I admit I am a bit obsessed with 7Mesh cycling jackets. They just fit so well and perform great. Now I have even more to obsess over as new for the 17/18 winter season, the Vancouver company just added a couple new cycling jackets (and jerseys) to their lineup to get you through the wet roads or trails and cold, dark days ahead.
The highlight of the new winter collection is the Guardian Jacket ($400), a fully waterproof Gore-Tex solution for all-mountain winter riding in the worst conditions. The over-the-helmet hood features three-way draw cords so it won’t fly off when you are bombing downhill in the rain. What’s nice about the Guardian is that thanks to a more relaxed cut, layering compatible shape, and full length back hem, it works off the bike too — I could see this making a great climbing or even ski jacket this winter.
The Guardian weighs just 266 grams — compare that to the Revelation Jacket (my current favorite for winter riding) at 299 grams. The hood is not removable like it is on the Revelation but it offers a ton more neck and face coverage.
Even in winter, some missions require packing light and moving fast, and the new Renegade Jacket ($350) delivers complete weather protection and durability in a super light 220 gram package. Built on a tapered, athletic fit to cheat the wind, the Renegade’s articulated fit removes unnecessary front fabric while providing room for jersey pockets, accessed through the rear pass-through vents. You will also find vents on the wrist — a feature I love on my Resistance Jacket.
In building both jackets, 7mesh used Gore-Tex Active 3L, Gore’s most breathable 3-ply waterproof fabric, fully seam-taped construction, and waterproof zippers for complete weather protection in the deepest winter conditions. It’s the same material used in the
These new Gore-Tex jackets are accompanied by new thermal layering options like the men’s Mission Jersey and the women’s Callaghan Hoody and Callaghan Jersey. The Mission Jersey uses Polartec Powergrid for lightweight yet warm long-sleeved layering. The Callaghan Jersey and Hoody blend a fast-drying poly face with a warm, wool interior layer to create a warm and quick drying garment perfect for winter cycling.