How a Simple Ranger Poncho Became the Star of an Andor Season 2 Campaign

How a Simple Ranger Poncho Became the Star of an Andor Season 2 Campaign

I’ve been designing outdoor gear for nearly a decade now, but every so often a project comes along that reminds me why I fell in love with creating products in the first place. This is the story of how our humble Jack Stillman Ranger Poncho caught the eye of a New York marketing agency, landed in the hands of Lucasfilm influencers, and ended up inspiring a whole new sister-brand offering at Jubilee Street Studio.

The Ranger’s Origin: Built for Adventure

When I sketched the first lines of what would become the Ranger Poncho, I had one goal: blend the timeless utility of waxed canvas with the freedom of modern adventure. At 8 oz, the shell is light enough to pack anywhere, yet tough enough to shrug off rain, mud, and the occasional bush scratch. A polyester-cotton liner keeps you comfortable underneath, and custom brass-riveted buttons plus a YKK Aquaguard zipper ensure nothing stops you when the weather turns.

We didn’t set out to make movie-themed merch—we just wanted to build a poncho that felt as epic as the places you’d wear it. Little did we know, that epic vibe would attract the attention of The Syndicate, a specialist entertainment-promo agency in New York.

The Syndicate’s Pitch: A “Watch Box” for Andor Season 2

In early March 2025, Max Falvey from The Syndicate reached out. They loved the Ranger’s rugged look—it fit right in with the world of Andor Season 2 (Lucasfilm/Disney). Their ask was straightforward: 50 Ranger Ponchos to send in a “watch box” to influencers ahead of the show’s premiere. Perfect timing: we were gearing up for a Da Nang visit anyway, so I extended my stay past March 13—yes, even past my birthday on the 15th—to make sure we could prototype anything they dreamed up.

From Poncho to Mailer: A Sister-Brand Solution

Here’s where our sister company, Jubilee Street Studio, earned its stripes. The Syndicate planned to stuff the ponchos into plain paper envelopes with some posters and a black-light torch. But I thought: why stop there? At Jubilee Street Studio—the manufacturing wing I co-run out of Da Nang—we specialize in turning raw ideas into premium, functional products. So I proposed an 8 oz canvas mailer pouch instead, using the same material as the poncho’s pouch.

With a quick mock-up and a transparent cost breakdown (they already had US $1,000 earmarked for envelopes), we showed Max how a simple canvas bag would elevate the whole experience. Next thing you know, Lucasfilm marketers flipped for it—and asked, “What else can you do?”

Designing the Ultimate Ranger Kit

Once the idea was in play, Jubilee Street Studio and I brainstormed every detail:

  • Flat-folded poncho pocket so influencers could see the Ranger’s iconic silhouette the moment they opened it.

  • Dedicated slots for posters, stickers, and that black-light torch—no loose bits rattling around.

  • Embossed leather logos on both poncho and mailer (custom brass-cut patch, heat-pressed for permanence).

  • Kraft-paper wrap with red wax seal—my little birthday-week gift to the project, adding mystery and ceremony to unboxing.

We even debated whether the bag should feel “Rebel” or “Imperial” before settling on a dark canvas with subtle Rebel-style stitching. The final prototype felt like it belonged in the Star Wars universe—rugged, authentic, and just a little secretive.

Rapid Turnaround, Legendary Results

From mock-up approval to production, Jubilee Street Studio turned the mailers around in two weeks. We leveraged on-hand waxed canvas, local brass-stamp partners, and our decade of bag-making know-how to skip lengthy pilot runs. Shipment left Da Nang on schedule, and within days influencers from L.A. to London were unboxing Ranger Poncho kits on TikTok and Instagram.

The reaction? Next-level. Fans loved the quality; marketers loved the buzz; The Syndicate loved their decision to trust us. And for Jack Stillman, it meant 50 premium-margin ponchos sold—and a whole new way to showcase what our gear can do.

Why This Matters for Jack Stillman—and You

This isn’t just a fun footnote in our product story. It shows how a strong design—like the Ranger Poncho—combined with agile manufacturing at Jubilee Street Studio can turn a simple promo into a full-blown experience.

  • For Jack Stillman fans: It proves our gear stands up not only to Aussie bushcraft but also to the scrutiny of top-tier entertainment brands.

  • For potential Jubilee Street clients: It’s a taste of how our sister company transforms ideas (even envelope budgets) into custom, functional solutions that create real brand impact.

Ready for Your Own Epic Drop?

Whether you’re launching a TV series, rolling out new merch, or just want to give your audience an unboxing they’ll never forget, Jack Stillman and Jubilee Street Studio have you covered. We build gear that works—and experiences that stick.

Reach out, and let’s see how far we can take your next promo. After all, every great adventure deserves a Ranger Poncho—and maybe a custom mailer bag, too.

 

 

Explore more at jackstillman.com.au and see how Jubilee Street Studio brings ideas to life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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