Being a hiker, I crave gear that is versatile and doesn’t burn a hole in my pocket. It’s a tough ask. Gear, especially clothing, takes a beating when you’re trekking trails like the Appalachian Trail (AT). It needs to be light to carry long distances, breathable, warm, and tough. Finding something that ticks all those boxes and is budget-friendly is a rare gem.
However, stumbling upon Burgeon Outdoor, a small brand from Lincoln, N.H., and discovering its Highlander Hoodie felt like a win. Priced at $90, it was a lightweight microgrid fleece with a drawcord hood, snap button, and kangaroo pocket. I purchased it during my thru-hike of the AT, where I compared it to my natural fiber alpaca sun hoodie. By the end of the trip, the Highlander Hoodie had clearly outperformed the other, especially in terms of odor control.
In essence: The Burgeon Highlander Hoodie is compact, offers good breathability and warmth as a midlayer. Its versatility made it my go-to choice on the AT. However, what truly won me over was its minimal stink after my 500-mile hike, a stark contrast to my other natural fiber hoodie.
If you’re on the lookout for a fleece midlayer, be sure to check out GearJunkie’s suggestions for the Best Fleece Jackets.
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Price
$90 -
Weight
8-10.5 oz. -
Fabrication
Made in the USA in Lincoln, N.H. -
Care
Machine wash cold, gentle cycle; let air dry. -
Fabric
100% polyester, Cyberknit (Hickory, Tenn.)
Review of the Burgeon Highlander Hoodie
My introduction to the Highlander Hoodie happened during my time on the Appalachian Trail. Encountering another hiker wearing it, I was drawn to its lightweight feel and breathability. Compared to my natural fiber hoodie that I had been using for the initial 1,600 miles, the Highlander Hoodie seemed like the upgrade I needed.
At $90, this synthetic hoodie seemed like the ultimate all-rounder.
Features & Fit
Durability & Longevity
