Rock Fight | outdoor industry adventure sports commentary

RECENT STORIES & PODCASTS

Delay Everything

by: Wes Allen, The Rock Fight's Retail Correspondent Years from now, when I look back on however many Trump administrations we end up...

Your Mom

A Wave Pool In Utah's Desert & The Two Divers Who Were Left Behind

Click to listen on your favorite podcast app! Today Colin and Justin Housman hit the following outdoorsy topics and headlines! Colin...

THE ROCK FIGHT

The Highs, the Lows, and the WTFs of Outdoor PR

Today Doug opens the container with outdoor PR pioneer, Chris Goddard. Click to listen on your favorite podcast app! Doug opens the show...

Open Container

Is REI Demanding New Product Exclusivity? Plus: Passenger Presses Pause

Today on the show Colin and Producer Dave address rumors that have been sent in by listeners of The Rock Fight that REI is looking for...

THE ROCK FIGHT

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Welcome to the Rock Fight, an outdoor podcast and outdoorsy rebellion.

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MEET YOUR HOST....
COLIN TRUE

Colin True spent over 20 years working for outdoor brands, living in places most people only get to visit, and forming a definite opinion about the good, the bad, and ugly of the outdoor industry and our outdoor community.

After giving up the sales gigs to go deep into ultrarunning, Colin soon realized that shit was crazy hard and took waaay too long. Looking for something more sedentary between his adventures, he discovered writing, pontificating, and podcasting. (Check out LAYERS: The Rise of Dressing Down on the tab above labeled 'LAYERS'. It’s sick.)

He also discovered that most of the outdoor media sounded the same, covered the same topics, and generally was just ok. To Colin, just ok was not ok, and thus Rock Fight was born.

And yes, that is Colin in a pair of jorts. You’re welcome.

@rockfightco

Today Colin and Justin hit the following outdoorsy topics and headlines!

🪨 Colin caught a great inside wave and Justin has rave reviews for Priority Bike's belt drive and gear box!

🪨 Two divers off the coast of Australia were left in the water by the boat that brought them there. This is objectively funny and terrifying.

🪨 A new wave pool is being planned to be built near St. George, UT. Colin and Justin are not cool with this idea.

And for The Parting Shot, Colin praises a recent ESPN article and Justin wants you to roll your car windows up!

Today Doug opens the container with outdoor PR pioneer, Chris Goddard.

Doug opens the show talking about outdoor public relations. He highlights the intricate dynamics between outdoor brands and PR as a mechanism that helps to create their success. By sharing his own personal experiences as a working journalist in the outdoor industry, Doug describes how PR is inextricably tied to the outdoor industry.

Doug is then joined by Chris Goddard, a luminary in the industry, who elucidates the essential role of public relations in advocating not only for brands but for the broader outdoor lifestyle itself. Doug and Chris explore the evolution of the outdoor industry, particularly in light of recent societal shifts, and they take a look at the current outdoor media landscape and the importance of cultivating long-lasting relationships within the industry.

Today on the show Colin and Producer Dave address rumors that have been sent in by listeners of The Rock Fight that REI is looking for more new product exclusivity from at least some of their vendors.

They also talk about the recent report that Passenger is pausing their launch into the US market due to the issues being caused by the Trump administrations tariff policy.

This leads to a new segment on the show: A Little Frank Advice!

Lastly for The Parting Shot, Colin takes aim at Switchback's recently announced keynote address.

Producer Dave offering a creative’s POV on AI during The Parting Shot! Listen to The Rock Fight on your favorite podcast app or at the link in bio.

Today Colin reflects on this past week when he and Producer Dave attended Functional Fabric Fair in Portland (Oregon) and takes a deeper look at what National Trade Shows should do in a world where the smaller shows are so effective.

Then Colin is joined by Producer Dave and outdoor journalist and host of Open Container Doug Schnitzspahn to reflect back on the role Bob Woodward played setting the tone for the Outdoor Industry. RIP Woody.

The consigliere bringing the heat! For more outdoor industry news and analysis, follow The Rock Fight podcast at the link in bio.

Today on the show Colin is joined by Producer Dave and Outdoor Industry Insider Eoin Comerford for a Wednesday edition of our normal Monday show!

On the docket today:

🪨 The crew reacts to last week's rollback to all but 10% (unless you're China) of Trump's tariff.

🪨 Will the tariff situation help boost secondhand business?

🪨The other big story of last week was the acquisition of Jack Wolfskin by ANTA who is the majority owner of Amer Sports. Eoin breaks it down!

🪨 REI says sorry and backs off of their endorsement of Doug Burgum.

And of course... The Parting Shot! Producer Dave answers a listener question about Rock Fight's choice to promote our work with AI generated images.

Today Doug opens the container with Billy Demong.

Doug opens todays show by talking about participating in competitive sports as a kid and the transformation of embracing outdoor pursuits that were free of competitive pressures. Along the way he realized that it's ok to do competitive events in the outdoors and also have fun while doing them.

Doug is then joined by Billy Demong, an esteemed Olympian and gold medal winner in Nordic combined, who talks about the balance between competition and enjoyment in outdoor sports. Doug and Billy also delve into the significance of mentorship and the encouragement of youth in sporting activities, emphasizing the importance of personal growth over mere accolades.

Their conversation underscores the connection between nature, sport, and community, illustrating how these elements can combine to enrich our lives.

Today Colin and Outdoor Industry Insider Eoin Comerford are joined by Jonathan Cedar, BioLite's founder and CEO to discuss the breaking news that BioLite is acquiring Goal Zero.

Jonathan talks about the background of BioLite and why this deal makes sense particularly due to the alignment in mission and product offerings between the two companies.

Lastly during their conversation news breaks about the roll back of the more retaliatory tariffs that had been announced. So we get breaking news inside of breaking news!

Good advice from @garagegrowngear’s @lloydvogel while Cool Guy Justin Housman listens intently.

Well, we have some sad news to share.

We just wrapped a lengthy meeting at Rock Fight's worldwide headquarters and we have made a hard decision.

It has come time to shutter Rock Fight Action Figures.

RFAF launched on April 4, 2024 with 80's Backpacker and grew from there.

However, all good things come to an end. And considering the sheer amount of action figures we're seeing on LinkedIn and Instagram this week and despite a year of producing the best outdoor influenced action figures in the world, we simply can't bear to be seen as unoriginal.

Because you know, unoriginal? Eww. Gross.

So tonight raise up whichever model you own. Be it:

🪨 Jerry Bum
🪨 The Social Butterfly
🪨 The Blast & Caster
🪨 Sandy Olson-SkiSwap
🪨 Too Much SUP!
🪨 Pissed Off Park Ranger
🪨 The Flying Baby Returns
🪨 Too Close Tourist!
🪨 Naked Bike Rider
🪨 Amara The Psychic SUP
🪨 Rocky the Lil' Dirtbag
🪨 Strawberry Short Hike
🪨 Mountain Mage: The Hiking Wizard

Or another one of our classic outdoor action figures and know that you have something that will definitely be worth trillions of dollars one day because we're closing down this division for no reason other than spite.

Thank you for supporting Rock Fight Action Figures.

Anyone talking about tariffs these days? Just us?

Congrats to @skratchlabs for taking home this gigantic honor!

There are so many people (aka future customers) who don't go outside. Brands need to realize that opportunity.

Today Doug opens the container with author Brooke Williams.

The episode opens with Doug exploring dreams, the supernatural and how science plays into different human experiences that are often hard to explain. Then to get a deeper understanding of human consciousness, Doug is joined by author Brooke Williams.

Together they explore the concept of re-enchantment, a notion that seeks to reconnect us with the natural world and the enchantment it holds, particularly through experiences in the wilderness. Brooke articulates his belief that our dreams, especially those experienced while immersed in nature, can serve as a bridge to understanding the unconscious and the primal aspects of our being.

@a_zen_punk
@brookusi

What else could The Rock Fight's normal Monday crew of Colin, Outdoor Industry Insider Eoin Comerford, and Producer Dave be talking about today but the recent announcement of tariffs and their impact on the business of going outside.

They start off by getting into the broader impact of the announcement and the idea that higher tariffs could drive manufacturing back to the US. Then they talk about the how the tariffs will specifically impact the outdoor industry and offer suggestions on what brands and retailers should expect ahead of the delivery of Fall 25 products.

They wrap things up with The Parting Shot where they take a look at some of the better 2025 attempts by brands to pull off an April Fools Day joke on social media including the following posts:

Eoin: The Hoka Speed Loafer
LIVSN: Adventure Pants Capital
Garage Grown Gear: Move To Analog
Gnara: Netflix n Chill Pant
Wild Rye: Ski Ballet
Darn Tough: Dating App
Skratch Labs: Marathong

Listen on your favorite podcast app or by clicking the link in bio.

Today on the show Colin takes a look back at an age old outdoor industry problem.

The 'outdoor boys club' and a continued lack of gender representation is something that has persisted in the outdoor industry since there has been an outdoor industry. Today on the show Colin is joined by Cassie Abel, the founder and CEO of Wild Rye, who provides a unique perspective on the challenges and progress regarding women's inclusion in outdoor spaces.

Throughout their conversation, Cassie & Colin take a look at the historical patterns of inequality, significant steps taken been taken, and the ongoing obstacles that hinder true equity. Cassie also articulates the necessity for women in leadership positions to in order to create meaningful change and highlights the importance of collaboration over competition among outdoor brands.

Basically as Cassie puts it, "it's time to prop up the girls club."

Learning how to go play outside can be hard for those who have no clue where to start. We all need to help out the uninitiated.

The first 12 containers we opened! Check them all out on your favorite podcast app or at the link in bio.

Today Doug opens the container with journalist Rachelle Schrute.

Doug starts the episode by recounting his personal journey and experiences in Montana, a state rich in both natural beauty and a communal spirit. A place that for Doug was not only about the incredible landscape but also the warmth and generosity of the locals who helped him when he was just getting his life started.

Doug is then joined by conservationist, hunter, angler, and Montanan, Rachelle Schrute.

Rachelle and Doug discuss the imperative of conservation, with Rachelle articulating her perspective as both a hunter and conservationist. She emphasizes the need for a collective commitment to protect public lands, advocating for unity among individuals with differing political beliefs.

Today on show Colin is joined by the regular Monday crew (Producer Dave, Outdoor Industry Insider Eoin Comerford) to talk about the recent movement that is encouraging outdoor enthusiasts in Europe to look locally for their outdoor products in protest of recent "political" developments in the US.

They also talk about Academy forging ahead with plans to open 25 new doors in 2025 and Lululemon's recent earnings report showing double digit growth.

Then they crack open listener feedback that came in after last week's episode regarding the evolution of innovation in the outdoor industry.

They of course wrap things up with The Parting Shot where this week we have a look back on a busy first quarter of 2025 in the Outdoor Industry.

Producer Dave spittin’ facts during uncertain times for the outdoor industry!
Listen to The Rock Fight on your favorite podcast app or by clicking the link in our bio.

BREAKING FAKE NEWS: Trump Acquires Struggling Retailer Public Lands In Bid To Own ‘ALL’ Public Lands!

President Donald Trump issued an executive order yesterday to wrest control of struggling outdoor retailer Public Lands from current owner Dick’s Sporting Goods.

“This is a tremendous deal,” Trump announced from behind a pile of Columbia fleece jackets and Stanley tumblers. “I now own all the public lands—Yellowstone, Yosemite, Framingham, Woodbury, and Cranberry Township. You name it. It’s mine, folks. But don't worry, I’m a very generous landlord.”

Sources say Trump plans to sell off portions of the retailer’s inventory to oil and gas interests, mistakenly thinking he’s handing over the rights to drill in National Parks. Early reports suggest ExxonMobil is now the proud owner of a North Face commuter backpack and a Coleman tent, while BP has secured a discounted inflatable kayak and a pair of last season’s Keen Newports, size 7.5 mens.

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RECENT STORIES & PODCASTS

Delay Everything

A Wave Pool In Utah's Desert & The Two Divers Who Were Left Behind

The Highs, the Lows, and the WTFs of Outdoor PR

Is REI Demanding New Product Exclusivity? Plus: Passenger Presses Pause

IDEAS THAT AIM
FOR THE HEAD.

LISTEN NOW

MEET YOUR HOST....
COLIN TRUE

FOLLOW US

LISTEN NOW OR MAYBE LATER.

RECENT STORIES & PODCASTS

Delay Everything

A Wave Pool In Utah's Desert & The Two Divers Who Were Left Behind

The Highs, the Lows, and the WTFs of Outdoor PR

Is REI Demanding New Product Exclusivity? Plus: Passenger Presses Pause

IDEAS THAT AIM FOR THE HEAD.

LISTEN NOW

MEET YOUR HOST.... COLIN TRUE

FOLLOW US

​

LISTEN NOW OR MAYBE LATER.

IDEAS THAT AIM
FOR THE HEAD.

MEET YOUR HOST....
COLIN TRUE