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

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 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 star rating and written review wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to and follow Gear & Beer! The newest show on the Rock Fight Podcast Network. Have a question or comment for a future mailbag episode? Send it to myrockfight@gmail.com or send a message on Instagram or Threads. Thanks for listening! THE ROCK FIGHT is a production of Rock Fight, LLC.