Burgeon Flume Baselayer Review
The Burgeon Flume Baselayer is a stellar wicking layer that’s ideal for hiking and climbing in the Northeast. Ridiculously comfortable and handcrafted in New England, it was recently awarded Field and Stream’s best hiking shirt for 2021. And having worn mine regularly since September 2021 I can totally see why. Here’s why you should visit Burgeon’s shop in Lincoln, NH to check one out.
It’s Super Comfy
Made from a blend of Texollini (91%), Tencel (9%), and a touch of Lycra, the Flume is a soft, breathable, and stretchy wicking shirt that hands down is the most comfortable base layer I own. After wearing it once for an early Fall climbing day with Luke on the Blue Hill Slab, I was totally hooked, and found myself wearing it again and again all Fall and Winter. The activity didn’t matter either—it was so comfortable that I regularly wore it hiking, climbing, ski patrolling, and guiding. I even slept in mine on the Ghost Town Traverse, the backpacking trip that I did with Tim last October.
It’s Cut For the Modern Hiker
What sets the Flume apart from most other base layers is the cut. While I have so many base layers that ride up my back when I’m climbing, hiking, or running (especially when wearing a pack), the Flume has extended length in the back to ensure lower back coverage when you're active.
The sleeves similarly have a hiker-friendly cut—there’s plenty of stretch and length for extending your arms up (like when you’re climbing) so that actually tucking your hands inside the shirt isn’t a problem. As well, the thumb-looped cuffs are great for pulling over your hands in temps that aren’t quite cold enough for gloves. Indeed, on one November hike on the Crawford Path to Mt. Pierce and another occasion on Mt. Washington in February, I did exactly that and the Flume’s sleeves’ cuffs kept my hands warm enough that I didn’t need to don gloves until I got nearer to treeline.
Continuing with the hiker-friendly theme, the Flume comes in two styles—crew neck and quarter zip. In addition to providing a little higher coverage on your neck, the generously cut quarter zip allows you to dump heat quickly when the pace picks up. And for colder days, both styles layer nicely underneath additional pullovers, shells, and puffies.
It’s Made For Cold Weather
When I got the Flume early last Fall, I found the shirt a little too warm on days when the temperatures were still in the high 60s. But as the temperatures started to cool off, the Flume really started to thrive. For example, on my first really cold day of the year—an early October Adams Family Traverse with Tim in some raw and rowdy above-treeline weather—I wore the Flume as my base layer and couldn’t have been happier. Despite the rain, cold, and high winds, the Flume kept right on wicking and was a super-comfy base layer to have on under my several other layers.
Whether guiding on Mt. Washington, hiking with friends, or ski patrolling at Blue Hills, I’ve worn the Flume on a lot on bad weather days since then. And on each outing, it has continued to perform just as well. Further, what I’ve found is that the Flume is best for moderate-paced activities in colder conditions (i.e., temps below 45). If the temps are much warmer or your aerobic output is a lot higher, the shirt’s ability to wick can start to get maxed out.
It Withstands Abuse
Having now worn the Flume regularly for almost six months, I can confidently say that the shirt can withstand abuse. Mine has no tears and has comfortably survived multiple wash-and-dry cycles. In fact, the biggest issues I’ve had are some minor pilling on the inside collar of the quarter zip and some funky sweat stains on days when my pace is faster.
Unlike many other base layers, the Flume also doesn’t hold a funk. Indeed, after a wash, it comes out smelling as good as new. On that front, I couldn’t be happier.
It Would Be Even More Awesome With A Hood
During my many outings with the Flume, I often found myself wishing it had a hood. This was especially true during Fall and early Winter days when I was wearing the Flume either alone or with a light vest. Having a hood would have added just a little extra warmth, making the layer even more versatile. That said, I have an obsession with layers with hoods, so perhaps take this recommendation with a grain of salt.
Who Should Buy the Flume
Burgeon’s Flume is such a stellar wicking layer that anyone hiking or climbing in the Northeast should consider getting one. Best for moderate-paced activities in colder conditions, the Flume is ideal for late Fall, Winter, and early Spring hiking, climbing, and skiing. So the next time you’re in Lincoln, NH, you should be sure to check one of these comfy base layers out at Burgeon’s shop.
