Franconia - Men's

I am a full time guide, owner of Mooney Mountain Guides LLC and , full disclosure, I’m also a Burgeon Ambassador. With that said, I’ve always given the Burgeon team my honest feedback on their products. With that out of the way, let me tell you about this piece, the Franconia. First, I have used it extensively. A rough estimate is over 250 days of very heavy use from skiing in the Sierra, rock climbing in the desert, along with countless days ice climbing and guiding ascents of Mt. Washington. The hoodie is still in great shape, good enough for me to meet my guests and make a clean first impression. So, durability...check.
Second, the material that Burgeon chose to use is one of my very favorites, it is the perfect blend of warmth and performance. The stretch makes me forget I am even wearing it, it does not hold on to moisture from perspiration at all, and on most days the Franconia is all I need for insulation under my shell, or over my T-shirt. So, performance...check.
Third, functionality. Honestly if the product fits well and and works as advertised I’m going to use the product; however, what keeps me reaching for the Franconia time after time, day after day, season after season, in every climate of the continental USA? It’s 3 main things. 1: there are two pockets on the front for my phone no any other nik-nacks I may have. It seems silly, but I miss those pockets when my Franconia is in the wash. I almost can’t live without them. I mean, all you have to do is eat one frozen candy bar to know the value of these pockets. 2: The hood fits over and under my helmet. Ether way I’m covered! 3: It’s long. I tuck it into my pants and my back stays warm all day.

Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about the Franconia Mid-Layer. Once this thing catches on, it’s going to be hard to keep up with demand. Get yours now.

This mid-layer is a beast. Not only is it perfectly designed, it keeps the warmth in and lets the sweat breathe through. It is hard to find a mid-weight layer that is warm and not bulky. Usually, I find myself feeling like the Michelin-man with my base, bulky fleece layers, and puffy jacket. This makes it difficult to maneuver steep inclines of slippery ice and rock. That is just one of the reasons I love the Franconia so much. It is incredibly warm for its weight and doesn’t feel bulky under (and over) other layers.

Another reason I love the Franconia is because of the perfectly placed chest pockets. Regularly placed hip pockets are super inconvenient under other jackets, and I feel like these pockets were built with the hiker in mind. It is super easy to unzip a jacket and slip your hand in the pocket that sits right there for your phone, a snack, whatever you want… which brings me to my next point. The pockets are actually big enough to fit stuff!

Arguably my favorite feature on the Franconia is the built-in balaclava in the hood. If you’re really cold and need both the hood and balaclava, you have that option. If you’re breathing heavy and want to pull down the part that covers your mouth, you have that option. If you just want the hood and no balaclava, you have that option (and it sits flat against the hood behind your head so you don’t even notice it is there!). And lastly, if you want nothing, you can take it all off too!

The Franconia has proven to be one of the most versatile and well-designed hiking layers I have ever owned. On top of that, it has outstanding comfort with its soft material, long torso fit so it doesn’t move around, and amazing fit! You won’t be disappointed in this layer!

You know the outfits they wear on The Enterprise? Those futuristic, versatile costumes the OG Starfleet characters wore in the 60's tv show? I've been waiting for those materials to arrive and they are here NOW in the form of the comfortable, breathable, weatherproof textiles offered by Burgeon. Live long and prosper (outdoors and indoors) with these universally comfortable garments! Now when can I start being teleported in them....

Great

Have heard about your shop from TV several times so decided to stopped in. I bought a Franconia Mid-layer. After wearing it several times and finding it warm I decided to give it a real workout. We had a morning where I had to remove snow from our driveway and the temp was minus 11. For once I was real warm outside. Fact is it work so well I have since bought another. Recommended.