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7mesh Revelation Jacket in review: cycling jacket made with Gore-Tex® Pro

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Newcomer brand 7mesh introduce the Revelation jacket, their first product. Franz Mösbauer took the hardshell jacket for a road and mountain biking test run. Here's his review...

Before the first collection of the newly founded bike wear brand 7mesh hit the market, I was able to grab a Revelation hardshell jacket and test it extensively while biking. One thing first: The 7mesh Revelation jacket is really awesome!

With the special edition of the Revelation Jacket, the new Canadian brand 7mesh have launched their first bike wear collection. That the founders all derive from Arc'teryx, is revealed in the simple, functional design. | Photo: Franz Mösbauer
With the special edition of the Revelation Jacket, the new Canadian brand 7mesh have launched their first bike wear collection. That the founders all derive from Arc’teryx, is revealed in the simple, functional design. | Photo: Franz Mösbauer

The testing ground was primarily wintry, Munich city traffic on the 50-mile ride to work and back. I had the opportunity to test the functionality and fit of the jacket both on a road bike, as well as on a mountain bike. However, the wafer-thin rain jacket was put to the test with other sweaty, winter activities as well.

First impressions, as the saying goes “you don’t get a second chance at first impressions” and this one was very positive. Easy to recognise via the Revelation’s design and finish, is that 7Mesh have their roots with the top outdoor label Arc’teryx. Precise cut, sophisticated details and rigorous efforts to reduce weight all apply to the finished product.

Features of the hardshell jacket pretty much convinced me! No unnecessary detail and one gets the impression that the designers at 7mesh knew exactly what the jacket was to be used for.

Made for road biking and mountain biking: The 7mesh cycling jacket

The Revelation jacket shape and form is thoroughly credible-both on a road bike, as well as while mountain biking. Although seating positions are quite contrary, the sitting position on a mountain bike being upright with arms extended and on a road bike, arms are at a significant forward angle, the new 7mesh jacket bridges the gap very well and the rear hem doesn’t annoyingly creep up. It contours the body nicely while still leaving enough room for more layers if necessary and impressively won’t crease or ride-up even while riding in the lower grip position on a road bike. Even wearing a backpack in the test phase, the Revelation jacket sat optimally on the back, without riding up. Wearing the attached hood under a helmet also met its purpose when needed. In short, the perfect all-around package!

For the needs of cyclists: Highlights of this hardshell

The rugged, breathable Gore-Tex Pro will be used for the first time in a cycling jacket with 7mesh's Revelation jacket.| Photo: Franz Mösbauer
The rugged, breathable Gore-Tex Pro will be used for the first time in a cycling jacket with 7mesh’s Revelation jacket.| Photo: Franz Mösbauer

Gore-Tex® Pro is the most robust among the Gore-Tex® membranes. It was originally developed for extreme mountaineers to provide them with a waterproof, highly breathable fabric over a wider temperature range. 7Mesh has made an entry into the cycling apparel world with the first Gore-Tex® Pro cycling-specified jacket – the Revelation jacket. The membrane is laminated onto the lightweight but sturdy upper and 7Mesh have been as conscious as ever to keep the weight of the jacket reduced. Using trimmed seams and 8mm micro tape together with slim but well-gliding, waterproof zippers, the weight is kept to a minimum. Many a jacket has tabs and bands attached to the zips that are too thick and adding unnecessary weight. Not the case with the Revelation jacket – it features thin, easy-grasp cords and hem cord all of which are fully functional. Overall, the hardshell weighs less than 300 grams.

The adjustable hood which fits under a helmet is cut specifically for this purpose. The visibility of the road and the surrounding terrain wasn’t compromised. The advantage of this design is that the volume of the hood is reduced and if required may be removed using three flat snaps.

7mesh have included two zip side pockets in the Revelation jacket and a noticeable feature is the positioning of the dual, side vent zips that open from the armpits down over the hips. A shorter twelve-inch zip can be located on the forearm near the wrists. Another clever highlight is the small reflective piping attached to the cuffs, designed so that it points to the front of the bike.

Always well ventilated: The 7mesh Revelation jacket – test run

Ingenious for cyclists: the long ventilation openings of the 7mesh rain jacket open to the lower back - this not only prevents heat buildup, but also allows quick access to an inner jersey pocket. | Photo: Franz Mösbauer
Ingenious for cyclists: the long ventilation openings of the 7mesh rain jacket open to the lower back – this not only prevents heat buildup but also allows quick access to an inner jersey pocket. | Photo: Franz Mösbauer

I managed to test out the practicality of the 7mesh rain jacket over many wintry biking kilometres. Technically, it was a hard season to test out apparel – either the cold wind blew a frosty gale or it was unseasonably warm. However, Revelation Jacket bridged the gap between windproof and breathable with flying colours. The breathability of this hardshell jacket I found very convincing, Similar to my previous Windstopper jacket, it has sensible side vent openings to prevent heat build-up during extreme activity. Even the small openings, just behind the wrists, provided a noticeable and surprisingly cooling effect. A true bonus detail is the long ventilation openings of the 7mesh rain jacket that opens to the lower back – this not only prevents heat buildup but also allows quick access to an inner jersey pocket.

Reliable moisture protection

During the test phase, the weather was not always dry. Rain protection was at its best thanks to the Gore-Tex® Pro-membrane and water beaded off nicely.

Even away from trails and roads the Relevation hardshell jacket by 7mesh can be worn for other high-pulse activities. | Photo: Franz Mösbauer
Even away from trails and roads, the Revelation hardshell jacket by 7mesh can be worn for other high-pulse activities. | Photo: Franz Mösbauer

Although the zippers, all of which are waterproof coated glide well, it’s laborious work opening them with one hand. Either one runs the risk of riding without hands on the bar while opening the zips, or a shortstop is necessary. The collar provides enough room for a sweater underneath, yet the gap is not too wide that it becomes draughty. A draft is quickly remedied with a buff or neck scarf.

Due to the relatively small pack size, the rain jacket doesn’t take up much room in a pack and at a pinch, it fits into a jersey pocket.

Away from trails and roads: What else is the jacket capable of?

7mesh have priced the hardshell jacket at a scale of being able to wear it every day in bad weather. Not always sitting in the seat of a bike, I was interested to see what other off-bike activities it could be used for. The testing ground was extended to skiing. The Revelation jacket was used for both a sweat-induced cross-country skating session and a ski tour – the jacket left a great impression. My personal preference for ski touring is a larger hood that closes to the tip of the nose.

 7mesh Revelation jacket test verdict

Test verdict: The 7mesh Revelation Jacket is perfect for road biking or mountain biking. | Photo: Franz Mösbauer
Test verdict: The 7mesh Revelation Jacket is perfect for road biking or mountain biking. | Photo: Franz Mösbauer

My overall conclusion of the Revelation jacket is a positive one. 7Mesh has made a very convincing entry into the bike apparel world with the functionality, design and the quality of the well-known mountain and bike specialists brand Arc’teryx. The area of application for this hardshell jacket is clearly in cycling – whether on a mountain bike or road bike. Furthermore, every Transalp bikers will appreciate having the low weight in their pack and reliable weather protection.

Even with this high-end price range, 7mesh have made a highly functional, timeless piece to add to your arsenal. It’s certainly worth waiting for further products from 7mesh!

  • The 7mesh Revelation rain jacket for cyclists is available from March 2015 at Bergzeit

 

The Facts at a glance:

  • Name: 7mesh Revelation Jacket Launch Edition
  • Material: Gore-Tex Pro/hardshell
  • Weight: 270 grams in size L
  • Price: 428.95 EUR
  • Availability: March 2015
  • Colour: yellow

 Background on 7mesh

The founders at 7Mesh want to make better cycling clothing. The new, Canadian brand, established in 2013 and based out of Squamish, British Columbia, Canada hit the market earlier this year with an eye toward building high-performance, technical apparel for bike riders. That the products reflect a similar quality to that of Arc’teryx, an outdoor company known for its technical, well-cut apparel, is no coincidence. The six founding members of 7mesh were all involved in the establishment and success of Arc’teryx. The aim of 7mesh is to develop high-quality, functional and durable clothing for cycling. All members of the start-up brand are active cyclists and the idea to develop cycling clothes in how they would want to use them was strong. The motto “7 days and 7 hours” describes the extensiveness of how  7mesh clothing can be used and for what purpose: Whether for a quick day trip or a week-long adventure – this apparel always seems to fit and function.

It is also evident that the existing expertise of Arc’teryx fully reflects in the cycling-specific clothing. Even though 7mesh is a start-up, it recently announced a partnership with W. L. Gore & Associates, the second company only ever to do so. It’s a move that will allow them to use GORE-TEX® and WINDSTOPPER fabrics throughout their upcoming clothing line. It’s a promising start and will no doubt see cycling clothing hit the market in a whole new way.

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Welcome to the Bergzeit Journal! Enjoy our product reviews, buyers' guides, care instructions, packing lists and general tips & tricks for the great outdoors. The Bergzeit Journal editorial team, together with many external authors and mountaineering experts, provide insightful articles on all important mountain and outdoor topics, as well as current industry and background knowledge.