Post by Outdoor Industry Association

The OIA team recently returned from Switchback Spring 2026 in New Orleans. It's always energizing to spend a few days with the brands, retailers, and partners who make this industry what it is, and this year was no exception. Between the education sessions and the buzz on the show floor, it was a good reminder of what our community can do when we all come together. We also want to take a moment to recognize our friends at GORE-TEX® Brand, who joined us for two sessions on product durability. The throughline across both sessions was that durability isn't just a technical spec, it's a smart business strategy. For retailers, it's something you can actually sell on the store floor through product storytelling, care education, repair programs, warranties, and resale. For the industry as a whole, a commitment to product longevity supports sustainability initiatives, builds consumer trust, and drives growth. A special thank you to Leigh Gray, MBA and Kerry Summers from GORE-TEX® Brand for lending their expertise to these conversations. Your insights were invaluable, and they pushed the durability conversation forward in a real way. Photos courtesy of Switchback Event