGER which is currently streaming on Paramount+. The movie is also 30 years old, so you know, maybe just go for it.Want to pick a fight with THE ROCK FIGHT? Send your comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com.Thanks for lis

Feb 23, 2023 • 6:15

Dawn Patrol Is Too Damn Early

Dawn Patrol Is Too Damn Early

Dawn Patrol can be magical. But you know what is even more magical? My goddam morning routine. Today Colin lists his top 3 reasons why Dawn Patrol, while always worth the effort, isn't all it's cracked up to be.Agree? Disagree? Want to pick a fight with THE ROCK FIGHT?! Send your comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com.THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Feb 22, 2023 • 5:34

Top 4 Run Brands to Watch in 2023 & Lowa's Big Gamble with Peter Verry

Top 4 Run Brands to Watch in 2023 & Lowa's Big Gamble with Peter Verry

Running...it's so hot right now.Lowa Boots debuted their new trail running lineup, ATR, this past fall and while cracking into a new category (even an adjacent one) is difficult, this may be the right time to go for it. Today we are joined by PETER VERRY from FOOTWEAR NEWS to talk all things running, why Lowa has a great shot at success and to get Peter's top 4 running brands to watch in 2023 (21:45).Want to pick a fight with THE ROCK FIGHT? Email us your comments and suggestion to myrockfight@g

Feb 21, 2023 • 27:59

Top 5 Outdoor Magazines with Mike Rogge

Top 5 Outdoor Magazines with Mike Rogge

Mike Rogge is back on the show and today he and Colin are running down their desert island all time favorite top 5 outdoor magazines, alive or dead, from any era!Did your favorite magazine get mentioned? Was there a big one that we missed? Send your favorite magazines, comments and suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.com!Please subscribe, follow and rate THE ROCK FIGHT wherever you get your podcasts. THE ROCK FIGHT on Instagram: @therockfightpodTHE ROCK FIGHT on Twitter: @rockfightllcSupport MOUN

Feb 16, 2023 • 16:49

Crocs

Crocs

No show notes necessary. This episode stands on it's own.Agree? Disagree? Either way click play to hear how this fight plays out. Want to battle Colin or suggest your own rock fight? Email us at myrockfight@gmail.com.

Feb 15, 2023 • 1:34

The Outdoor Mag is Dead! Long Live Outdoor Magazines! with Mike Rogge

The Outdoor Mag is Dead! Long Live Outdoor Magazines! with Mike Rogge

In the digital age outdoor magazines have largely declined in quantity and quality. But there has been a recent resurgence of titles both old and new focused on print and long form storytelling One of these titles is MOUNTAIN GAZETTE; owned by veteran outdoor journalist (and skiing aficionado), MIKE ROGGE. Today, Colin is joined by Mike to discuss the state of outdoor magazines, the impact they’ve had on their lives and what we can expect from them in the coming years.Subscribe to MOUNTAIN GA

Feb 14, 2023 • 26:27

Trailer #2

Trailer #2

Listen to THE ROCK FIGHT wherever you get your podcasts!Check us out on Instagram: @therockfightpodVisit our website: www.rockfightllc.comAnd be sure to live your life like a black cat at midnight.

Feb 9, 2023 • 1:13

Breaking Up with Running

Breaking Up with Running

It's a sad day because today's fight is with running. Sweet, sweet running. Who I learned to love after promising our lord and savior Chris Knight that I would never run for fitness. Running, it's not you, it's me but we have to break up...at least for now. And this is a fight I'm going to win.Agree? Disagree? Either way click play to hear how this fight plays out. Want to battle Colin or suggest your own rock fight? Email us at myrockfight@gmail.com.

Feb 8, 2023 • 6:41

Perspective with Brendan Leonard

Perspective with Brendan Leonard

It's part 4! The final episode of our exploration of the definition of adventure! Last time, Fitz Cahall laid some knowledge on us that demonstrated how adventure can be a teacher. Today Brendan Leonard gives us the perspective we need on this whole endeavor!Thanks for listening to THE ROCK FIGHT! We are the (self-proclaimed) most exciting new podcast in the outdoor space and we want to pick a fight with us. Email your comments or suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.comCheck out Brendan's work at

Feb 7, 2023 • 12:41

Sunglasses

Sunglasses

Today, Colin picks a fight with the trend du jour in the sunglasses space...the one that is making us all look like a dumbass.Agree? Disagree? Either way click play to hear how this fight plays out. Want to battle Colin or suggest your own rock fight? Email us at myrockfight@gmail.com.

Feb 1, 2023 • 3:01

A Teacher with Fitz Cahall

A Teacher with Fitz Cahall

Part 3! The Penultimate Episode of our four series defining adventure!Last time Paddy O'Connell told us that it's about quality over quantity. In today's episode guest Fitz Cahall, The Podfather of the Outdoor Industry, shows us that ultimately adventure is a teacher.Thanks for listening to THE ROCK FIGHT! We are the (self-proclaimed) most exciting new podcast in the outdoor space and we want to pick a fight with us. Email your comments or suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.comFind THE DIRTBAG D

Jan 31, 2023 • 13:09

Jeep Blew It

Jeep Blew It

In the 90's, those of us who liked going outside...we all wanted... a Jeep. Either a Wrangler or a Cherokee with of course stick shift. Because nothing says poseur like manual transmission.And then, Jeep pissed it all away. Because of that, we're dragging them and a sackful of rocks into the arena and picking a big ole rock fight!Agree? Disagree? Either way click play to hear how this fight plays out. Want to battle Colin or suggest your own rock fight? Email us at myrockfight@gmail.com.

Jan 25, 2023 • 4:49

Quality Over Quantity with Paddy O'Connell

Quality Over Quantity with Paddy O'Connell

It's part 2 of our four part series attempting to define adventure. Last time we learned from Steve Casimiro that adventure is personal. In today's episode, guest Paddy O'Connell surmises that it's the quality, not the quantity that matters.Thanks for listening to THE ROCK FIGHT! We are the (self-proclaimed) most exciting new podcast in the outdoor space and we want to pick a fight with us. Email your comments or suggestions to myrockfight@gmail.comFor more from Paddy O'Connell check out his

Jan 24, 2023 • 13:12

Cotton Doesn't Kill

Cotton Doesn't Kill

Did you know that 'Cotton Kills' is still a thing? Like people are still telling the next generation of active folks that if they wear cotton outside...THEY...COULD...DIE!Fear not dear listener, Cotton Colin is here to ensure you that indeed you can wear your Iron Maiden concert t-shirt while hiking on a nice sunny day. Heads up 'Cotton Kills'...there are rocks inbound!Agree? Disagree? Either way click play to hear how this fight plays out. Want to battle Colin or suggest your own rock figh

Jan 18, 2023 • 3:36

It's Personal with Adventure Journal's Steve Casimiro

It's Personal with Adventure Journal's Steve Casimiro

What is adventure? Is it a thing? A feeling? The Rock Fight presents a limited four part series where Colin talks to four notable voices from the outdoor media community to dig into how we define what we do outside.For part 1, Adventure Journal's Steve Casimiro tells us that adventure...is personal.Thanks for listening to THE ROCK FIGHT! We are the (self-proclaimed) most exciting new podcast in the outdoor space and we want to pick a fight with us. Email your comments or suggestions to myrock

Jan 17, 2023 • 14:18

Gravel Bikes Are Not A One Bike Quiver

Gravel Bikes Are Not A One Bike Quiver

All the videos on YouTube are wrong...Gravel Bikes are not the one bike quiver we've been promised. But does that mean they're useless? Listen to find out!Agree? Disagree? Either way click play to hear how this fight plays out. Want to battle Colin or suggest your own rock fight? Email us at myrockfight@gmail.com.

Jan 11, 2023 • 5:43

Plaid Button Down Shirts

Plaid Button Down Shirts

The plaid button down shirt is the default uniform for outdoorsy men everywhere. But why have these 'mountain polos' started showing up on the trail?! Yup, time for another rock fight.Agree? Disagree? Either way click play to hear how this fight plays out. Then send in your rebuttal or ideas for your own rock fight at myrockfight@gmail.com.

Jan 4, 2023 • 4:40

Waterproof Running Shoes: The Thing That Should Not Be

Waterproof Running Shoes: The Thing That Should Not Be

Why? Why do waterproof running shoes continue to get made? Today, Colin tells you why an entire category just needs to go away.Agree? Disagree? Either way click play to hear how this fight plays out. Then send in your rebuttal or ideas for your own rock fight at myrockfight@gmail.com.

Dec 28, 2022 • 3:28

The Christmas Present That Isn't Overrated

The Christmas Present That Isn't Overrated

The latest outdoor trinket you saw in the Outside Magazine holiday buyers guide is not what you want this holiday season. Today, Colin tells you about the hot item for outdoorsy folks everywhere.Agree? Disagree? Either way click play to hear how this fight plays out. Then send in your rebuttal or ideas for your own rock fight at myrockfight@gmail.com.

Dec 23, 2022 • 5:26

Point Break: An Outdoor Movie Review

Point Break: An Outdoor Movie Review

We've all known it, Colin is just finally saying it: 1991's POINT BREAK is the greatest surf movie of all time. The other combatants in this rock fight have all left the arena (and need stitches).Agree? Disagree? Either way click play to hear how this fight plays out. Then send in your rebuttal or ideas for your own rock fight at myrockfight@gmail.com.

Dec 23, 2022 • 4:16

Mountain Bike Suspension is Pointless

Mountain Bike Suspension is Pointless

Today Colin is picking a fight with MOUNTAIN BIKE SUSPENSION; because (as he puts it)...It is pointless. Agree? Disagree? Either way click play to hear how this fight plays out. Then send in your rebuttal or ideas for your own rock fight at myrockfight@gmail.com.

Dec 20, 2022 • 5:05

Ski Resorts Are Not Outdoor

Ski Resorts Are Not Outdoor

Are ski resorts OUTDOOR or just an activity that is done in the outdoors? Colin is loaded up with an armful of stones as he wages a rock fight that will surely touch a few nerves.Agree? Disagree? Either way click play to hear how this fight plays out. Then send in your rebuttal or ideas for your own rock fight at myrockfight@gmail.com.

Dec 20, 2022 • 5:54

Shirtless Dudes in the Climbing Gym

Shirtless Dudes in the Climbing Gym

Today, Colin lays out the occasions when it's acceptable for men to be active without a shirt on...and picks a fight with the one way it's not. Agree? Disagree? Either way click play to hear how this fight plays out. Then send in your rebuttal or ideas for your own rock fight at myrockfight@gmail.com.

Dec 20, 2022 • 2:02

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