The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

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 evolving landscape of outdoor direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands based on his recent LinkedIn post. Lastly it's time for The Parting Shot where Eoin highlights the importance of inclusivity and diversity within the industry, emphasizing that these values should be seen as business imperatives rather than mere societal goals while Colin wants to reject your very thoughtful hand written thank you note.Follow Eoin Comerford on LinkedIn.Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Support and Shop Western North Carolina BrandsFuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundSign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Want to pick a fight with THE ROCK FIGHT? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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 development merges sustainability with functionality, ensuring that their offerings resonate with a younger, more environmentally conscious customer base. Lastly today is the two year anniversary of the first episode of THE ROCK FIGHT! So Colin ends the show by reading TRF's first episode, Ski Resorts Are Not Outdoor, as today's Parting Shot. Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Support and Shop Western North Carolina BrandsFuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundSign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Want to pick a fight with THE ROCK FIGHT? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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 the backcountry before clicking that upload button.Next they enter the House of Housman to explore the controversial topic of wildlife management in Alaska, where plans to cull bears and wolves have raised ethical questions. The episode of course ends with The Parting Shot! This week Justin admonishes some over eager mountain bikers while Colin gives the definitive ranking of Rankin/Bass Christmas specials.Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Support and Shop Western North Carolina BrandsFuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundSign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Want to pick a fight with THE ROCK FIGHT? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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 & Skims, where concerns about sustainability and brand integrity are highlighted before taking a look at the recent Under Armour investor day.Colin wraps up the show with The Parting Shot where he offers a warning to those aspiring to become the next big water bottle after news broke last week about a recall impacting Stanley water bottles.Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Support and Shop Western North Carolina BrandsFuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundSign up for NEWS FROM THE FRONT, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter by heading to www.rockfight.co and clicking Join The Mailing List.Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and a written review wherever you get your podcasts.Want to pick a fight with THE ROCK FIGHT? Send your feedback, questions, and comments to myrockfight@gmail.com.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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, includes an innovative outdoor injury insurance policy designed to protect adventurers from the financial burden of accidents. The conversation delves into Ellsworth's personal experiences with serious injuries and the hefty medical bills that often accompany them, highlighting the importance of accessible coverage for high-risk sports. As the outdoor recreation community continues to grow, the need for affordable and effective insurance solutions becomes increasingly critical. Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Support and Shop Western North Carolina BrandsFuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundHead to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.Check out our other podcast on the Rock Fight Podcast Network: Gear & Beer! It's a relationship and advice show for those obsessed with the outdoorsy lifestyle.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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 outdoor media can have when it comes to changing who lives or visits unknown mountain towns based on a recent article on Outside Online and the social media comments that article inspired.The episode then takes a trip to HOUSMAN'S HOUSE to get a deeper look at Justin's recent article on National Parks Traveler about the controversial topic of hunting grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, highlighting the ongoing debates around wildlife management and conservation efforts. And because every rock fight ends with a parting shot, Colin & Justin wrap up the show with... The Parting Shot! Justin has some words for a recent medical experience while Colin thinks anyone who only does one outdoor activity should examine their priorities. Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Support and Shop Western North Carolina BrandsFuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundHead to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.Check out our other podcast on the Rock Fight Podcast Network: Gear & Beer! It's a relationship and advice show for those obsessed with the outdoorsy lifestyle.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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 last week including Merrell's new brand direction and CPO, Cotopaxi's new CEO, and The North Face's latest collaboration, this time with Kim Kardashian's Skims. Eoin sticks around for The Parting Shot where he takes aim at the poor form some users exhibit in their choice of LinkedIn profile pictures. Producer Dave takes a look at Thermos who is trying to reclaim its title as champion of insulated bottles. And Colin wraps things up by reflecting on the unfortunate closure of the Diamond Brand Gear Company at the hands of Hurricane Helene. Start your Monday off right by joining in THE ROCK FIGHT!Follow Eoin on LinkedIn.Click here for all of Eoin's ISPO posts.Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Support and Shop Western North Carolina BrandsFuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundHead to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.Check out our other podcast on the Rock Fight Podcast Network: Gear & Beer! It's a relationship and advice show for those obsessed with the outdoorsy lifestyle.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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 their journey and insights on how nutrition is often overlooked in favor of more glamorous gear, despite its critical role in performance and recovery. With a focus on making nutrition more accessible and appealing, Fuel Goods aims to transform how people approach their dietary needs in an active lifestyle both going direct to consumer and, eventually, at wholesale.Lastly since Fuel Goods is based in Asheville, NC Laura, Courteney, and Colin talk about the lasting impact of Hurricane Helene and how everyone can still contribute to the still recovering mountain town.Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundHead to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.Check out our other podcast on the Rock Fight Podcast Network: Gear & Beer! It's a relationship and advice show for those obsessed with the outdoorsy lifestyle.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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 280 million year old fossil.They of course wrap things up with The Parting Shot where Colin takes aim at his former employer and Justin airs his frustration with hangtags.Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundHead to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.Check out our other podcast on the Rock Fight Podcast Network: Gear & Beer! It's a relationship and advice show for those obsessed with the outdoorsy lifestyle.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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 Eoin discusses several notable outdoor brands who are deploying a 'contract to grow' strategy to stabilize their business and create an opportunity for future growth. Eoin also offers his take on the impact that the proposed tariffs by the incoming Trump administration could have on the Outdoor Industry.Colin & Producer Dave then wrap up the episode with their Parting Shots. PD takes a look at the new brand direction by automobile maker Jaguar while Colin defends retailers by throwing a rock at the in-store Christmas music experience.Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundHead to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.Check out our other podcast on the Rock Fight Podcast Network: Gear & Beer! It's a relationship and advice show for those obsessed with the outdoorsy lifestyle.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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 talk about the company he has built.Toby shares insights into AE's commitment to print media and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of quality storytelling. The conversation also touches on the current state of outdoor media, the need for in-person events, and the potential for revitalizing print publications in the industry. Click here to learn more about Adventure Entertainment.Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundHead to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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 Traveler about attempts to stop the erosion affecting Effigy Mounds National Monument. The pair also explore the bizarre tale of a Wisconsin kayaker who faked his own death to escape his family, revealing the lengths some may go to for a fresh start (28:00). They wrap things up with their Parting Shots (36:40). For Justin it's praising Operation Bear Claw where people dressed up as a bear to commit insurance fraud while Colin finds optimism in a recent announcement by Dick's Sporting Goods. Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundHead to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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 to the BEA's Economic Impact Report that arrived last week showing the outdoor recreation economy has grown to $1.2 trillion.Finally Colin & Producer Dave offer their Parting Shots where Colin praises the upcoming Women Led Wednesday while Producer Dave talks about the folks at Native Women Running.Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundHead to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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 challenges women face in gaining recognition for their accomplishments in the outdoor world. She highlights the disparity in media coverage between male and female athletes, particularly in light of her own experiences following her notable achievements. Throughout the conversation, Sunny emphasizes the importance of amplifying women’s stories to inspire future generations and address the systemic issues that perpetuate the gender gap. Additionally, she discusses her efforts through the Alliance for Gender Equity in Outdoor Adventure, which aims to provide scholarships and resources to help women and marginalized genders access transformative outdoor experiences.Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundHead to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) Colin opens the show taking a closer look at this weeks big story: YETI telling retailers they will be sunsetting Mystery Ranch after 2025.YETI's decision to phase out Mystery Ranch's consumer-facing business while retaining its military operations has raised eyebrows in the outdoor industry. Colin looks at the implications of this move and questions why YETI wouldn't continue to leverage Mystery Ranch as a specialty brand alongside its broader offerings. Producer Dave contributes insights on the industry's dynamics, reflecting on how acquisitions often reshape brand identities and market strategies. Then Colin and Producer Dave talk about the odd move of French ski brand blackcrowes setting up a shop-in-shop at two Rapha clubhouses. Lastly the duo offer their Parting Shots. Producer Dave brings back his book club with another recommendation while Colin defends the real consumer who buys outdoor apparel.Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundHead to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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:Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundHead to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Multiple sources have reached out to THE ROCK FIGHT from the GOA Connect show happening in Kansas City this week with the news that after acquiring the brand just this past January, Yeti will be sunsetting the consumer arm of Mystery Ranch after 2025 while retaining their military business. Colin & Justin talk about the implications of this move and then address the other big news story of the week, REI's hire of Abigail Jacobs as their new Chief Marketing Officer.They also talk about new images of Ernest Shackleton's sunken Endurance as well as tech that is enabling big ships to stop the annual slaughter of thousands of whales.They of course wrap up the show with their Parting Shots. Colin addresses Sunny Stroeer's AZ Trail FKT attempt and the misogyny that has followed (click here to support Sunny's effort to close the gender gap in the outdoors) while Justin shows support for some newbies who tried to haul a lot of stuff up Mt. Whitney.Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundHead to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head), Colin opens the show discussing Polartec's recent announcement of their Shed Less fleece, a fabric that, according to the brand, reduces microfiber shedding by up to 85%.Drawing on his experience, Colin offers insights into the challenges ingredient brands face when developing innovative products, especially given the outdoor apparel industry's tendency to prioritize cost over performance. This approach often causes product messaging, like the press release for Shed Less, to come across as greenwashing rather than true innovation.Finally, Colin concludes with The Parting Shot and a tribute to JanSport co-founder Murray McCory, who recently passed away.Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundHead to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT (an outdoor podcast that aims for the head) outdoor industry insider Eoin Comerford returns to give Colin and Producer Dave his perspective on some of the topics that we've been covering lately.Eoin discusses the loss of identity and authenticity brands deal with after being acquired by larger corporations. Using Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, and Columbia's new creative push examples their conversation explores the importance of maintaining a connection to a brand's roots and the risks associated with prioritizing short-term financial gains over long-term brand health. They also look at why a brand like Vasque failed when they maintained the same ownership over their lifetime. Additionally, Eoin highlights the growing opportunity in the secondhand market, emphasizing its potential to make outdoor gear more accessible to younger consumers while fostering sustainability. Lastly Eoin offers his initial thoughts of what to expect the outdoor industry should expect from a second Trump presidency and why we need to prioritize sustainability, conservation, and inclusivity.Hurricane Helene Relief Links:Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundHead to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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 releases new suspension technology for Gravel Bikes20:19 - Hipcamp acquires Bookoutdoors25:50 - French ski resort Alpe du Grande Serre shuts down due to impacts from climate change34:08 - The Parting ShotHurricane Helene Relief Links:Fuel GoodsOutdoor Business Alliance Hurricane Relief FundGoFundMe for Bubba O'LearysWestern North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource GuideEast Tennessee Foundation Relief FundHead to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network.Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.