Filson is a brand for go-everywhere lifestyle enthusiasts looking to be equipped for the long road ahead. The Ford Bronco is ready to take them there. A new partnership between the two iconic names in outdoors-ing has resulted in the Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept and limited-edition outdoor gear.
The Bronco + Filson Wildland Fire Rig concept features a combination of firefighting equipment, rugged materials crafted by Filson, and the four-door Bronco. It is designed to be a tribute to the decades of first responders who used the Bronco for their firefighting duties.
“Ford and Filson share a unique history of helping protect our nation’s wildfire crews for more than a century and helping them access rugged areas of forests,” said Dave Rivers, Bronco marketing manager. “Today, we’re combining those strengths to support those who protect our natural resources as well as helping preserve our nation’s forests for future generations.”
The new concept car is based on the 2021 Ford Bronco four-door Badlands trim with available Sasquatch Package. Its exterior features a Forest Service Green paint job that is similar to the color used on the first-generation U.S. Forest Service Bronco. At its face is a modular steel Ford Performance bumper with a Warn Zeon 10s winch.
A heavy-duty custom roof rack with Rigid LED light bar is mounted to the Bronco’s accessory points on the side mirror arms and rear J-plate. The rack holds a Pulaski, shovel, water tanks and axes, and is strong enough to double as a firefighter lookout. Additional specialized equipment on the rig includes a Kimtek Firelite Fire/Rescue Transport skid that comes with a Hannay Reels fire hose reel, Davey high-pressure water pump, 50-gallon water tank, Stihl chainsaw, two hard hats, a high lift jack, and Sure Seal drop torch attached to it.
Filson materials make the interior of the concept tougher. There’s otter green canvas door bolsters, armrests, and seat trim surrounds. The seating surfaces have quilted black leather inspired by Filson’s jacket lining, and Ann embossed Bronco logo.
Grab handles and the center console are painted in matching Filson otter green while a CB radio is mounted to the Bronco’s versatile BYO device rack on the instrument panel.
Fireproof ripstop nylon similar to that on Filson backpacks and briefcases is used for the bimini-style top and rear cargo area divider. The top can be opened, rolled back and secured by Filson bridle leather straps.
Bronco Wild Fund Presents: Shared History, Shared Action | Ford
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There’s a Cerakote ceramic coating on the wheels, custom fabricated roof rack and grille, and a unique inside for the center console and instrument panel trim, all of which are designed for longevity. The center of the steering wheel features the Bronco horse plated in Filson brass. An embroidered Filson logo is mounted to the interior top and a similar logo has bee napplied to the center console trim tag.
“The Filson and Bronco collaboration was a natural fit, given the deep histories both brands have with the U.S. Forest Service dating back to the midcentury, when crews relied on the Filson Cruiser jackets and first-generation Broncos to reach remote terrain and protect them in harsh conditions,” said Doug Thielen, director of marketing at Filson. “Our resilient materials and innovative product designs are the perfect complement for the rugged Bronco SUV, and honor wildland firefighters who risk it all to protect our forests and natural resources.”
Earlier this week, Ford announced its new Bronco Wild Fund initiative. The company is set to use a percentage of the sales money it brings in from Bronco sales to fund an endowment that will benefit numerous outdoors-focused initiatives. Ford and the Bronco Wild Fund will donate two Broncos outfitted with firefighting equipment to help wildland fire personnel protect communities and vital natural resources.
Additionally, Filson and Ford will sell limited-edition Bronco + Filson outdoor gear at Filson.com to benefit the Bronco Wild Fund.
