Blog

Note: This is part 1 of a 2-part series Burgeon ran in the Boston Globe in the Fall of 2022.

Born in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Burgeon Outdoor is reinventing capitalism one piece of apparel at a time. Burgeon’s founder, Rudy Glocker, envisions a world filled with thriving mountain communities that positively impact their economy, environment, and community equally. Within Burgeon, he has found a way to make that dream a reality. 

Lincoln, NH - the heart of the White Mountains:  Three Years ago today, I signed a lease at the Village Shops, hired our first employee (Justin Walsh), and Burgeon Outdoor became a reality - -at least in name.

We had our first team meeting on the shores of Lonesome Lake (featured above) and started to outline our task lists.  With the benefit of hindsight, it is amazing we are here today to celebrate the start of Year 4.

Burgeon studio June 2019

We had no production staff, a space that needed a fair amount of work, and a business plan, that in hindsight, was woefully inadequate.  We did, however, have a firm belief that outdoor apparel should be made in the places that inspire its use – not just because it is a great phrase that rolls off the tongue, but because we knew it would create a positive impact in the White Mountains community.

We believed then and still hold firm that making our apparel in Lincoln, NH makes a positive impact in the White Mountains; economically, environmentally, and socially.  We have seen this impact grow over the past three years and Year Four is going to be our largest impact year yet!

Burgeon studio, same vantage point June, 2022

Economically, we have created six full time jobs (not including yours truly) - five in production and one in retail/management, as well as three part time jobs. 

Environmentally, we maintain the Old Bridle Path (more to come, stay tuned!).  We continue to expand the use of natural fibers (such as wool, tencel, and lyocell) and expand our use of recycled polyester.  We also offer repairs – which allows you to extend the life of the most sustainable gear in the world - -the gear you already have.

We continue to bring our community together.  We have hosted events and/or fundraisers for New England Disabled Sports, Friends of Linwood Recreation, Loon Mountain Ministry, NH Builders Association, Loon Freestyle Team and others. 

We sponsored the Tuckerman Inferno, the premiere racing event in the White Mountains region.  Burgeon staff have served in leadership roles in the Western White Mountains Chamber of Commerce and the Granite Outdoor Alliance.

What is on tap for Year 4?

• Expanding our trail maintenance - stay tuned for news coming soon!
• Adding to our staff - both in management and production
• Increasing the use of natural materials and recycled products
• A larger presence at community event
• Women’s leggings
• Women’s Hiking Tank Top
• And yes, fingers crossed, some waterproof layers!

Year 4 Starts NOW and we aim for it to be our best year yet!  We hope you’ll come see us soon.  There is always something new happening at the Burgeon studio and we are committed to getting better every day - so no matter when you visit, you’ll see us at our best!

We having a Midsommer Hiking Kick-Off Party on Saturday, June 18th and hope you will join us for food, fun, beverages, prizes, contests, gear specials and more!  Register here.

Shop Burgeon Products

Burgeon Outdoor was founded in 2019.  Burgeon’s mission is to help mountain communities flourish.  Burgeon proudly manufactures premium outdoor apparel in Lincoln, NH.  By manufacturing locally, Burgeon creates year round jobs in the White Mountains.  5% of Burgeon’s sales support its community and environmental efforts. To learn more, please visit our studio at the Village Shops in Lincoln, our website burgeonoutdoor.com or call us at 603-745-7123.

Lincoln, NH, the heart of the White Mountains.

Despite the foreboding date, Friday the 13th was a gorgeous day in the White Mountains of New Hampshire - and it was great to get back on the trail.  A huge thank you to Alex Roberts, Philip Carcia, and Justin Walsh for making the time to get out there.

It was the kind of day that reminds you why you love it so much.  In just a few hours, we enjoyed ‘discovering’ an old/abandoned trail (Osseo - trip write up to follow), enjoyed bright sunshine, warm temperatures, hiked through 1-2’ of snow, got some great product shots, bagged a 4000 footer, and took in some great new views (could see Mansfield in the distance, at least we think we did!).  It was glorious.

The best part of the day, however, was just lounging around the summit with three friends for over an hour.  What did we talk about - everything and nothing at all simultaneously – and that is what made it so special.  In our ‘always on demand’ world, it was great to just enjoy each other’s company and not worry about the ‘real’ world down in the valleys.

We hope you are ‘back in the saddle again’ soon – whether it is hiking, walking, biking, running, kayaking or whatever it is you love to do.  We also hope you can carve out some time with friends and just enjoy the moment, be present and soak it all in.  Good luck and get out there!

Shop Burgeon Products

Burgeon Outdoor was founded in 2019.  Burgeon’s mission is to help mountain communities flourish.  Burgeon proudly manufactures premium outdoor apparel in Lincoln, NH.  By manufacturing locally, Burgeon creates year round jobs in the White Mountains.  5% of Burgeon’s sales support its community and environmental efforts. To learn more, please visit our studio at the Village Shops in Lincoln, our website burgeonoutdoor.com or call us at 603-745-7123.

Lincoln, NH, the Heart of the White Mountains.

Do you know where your clothes are made?

Do you know the names of the people who make them?

Lots of companies will tell you ‘where’ their products are made.  They say things such as “Made in Indonesia”, “Designed in California, Made in China”, or just “Made in China”.  But do you really know where?

At Burgeon you can actually see the people making the products we sell.  Our studio is surrounded by glass on two sides and if you visit us, you’ll actually see the production team in action whether it is cutting hats, sewing hoodies, or putting the finishing touches on our latest line of tech t-shirts.

We think it is important you know not only where your clothes are made, but the people making them.  We want you to see how skilled they are and how complex some ‘simple’ garments are to make.  We want you to appreciate their craftsmanship – and the care they put into each Burgeon product.

Burgeon is not looking to make clothes in the most efficient/cheapest way, we are looking to make clothes the right way.  One that sustains and enhances our outdoor community by creating jobs and donating a portion of our proceeds to efforts that make the White Mountains of New Hampshire the special place it is.

Our clothes are not “Designed in New Hampshire, Made in China/Mexico/ Indonesia, et cetera.  They are designed in New Hampshire.  They are tested in New Hampshire.  They are made in New Hampshire.  Yes, it costs more – but it is worth every penny.

We hope you’ll come visit us at our studio in Lincoln, New Hampshire.  We hope you’ll meet the amazing people who make our products.  We hope you’ll develop a connection with them.  Most importantly we hope you will gain an appreciation for their skill and dedication to their trade. If you own a Burgeon product you know how talented they are.

We hope to see you soon.

Shop Burgeon Products

Burgeon Outdoor was founded in 2019.  Burgeon’s mission is to help mountain communities flourish.  Burgeon proudly manufactures premium outdoor apparel in Lincoln, NH.  By manufacturing locally, Burgeon creates year round jobs in the White Mountains.  5% of Burgeon’s sales support its community and environmental efforts. To learn more, please visit our studio at the Village Shops in Lincoln, our website burgeonoutdoor.com or call us at 603-745-7123.