Burgeon Tuckerman Hardshell Jacket Review
For the last several months I’ve had the opportunity to test the Tuckerman Hardshell Jacket for Burgeon. A product of Burgeon’s recent purchase of select IP and production assets from Wild Things, this made-in-New-England hardshell is now my go-to shell for wet weather pursuits. Here’s why you should check it out.
My Testing Philosophy
While some people consider themselves “hardcore users,” I’m a “full-force” user. My gear takes a beating—a really hard beating. The Tuckerman was no exception. It lived scrunched up in the bottom of my climbing pack and kayaking kit, only to be pulled out during a storm and expected to work. Then, back at the trailhead or beach I’d toss it in the cab of my truck, mix it in with the layers of ski, paddling, and climbing gear that reside there. The next time I needed a shell—which, if you live in the Northeast like me, felt like it was an awful lot this summer—I’d dig it out again.
The other part about being a full-force user is that I used the Tuckerman for a host of activities. Among other things I’ve worn it snow kiting, uphilling at the resort, climbing at the Blue Hill Slab and Quincy Quarries, and on rainy days kayak guiding down the Cape. It also performed exceptionally well during a chilly March day when we did a video shoot with Chronicle about rock climbing at Hammond Pond.
My Impressions
I’ve now worn the Tuckerman regularly for almost a year and I can confidently say it’s an awesome, locally-made product. While the Tuckerman isn’t breaking new ground with materials or innovation, it is a fantastic entry from Burgeon into the hard shell category with all the features you’d want (and none that you don’t). Built for function, the Tuckerman simply works.
Here are some of my favorite features:
The Polartec NeoShell fabric used in the Tuckerman is the most waterproof, breathable fabric around. Combined with the Tuckerman’s large pit zips, there’s ample ventilation, even when you’re working hard.
The oversized, high-cut pockets are easy to access even while wearing a harness and gloves. This was great during early spring and late fall days climbing at the Blue Hill Slab and will be perfect for ice climbing sessions at Quincy Quarries this winter.
The Tuckerman’s helmet-compatible hood, with dual adjustments, works great.
The extra-length cut is fantastic—long enough so that the back of the jacket doesn’t pull out of your climbing harness or bunch up in your backpack’s waist belt when you reach up for a high hold.
One other note—the Tuckerman’s durability is outstanding. Having used and tested a variety of shells over the years, there’s nothing more frustrating than pulling out a jacket that’s been sitting in your climbing pack only to find that it now has a new ventilation port. I’ve been really impressed with the durability of the materials, standing up to the regular abuse of going in/out of my pack.
For all these reasons, I’ve started to call the Tuckerman a Quiver of One—the one jacket to rule them all. The Tuckerman performs well in a wide range of environments and situations. And after a year of abuse it still performs as well today as it did on day I got it.
Who Should Buy the Tuckerman
If you’re in the market for a new hard shell, you should definitely check out the Tuckerman (m/w). At $400, the jacket isn’t cheap. But it’s a durable and functional shell that is built to deliver years of reliable service. The Tuckerman checks in at a price point comparable to most high-quality shells, but unlike its competitors it's locally sewn in New England, putting jobs and money back into the region.
By Luke Foley
