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

The Rock Fight: Outdoor Industry & Adventure Sports Commentary

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

Then the discussion moves to the recent layoffs at Patagonia, where the hosts reflect on the harsh realities of corporate life and the expectations placed on brands like Patagonia to maintain a higher standard.

They close the show with their Parting Shots, where Producer Dave takes aim at another brand collaboration that missed the mark while Colin celebrates the 30 year anniversary of Expedition News.

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Hurricane Helene Update
• 01:42 - Altra/Smartwool Run The Winter
• 17:47 - Patagonia Layoffs
• 26:08 - Parting Shots!
• 30:12 - Celebrating 30 Years of Expedition News
• 32:00 - The Rock Fight Fight Song with Chris DeMakes

Hurricane Helene Relief Links:

• GoFundMe for Bubba O'Learys
• Western North Carolina Hurriance Helene Resource Guide
• East Tennessee Foundation Relief Fund

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