If you like your camping gear to have plenty of personality, you’re going to love the new Ranger Doug Collection from Kelty. These tents, sleeping bags, and blankets feature boisterous purples, yellows, and oranges in a funky print reminiscent of urban camo. But this print has a rich history that may surprise you.
The Story
During the New Deal Era, the WPA Federal Poster Project printed silkscreen prints for 14 National Parks. This work was halted by the start of World War II and by 1950, most had disappeared. Today, a handful of these prints have been found, many badly damaged. Ranger Doug, the “Ranger of the Lost Art”, and his team have taken on the painstaking task of restoring these national treasures. In addition to preserving a valuable part of our outdoor culture, they’re donating a portion of their sales to our National Parks.
The General Grant Poster Restored by Ranger Doug
Kelty and Ranger Doug have teamed up to launch the Ranger Doug Collection. The fun collaboration features durable Kelty gear in a print inspired by Ranger Doug’s General Grant poster. You can check out the print that started it all (and maybe buy a copy to match your new gear) here.
The Gear
- Kelty Ranger Doug 30 Sleeping Bag – $149.95
- Kelty Ranger Doug 4 Person Tent – $319.95 (2 person, not pictured – $239.95)
- Kelty Ranger Doug Deployable Blanket – $49.95
- Kelty Ranger Doug 30 Sleeping Bag (Womens) – $149.95
The Cause
In addition to looking really fantastic, this gear does good for our planet. 1% of sales from the Kelty Ranger Doug Collection will be donated to The Student Conservation Association. SCA is an incredible organization that puts young people to work on improvements in our parks and public lands. They learn to accomplish these improvements in a way that is sustainable, teaching them conservation practices and endowing them with a life-long connection to our public lands. Through these efforts, SCA is working to train the next generation of outdoor stewards.
Interested?
Stop by Frugal Backpacker to check out the whole collection, and take home a piece of our National Parks history.
