Dude. How do you only have 199 subs? I'll be your 200. I never comment on videos, but dang. Well put together video that was to the point and funny. Not to mention I agree with your opinions here as it is in fact 2023 and it's time for companies to realize that the only way forward is to embrace the online/global economy or disappear. Not to mention the country was essentially shut down for 6 months plus depending on where you live. I used to be in an industry dominated by this mindset and so glad I'm not anymore. Also ordering one of these to check out for my AT thru.
Bryan, first of all, THANK YOU! I really appreciate the kind words. Honestly, I don’t know why I only have 199 subs, but I’m grateful for every-single one! Hopefully I just need more early adopters like you! - Secondly, are you going to post on your thru hike? I’d love to follow along. - Thirdly, I think you will love the highlander. It is really great, and the company is awesome. Lastly, thanks again!!!
@@rootsandpeaks Havent really thought about it outside of fb/insta short ramblings. Maybe I'll throw them on here too? I'm no video artist like you haha
couldn't disagree more....I'm an analog person myself. This is the totality of my social media (or any other type). Those folks run their store in a way that keeps them sane and pays all the bills. There is a line out the door every day and they didn't close for the pandemic for 5 minutes. They went to an on line lottery full of crazy rules and regs- exactly like the soup nazi if you recall and sold out every day. I got mine 3 months later. They're just decent people than have no interest in what everyone on the planet wants.....they make what they want. I do the same - I'm an artist and maker and I'm not on line. I could do more and better if I followed your logic...unfortunately the cost just isn't worth it. Frankly the fuss over this isn't either even if it is a cool hoodie. It's just fun that its exclusive....a little.
@@nedanother9382 fair point. My experience with resistance to digital is in a larger scale business and I may be over generalizing. For sure they should operate how they see fit and that works great for them because it's theirs alone. They dont have distributors, franchises, etc. I just wont buy any of their products because I'm not flying to CO for an expensive hoodie when there are other great options. Thats fine, and thats the point the video drives home well. Unfortunately "analog people" are in the minority now a days. I'm pretty sure I'd have preferred a world without Amazon, Social Media, etc, but we're stuck with it all.
Nice video! I love Burgeon. I’m in Maine and have stopped in at their shop in Lincoln as well as ordering online. Great customer service and I love their products. I have their base layer and some summer shirts as well.
Melanzana is competitively priced, but yes, GETTING one is why fools will pay much more on eBay for one. I run a 10k IN Leadville every August. Today is Jan. 13. Shopping appointments are already booked until mid-September. You CAN just walk in and look through the small rack of hoodies next to the beanies (you don't need an appointment to buy a beanie). If you don't care what color you get and find one the right size, you've lucked out. Otherwise, ima find an alternative. Their fleece is sourced and NOT propeietary, so other companies ARE using it. It's just a matter of finding what the options are. Take care.
As a real alternative (same fabric) I like Skygoat (well priced) or Sambob (very expensive). But I still think I like the Burgeon Highlander the best for hiking. Good luck finding the right one for you!
@@rootsandpeaks So much comes down to features. A hoodie made from some form of the fabric with the general design can be had for about $50. But if you want the cord-lock cinch rather than drawstrings, thumb holes, zippers on the kangaroo pocket(s), etc., that seems to be what brings about the jump to the $85-$130 range. But let's be honest When it comes to buying gear and planning travel, we usually get a lot more fun researching that than we do actually spending the money when the time comes. At least, we get a much longer stretch of joy. 🤣 Take care.
@@rootsandpeaks Those Sambobs are some Cotopaxi-looking sh!t, aren't they? 🤣 I'd insert a Cosby sweater reference here, but things have kind of soured on those over the last decade or so.
I almost posted a parody skit about Melanzana's outrageous shopping policy and lack of online sales, but figured I'd get a lot of hate from the Colorado folks who have their nose up in the air. The exclusivity bull crap drove me away from them and so did the ebay scalpers. I totally agree with your sentiments. I found the Burgeon Outdoor Highlander grid fleece, Patagonia R1, Fayettechill Livingston hoody, and the Lightheart Gear grid fleece hoody as suitable alternatives to the smelly Melly. What's funny though is everyone's sizing is different. I normally wear a large, but was suggested to order an XL in the Burgeon Hihhlander, the Medium in the Lightheart Gear, a large in the Fayettechill (their polos are true to size but their older hoodies were bulky but they resized them recently so debatable between a medium or a large), and an XL in the Patagonia R1 (slim fit of the large was too snug for my dad bod).
Yeah, the sizing is all over the place. Luckily, most of the stores you mentioned will let you exchange sizes…Although I was a little put off that during the Fayettechill annual sale they announced that all sales are final and you can’t exchange. What if it doesn’t fit???
I just found another alternative that comes in a full zip hoodie and pullover version from L.L. Bean called Pathfinder Performance Fleece! They have different colors for women and men, but the men have black and brights that I prefer. I love my Burgeon Highlander/Pemi hoodies, Fayettechill Leah hoodie, and Senchi alpha hoodie, but I still get really warm when I'm hiking. I decided to try a zip up style for more ventilation in the cooler months, so I got the L.L. Bean men's Pathfinder Performance Fleece Full-Zip hoodie in black (sizing to a men's medium gave me the same look as a women's XL). Looking forward to testing it out when it cools down in New England!
Always great to have options! Thanks for sharing. You get hot in your Senchi Alpha hoodie? I just picked one up and I’m really loving it. Maybe you just need a lower number like a 60 or a 90 (if you have a 120).
I had not heard of Burgeon before, but will have to check them out! Last year when I was getting ready to hike the Camino, I discovered something similar, the Fayettechill - Leah hoodie. Men’s version is called Livingston. Loved it and wore it all the time! Ordered by mail and didn’t have to travel to Colorado to get it. They also had plenty of inventory in stock. Thanks for the info!
Hi Nancy. The Fayettechill seems to be more of a direct recreation of the Melly, so I’m sure it’s a good solution for many people. One of the things I love about the Highlander, that I probably didn’t express very clearly in the video, is that it does the same thing as the Melly, but is not a clone. The fabric is different. The cut is different. It has the grid pattern on the outside, so it is very unique. - With that said, it sounds like the Fayettechill would be a great solution for those who really want the Melly, but can’t get it. - I’m glad you love yours!
This answered every question I had about this, fleece in general, etc.. With the additional light test of the materials, you get a sub. Keep going!!! You need more subs.
I agree, great hoodie, got one a little of a year ago, love it. Been to their shop and each time the owner was there, helped pick out some other pieces also
This is the exact type of thing I’ve been looking for! I lived in New Hampshire for a few years so happy to support their business. Looking forward to getting my purchases.
Just went to their site to order the hoodie in a blue color. It is shown in a light blue but the highlander did not have a blue option. Maybe it's because of your video that they don't have a blue in stock, but isn't it ironic that I can't get their hoodie or a Melanzana hoodie either online. If I buy their hoodie, I must choose a color that I don't want. Hopefully they will increase stock in the near future. Thanks for a great review...
I just did a hike up in that area yesterday, so I stopped in on my way back. The blue color is new, and they don’t have them in stock yet (they haven’t been sewn yet). I’ve noticed that they often put the new SKUs up on their site and they show that they are unavailable until they have them ready to ship. - If you check back in a week or two, I’m sure they will have your size. Also, I think they have a way for you to send them your email to get stock updates. - I guess this is just one of the trade offs of buying from smaller companies. They never hold large inventory. - Hope this helps. - Definitely don’t buy a color you won’t be happy with! You will love that sweatshirt for a long time.
Hello! I'm Tyler from Burgeon Outdoor - The Highlander in Light Blue will be restocked this March. The Navy hoodie in the video is our Pemi Hoodie, a thinner grid hoodie made from deadstock Polartec Microfleece. There are some Navy Pemi Hoodies available in a few sizes. We will also be adding a Navy Highlander later this Spring! Hope this helps!
I just watched an interview with the owner of Melanzana. They will be opening a production facility in Alamosa, Colorado. If they can get production up they will look into online sales. This was encouraging news. I don't think they are trying to be exclusive, they just have way too much local business for the size of their current production.
That’s nice to hear. I’ll buy one if that happens. In the meantime, there are other great options for people who can’t get a Melanzana. Thank for the info.
Very informative review. In doing lots of thru hiking fleece research, I got a KUIU Peloton 97 hooded fleece. THey’re a great hunting gear company, but with a keen sensitivity to ultralight that appeals to hikers. My Peloton 97 is so lightweight, I was immediately disappointed and though there’s no way it would keep me warm. So I used it as a mid-layer in 40 F with a slight breeze the day i got it. Had a Patagonia Granite Crest Outshell. Wore a fully loaded backpack. Once my body warmed up, I needed to let the pit zips open in my Pataganio. Then fully unzip it. and then I just took the damn thing off and was very comfortable with the Peloton 97. It has a super comfortable hood that has a nice elasticity that will conform to your head, cover the neck, but without being too tight. It’s reputed to have the best warmth to weight ratio of anything out there, which is what thru hikers want. I’m so in love with this product, I went back to the KUIU website and got tons more gear (haven’t received it yet). I’d love to see you review it and compare it to the Burgeon and the Melanzana (if you ever get one!). Burgeon looks great…i just checked out their website.
I’ve never heard of KUIU! Thanks for introducing me to that brand. Once I’m able to replenish funds I’ll certainly check them out, and make a comparison video. Thanks again!
Loved your review! I first found out about Burgeon through Taylor the Nahamsha Hiker, and anxiously waited until black Highlander hoodies became available last Summer! I ordered a women's XL, but wanted a bit more wiggle room. I called, and they immediately sent me out the XXL and made returning the original XL super easy! They really do have fantastic customer service! The breathable yet cozy Highlander has been a staple in my hiking wardrobe since then, and I just ordered an XXL Pemi since it now comes in black! I visited their store in Lincoln on a trip in August, and loved seeing everything in person! The quality and staff are wonderful! They even gave me tips on White Mountain hiking with a sprained ankle! Another good option for the Melly-less is the Fayettechill Leah (for women) and Livingston (for men). I ordered a black Leah before my black Highlander became available, and absolutely love that hoodie as well! The difference with this hoodie is that the grid fleece faces inwards, and the outside of the hoodie is smooth. This creates a sleeker look, and seems even warmer than the Highlander. I also love that there are thumb holes, and a sleek side toggle for the hood. I would love to get the Colorado some day, but these two options have been amazing alternatives! I would also like to try the fleece hoodie and fleece dress from Lightheart Gear in the future! Happy Trails!
@Roots & Peaks the Fayettechill I ordered on sale was in the older "oversized" fit. I ordered a large and extra large just in case, and the large is perfect for me! Now they changed the fit to be closer to the body, so I would probably go with an XL (they do not offer XXL in the Leah). The Highlander definitely fits closer to the body than I expected, so to have such a quick turnaround for a different size was awesome! I tried a men's Highlander on in store in Lincoln to see if there was a big difference in sizing, but they were pretty similar! I would definitely advise sizing up by one for more ease of movement and ventilation on the trail!
@Roots & Peaks update regarding the Pemi hoodie sizing for women. Just got the black XXL in the mail, and it's another beautifully constructed hoodie with a lower loft and tighter grid than the Highlander. The Pemi runs even smaller in the XXL than the Highlander. It's a closer fit and not as relaxed.
@@laurenchristiemary2 I also bought a Pemi, and for my purposes (hiking in cold weather), I prefer the Highlander. I also think it is cut better for my body shape. I'm sure some people will prefer the tighter grid, but it just doesn't feel as airy to me.
Lyle, I’m so glad you got into backpacking! I think any activity that gets us outside is a worthy venture. I hope you love your hoodie as much as I love mine!
Great video - just found the channel. I live in CO and still had a hard time getting my melly (well two!). Appointments are months out and just getting to Leadville takes planning. Unlike others, they did have plenty in stock and I purchased my yearly limit of two. They are amazingly comfortable and warm. I love them for traveling. Yes, it is an adventure and there are other similar brands out there but we are adventurers or we would not be watching your channel and sometimes the quest is part of the fun. Keep up the good videos!
I own a Padagucci R1 and a Lighthart Gear Mele clone. Both are great! I hear good things about Appalachian Gear Company too. Their stuff is made from Alpaca wool and they just came out with a lighter weight fleece too. I plan on picking up one this fall. The only way I think I'll ever own a Mele is if I'm gifted one or they start selling them online again. Even if I'm ever in Leadville I still don't think I'll get one. I've been told you have to make an appointment to come in, wait three to four hours in line, and even at that you still may not be able to get the color you want in your size. I won't go as far as saying I hate the company; but I will say they're overrated. Everything I mentioned is a bit on the expensive side. If you don't want to spend that kind of money, a Columbia or REI fleece would be just fine too. Another budget friendly option is a Gamboa Alpaca sweater widely available on Amazon. I've got one of them; I like to layer it. 150 base layer, the Gamboa sweater, R1 fleece hoodie, and a wind/rain shell if needed. That way I can shed or add layers as I go.
I love my Burgeon hoodie you did not mention how soft and light it is. I use this as my sleep shirt. A couple of other hoodies that I have tried Appalachian Hoodie, made from alpaca wool (a little itchy ) ,Fayettechill, and SkyGOAT. The Skygoat is my favorite for hiking. You have to keep surfing to get deals and availability.
Alpha’s a whole different discussion. I just ordered some swatches of different alpha weights and an alpha/wool mix. They are really, really different than micro grid. Alpha is pretty delicate, so I’m not 100% convinced that it is good for backpacking. If I get my hands on a sweatshirt I will test that out.
@@rootsandpeaksbeen using it for almost a year now. Been on so many hikes, evening outings, campouts, and just general wear around the house. So light and warm. Thanks for the recommendation and it only took 10 months for me to reply back to you here. Ha! -Chris
Great points. If a product is only sold by appointment, is it a real product? Have a little trouble with this business model. Must only want to sell locally. Good for them, not for me.
Yes. It's still a product. You CAN actually walk in at any time to try your luck that something on the small rack next to the door fits you. And you can get a beanie any time. I'm there every year to run a trail race. Their business model is very deliberate, and they used Covid as an excuse to really dial it in. I think that's when they stopped shipping. They're basically ensuring that demand is always greater than supply while keeping their operation as small as possible to keep things manageable while maximizing profit. At least the pricing is competitive. But it's Jan 13 today and appointments ate booked up until mid-Sept. Not a fan Take care.
I think Melanzana does this in order to continue to be an exclusive product. They keep their supply limited, and everybody wants one so it’s a marketing strategy that is working for them right now. But at some point, I think people will lose interest when they find that there are other products to purchase that are similar to theirs. And that’s the beauty of a free market economy. However, I am going to hike the CT and am annoyed that in June, there are no appointments until November for their product. But, I am HAPPY to watch your video and see alternatives! Unfortunately, Burgeons is out of the size and color I would like to buy!
I would totally recommend calling them. They constantly have runs, and they have another sweatshirt that is similar called the Pemi. Maybe check that one. Or a company called Skygoat. I’m testing one of their sweatshirts and it is awesome and very much like the Melanzana.
@@ThewBlake yes, I stopped by their store last July when I was doing the Colorado Trail thru hike. I had just changed shoes and the guy kind of looked me up and down-I don’t know if he was convinced I was really a thru hiker or not. 🤣 I was able to choose between three “vintage” sweatshirts. Two were pretty ugly colors. The one I bought is close to royal blue, solid, no other color. It was half price and I like it! (I really wanted a green and purple one, but happy to have one at all!)
I found a Magellan fleece shirt at an academy outdoors/sports store. Doesn’t have a hood so I use a neck gaiter and beanie. I liked it so much I bought another in a different color.
@@rootsandpeaks yes sir. A very cheap fleece but well made. Only one pocket on the chest, throw a frogg togg over it and you got a poor man’s insulated jacket lol.
I’ve been to Melanzana 6 or 7 times. They never have any inventory. When they do it’s only small sizes. Once I asked a girl working if they had any XL. She looked at me like I just farted. It’s an elitist store. There is plenty of room in Leadville for them to expand and plenty of people looking for jobs in that area, but they choose to stay small and better than you. I will never buy from them!… Unless I stop there again and they have an XL… NO, I mean I will never buy from them… Maybe if they have an XL… I mean NO!
Same here, Tbone. Maybe, if we both stop there and they have 2 XL hoodies we can each buy one as a gift for the other. Then we can stay true to ourselves:) - We can be elitists, but ethical elitists.
@@bertman4 I’m curious, but I was turned off by their tricky return policy during their annual sale. I’m not a fan of companies pulling stuff like that. Their product might be awesome, but that seems like a slimy business scheme.
@@rootsandpeaks I don't know about the incident you are talking about. I bought mine several years ago and have been enjoying it. But shady business practices hurt in the long run so if you think they are unethical, you should take your money elsewhere.
I am a PROFUSE sweater and I hate it! I've tried lots of different polyester items that claim to wick moisture, but when it gets wet, it stays wet, just like cotton. So I've never experienced the so-called wicking that is supposed to happen. Should I have any reason to believe that either of these products would feel any different? If I could actually get something that would wick moisture off my skin and into the atmosphere, keeping me feeling dry, I might spend $300. But I'm highly skeptical. Despite this, this is the first of your videos I've seen and I enjoyed it. Keep it up!
Hey Jim, I think it depends on your expectations. What I’ve found with the Highlander is that it pulls moister out of my base layer and the airflow helps dry it much faster than any cotton or other fleece I’ve ever had. With that said, it isn’t a miracle. It does retain moisture, just not as much as other materials I’ve tried. I’ve worn it wet and it still has kept me warm…It does wick better than a cotton sweatshirt or a normal fleece…But it doesn’t wick as well as a really great base layer like a synthetic/wool blend will. Hope that helps. I think the other thing that makes the Highlander (and I’d imagine the Melly) awesome is that they help you stay warm, but they don’t trap that heat, so you sweat less. They are also extremely light. My highlander is just a bit over half a pound. I have cotton sweatshirts that weight 2.5 pounds…Big difference.
@@rootsandpeaks Thanks for the info. I honestly feel that I'm just such a profuse sweater that nothing would be able to keep up with it. I hate sweating so much. But the price is good on that fleece, so maybe I'll give it a try.
@@jimhenderson387 I am also a champion sweater, and although the highlander doesn’t keep me fully dry, it also doesn’t make me feel gross…And most other fleeces do. Hope that helps.
There's not many more pieces of gear than Mellie that's sold on name on alone. It's hard to get which makes people want it more. You can toss Durston in to the mix too. Silly.
I think Durston is different though, as Dan has a fundamentally different tent build, he is a really nice guy, and you can actually buy his products. With that said, I do think a lot of people buy Durston products just in brand name.
Yeah a hoodie that costs more than my Durston tent? I’ll pass lol. Thanks for the recommendation. I’m pretty hot blooded as well and I’ve been hunting for a more breathable mid layer.
Totally understand the frustration. The cheapest Durston tent I know of is $200. The Burgeon hoodie is $85 and you can get the old navy on sale for around $20.
Melanzana hoodies are overpriced and overrated IMO. I spent time in Leadville so I went to their store. Not only were they unwilling to sell me a product but the guy working the store was a complete douche bag abut it. In hindsight I'm glad I didn't give my money to what feels like a very overpriced piece of gear with dog shit customer service. Lot's of other good options! Thanks for sharing!
I'd say that works for any fleece...girls can hike in fleece but not me. It's for when you stop and set up. But again only if someone is there to see you in it. Whats the point if someone can't say oooooo and ahhhhhh. For the record noone ever has.
Hello! Tyler from Burgeon Outdoor here. We will be restocking Light Blue, and Orange Rust in March, as well as Green, Black, and Gray later this Spring.
Roots & Peaks ok so monetizing the yt channel is obviously the goal. relaying on sub count, then waiting for ad revenue is difficult, long and not granted. Also getting advertisers, hard for a under 50k sub channel... but you know all this. If you like, I have a few ideas and solutions that might work for you.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, although I will say, my goal isn’t specifically to monetize…That would just make reviewing easier, as I would have money to afford the gear. My primary purpose at the moment is to have fun. We will see if that changes:)
Dude. How do you only have 199 subs? I'll be your 200. I never comment on videos, but dang. Well put together video that was to the point and funny. Not to mention I agree with your opinions here as it is in fact 2023 and it's time for companies to realize that the only way forward is to embrace the online/global economy or disappear. Not to mention the country was essentially shut down for 6 months plus depending on where you live. I used to be in an industry dominated by this mindset and so glad I'm not anymore. Also ordering one of these to check out for my AT thru.
Bryan, first of all, THANK YOU! I really appreciate the kind words. Honestly, I don’t know why I only have 199 subs, but I’m grateful for every-single one! Hopefully I just need more early adopters like you! - Secondly, are you going to post on your thru hike? I’d love to follow along. - Thirdly, I think you will love the highlander. It is really great, and the company is awesome. Lastly, thanks again!!!
@@rootsandpeaks Havent really thought about it outside of fb/insta short ramblings. Maybe I'll throw them on here too? I'm no video artist like you haha
@@bunit96851 either way, I’m excited for you, and jealous. Once my kids are a little older I’d like to do the full AT.
couldn't disagree more....I'm an analog person myself. This is the totality of my social media (or any other type). Those folks run their store in a way that keeps them sane and pays all the bills. There is a line out the door every day and they didn't close for the pandemic for 5 minutes. They went to an on line lottery full of crazy rules and regs- exactly like the soup nazi if you recall and sold out every day. I got mine 3 months later. They're just decent people than have no interest in what everyone on the planet wants.....they make what they want. I do the same - I'm an artist and maker and I'm not on line. I could do more and better if I followed your logic...unfortunately the cost just isn't worth it. Frankly the fuss over this isn't either even if it is a cool hoodie. It's just fun that its exclusive....a little.
@@nedanother9382 fair point. My experience with resistance to digital is in a larger scale business and I may be over generalizing. For sure they should operate how they see fit and that works great for them because it's theirs alone. They dont have distributors, franchises, etc. I just wont buy any of their products because I'm not flying to CO for an expensive hoodie when there are other great options. Thats fine, and thats the point the video drives home well. Unfortunately "analog people" are in the minority now a days. I'm pretty sure I'd have preferred a world without Amazon, Social Media, etc, but we're stuck with it all.
This has to be one of the best reviews I have ever watched on TH-cam! Thank you for this and keep them coming! Going to check Burgeon out right now!!!
Wow! Thank you. Thats super nice to hear.
Nice video! I love Burgeon. I’m in Maine and have stopped in at their shop in Lincoln as well as ordering online. Great customer service and I love their products. I have their base layer and some summer shirts as well.
Melanzana is competitively priced, but yes, GETTING one is why fools will pay much more on eBay for one.
I run a 10k IN Leadville every August. Today is Jan. 13. Shopping appointments are already booked until mid-September.
You CAN just walk in and look through the small rack of hoodies next to the beanies (you don't need an appointment to buy a beanie). If you don't care what color you get and find one the right size, you've lucked out. Otherwise, ima find an alternative.
Their fleece is sourced and NOT propeietary, so other companies ARE using it. It's just a matter of finding what the options are.
Take care.
As a real alternative (same fabric) I like Skygoat (well priced) or Sambob (very expensive). But I still think I like the Burgeon Highlander the best for hiking. Good luck finding the right one for you!
@@rootsandpeaks So much comes down to features. A hoodie made from some form of the fabric with the general design can be had for about $50. But if you want the cord-lock cinch rather than drawstrings, thumb holes, zippers on the kangaroo pocket(s), etc., that seems to be what brings about the jump to the $85-$130 range.
But let's be honest When it comes to buying gear and planning travel, we usually get a lot more fun researching that than we do actually spending the money when the time comes. At least, we get a much longer stretch of joy. 🤣
Take care.
@@rootsandpeaks Those Sambobs are some Cotopaxi-looking sh!t, aren't they? 🤣 I'd insert a Cosby sweater reference here, but things have kind of soured on those over the last decade or so.
I almost posted a parody skit about Melanzana's outrageous shopping policy and lack of online sales, but figured I'd get a lot of hate from the Colorado folks who have their nose up in the air. The exclusivity bull crap drove me away from them and so did the ebay scalpers. I totally agree with your sentiments.
I found the Burgeon Outdoor Highlander grid fleece, Patagonia R1, Fayettechill Livingston hoody, and the Lightheart Gear grid fleece hoody as suitable alternatives to the smelly Melly.
What's funny though is everyone's sizing is different. I normally wear a large, but was suggested to order an XL in the Burgeon Hihhlander, the Medium in the Lightheart Gear, a large in the Fayettechill (their polos are true to size but their older hoodies were bulky but they resized them recently so debatable between a medium or a large), and an XL in the Patagonia R1 (slim fit of the large was too snug for my dad bod).
Yeah, the sizing is all over the place. Luckily, most of the stores you mentioned will let you exchange sizes…Although I was a little put off that during the Fayettechill annual sale they announced that all sales are final and you can’t exchange. What if it doesn’t fit???
I just found another alternative that comes in a full zip hoodie and pullover version from L.L. Bean called Pathfinder Performance Fleece! They have different colors for women and men, but the men have black and brights that I prefer.
I love my Burgeon Highlander/Pemi hoodies, Fayettechill Leah hoodie, and Senchi alpha hoodie, but I still get really warm when I'm hiking. I decided to try a zip up style for more ventilation in the cooler months, so I got the L.L. Bean men's Pathfinder Performance Fleece Full-Zip hoodie in black (sizing to a men's medium gave me the same look as a women's XL). Looking forward to testing it out when it cools down in New England!
Always great to have options! Thanks for sharing. You get hot in your Senchi Alpha hoodie? I just picked one up and I’m really loving it. Maybe you just need a lower number like a 60 or a 90 (if you have a 120).
I had not heard of Burgeon before, but will have to check them out! Last year when I was getting ready to hike the Camino, I discovered something similar, the Fayettechill - Leah hoodie. Men’s version is called Livingston. Loved it and wore it all the time! Ordered by mail and didn’t have to travel to Colorado to get it. They also had plenty of inventory in stock. Thanks for the info!
Hi Nancy. The Fayettechill seems to be more of a direct recreation of the Melly, so I’m sure it’s a good solution for many people. One of the things I love about the Highlander, that I probably didn’t express very clearly in the video, is that it does the same thing as the Melly, but is not a clone. The fabric is different. The cut is different. It has the grid pattern on the outside, so it is very unique. - With that said, it sounds like the Fayettechill would be a great solution for those who really want the Melly, but can’t get it. - I’m glad you love yours!
Squak is a another brand doing grid fleece and they are handmade in Utah, ship, and only run $60
@@thundercell13 very cool.
This answered every question I had about this, fleece in general, etc.. With the additional light test of the materials, you get a sub. Keep going!!! You need more subs.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video!
I agree, great hoodie, got one a little of a year ago, love it. Been to their shop and each time the owner was there, helped pick out some other pieces also
As a north Easter I would way rather spend my money a NH company then send my money to the dirty west.
Dirty West! 😂
Looks like this video got some good traction. Glad people are seeing these, they're all so great!
Thanks! This one seemed to hit differently than the others. Hope people are enjoying them.
New subscriber. Love the light humour, good info 🇨🇦. We love the White mtn range. 👍
This is the exact type of thing I’ve been looking for! I lived in New Hampshire for a few years so happy to support their business. Looking forward to getting my purchases.
That sweatshirt looks awesome- going to get one! Very informative video.
It's super lightweight, BTW. I think you will love it. Just remember to size up.
Just went to their site to order the hoodie in a blue color. It is shown in a light blue but the highlander did not have a blue option. Maybe it's because of your video that they don't have a blue in stock, but isn't it ironic that I can't get their hoodie or a Melanzana hoodie either online. If I buy their hoodie, I must choose a color that I don't want. Hopefully they will increase stock in the near future. Thanks for a great review...
I just did a hike up in that area yesterday, so I stopped in on my way back. The blue color is new, and they don’t have them in stock yet (they haven’t been sewn yet). I’ve noticed that they often put the new SKUs up on their site and they show that they are unavailable until they have them ready to ship. - If you check back in a week or two, I’m sure they will have your size. Also, I think they have a way for you to send them your email to get stock updates. - I guess this is just one of the trade offs of buying from smaller companies. They never hold large inventory. - Hope this helps. - Definitely don’t buy a color you won’t be happy with! You will love that sweatshirt for a long time.
Hello! I'm Tyler from Burgeon Outdoor - The Highlander in Light Blue will be restocked this March. The Navy hoodie in the video is our Pemi Hoodie, a thinner grid hoodie made from deadstock Polartec Microfleece. There are some Navy Pemi Hoodies available in a few sizes. We will also be adding a Navy Highlander later this Spring! Hope this helps!
@tylermurphy2635 thanks for the quick update. I'll keep watching for the blue option in March. Keep up the good work.
I just watched an interview with the owner of Melanzana. They will be opening a production facility in Alamosa, Colorado. If they can get production up they will look into online sales. This was encouraging news. I don't think they are trying to be exclusive, they just have way too much local business for the size of their current production.
That’s nice to hear. I’ll buy one if that happens. In the meantime, there are other great options for people who can’t get a Melanzana. Thank for the info.
Very informative review. In doing lots of thru hiking fleece research, I got a KUIU Peloton 97 hooded fleece. THey’re a great hunting gear company, but with a keen sensitivity to ultralight that appeals to hikers. My Peloton 97 is so lightweight, I was immediately disappointed and though there’s no way it would keep me warm. So I used it as a mid-layer in 40 F with a slight breeze the day i got it. Had a Patagonia Granite Crest Outshell. Wore a fully loaded backpack. Once my body warmed up, I needed to let the pit zips open in my Pataganio. Then fully unzip it. and then I just took the damn thing off and was very comfortable with the Peloton 97. It has a super comfortable hood that has a nice elasticity that will conform to your head, cover the neck, but without being too tight. It’s reputed to have the best warmth to weight ratio of anything out there, which is what thru hikers want. I’m so in love with this product, I went back to the KUIU website and got tons more gear (haven’t received it yet). I’d love to see you review it and compare it to the Burgeon and the Melanzana (if you ever get one!). Burgeon looks great…i just checked out their website.
I’ve never heard of KUIU! Thanks for introducing me to that brand. Once I’m able to replenish funds I’ll certainly check them out, and make a comparison video. Thanks again!
Loved your review!
I first found out about Burgeon through Taylor the Nahamsha Hiker, and anxiously waited until black Highlander hoodies became available last Summer! I ordered a women's XL, but wanted a bit more wiggle room. I called, and they immediately sent me out the XXL and made returning the original XL super easy! They really do have fantastic customer service! The breathable yet cozy Highlander has been a staple in my hiking wardrobe since then, and I just ordered an XXL Pemi since it now comes in black! I visited their store in Lincoln on a trip in August, and loved seeing everything in person! The quality and staff are wonderful! They even gave me tips on White Mountain hiking with a sprained ankle!
Another good option for the Melly-less is the Fayettechill Leah (for women) and Livingston (for men). I ordered a black Leah before my black Highlander became available, and absolutely love that hoodie as well! The difference with this hoodie is that the grid fleece faces inwards, and the outside of the hoodie is smooth. This creates a sleeker look, and seems even warmer than the Highlander. I also love that there are thumb holes, and a sleek side toggle for the hood.
I would love to get the Colorado some day, but these two options have been amazing alternatives! I would also like to try the fleece hoodie and fleece dress from Lightheart Gear in the future!
Happy Trails!
Love this!
Would you say the sizing is similar?
@Roots & Peaks the Fayettechill I ordered on sale was in the older "oversized" fit. I ordered a large and extra large just in case, and the large is perfect for me! Now they changed the fit to be closer to the body, so I would probably go with an XL (they do not offer XXL in the Leah). The Highlander definitely fits closer to the body than I expected, so to have such a quick turnaround for a different size was awesome! I tried a men's Highlander on in store in Lincoln to see if there was a big difference in sizing, but they were pretty similar! I would definitely advise sizing up by one for more ease of movement and ventilation on the trail!
@Roots & Peaks update regarding the Pemi hoodie sizing for women. Just got the black XXL in the mail, and it's another beautifully constructed hoodie with a lower loft and tighter grid than the Highlander. The Pemi runs even smaller in the XXL than the Highlander. It's a closer fit and not as relaxed.
@@laurenchristiemary2 I also bought a Pemi, and for my purposes (hiking in cold weather), I prefer the Highlander. I also think it is cut better for my body shape. I'm sure some people will prefer the tighter grid, but it just doesn't feel as airy to me.
I am so glad that I recently got interested in backpacking and found you! Just bought a Burgeon hoodie because of this video~
Lyle, I’m so glad you got into backpacking! I think any activity that gets us outside is a worthy venture. I hope you love your hoodie as much as I love mine!
Squak Mountain…Mely substitute in poly with thumb holes. $60 men + women. They sell a 50/50 wool/poly version too for $10 more.
Those look like a great value! Thanks for sharing. Have you tried the wool blend? I’m curious about that combination.
Great video - just found the channel. I live in CO and still had a hard time getting my melly (well two!). Appointments are months out and just getting to Leadville takes planning. Unlike others, they did have plenty in stock and I purchased my yearly limit of two. They are amazingly comfortable and warm. I love them for traveling. Yes, it is an adventure and there are other similar brands out there but we are adventurers or we would not be watching your channel and sometimes the quest is part of the fun. Keep up the good videos!
Love that! Thanks for watching.
Well done video - I may need to check these out…looks like a great alternative. 🤓
I own a Padagucci R1 and a Lighthart Gear Mele clone. Both are great! I hear good things about Appalachian Gear Company too. Their stuff is made from Alpaca wool and they just came out with a lighter weight fleece too. I plan on picking up one this fall. The only way I think I'll ever own a Mele is if I'm gifted one or they start selling them online again. Even if I'm ever in Leadville I still don't think I'll get one. I've been told you have to make an appointment to come in, wait three to four hours in line, and even at that you still may not be able to get the color you want in your size. I won't go as far as saying I hate the company; but I will say they're overrated. Everything I mentioned is a bit on the expensive side. If you don't want to spend that kind of money, a Columbia or REI fleece would be just fine too. Another budget friendly option is a Gamboa Alpaca sweater widely available on Amazon. I've got one of them; I like to layer it. 150 base layer, the Gamboa sweater, R1 fleece hoodie, and a wind/rain shell if needed. That way I can shed or add layers as I go.
This is great info! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing info about this brand, I've been looking for something like this for a while.
I love my Burgeon hoodie you did not mention how soft and light it is. I use this as my sleep shirt. A couple of other hoodies that I have tried Appalachian Hoodie, made from alpaca wool (a little itchy ) ,Fayettechill, and SkyGOAT. The Skygoat is my favorite for hiking. You have to keep surfing to get deals and availability.
You are right! It is very soft and comfy. I’ll have to check out the others! Thanks you.
@david Why do you like the skygoat the most for hiking?
I was for sure this was going to be the farpoint alpha cruiser. Well played.
Alpha’s a whole different discussion. I just ordered some swatches of different alpha weights and an alpha/wool mix. They are really, really different than micro grid. Alpha is pretty delicate, so I’m not 100% convinced that it is good for backpacking. If I get my hands on a sweatshirt I will test that out.
Fantastic. Just ordered the zip up hoodie from Burgeon. Can’t wait to try it out.
I hope you love it as much as I do, Chris! Check back in once you’ve have a chance to use it.
@@rootsandpeaksbeen using it for almost a year now. Been on so many hikes, evening outings, campouts, and just general wear around the house. So light and warm. Thanks for the recommendation and it only took 10 months for me to reply back to you here. Ha! -Chris
I love this! I’m glad you are enjoying it.
Great points. If a product is only sold by appointment, is it a real product? Have a little trouble with this business model. Must only want to sell locally. Good for them, not for me.
Yes. It's still a product. You CAN actually walk in at any time to try your luck that something on the small rack next to the door fits you. And you can get a beanie any time. I'm there every year to run a trail race.
Their business model is very deliberate, and they used Covid as an excuse to really dial it in. I think that's when they stopped shipping.
They're basically ensuring that demand is always greater than supply while keeping their operation as small as possible to keep things manageable while maximizing profit.
At least the pricing is competitive. But it's Jan 13 today and appointments ate booked up until mid-Sept. Not a fan
Take care.
That's the power dry pilartec fabric, so it's a lot more breathable than the Molly albeit less warm.
Yeah. It’s sort of magic. I run hot, so the breathability is super important for me.
I think Melanzana does this in order to continue to be an exclusive product. They keep their supply limited, and everybody wants one so it’s a marketing strategy that is working for them right now. But at some point, I think people will lose interest when they find that there are other products to purchase that are similar to theirs. And that’s the beauty of a free market economy.
However, I am going to hike the CT and am annoyed that in June, there are no appointments until November for their product.
But, I am HAPPY to watch your video and see alternatives!
Unfortunately, Burgeons is out of the size and color I would like to buy!
I would totally recommend calling them. They constantly have runs, and they have another sweatshirt that is similar called the Pemi. Maybe check that one. Or a company called Skygoat. I’m testing one of their sweatshirts and it is awesome and very much like the Melanzana.
They let some CT thru hikers buy stuff without an appointment.
@@ThewBlake yes, I stopped by their store last July when I was doing the Colorado Trail thru hike. I had just changed shoes and the guy kind of looked me up and down-I don’t know if he was convinced I was really a thru hiker or not. 🤣
I was able to choose between three “vintage” sweatshirts. Two
were pretty ugly colors. The one I bought is close to royal blue, solid, no other color. It was half price and I like it! (I really wanted a green and purple one, but happy to have one at all!)
Great video! I will definitely check them out. Sounds like a great alternative to Melanzana. Well done. Crow✌️
Definitely check them out. Great company, and the highlander is awesome, IMO.
Excellent review and great to know there is an alternative to Melanzana (who needs exclusive?). Your subscribers are sure to grow, keep it up!
Thank you, Tim! Any content you are interested in seeing in a future video?
I found a Magellan fleece shirt at an academy outdoors/sports store. Doesn’t have a hood so I use a neck gaiter and beanie. I liked it so much I bought another in a different color.
The brand is Magellan?
@@rootsandpeaks yes sir. A very cheap fleece but well made. Only one pocket on the chest, throw a frogg togg over it and you got a poor man’s insulated jacket lol.
Great video, understandable, attention keeping, informative! Seems like you should have more subscribers. Keep up the good work!
Thanks! It’s early days. I’m still figuring out how to add value while making videos I enjoy. I appreciate the feedback!
I’ve been to Melanzana 6 or 7 times. They never have any inventory. When they do it’s only small sizes. Once I asked a girl working if they had any XL. She looked at me like I just farted. It’s an elitist store. There is plenty of room in Leadville for them to expand and plenty of people looking for jobs in that area, but they choose to stay small and better than you. I will never buy from them!… Unless I stop there again and they have an XL… NO, I mean I will never buy from them… Maybe if they have an XL… I mean NO!
Same here, Tbone. Maybe, if we both stop there and they have 2 XL hoodies we can each buy one as a gift for the other. Then we can stay true to ourselves:) - We can be elitists, but ethical elitists.
totally agree...
Great job man.
Thank you!
Great video - thanks for the this.
Thanks for watching, Ariel.
Burgeon hoodies are great, Fayettechill and Superior Fleece also make a great hoodie.
I don’t know Superior. Fayettechill looks exactly like the Melly. Do you have one?
@@rootsandpeaks Have a hoodie from Fayettechill and Superior both are well made.
@@rootsandpeaks Bungzy's Ultralight covered the Fayettechill a few years ago.
@@bertman4 I’m curious, but I was turned off by their tricky return policy during their annual sale. I’m not a fan of companies pulling stuff like that. Their product might be awesome, but that seems like a slimy business scheme.
@@rootsandpeaks I don't know about the incident you are talking about. I bought mine several years ago and have been enjoying it. But shady business practices hurt in the long run so if you think they are unethical, you should take your money elsewhere.
I've heard good things about Burgeon. Certainly mean to visit the store at some point. Like I really need more gear though.
Right??? - But their stuff is awesome and they are super nice people.
I am a PROFUSE sweater and I hate it! I've tried lots of different polyester items that claim to wick moisture, but when it gets wet, it stays wet, just like cotton. So I've never experienced the so-called wicking that is supposed to happen. Should I have any reason to believe that either of these products would feel any different? If I could actually get something that would wick moisture off my skin and into the atmosphere, keeping me feeling dry, I might spend $300. But I'm highly skeptical. Despite this, this is the first of your videos I've seen and I enjoyed it. Keep it up!
Hey Jim, I think it depends on your expectations. What I’ve found with the Highlander is that it pulls moister out of my base layer and the airflow helps dry it much faster than any cotton or other fleece I’ve ever had. With that said, it isn’t a miracle. It does retain moisture, just not as much as other materials I’ve tried. I’ve worn it wet and it still has kept me warm…It does wick better than a cotton sweatshirt or a normal fleece…But it doesn’t wick as well as a really great base layer like a synthetic/wool blend will. Hope that helps. I think the other thing that makes the Highlander (and I’d imagine the Melly) awesome is that they help you stay warm, but they don’t trap that heat, so you sweat less. They are also extremely light. My highlander is just a bit over half a pound. I have cotton sweatshirts that weight 2.5 pounds…Big difference.
@@rootsandpeaks Thanks for the info. I honestly feel that I'm just such a profuse sweater that nothing would be able to keep up with it. I hate sweating so much. But the price is good on that fleece, so maybe I'll give it a try.
@@jimhenderson387 I am also a champion sweater, and although the highlander doesn’t keep me fully dry, it also doesn’t make me feel gross…And most other fleeces do. Hope that helps.
There's not many more pieces of gear than Mellie that's sold on name on alone. It's hard to get which makes people want it more. You can toss Durston in to the mix too. Silly.
I think Durston is different though, as Dan has a fundamentally different tent build, he is a really nice guy, and you can actually buy his products. With that said, I do think a lot of people buy Durston products just in brand name.
Yeah a hoodie that costs more than my Durston tent? I’ll pass lol. Thanks for the recommendation. I’m pretty hot blooded as well and I’ve been hunting for a more breathable mid layer.
Totally understand the frustration. The cheapest Durston tent I know of is $200. The Burgeon hoodie is $85 and you can get the old navy on sale for around $20.
Good content! Happy to subscribe.
Thank you!
Great video!
Why thank you!
#Burgeon..."To flourish, to thrive, to grow rapidly." Your review will hopefully help them with this endeavour
Yeah, they are the real deal. I hope more people find them.
Love it!
Yeah, the hoodie is awesome!
Melanzana hoodies are overpriced and overrated IMO. I spent time in Leadville so I went to their store. Not only were they unwilling to sell me a product but the guy working the store was a complete douche bag abut it. In hindsight I'm glad I didn't give my money to what feels like a very overpriced piece of gear with dog shit customer service. Lot's of other good options! Thanks for sharing!
Anyone who says they hike in their melly is a nut or hikes in winter only...with no zip/ventilation it's way too hot.
I'd say that works for any fleece...girls can hike in fleece but not me. It's for when you stop and set up. But again only if someone is there to see you in it. Whats the point if someone can't say oooooo and ahhhhhh. For the record noone ever has.
I’ve been looking at alpha fleece for warmer hikes, but in general I use a cheap sun hoodie in the summer. Have you check out Senchi?
@@rootsandpeaks Rudy from Burgeon here . . . . . stay tuned . . . . .
@@rudyglocker5059 can’t wait! Put me on your list:)
Love Melanzana! However if you can’t handle making an appointment nothing wrong with second best.
Sweet. Enjoy the best!
Well, they are all sold out.
Oh no! Well, they restock frequently. Check back in a few weeks or call them.
Hello! Tyler from Burgeon Outdoor here. We will be restocking Light Blue, and Orange Rust in March, as well as Green, Black, and Gray later this Spring.
Roots & Peaks
ok so monetizing the yt channel is obviously the goal. relaying on sub count, then waiting for ad revenue is difficult, long and not granted. Also getting advertisers, hard for a under 50k sub channel... but you know all this. If you like, I have a few ideas and solutions that might work for you.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, although I will say, my goal isn’t specifically to monetize…That would just make reviewing easier, as I would have money to afford the gear. My primary purpose at the moment is to have fun. We will see if that changes:)