Reinventing Capitalism, the Burgeon Way (Part 2)

Reinventing Capitalism, the Burgeon Way (Part 2)

Textile and clothing manufacturing has a long, dark history of creating waste and exploiting workers. How do you change an industry when you are a new company? How do you develop and innovate new ways to manufacture clothing that are better for the environment, the people who make the products, and their communities
November 29, 2022
Burgeon Outdoor's retail floor. Apparel is seen hanging on racks and the American flag is in the background.

Reinventing Capitalism, the Burgeon Way (Part 1)

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. 

November 29, 2022
Passing out the Turkeys, Part IV

Passing out the Turkeys, Part IV

Lincoln, NH, the heart of the White Mountains. We are so honored to continue this wonderful tradition at Burgeon Outdoor.  While many things have changed at Burgeon over the past year, this tradition runs strong – despite new realities.  Each Thanksgiving we offer each of our employees the opportunity to take home a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner (and we threw in a pie this year for good measure!).
November 23, 2022
The Most Sustainable Hoodie We've Ever Made

The Most Sustainable Hoodie We've Ever Made

The Pemi hoodie is the most sustainable hoodie we make - and just perhaps the most sustainable hoodie in the outdoor industry. In an effort to both expand our product selection and lower our carbon footprint we decided to create a version of our popular Highlander Hoodie, but made exclusively of “deadstock” material.
October 13, 2022
Original Osseo Trail

Original Osseo Trail

Lincoln, New Hampshire, the heart of the White Mountains.  The original Osseo trail was in use up to the 1980’s.  It provided a direct trail from the town of Lincoln up to the summit of Mt. Flume.  This route is shorter (about 10 miles round trip) than the current Osseo trail which leaves from Lincoln Woods.  
October 12, 2022
Burgeon Outdoor Acquires Select Production and IP Assets

Burgeon Outdoor Acquires Select Production and IP Assets

LINCOLN, New Hampshire, September 27, 2022 – Burgeon Outdoor has acquired select assets of a legendary New Hampshire mountaineering brand.  As a result of this acquisition, Burgeon will add New England cold weather essentials to its product line. These will include Burgeon’s first ever hardshell jacket and pants - capable of handling the worst conditions the White Mountains have to offer.
September 29, 2022
5 Rainy Day Hikes

5 Rainy Day Hikes

If you’re looking to complete the 48 4,000-footers in New Hampshire, chances are at some point you’re going to find yourself out in the rain. The good news is if you plan ahead there are some hikes that lend themselves better to rainy days than others, so you can brave the elements and work towards your 48 without wasting a beautiful view.
August 23, 2022
Backpacking for Behcet's Disease

Backpacking for Behcet's Disease

HOW BURGEON OUTDOOR GEAR HELPS ME
Since my body temperature fluctuates due to having autonomic system dysfunctions from my disease and because of the activity itself, I need moisture-wicking, thermo-regulating clothes. Burgeon Outdoor base layers do just that. And their clothing is extremely comfortable and attractive looking – a bonus!
August 17, 2022
Top Notch Triathlon 2022

Top Notch Triathlon 2022

Since 1992, the Top Notch Triathlon has taken place annually in Franconia, NH. An event organized by the community and for the community, the triathlon’s proceeds go towards bettering the recreation opportunities of the Franconia area. This year's Top Notch Triathlon took place on a hot and sunny day in Franconia. The triathletes were tested this year!
August 07, 2022
The Trek, Year 4 Starts Now!

The Trek, Year 4 Starts Now!

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.

Studio before Burgeon

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 June 2022

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 Logo

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.

 

June 09, 2022
Back in the Saddle, Again

Back in the Saddle, Again

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.

View from Flume summit

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.

Philip Carcia and Alex Roberts on Flume summit

 

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 Logo

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.

 

 

May 17, 2022
Know where your clothes are made

Know where your clothes are made

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.

We made your sunseeker hoodie

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 Logo

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.

April 06, 2022