The Basecamp brand, founded in 2012, was driven by a powerful vision: create branded products that go beyond mere marketing tools. They envisioned merchandise that could tell a brand’s story, be genuinely useful to the recipient, and positively impact the world.
This philosophy is evident in their very first product line – backpacks designed for two distinct audiences. One caters to the urban professional navigating the concrete jungle, while the other offers a rugged style for outdoor enthusiasts. Basecamp brought a fresh perspective to the custom merchandise market, prioritizing functionality and user needs.
This commitment to purpose led them to a partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). Founded in 2003 by John Melia, WWP began in 2003 as a grassroots effort to provide basic comfort items to those warriors first returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan with the visible and invisible wounds of war.
A Custom Basecamp Navigator Backpack
The Basecamp Navigator is the bag that started it all. This laptop bag is geared toward the outdoor adventurer. It features a large main compartment with dual heavy zippers, a protected, secure slot, a center zippered compartment with an organizational panel, and an extra inner zipper pocket front zipper. It also includes an additional front drop pocket, a large side pocket, a sturdy web handle, adjustable wide comfort shoulder straps, and an extra padded contour back panel that fits up to most 15″ laptops.
The Basecamp and WWP partnership has flourished over the years. With Brand Ambassador Dan Nevins at the helm, they’ve raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and significantly boosted awareness for the WWP’s mission. Dan is a former Army veteran who now works as a public speaker and yoga teacher. He was invited by Basecamp to speak at their sales meeting, themed, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” and has since become their brand ambassador. Dan also runs the Warrior Spirit Retreat and supports other veterans.
Before Basecamp, Dan’s first experience with a promotional product was with a backpack in 2004 after an IED explosion in Iraq resulted in the amputation of both of his legs. While at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, he was visited by a representative from Wounded Warrior Project®. In that first meeting, WWP gave him a backpack, and to this day, Dan says the impact of that backpack changed his whole life. It was the most significant gift he had ever received or ever will receive.
Their story exemplifies the power of give-back programs. Companies can leverage their brand to champion worthy causes, becoming true corporate ambassadors. Basecamp doesn’t just create high-quality branded products; it helps companies connect with causes they care about.
Partner with BrandExtenders to:
- Design custom merchandise that reflects your brand and resonates with your audience.
- Support a cause you’re passionate about.
- Make a real difference in the lives of others.
