With on-bike storage becoming the norm many riders are looking to ditch their packs and ride lighter, but on rides that require a rain shell or insulating layer, it’s tough to avoid carrying a pack. 7mesh came up with a convenient option in the Spring of 2022, introducing their Northwoods Windshell that packs into its own pocket and straps to your frame. Now, they’ve added this feature to several more outer layers and created the Stash System.
The Stash System collection now includes the Northwoods Windshell, the Copilot Jacket, the Freeflow jacket, and the Chilco Vest. All items but the Freeflow Jacket are offered in men’s and women’s models (the Freeflow is currently men’s only).
The Stash System pieces can be carried on your frame, handlebars, or seat post, making for versatile garments that could work well for MTB, gravel, touring, or road riding. The lineup cleverly includes outer layers that suit a range of conditions, offering a lightweight windbreaker, an insulating vest, a waterproof shell, and an insulated jacket.
7mesh’s design team tested various iterations of the Stash System’s pockets and straps around their home base of Squamish, B.C., an area that offers nearly year-round riding and presents ever-changing weather conditions.
Bikerumor has covered the Northwoods Windshell and the Copilot Jacket, so in this post, we’ll quickly review those pieces and give you full rundowns on the Chilco Vest and Freeflow Jacket.
Northwoods Windshell:
For a complete description of the Northwoods Windshell click that link to check out its announcement as part of 7mesh’s Spring 2022 clothing line. In short, the Northwoods Windshell is a lightweight, breathable wind jacket made from DWR-treated Nylon. Its low-profile hood, drawstring hems, and dropped tail offer full coverage, and it’s cut with a relaxed fit. Of course, its key feature is how it packs into its own zippered pocket and straps to your bike for convenient carrying when not needed.
Men’s sizes range from XS-XXL, and color options are Cadet Blue, Port, or Shadow. Women’s sizes go from XS-XL and color choices are Port or Yucca. MSRP ranges from $127.50-170.
Copilot Jacket:
Bikerumor also covered the new Copilot Jacket’s release last summer, so link over to that post for full details. The Copilot is the fully waterproof and windproof option in the Stash System lineup, made from breathable GORE-TEX Paclite Plus and featuring taped seams and a waterproof zipper. Its drawstring-adjustable hood fits over helmets, and its dropped tail should keep your butt dry.
The Copilot Jacket sells for $280. Men’s sizing runs from XS-XXL, and color choices are Black, Elk, or Hinterland. Women’s models are available in XS-XL, with Black, Elk, and Wisteria colorways.
Freeflow Jacket:
Moving on to pieces we haven’t yet covered, the men’s Freeflow Jacket provides some warmth for cold rides with strategically placed Polartec Alpha insulation. That insulation combined with a 20D double weave ripstop Nylon outer fabric allows the jacket to keep cold air out while letting moisture and excess heat escape.
The Freeflow is a hoodless option in the Stash System lineup and does not claim to be water resistant, so it’s most suitable for cool, dry rides. Design-wise it features a high collar, elasticated cuffs with silicon grippers, a soft brushed collar and chin guard, a zippered pocket (with stash straps inside), and reflective logos. The Freeflow provides a trim fit, and looks like a versatile option for those who ride on and off the road. It weighs in at 157g.
Men’s sizes XS-XXL are available in Black, Redwood, or Midnight Blue colors. MSRP is $220.
WTV Chilco Vest:
The WTV Chilco Vest is a stashable option for those who like sleeveless insulating layers. This vest features 7mesh’s new WTV (Wind Thermal Ventilation) fabric, which combines a puffy grid fabric with a woven wind-blocking face material. The Chilco Vest is cut with a relaxed fit and weighs 218g.
A large rear pocket provides room for snacks and small items and includes stash straps so you can pack the vest away and carry it on your bike. The Chilco Vest is finished with a full front zipper, a soft touch neck, and reflective details.
MSRP is $160. Men’s color choices are Black, Midnight Blue, or Honey, and sizes range from XS-XXL. Women’s sizes XS-XL are sold in Midnight Blue or Fawn.
