Today on Outdoor Unfiltered, Eoin Comerford breaks down the news that REI is cutting pay and benefits for employees as the co-op struggles to return to profitability.

After four straight years of losses REI is facing some tough financial realities — and payroll is squarely in the spotlight.

Eoin digs into what’s driving the decision, why payroll costs at REI are significantly higher than other retailers, and why a healthy REI still matters to the broader outdoor industry.

Also in this episode:

• Vail Resorts’ historically bad winter season
• Why ski resorts are still making money despite poor snow
• Eoin is then joined by Rock Founder and Outdoor Industry veteran, Colin True, to discuss the outdoor recreation economy’s “$1.3 trillion” headline number (and why it’s misleading) as well as the new brand campaigns from The North Face and Merrell.

Outdoor Unfiltered looks past the PR spin to explore what’s really happening in the outdoor industry and why it matters.

Connect with Eoin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/

Email the show: outdoorunfilteredpod@gmail.com

Move past the PR speak and into the boardroom. In this episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, host Eoin Comerford breaks down the latest strategic shifts from the industry’s biggest players before sitting down with the "unofficial mayor of the outdoor industry," Lloyd Vogel.

On the Business Desk:

• Amer Sports & Anta: A deep dive into the $6.6B powerhouse. Why are they raising $750M despite 27% growth? We look at the debt, the margins, and the "Arc’teryx effect."
• The North Face vs. Merrell: Analyzing the pivot away from "misery marketing." Why TNF is taking a run at owning "Hiking" and what Merrell’s "Secret Garden" approach means for inclusivity.

The Insider Interview: Lloyd Vogel (CEO, Garage Grown Gear)

• The Ultralight Takeover: Why "Ultralight" isn't a niche anymore—it's just the new standard for backpacking.
• The "Boomer" Impact: How lighter gear is extending the longevity of the industry’s most loyal demographic.
• The Trade Show Tug-of-War: An unfiltered look at Switchback vs. Outdoor Retailer. Can small, cottage brands save the traditional trade show model?

Follow Outdoor Unfiltered on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to stay a step ahead of the competition.

Connect with Eoin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford/

Learn more about GGG: www.garagegrowngear.com

Is the outdoor industry in trouble, or just in transition?

Host Eoin Comerford is joined by industry icon Kristin Hostetter (former Editor-in-Chief of SNEWS) to pull back the curtain on why sustainability is currently under fire and what the "Trump Tariffs" reversal actually means for your wallet.

In this debut episode of Outdoor Unfiltered, we move past the PR fluff to give you the "why" behind the headlines.

What we’re digging into today:

• The Supreme Court vs. The Tariffs: Eoin breaks down how brands might get their refunds and why your gear probably won't get cheaper anytime soon.
• Earnings Season Reality Check: What do the latest results tell us about where the market is heading? Why are footwear brands like Hoka and Birkenstock winning while the rest of the US market lags?
• Sustainability Under Attack: Kristin Hostetter shares her raw take on the repeal of scientific findings and why Patagonia’s latest "transparency report" is being called greenwashing by some and a blueprint by others.

Connect with us:

• Follow Eoin Comerford: www.linkedin.com/in/eoincomerford
• Email the show: OutdoorUnfilteredPod@gmail.com
• Rate & Review: If you enjoyed this deep dive, please leave a 5-star review!

Outdoor Unfiltered is part of the Rock Fight podcast network.

Tired of the PR spin and LinkedIn platitudes? Outdoor Unfiltered is a new podcast hosted by industry veteran Eoin Comerford that digs into what’s actually driving the outdoor business.

In this trailer, Eoin lays out the mission: honest conversations with insiders and experts about the forces shaping the industry — from innovation and branding to affordability, sustainability, and the real stories behind the headlines.

If you want to understand where the outdoor industry is headed — and why — Outdoor Unfiltered delivers the straight talk.

Follow now and get ready for the first episode dropping March 2.

Outdoor Unfiltered is part of the Rock Fight podcast network.