The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary
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...
Is Authentic Brands The Canary In The Outdoor Coal Mine? Plus: The Burgum Endorsement

Today on The Rock Fight Colin is joined by Rock Fight Consigliere Eoin Comerford and Producer Dave to discuss several news stories that paint a picture about the long term health of the outdoor industry.
First they look at the recent earnings report by Newell (parent company of Marmot, Coleman, and Ex Officio, among others) which shows how the outdoor industry may be on the same path that was recently traveled by the surf industry. Eoin recaps how many iconic surf brands ended up being owned by Authentic Brands and how that past may serve as a...
Is This Company The Outdoor Industry's Secret Weapon?

Today Colin is joined by Peter Whitcomb of Tersus Solutions, one of the players working to enable a thriving secondhand marketplace in the outdoor industry.
Tersus Solutions acts as a backbone for brands striving to establish sustainable practices by managing their re-commerce efforts. Throughout their conversation, Colin and Peter examine the complexities and challenges inherent in fostering a circular economy for outdoor apparel, as well as the necessity for brands to embrace responsibility for their products beyond the point of sale.
Check out hundreds of wildly cool products by visiting and shopping at Garage Grown...
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 making 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 folks who weren't...
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 category of outdoor gear to simply the top 5 brands going in 2025.
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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 into the event's purpose and how there is more...
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 issue with the lack of pop culture references in...
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 potentially put us on a path that would be...
Why Can't We Be More Like Hunters?

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 outdoor 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 firsthand exposure to the hunting process. This particular rock fight underscores the potential for greater unity within the outdoor community, encouraging listeners to consider...
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 National Parks.
Then they talk about the...
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 of exclusivity on independent shops and the overall dynamics in the outdoor...