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 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).

Here's the link to the video that Colin mentions and Producer Dave worked on...

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 www.rockfight.co and sign up for News...

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 Colin 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 with their Parting Shots (29:51)!

Head to...

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:

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 historically has relied on things like shop in shops for a larger...

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:

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 other...

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:

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:

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:

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:

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 happening at retailers like RE...

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:

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 joins Colin to talk about why OMA was formed and...

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:

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 Oath which is a commitment for outdoor...

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:

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 Cody, WY join Colin to dig a...

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:

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!

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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:

Head to www...

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 momentum into the winter show, and offer...

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:

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the...

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:

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:

Head...

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!

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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 Henderson joins Colin...

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:

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly...

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...

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:

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 & Beer which now has it's own podcast feed...

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 concerned about the amount of retailer and brand...

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:

Head to www.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the Front, Rock Fight's weekly newsletter!

Please follow and...

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.

Then our in house Cicerone (aka Justin...

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...

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:

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 whom on...

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 unique when they launched Diaries Plus. A paid subscription for listeners...

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!

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 beverage to go with these shorts: a Rationale Mexican Lager.

...

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.

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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:

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.rockfight.co and sign up for News From the...

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 industry.

Today on...

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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:

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 wearing your Feral wetsuit.

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.

Today on THE ROCK FIGHT Barry McGeough, who's...

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:

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 continues as their flagship brew, the Apocalypse, makes the perfect...

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 messaging and many detractors calling the brand out.

Today Colin...

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:

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 brews for our next four episodes. To...

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 THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5...

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:

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...

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 scene.

For all of Paddling Magazine's content (and to subscribe) click here!

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):

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 and then they rank them...

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 a question or comment for...

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 shoes they make.

Today Richard joins THE R...

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:

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 few brews to THE ROCK FIGHT...

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 pretty soon, you won't have...

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 in the future.

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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):

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 high end craft...

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 through. But perhaps there is a new frontier where ingredient brands...

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...

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:

This all of course after America's favorite podcast segment What Is...

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 edition of Gear & Beer!

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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:

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 wherever you get your podcasts.

Have a question or comment for a future...

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 other outdoor brands?

Today Colin looks at what is interesting about...

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:

All this plus "What Is Justin Doing This Weekend?" (01:00) presented by Long Weekend Coffee.

Happy Monday, Rock Fighters!

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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, skiing, surfing or hanging out at the trailhead...

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 can be learned from the fashion apparel brands who have already...

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 give us a 5 star rating...

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:

All this and of course America's favorite podcast segment "What is Justin doing...

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 outdoor media, how things have changed over...

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 emergency take on all of the details around...

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 a 5 star rating wherever...

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.

We also of course learn what Justin will be doing this weekend in America's favorite...

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 should really just do what they want and accept the...

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 come together.

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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 answer...

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:

All of this after America's favorite podcast segment...

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 the outdoor community...

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 and how...

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 too (you'll see).

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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:

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.

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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’s important, and what to expect over the coming months.

...

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 their decisions.

In this episode...

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!

This all of course after America's favorite podcast segment...What Is Justin Doing This Weekend?!

Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT...

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 and consultant and today she gives Colin the markers of a...

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 impact of the work being done by folks like the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and...

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 other. Which one? The answer may...

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 media company, and why we should be optimistic about t...

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.

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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 expect over the coming year.

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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.

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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:

All that plus America's favorite podcast segment "What Is Justin Doing This Weekend?"!

Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us...

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 us through the politics of an incredibly complex topic that has no obvious...

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 SUSTAINABLE WARDROBE, by heading to www.sophiebenson.com.

Please...

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 incorporating the teachings of Ed Viesturs into your own outdoor adventures.

...

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 FIGHT...

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 Outdoor Recreation Roundtable.

...

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.co article Colin reads from in...

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:

They also answer the question featured in America's favorite podcast segment, What Is Justin Doing This Weekend?!

Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating wherever you...

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:

Click here to listen to...

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 FIGHT...

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.

They also respond to listener feedback and answer the qu...

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), Chris Dickey, joins THE ROCK...

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 cracking planning your 2024 adventures!<...

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 rating wherever you...

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 episode? Send...

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 or comment for...

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 episode...

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.

Please follow and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.<...

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 original episode. (09:20)

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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:

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...

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 the new world that independent re...

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.

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 Ironman) and Vail make moves in a space known for it's grassroots and community...

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 existing inventory and come with a...

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 podcasts.

Have...

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:

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 to celebrate the number and move on...but...

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 FIGHT and give us a 5 star rating wherever you get your podcasts.<...

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 and over at Plug Tone Audio.

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 deeper into the ongoing story regarding Backcountry.com's...

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's Race to Survive.

Both shows take place in Alaska and have survival...

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):

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 and subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give...

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.

Lastly Colin offers his take on the constant barrage...

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 show should actually is...

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 to try and deduce the value and potential pitfalls of...

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):

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 is happening at Outside, Inc...

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 wherever you get your podcasts.

...

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 future be for the famed tent maker?

Please follow and subscribe to THE...

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):

Please subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5...

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):

...

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 your podcasts.

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:

Please subscribe to THE ROCK FIGHT and give us a 5 star review wherever you get your...

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: Twitter becoming X.

Please subscribe to THE ROCK...

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...

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.

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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 happens all of the time in the outdoor industry. You can...

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...

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 5 star review wherever you get your podcasts.

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 welcome on Darren Josey. Darren's career has taken him from retail to multiple Outdoor...

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 myrockfight@gmail.com...

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 outdoor industry's...

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 recent outdoor industry and community headlines. That episode...

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 outdoor podcast that aims for your head) Colin...

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)? All will be revealed on...

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 here).

Please follow THE ROCK FIGHT and give us...

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...

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 adopting the Gran Fondo from our...

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 get to have the products we do and why until...

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 Aim for the...

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, outdoorsy or...

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 life of Midwest Mountaineering.

It's a very special Labor Day weekend episode of The Rock Fight. Hope you...

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.

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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 ultimately have an adverse effect for media companies...

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 States.

Have...

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 their podcast) of the development of Scout, an AI Chatbot, to help enthusiasts...

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, the role of electronics in clothing and a check...

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 American west, what's...

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 errant rocks thrown on this episode of THE ROCK FIGHT!<...

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. Lastly, Aaron offers a prediction for his beloved...

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.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads.

...

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?

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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...

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 well as...

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!

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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...

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 researching...

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 you can learn by watching DELIVERANCE before...

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 their conversation and then weigh in...

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!

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Head over to Gear Trade to turn your...

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.

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Head over to Gear Trade to turn y...

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 email us at myrockfight@gmail...

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 Shawnté stops by to talk about her findings and reveal her all time fa...

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 you...

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 outdoor media content this good anywhere...

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 bike and cycling culture...

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 good for the environment...

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...

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/jeep

This episode of THE ROCK FIGHT is brought to you by LONG...

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-suspension

This episode of THE ROCK FIGHT is brought to you by LONG WEEKEND COFFEE. Head to longweekend.coffee and enter the promo code...

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@gmail.com.

Need...

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 did you think of Captain Fantastic? Is there...

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

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 an instrument, picked up painting or any other...

In the past year there have been three shows that have done a great job capturing the best aspects of our community:

Previously 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 favorite adventure sports TV...

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. If you missed Justin's review of this latest offering...

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 coffee? Backcountry coffee...

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

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 by those with seemingly endless amounts of cash.

To dig...

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

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 fashion, the apparel industry's role in climate change and, of...

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!

...

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

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-c865-4d35-90e2-4a02f68c95e7

Check out all of PaddyO's work by heading to www.paddyroc.com and throw him a follow...

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 'HARDCORE'? Check it out here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9369224f-e03...

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

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@gmail.com.

...

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/sauce

Read Justin's written review on Adventure Journal here: https://adventure-journal...

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 production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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 outdoor movie you'd like...

The rules around the t-shirt you get in a swag bag at race check-in:

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, LLC.

...

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 domestically produced apparel to be successful in the future.

...

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.

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 future episode...

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.

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 as a...

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 with either a...

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.

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...

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.

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...

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 industry has been built on product innovation and it's...

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 proven to...

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 opinion or want to pick a fight...

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.

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 of what is going on and what to expect, Kenji Haroutunian joins THE ROCK FIGHT...

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 the consumers of outdoor brands.

Are you a current or...

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 of THE ROCK FIGHT? Email your comments and...

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.com

Get more from Justin Housman by heading over to www.adventure-journal.com.

THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.

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.

...

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 to myrockfight@gmail...

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 listening and please like, subscribe, follow...

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.

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@gmail.com.<...

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: @therockfightpod

THE ROCK FIGHT on Twitter: @rockfightllc

Support MOUNTAIN GAZETTE: https://mountaingazette.com/products/mountain-gazette-annual-subscription

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.

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 GAZETTE today: https://mountaingazette.com/products/mo...

Listen to THE ROCK FIGHT wherever you get your podcasts!

Check us out on Instagram: @therockfightpod

Visit our website: www.rockfightllc.com

And be sure to live your life like a black cat at midnight.

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.

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.com

Check out Brendan's work at www.semi-rad.com or on Instagram @semi_rad<...

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.

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.com

Find THE DIRTBAG DIARIES wherever you get your podcasts or visit their website www...

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.

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.com

For more from Paddy O'Connell check out his website www.paddyroc.com or follow him on Instagram @paddyroc.<...

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 fight? Email us at myrockfight...

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 myrockfight@gmail.com

Check out...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.