Review
7mesh - Ankle to Neck
It's no surprise that 7mesh is becoming mountain biking's Arc'teryx, considering the founding members all cut their teeth at that North Van company. Keeping quality high, and using the best materials, pushes the cost up, and in some categories many riders decide the premium is worth it. I've come to that conclusion for 7mesh outerwear like the Skypilot Jacket and Thunder Pants, particularly in terms of keeping me dry, despite having several reservations about the latter. The calculus gets trickier when we get into gear that doesn't involve surviving the elements, as is the case with the four pieces here, despite each being made with the quality and attention to detail I've come to expect from 7mesh.
Behold the 7mesh Flightpath Pants, a slightly roomier and more robust take on their Glidepath trousers.
7mesh Flightpath Pant - 300 CAD 250 USD
These are the in-season 7mesh pants, aimed at riders of our ilk. They are designed to accommodate full-protection pads (underneath!) in terms of cut and articulation. The fabric has ample stretch and was chosen for both durability and breathability with what 7mesh calls a 'ruggedized' construction.
The "hook and ladder" waist closure worked for me on these size medium pants, but just barely.
The fabric doesn't drape cleanly when you are just standing around but if that comes with added durability, I'll take that trade.
Length is generous and serves to keep the crap off your socks and out of your shoes.
The front closure is the same as the Glidepath shorts Trevor and I reviewed last year and I was worried, as was the case there, that the size mediums would be too big. There is a hook attached to a micro-suede belt that pulls across the fly at the waist and hooks into one of five slots (7mesh calls this hook and ladder). These fit me fine on the last adjustment slot but if there is any stretch, or in the unlikely event I lose some weight, they may end up being too large. Otherwise the fit is perfect; excellent length despite my 34" inseam and lots of room for my Fox Launch Pro pads.
The tight cuffs are great for keeping stuff out of your shoes but there are no zippers so you'll probably have to peel them off wetsuit-style, which isn't great in a parking lot but I prefer that simplicity.
The jean-style front pockets have generous openings but they are also very deep so you don't have to worry about losing anything. The right side pocket also has the added security of an inner sleeve to hold anything you value highly. The side zip pockets are also nice and big and well positioned. I put my phone in there and never notice it bouncing around.
The fabric has a comfortable feel against the skin and the generous stretch adds to the pleasant sensations. A close look at the fabric reveals a micro-striped texture that 7mesh refers to as 'raised yarn.' The yarn used to sew these together (21-odd panels by my count) is made with added Cordura for increased strength.
I was examining the Flightpath pants' fabric and remembered my son's tiny microscope he got for Xmas and decided to get a photo. Then I realized that without any expertise in fabric science, nor experience, it would be totally useless.
To try to squeeze a small amount of utility out of the time I spent with the microscope, I also got a shot of the Pearl Izumi Launch Trail Pants (above) so I'd at least be able to compare the two - but without any useful observations. I also couldn't identically reproduce the photographic conditions of the 7mesh photo to further weaken my effort.
Features (as listed by 7mesh)
- Hand pockets
- 2 zippered side pockets with mesh sleeve for valuables
- Integrated ultra-suede hook and ladder waist adjuster
- Zippered fly with 7mesh branded snap closure
- Cordura yarn for added durability
- DWR finish
- Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified fabric
- 86% Nylon, 14% Elastane
- Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified fabric
- Weight - Medium 285 g
The zippered side pockets are convenient and strategically located to keep your crap from bouncing excessively. The right zip pocket also has a sleeve for anything that needs an extra layer of redundancy. Not that I ever accidentally leave a zipper open and lose my keys, or my phone, or my wallet...
Getting ready to moonwalk.
You may find the styling a little bland, or maybe they are actually edgy and normcore, but I'd prefer to have a little more understated panache in my MTB apparel. All in all though, I'm perfectly happy wearing these when the weather is on the edge of warm, as it was when these shots were taken. While I haven't yet worn these in higher temps, I think they would also work well as spring turns to summer for riders not prone to over-heating. Once it gets properly hot, I'd probably swap these, or any long pants, for shorts.
Two deep jean-style pockets, with large openings, add to the two zippered side pockets for ample storage space.
In The End...
My only strikes against these pants are my personal take on the aesthetic and the potential sizing/closure issue. It seems many brands have decided people my size, 6' (183 cm) tall and 170 lbs (77 kg) should be wearing size small shorts and pants. Size creep is a thing. I'd prefer it if there was more adjustment in the micro-suede closure to account for those of us with long legs and normal-sized waists but I like the way the system keeps the aesthetic clean (so I guess it's not much of a gripe... ).
Despite these very minor quibbles and, barring any surprise tears from moderate impacts in the future, every other element of these pants is great. Except the cost. When you are factoring in Gore-tex or other high tech fabrics, it makes loftier prices easier to take. It's possible this fabric is also very costly, but it doesn't yet seem dramatically better than the alternatives.
I have recently tested and/or worn lighter weight pants from NF, Pearl Izumi, and ilabb. They cost 165, 200, and 175 CAD respectively. Each has pros and cons but are all excellent products that I would put up against these in terms of function and quality, and I prefer the styling of the NF and ilabb pants to these as well.
These Flightpaths are 300 CAD, which would be too much for me to swallow paying my own way. Trevor Hansen really liked the 7mesh Glidepath pants, which at 200 CAD are closer in line with the competition. They may not be quite as roomy or as tough, but I'll sacrifice those for a hundo any day.
Correction: The Flightpath pants are also available in women's sizes and colours.
Blue on blue, with the Chico vest above the Compound 'shirt.' (I'm not sure why it's not classified as a jersey, considering how jersey-like it is.)
Unlike our roadie (or groadie) cousins, the rear pocket may not be of great gear storage utility for mountain bikers, but it has a useful function you may appreciate.
7mesh Chilco Vest 170 CAD / 160 USD
I'm generally pretty happy when I choose to wear a vest. The tricky part is judging the right weather. If it's a little cooler or wetter, I'd prefer to have outer wear with sleeves, and if it's too warm, a vest (at least one that insulates like this one) can be too warm. This vest however wicks sweat well and provides only a moderate layer of insulation, making it nicely versatile. The 'high loft backer' makes it comfortable against your skin and has a very soft feel.
The entire vest stuffs tightly into the rear pocket.
It's not difficult but it takes a moment or two.
Once stuffed it has little buckles that strap it to your frame or...
Your bar. The wee buckles are tricky and I had to put my glasses on to secure them, at least the first time.
Chico Vest Features
- High air perm fabric with high loft backer
- Soft touch neck
- Packs into back pocket
- Stuff pocket straps attach vest to bike
- Reflective details
- Bluesign® approved fabric
- Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified fabric
- PFC and PFAS-free
- Contains recycled material
- Medium 218 g
Being able to strap a garment to your bike easily contributes to the likelihood that I'll be able to leave the pack at home, which I really appreciate. This is a comfy and useful little garment but I'd love it if there was one more zippered pocket with one handed access, either a slash or Napoleon. Otherwise, despite being a little pricy for a garment without sleeves, it gets full marks. Maybe I am obsessed with pockets?
The Chico vest is also available in women's sizes and colours.
I will probably never ride in the Callaghan Merino Hoody. But I really like it.
7mesh Callaghan Merino Hoody 250 CAD / 200 USD
This is a really nicely cut jacket with a very cozy poly Merino (65% - 35% respectively) blend fabric. I really like wearing it either as an insulating layer below a jacket on nasty days or as outerwear when we're fooled into thinking we live in (far) Northern California. The right pocket has a sleeve for your phone which points to what is, for me, a critical flaw.
Materials
- Body: 65% polyester, 35% Merino wool
- Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified fabric
- PFC and PFAS-free
- Front zip: #4.5 reverse coil
Features
- An articulated pattern that works both on and off the bike
- Front pockets to keep hands warm off the bike
- Low profile overlock seams
- Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 certified fabric
- PFC and PFAS-free
A sleeve in your hoody pocket is nice, but I'd prefer to be able to zip the pockets closed.
The fit is great, the cut is stylish and I even appreciated the striking blue colour.
If I'm going on a trip, for work or pleasure, I leave this jacket at home because there are no zip pockets for things like a wallet or keys or my phone. It's fine for dog walking or going to the store, but I want more security and utility when I'm on the road. I used to have a Dakine hoody that had zippers for each pocket and there were no downsides to having them. If you didn't need your hands in your pockets, you could keep them closed for a sleeker look. The zips were also recessed from the outer edges of the pockets so nobody could tell your cool-guy hoody was actually pretty useful. While I like this a lot, adding a couple of YKKs would take this to the next level for me, for around home or when travelling.
The Callaghan Hoody is also available in women's sizes and colours.
The Compound shirt
It doesn't sound like it in the description on the 7mesh website, but the Compound in this shirt refers to the Gore Windstopper-like material* on the chest and upper shoulders. Instead this stuff referred to as 'chest and shoulder abrasion resistance.' I've certainly fallen on my chest and my shoulders, but at a vastly lower rate than on my elbows, which lack this added resistance to abrasion. So while that's baffling, it takes nothing away from the utility of the garment.
Features
- Omega 100p knit - 100% polyester
- 85% nylon, 15% elastane woven
- Hybrid wove/knit fabric construction
- Articulated pattern works both on and off the bike
- Highly durable fabric features double weave layer for a protective buffer
- UPF 40+
- Medium 144g
What this fabric does however, is act like Windstopper which means it's the sort of jersey (or shirt) that acts like a jacket on days that aren't too rainy or too cold. It disperses your bodily moistures very efficiently, while protecting you from the chill of the wind, and is vastly more versatile than a simple jersey. Or shirt.
*to be clear, this garment is not made with Gore Windstopper, but it performed a similar function for me.
The best news about this garment, at least with the 40% discount, is that it's an excellent value. The bad news is that it doesn't come in women's sizes and colours. Fortunately if you can fit a size between men's extra small and XXL, it doesn't matter what picture is on your bathroom door.
Comments
Ripbro
1 year, 1 month ago
It looks like nice stuff, but I can’t pay those prices when all their items are made overseas. When companies like NF are making awesome gear locally, they will get my money. That’s enough of a reason to buy them over 7mesh.
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4Runner1
1 year, 1 month ago
Agreed. 7mesh isn’t even on my radar.
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rolly
1 year, 1 month ago
NF for 150?? I don't remember seeing their pants for that cheap.
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4Runner1
1 year, 1 month ago
Huh? These 7mesh are $300 and the dp4 are $240, I believe.
That said, I did pay $160(if memory serves) for end of season deal dp3.
Regardless, why pay more when one can buy a proven locally made product, for less? Of course, that’s assuming NF fits you well,etc etc.
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Cam McRae
1 year, 1 month ago
My point of comparison was NF 'Light Trail Pant" but I got the price wrong - they are actually $165. If you can get them that is.
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Vik Banerjee
1 year, 1 month ago
Ya a hoodie without zippered pockets is kind of useless to me as a general purpose garment. My favourite hoodie design had two open handwarmer pockets with a zipper internal pocket inside each one. Best of both worlds. Of course the company in question stopped making it and I am wearing out my last copies of that hoodie.
I do enjoy the quality construction/design/materials of high end sports clothing if it fits me well. Generally I just refuse to pay the MSRP and often find what I am looking for on deep discount at the end of season. I just bought some snowboard bibs at 40% off which took the price from make-my-eyes-bleed level to a bit painful, but a decent value proposition. If you buy on sale and the item works well for you it should last a long time and you can really get the $/use down to a reasonable level.
When it comes to garments the most important thing is how it fits and high end branding is no guarantee it'll fit well. Hats off to any brands that maintain consistent sizing/fit across their product lines. It boggles my mind when I buy a replacement for a garment I use and love. Same model/size/no updates noted on product page and the new one doesn't fit the same.
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AndrewR
1 year, 1 month ago
I really like 7mesh but they seem to have some strange and illogical design decisions.
All Glidepath/ Flight path garments: 90% of the world are right handed. So 90% of users are probably going to put their cell phone in the RH zip pocket and their other "trail stuff" in the LH pocket. So why is the little mesh pocket for keys and credit/ medical card/ bike park pass sewn into the RH pocket (so it can catch on the phone every time it is used)?
To be fair Norrona and Fjallraven do this too.
Slab short: finally a short that did not have belt loops to dig into a guide's lower back under the rubbing (yes even the best fitted packs do it) of a guide pack. Except they decided that it only needed one pocket, on the right (so FU left handers of the world). WTF again?
Because most mountain bikers do not have a cloth bag for their glasses, a SPF chap stick, $20 note and a car/ house key to put somewhere safe whilst they are riding?
WTF were the product testers doing and thinking?
Inseam: cycling tends to attract the more athletic build but so some reason the industry is obsessed with short fat man leg lengths on trousers. Please make Mediums and Larges in standard (30-31") and tall (33-34") inseams. Like Norrona and Fjallraven do........ and NF also (finally) do (DP4), except if you want their winter trousers in which case you can suffer from hipster mud ankle and wet shoes!
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tj7mesh
1 year, 1 month ago
Hi there, I can give a bit of context on some of those decisions.
The mesh sleeve can be used for different things, but most people request them to further secure their phone - hence on the right for the reasons you describe.
Slab is our minimalist short, and was built specifically for our EWS riders who asked for something super light and totally free moving. Hence: light & stretchy fabric, stripped waist, ultrasonic seams, and the single pocket. We have multiple other shorts with 3-4 pockets, so this one is a bit more specialized.
For inseams, the measurements are helpful but don't indicate where the pant is intended to sit. This pant is meant to be ankle length so it measures shorter than our Glidepath pant for example, but note the tester's opinion 'excellent length despite my 34" inseam'.
Thanks for the feedback! It all gets fed back to our design team.
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BarryW
1 year, 1 month ago
Great feedback on your design process!
But I've got a few questions. As you've entered the discussion...
Why are these priced higher than literally anything else except made in BC stuff from NF? Is this just a continuation of the Arc'Teryx model of make it overseas and market it as somehow different than all the other items half the cost also made overseas?
I'll admit to having a bunch of Arc'Teryx stuff, but I used to sell it and bought pretty much all of it on pro-deals and then it was reasonable. But once they moved production off the continent it was harder and harder to justify the crazy prices. So knowing you folks came from Arc'Teryx it seems you brought some of the good but a lot of the bad from that business model.
Just please don't be dicks when your product fails and should be covered under warranty like the fossilized bird people keep doing. #itsalongstory
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tj7mesh
1 year, 1 month ago
Oh boy. I enjoy discussing these things, but I'm not good at being brief. TL;DR!
(Disclosure: I worked at Arc'teryx for 18 years - so I have knowledge of their past, and I'm biased.)
Historically what built Arc wasn't marketing, it was product. Arc spent minimally on marketing, but heavily on R&D. When Arc launched apparel it was priced competitively with Patagonia / TNF / MH despite our higher production costs, so margins were poor, but the value for the consumer was strong. Since then prices have gradually climbed, and people may pay a brand premium for Arc now, but that wasn't the case for a very long time. My point: I don't think pricing in cycling is much affected by brand premiums, and most brands would like to lower prices if they could. We would.
On pricing, I don't entirely agree that our pricing is above the rest, it depends what you benchmark. We're at the higher end, but often not above other top products. (Our range is limited though, so we don't have much of a tiered offer which other brands may.) Who makes more expensive jackets? Assos, Rapha, POC. And on some products, e.g. bib shorts, we're quite competitive. I'm more in agreement with you in mountain biking, but we don't think the products are often apples-to-apples. Arc'teryx? Solid product. NF? Solid product. The bigger MTB apparel brands... not as solid in our opinion.
Anyways here are three factors I think about with pricing.
1. What's in the product? Making something better almost always costs more. This is often underestimated in apparel, because the range is huge and there aren't visual cues (a 'nice' textile can be multiple times the cost of an 'ok' textile, but look the same). Can brands find edges to provide more value? Yes, but it's competitive, so sustaining them is hard. Generally we get what we pay for, with incremental product improvement getting more and more costly as you keep pushing. Each brand decides how far to push on each product.
2. What is the company good at? We've spent most of each day for our careers trying to figure out how to make better apparel, not cheaper apparel, and our skills have developed accordingly. If you challenge us to make the best jacket in the world, we can do that (or come close). But if you challenge us to make a flannel shirt to compete head-to-head with MEC, we will fail. Which we don't see as "bad" at all - the community doesn't gain from more brands making similar products.
3. What is the path to the customer? The base business models vary, and beyond that things get complex quickly, so I can't provide clarity, just list some considerations.
- consumer direct, or through retail, or what mix
- if retail, directly to retailers or through distributors
- where do the raw materials come from
- location(s) of manufacture
- what are the lead times
- how much volume (impacts materials supply, factory access, financing requirements)
- where does inventory live, and how much to support the model
- where are the customers, and who do you need to serve best
- how do customers receive ongoing service
- are there trade risks (contracts, guarantees, letters of credit etc)
So a brand like NF may pay a premium for labour, but save money on duties & import costs. They have a factory to do great things with, spend time & money to build it and manage its capacity, and can use it to tune their capacity as demand changes (but have to be able to respond). (To be clear, I don't know much about NF's model, this is just illustrative.)
Meanwhile a brand like 7mesh may pay less for labour, but pay more for duties, import, freight, & warehousing. We gain easier access to more materials (probably) and spend more for the materials we choose (maybe). We can access capable factories with added capabilities (Gore-tex certification, ultrasonic welding), and can build closer to the majority of our raw material supply, but add longer lead times, logistics, storage, and transport after production.
And each brand decides pricing based on that, and more of course. Often we see brands more competitive in some categories than others, which can reflect these different business choices.
I hope this info has been helpful, though I'm not sure you wanted this much! Building a business is really hard, at least that's our experience. We don't have the answers, but we have a soft spot for all the makers who try to do something different and break through the noise. It's tough. We're sad about Machines for Freedom, we're sad about Kitsbow, and we miss the old schoolers like Core Rat and Roach. And we wish nothing but the best for NF!
Thanks Barry for the interest! Sorry I'm bad at writing short answers.
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Cam McRae
1 year, 1 month ago
Excellent perspective TJ. Thanks for sharing it. Most brands are loathe to wade into these discussions and it's refreshing when it happens.
This may be over-reaching, but I'd love to hear what the primary factors are in the price difference between the Flightpath pant at 300 CAD and the Glidepath at 200 CAD.
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BarryW
1 year, 1 month ago
Thank you for the reply.
But as someone fairly familiar with how different fabrics can feel similar but perform radically differently I do get that. I've sold top shelf Arc'Teryx gear at the biggest seller in Washington state (at the time) and through that I actually know what dealers pay for these products. And I have some significant knowledge of how much the manufacturer claims cost is.
And while you say low margins and unseen costs I think we all just see crazy high profit margins.
For instance I can buy the best kayaking drysuit in the world, made of Gore-Tex, and designed, and sewn in California for $1,200 USD. So high tech, cutting edge fabric, high labor and administration costs, and still about 4 pairs of your pants. I personally have trouble seeing the value. Now I DO understand the concept of the absolute best. And I've happily paid for a High Above hip pack handmade in Bellingham for a significant premium over most any other 'comparable' hip packs. But it was made in the state where I live, but people making living wages and that's where I like to put my money.
You mentioned how pushing fabric development brings significant costs, but am I to believe it costs 300% more for that fabric than the other almost identical fabric that wears 95% as well? And that this raises the cost of the garment by a similar amount? It seems slightly... Exaggerated perhaps.
Like I can say that you can double your material costs on a construction project, but in a case where you are doing high skill installation it pretty much never doubles the cost of the job. Because skilled labor is so expensive (rightly so).
Can you speak to that? Or just that these are ultra premium, high profit margin luxury goods? Because that's what it looks like.
But again, thanks for responding.
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tj7mesh
1 year, 1 month ago
@ Cam
1. Flightpath fabric is made from high tenacity nylon 6/6 yarn, vs Glidepath (and most other gear) using nylon 6. HT 6/6 is significantly more durable, and the fabric also incorporates more stretch. Flightpath fabric costs 222% (2.2x) what Glidepath costs.
2. Glidepath was launched, and priced, in 2021. All of our source costs (labour, materials, transport) have increased significantly. If we were launching today it would want to be ~$240ish. Pandemics & inflation suck.
@ Barry
I appreciate the dialogue, I’m here to share & learn.
I don’t know where the 300% cost increase for 5% gain example came from. That doesn’t sound like a choice we would make.
In Cam’s example, we pay 222% of the (already good) Glidepath fabric cost to get the more durable & stretchy textile. Is it worth it? We think so, but not everyone will agree.
Your kayaking example is really interesting but without knowing more it’s hard to compare. If they're the best, I would assume they know what they’re doing!
- I imagine their path to the consumer would impact margin a lot. Selling direct, vs selling to retailers who re-sell (high margin to retailer), vs commission or consignment sales via retailer (lower margin to retailer). Or it could be more complex if dealers or agents are helping with measuring, fitting, customizing - I’m just guessing.
- They’re into a price zone where (imo) the rules start to change, kind of like your construction example. We (and most businesses I’d say) usually think in terms of margin %. But we don’t pay our costs with percentages, we pay with dollars. So as pricing rises above the category norm (eg $1200 USD), in theory they should be able to run with lower margin percentage, while still making more margin dollars. Why I think this is kind of like the construction example is because the question becomes how you mark up the materials, and how you mark up the labour, and how those are interrelated. I think this is part of what you were getting at.
So where does that leave us, other than me looking defensive because we’re profiteering? I’d suggest benchmarking other items if people really want to compare. Compare our Gore jackets vs other brands. Or stick within more traditional mtb (this was just a quick search):
Baggy shorts: 7mesh Glidepath $170, Fox Defend Pro $190
Synthetic Long Sleeve jerseys: 7mesh Roam $90, Fox multiples at $130-150
Probably not apples-to-apples, I bet the Fox gear has more going on, but here we are!
Is our gear generally high quality and expensive? Yes. Do we make “ultra premium, high profit luxury goods”? No. I don’t think anybody in cycling apparel comes close to that.
Thanks again for the interest guys!
Velocipedestrian
1 year, 1 month ago
"cycling tends to attract the more athletic build but so some reason the industry is obsessed with short fat man leg lengths on trousers."
This is a key market for ActiveWear™, and gels nicely with the ebike boom.
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Endur-Bro
11 months, 4 weeks ago
Norrona Fjora shorts are the only shorts I want to rock. The leg length is a lil longer than most but it provides proper leg coverage when in a riding position and with knee pads underneath. I've had both the original version (3/4 length vents) and the current vent (front vent) versions. The Skibotn and DP4 are a lil short in length I find even at 1.75m in height. Also have to fold up the ankle on DP3/DP4 pants in medium.
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Zach
1 year, 1 month ago
Also wonder about the comparison to nf pants. Looking at getting a nice pair of pants this season, anybody here worn the chromag feint either?
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Mammal
1 year, 1 month ago
I just bought some Chromag Feints. Difficult for me to compare, because my last pants were Troy Lee Sprints in 2005, and a lot has changed.
I was somewhat between sizes by waist measurement, but closer to the 34 than 32, so sized-up to the 34 for more pad room and slightly longer inseam. I've never had ANY hips, so in the end, I needed to do a 1cm tuck stitch to the waste band, just behind each hip. No biggie, I need to to that with EVERY pair of riding shorts I've ever bought as well. The stretch fabric seems to allow the pants to hang properly even with the tuck-stitches.
They are so comfortable, even with medium-bulk knee pads on, that I was amazed. Even while pedaling, zero pad issues, even with the huge no-stretch durable panels used around the knees. In-seam is fine (I'm old, pant legs are short now), pockets seem fine, although I haven't used them much. The venting and fabric weight seem really appropriate for all-seasons, not so light/porous that they're only for good weather.
No idea about long turn durability yet, but I'm a huge fan so far. Other people tend to like them from what I've heard, so that bodes well.
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LAT
1 year, 1 month ago
i have the feint, i like them. easy to move in as they are very stretchy but seem tough. i’ve not had them long enough to comment on durability, but so far, so good.
i actually have 2 pairs. i bought a 36 waist that was too big. i’ll be putting them on pinkbike buy/sell and the fraser valley mtb facebook buy/sell as soon as i get around to it.
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Andeh
1 year, 1 month ago
Thanks for pointing out the Compound shirt being on sale! I was eyeing one of those earlier this winter but reluctant to pay the $80 or so plus shipping. I recently picked up the Leatt 5.0 shirt that you guys recommended which has a similar purpose also on sale from CRC, and pretty happy with that as well.
On cool morning starts I find a windbreaker is nice for the first 15 minutes or so, then become a humid mess and take it off. Then as soon as I drop into my first descent, I'm freezing as the wind hits all the sweat. A Polartec PowerGrid jersey like Specialized makes does a bit better since it breathes from the start, but doesn't cut the wind at all. These wind shirts seem like they hit the sweet spot.
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mudhoney
1 year, 1 month ago
Thanks for including notes on availability of women's versions, much appreciated! The merino hoody is tempting, but agree, needs zippers on those pockets.
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Cam McRae
1 year, 1 month ago
You are welcome!
I just updated the article in fact because I was informed the Flightpaths are available in women's.
Link here!
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Alpenglow93
1 year, 1 month ago
Great review as always. A little off-topic, but is that the 152 arrival or 170 you are riding? Any plans for long term review and any plans to try the 130 arrival.
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Cam McRae
1 year, 1 month ago
Thanks Ag.
I wrote about the 170 here in case you missed it. I have been more impressed with the frame every time I ride it, and at times it's been a hard act to follow for other bikes I've been testing.
We are waiting on links and a shock and fork so Andrew Major can follow up his review of the 152 (which I also wrote about here) with his impressions of the 170 version. There was also talk of writing about the 130 but getting Andrew on the 170 is our next goal.
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BarryW
1 year, 1 month ago
How would you rate these pants against the NF DP4 pant?
I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on some really good quality pants and those are sitting at the top of my list currently. No place nearby to try on either one though.
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finbarr
1 year, 1 month ago
I'd highly endorse the NF DP4 pants. I only tried the 7mesh pants on in store, haven't ridden with them, but I absolutely love my NF pants. They're next level.
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Cam McRae
1 year, 1 month ago
I have a pair of DP4s that I really like. At least I think they are DP4s. They are very light but the same configuration as the Berserkers. Dry weather only for me in those though because the fabric is a looser weave that acts as a sponge in the wet.
AJ Barlas wrote about the DP3s here.
If NF pants fit you, they are great. For me the elastic waistband of the mediums sits in the right spot and is also the perfect balance between tight enough and comfortable. I pull them on and then never have to think about them for the rest of the ride. Great pockets as well. There are some similarities between the two (again - assuming mine are DP4s) but the fit and styling put them a little ahead of these for me. And the price. Availability is tricky with NF because they only producer small runs of most products.
Sorry for being vague but since these weren't a test product for me I'm not sure which model they were. I'll see if I can find it identified on them when I have a moment to check.
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Endur-Bro
11 months, 4 weeks ago
I haven't worn Berserkers but don't feel like I'd want a heavier pant than the DP3/4. I might add DWR coating to my darker pants for the next rainy season and see how that works.
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manu_moisan
1 year, 1 month ago
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