B.C.-based 7mesh aims to create top-notch technical clothing to manage moisture so you stay comfortable & focused on enjoying the ride. After putting many miles on the Desperado Merino Henley jersey and Glidepath shorts this summer, I found both to be comfortable, lightweight, and durable pieces. With solid on-trail performance and refined finishing details, I’d say 7mesh justified their place as a quality-focused brand I’d gladly recommend to fellow riders.
7mesh Desperado Merino Henley jersey & Glidepath shorts
As a fellow British Columbian, I was stoked to meet the crew behind Squamish, B.C.’s 7mesh at Impact Sun Valley media camp this summer. Their presentation made it clear that these guys know a ton about textiles, so I was pleased to land their Desperado Merino Henley jersey and Glidepath shorts for review.
7mesh Desperado Merino Henley jersey – Tech Details & Review
The Desperado is made of 53% polyester and 47% merino wool, which makes for a great balance of technical performance and durability. The jersey takes advantage of merino’s typical benefits; it breathes very well and dries up in a heartbeat. It also strongly resists odor, as I rode two very hot days in Sun Valley with it and it came home stink-free! After several washings it still resists smelling, just as well as it did when brand new.
The body fabric is soft on the skin, and has a lot of stretch to it. 7mesh even used ultrasonic seams that stretch equally to the main fabric to ensure unrestricted mobility. On my slim, 5’9” body the medium size maintains an athletic cut but feels roomy in the torso. The body and sleeves are a tad longer than some other jerseys I own, which I liked since it keeps you well covered in any riding position.
One thing that impressed me was the fabric’s durability. I usually ride with a hydration pack (or hip pack) and I found the Desperado has held up to the abrasion much better than another brand’s merino-heavy jersey I recently tested. The Desperado has less merino content than that other, so it seems 7mesh has found a ratio that stays tough without sacrificing wool’s desirable qualities. After many rides with my packs and several washing/drying cycles, I’m happy to report the stretchy fabric has not warped at all.
Another thing pack-wearers should appreciate is how the Desperado’s articulated panelling leaves the top of your shoulders and back seam-free. While this jersey has a few more seams than some, they’re all in strategic locations that didn’t cause me any chafing or discomfort.
The 7mesh team clearly has an eye for detail. I really like the low-profile buttons on the collar, which add minimal bulk or weight to the jersey yet still snap shut securely. A few embroidered logos add a premium touch too, without getting flasahy. The only detail left off this jersey is a pocket, so you’ll have to stash your small ride essentials elsewhere.
The Desperado Merino Henley retails for $110 CAD ($84.50 USD), and comes in Black or Stone colors. Men’s sizes range from XS-XXL. A women’s version is also available for $100 CAD ($77 USD).
7mesh Glidepath shorts – Tech Details & Review
Looking at the Glidepath shorts, there are two things that jump out right away – their fabric and the unique panelling pattern. The Glidepaths are built from a Soma woven fabric, which is made with just 4% Lycra yet offers two-way stretch. The fabric doesn’t look super soft, but its smooth facing keeps it comfortable against bare skin.
I didn’t take any nasty spills in these shorts, but 7mesh says the material is very durable and abrasion resistant (feels like it), yet it remains thin and lightweight. The only thing that might bug some people about the fabric is that it’s a bit noisy as it slides up and down your legs!
The Glidepaths have a DWR water-repellent coating, and when I finally got to ride them on a wet day I was pleasantly surprised how well they kept me dry. On an hour-plus ride in steady rain (with some cover from the trees), my legs remained completely dry beneath the shorts. The Glidepaths will definitely get you through an unexpected cloudburst. And 7mesh says that if they do get soaked, the fabric dries up quickly.
The Glidepaths have a pretty unique panelling layout, which includes a four-way stretch crotch gusset. If you lay the shorts down, the gusset sticks up until you spread the legs out. If you stand straight up with your feet together, you’ll notice the legs sit against the insides of your thighs as they try to lean outwards. On the bike, with your knees apart in riding position, the crotch gusset stretches out and the strategic panelling allows for excellent mobility. I should also note that the gusset doesn’t bunch up under your saddle at all.
The shorts are cut with a high rear waist, and a 15” inseam that brings the legs below my kneecaps. I like having shorts’ legs on the longer side, and the hems are large enough to easily fit over my Dainese Trail Skins II kneepads.
The Glidepath shorts have two hip pockets, and two zippered side/thigh pockets with internal sleeves to keep smartphones protected. I like how these large side pockets keep cargo away from your saddle, and because of the way 7mesh angled the pockets your phone/wallet lines up with your leg, and doesn’t bounce around as you pedal.
Much like the Desperado jersey’s collar buttons, I love the shorts’ low-profile waist adjusters. They’re tiny and lightweight, but they hold perfectly well. My waist is a slim 32” so I had to cinch my shorts in a bit, but not enough to create any troublesome bunching at the sides. Other construction details include a zippered fly with one-button waist closure, belt loops, and a reflective logo on the right leg.
The men’s Glidepath shorts cost $160 CAD ($122 USD). Sizes range from XS-XXL, and color options are 2 Ball Blue or Rust. There is also a women’s model available at the same price.
