Ford and Filson have teamed up to support conservation, restoration, and tree-planting efforts through the National Forest Foundation (NFF). Filson has created some limited edition Bronco gear, with 50-percent of profits going towards the cause. Ford has committed a portion of the sale of every Bronco to the cause. The real head-turner in this collaborative effort is the Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept vehicle. Inspiration for this collaboration comes from both brands’ shared histories of supporting and outfitting wildland firefighters of the U.S. Forest Service.
“Filson and Bronco share a history in the wildest parts of the American landscape and have provided the gear and transportation necessary to protect the country’s public lands for decades,” said Doug Thielen, director of marketing, Filson. “This collaboration speaks to those shared histories and through it, we honor the hard and dangerous work of wildland firefighters who put their lives on the line every day for our National Forests, public lands and nearby communities.”
Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig Concept
With a nod to the iconic forest service green U.S. Forest Service Broncos of the past the Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept is based on the all-new four-door Ford Bronco. Specifically the Badlands edition with Sasquatch package, the most off-road capable combo on offer.
Of course, the new Bronco was up-fitted with the latest off-road recovery gear and firefighting equipment. The off-road upgrades include a front steel bumper with Warn winch, a RIGID LED light bar, Hi-Lift jack, and limb risers. A custom roof-rack supports a ton of gear, including a Pulaski, shovel, water tanks, and axes. In the back of the Bronco is a Kimtek Fire/Rescue skid. The skid is outfitted with a 50-gallon water tank, high-pressure pump, and fire hose reel. To finish off the build is a STIHL chainsaw, two hard hats, and a Sure Seal drip torch.
Filson has put its touch on nearly all the soft surfaces in the vehicle. The seat trim, center console, and door bolsters feature Filson’s signature otter green duck canvas. The seats are black quilted leather, inspired by Filson’s jacket linings. To top off the Filson touches on this Bronco is a fireproof ripstop nylon material, similar to what’s used in Filson backpacks, used to create a bimini top and custom rear cargo divider. The top is even secured, when open, by classic Filson bridle leather straps.
The reveal of the Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept comes during one of the most devastating wildland fire seasons in history, with over 7.5 million acres already ravaged. Both of these brands are looking to raise awareness of fire prevention and responsible recreation on our public lands. With more and more people recreating outdoors and camping, spurred on by travel restrictions from the pandemic, our negative impact on wild places has become a growing concern.
“Combined, Ford and Filson share a unique history of protecting our nation’s wildfire crews for more than a century and helping them access rugged areas of forests,” said Dave Rivers, Bronco SUV marketing manager. “Today, we’re combining those strengths to support those who protect our natural resources as well as preserve our nation’s forests for future generations.”
Conservation Commitments
The Bronco Wild Fund is Ford’s pledge to plan 1 million trees with the NFF in 2021. It is also the vehicle in which Ford plans to promote forest preservation and public lands access programs.
Filson has also committed to work with and support the NFF. Specifically, it plans to restore four fire lookout towers over the next three years. The restored towers will specifically be available for the public to reserve and enjoy.
Filson Bronco Gear
To commemorate this partnership Filson has created a few limited Filson + Bronco items. Specifically a T-shirt, water bottle, and Rugged Twill Small Duffle Bag. The only thing that makes these items special is their Filson + Bronco logo, and that a portion of the proceeds goes directly to the NFF. You can get your Filson + Bronco gear at Filson.com.
Prevent Forest Fires
For more information on how to recreate responsibly and prevent fires on our public lands, visit https://smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos.
