First Look: 7mesh Stash System Jackets and Vest Strap to Your Bike

Jan 5, 2023 at 8:36
by Mike Levy  
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Downtube storage makes a lot of sense, especially when conditions are changing and you need to shed a layer or two but don't want to look like an Abercrombie & Fitch model with your jacket tied around your waist. Thing is, the majority of bikes are still keeping their downtubes to themselves, which means sometimes bringing a backpack just to put your extra clothes in when you warm up. 7mesh wants you to leave your pack at home, though, with their new Stash System jackets and vest strapping to your bike instead.

Stash System details

• Jackets, shells, & vests that strap to frame
• Copilot jacket uses Gore-Tex Paclite
• Freeflow jacket uses Polartec insulation
• Crash replacement repair / replacement
• MSRP: $125 - $280 USD
• More info: www.7mesh.com
The Stash System range starts at the $160 USD Chilco vest that has hand pockets and a zippered back pocket, and can also be rolled up and strapped to your toptube. The Northwoods windshell ($125 - $170 USD) is a lightweight jacket with a hood that can be folded up into its own zippered pocket and also attached to your bike, or you can use the $220 Freeflow jacket if the weather is looking like it might make a turn for the worse. Is it really nasty out there? That's when the $280 Gore-Tex-equipped Copilot jacket makes more sense, which can also be attached to your bike while you climb so it's there to keep you warm on the way back down.

All three jackets and the vest are available in men's and women's sizing and in a range of colors on 7mesh's website.

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The Chilco vest costs $160 USD.
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Made with Gore-Tex Paclite, the Copilot jacket costs $280 USD.
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$220 Freeflow jacket uses Polartec insulation.
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Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

146 Comments
  • 141 0
 Wait, I dumped $10k on a new bike because my old one didn’t have frame storage. I spent $300 on a jacket that just fits inside it. For $280 I could have kept my old bike?
  • 28 0
 no, this wouldn't fit your peasant frame, you need at least 10k one
  • 41 0
 New light bike. Tied 10lb of crap on it. Still ride the same trails.
  • 10 1
 @Jvisscher: next thing you know, people will be mounting oil-can finished dream catchers within the front triangle....
  • 4 0
 @valrock:
Oh thank god..
Buyer’s remorse cured!
  • 2 12
flag likeittacky (Jan 5, 2023 at 14:01) (Below Threshold)
 Now look in the mirror and say to yourself , I'M AN IDIOT!
  • 35 0
 For $5 you could have ski-strapped your old jacket to your old bike
  • 2 0
 @likeittacky:
Am not..
  • 5 0
 @tgrummon:
I asked my friends, they told me I need a new bike.
  • 4 21
flag likeittacky (Jan 5, 2023 at 18:47) (Below Threshold)
 @Untgrad: You spent $10K on a bike and $300 on a riding jacket; then brag about on the internet, Yes you are.
  • 18 0
 @likeittacky:
You’re not one of my friends.
  • 6 0
 I've been eagerly awaiting a jacket that I can put through hell and back that costs close to $300.

But rather than wear the thing, I've been dying to hang it in the middle of my frame so that I can fully pit that thing out.
If only they made it with a BOA closure so I could pay $400 to treat a piece of nylon & engineered plastics like total shit and never even put it on.
  • 1 3
 @Untgrad: I'm fine with that. You acquired 111 additional friends that will entertain you better than I would anyway. Ya'll have fun! lol
  • 2 0
 @jokermtb: or crocheting their bike like some kinda ridewrap. ALN for the win!
  • 3 0
 I'm all for supporting local companies but this is nearing Arc'teryx prices. $1000+ before tax for a pair of weatherproof riding pants and jacket? Who actually will want to crash in these and actually use them?
  • 93 0
 I stuff my jacket into a large water bottle - cheap, easy, secure, and weatherproof. It does take up a cage mount, but if you have one to spare (like the giarda-prone one on the underside of the downtube) it's great.
  • 42 2
 This is a great idea.
  • 5 0
 I already stuff mine in one of the water bottle holders of my Osprey hip pack, now I might want to look for a bottle I can fit it in....
  • 6 43
flag s100 (Jan 5, 2023 at 10:27) (Below Threshold)
 @mikelevy: how is strapping weight to the bike a good idea?
  • 59 3
 @Jvisscher: It's just a jacket and a ride, not a cinder block and a race. That bottom bottle mount goes unused all the time on everyone's bikes, and it'd only be for a handful of rides each year.
  • 25 0
 That's awesome, plus it gives your water some additional flavor.
  • 9 0
 @mikelevy: I believe there are companies that make wide mouth containers for just this application. They fit in the cage but have a lid that is equal to the diameter of the container.
  • 3 0
 @jeremystclair: Specialized sells a 'keg storage vessel' that's the size of a water bottle.
  • 2 0
 @ryan77777: Thanks, that seems to be about perfect!
  • 5 3
 @mikelevy: can I propose something radical... just put the jacket on
  • 2 0
 @raspberry-01: anarchy...
  • 10 3
 @raspberry-01: Sometimes it's barely above freezing when I leave the house and 10 or 12 degrees warmer halfway through the ride, not to mention the thousands of feet of climbing that I'm lucky to have about three minutes from my front door that means I'm hot on the way up and cold on the way down.

I don't care about the 7mesh stuff specifically (it looks nice tho) but the conversation is valid.
  • 2 1
 Jacket or a windbreaker? That's one hell of a drinking bottle if you're stuffing a jacket in it!
  • 3 0
 Water bottle is a good idea and something we all have! If anyone does bike packing, I use bags from Oveja Negra and have their Snack Pack for my top tube…. On a Slash! It holds everything I want for a 2hr+ ride including a shell.
Cheers
  • 14 0
 And if you have a waterproof jacket, you don't even have to empty the bottle first.
  • 1 1
 @mikelevy: where are you climbing thousands of feet this week? My tracks were the only ones through the snow up to Pseudo Tsuga this last weekend.
  • 3 0
 @Jvisscher:
Us North Shore folks are lucky enough to be snow free up to about 700m right now Wink
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: well for that matter - wasn't this always an easier system (using the bottom bottle mounts and a bottle for storage) than creating all the in-frame storage options? just thinking of all the re-engineering/reinforcing/added weight/cost they had to do to down tubes to accommodate a big hole for storage which otherwise would have compromised the integrity of the frame.
  • 1 0
 Nice good idea, or just unzip the jacket and let it rip, this is insane, get some gear ties if you must strap it to your top tube.
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy:
I once went flipping down a canyon when I lost the front end, and the bike (not mine) hit a boulder right on the underside bottle mount.
Luckily I had a full bottle in there.
It destroyed the bottle and the cage, but the frame was unharmed. So instead of in frame storage, this is bash plate storage!
  • 2 0
 @Jvisscher: This week? It's 23c and sunny where I am, thank god. I'd rather not ride at all than ride in the snow.
  • 5 0
 @Tommmmy: Ha, yes I'm very very soft. I'm also blessed to be able to ride pretty much any day I want and any time I want for as long as I want, so I'll save my rides for when it's not freezing and shitty out Wink
  • 1 1
 @mikelevy: For sure! I keed mostly. I just like suffering so I'll ride anytime anywhere, and my climate is very 4 seasons and has moderate mood swings at all times Wink
  • 81 0
 Edible bike jackets are the obvious answer. Start your ride mitigating the cold and damp wearing a jacket, you're not all that hungry. Eat tactically you can still wear a gilet for an hour or two. End your ride having consumed a tasty warm snack, you're warm, the jacket has gone, strava times are tumbling. We just need a snappy name people...
  • 33 0
 7munch
  • 9 0
 @BigShralp: 7lunch
  • 17 0
 La Jaguette?
  • 3 0
 you're thinking too small. What about edible shorts/chamois for the post ride snack?
  • 4 0
 Snackets.
  • 58 4
 If only someone could invent a frame bag you could carry on your back. It would have more room to hold a jacket, light, tools, and maybe even water.
  • 3 0
 and maybe a pocket or two!?......
  • 2 0
 so true
  • 25 2
 This looked great until I saw the price. I’ll keep on tying my jacket round my top tube using the sleeves and almost dying when it come loose Smile

If you got the spare cash they look proper nice though
  • 3 0
 use a square knot and it wont come loose.
  • 32 1
 Voile 12" Nano Straps: $5.50 each. Your life, jacket, & financial future are now secure. You are welcome.
  • 6 0
 any frame strap ( the one that meant for a tube) will solve this for about 10 - 15 CAD, or even better but less adjustable then velcro is Voile strap
  • 5 0
 Old broken surf leash velcro. You're welcome
  • 5 0
 A roll of 2” wide double sided Velcro is $16 and can make many dozens of ultra light and silent gear straps as well as organize your extension cords and air compressor hoses.
  • 1 0
 $10 for a 20 pack of 1" wide velcro straps 8"-18" on amazon.
  • 3 0
 Thanks everyone, I have loads of those Velcro straps which I use for attaching tubes to my saddle and for bikepacking

I dunno why I never thought to use them for jackets Big Grin
  • 2 0
 I roll up the body of the jacket, then tie it with the sleeves to my bars. Square knot hasn't let me down yet.
  • 19 0
 Or wait buy a couple of velcro straps and secure you 50$ décathlon jacket on the top tube and get yourself a nice trip for the week end ;-)
  • 8 0
 I dunno what LSD costs in France but you can get a whole lot more than one trip over here for the ~$100 saving
  • 1 0
 @rudymedea: I know you’re making a joke but is that actually how much it costs? You can easily get 10 for 100 here.
  • 1 0
 Oops I read your comment backwards. Just ignore me.
  • 1 0
 My decathlon jacket came with a stash bag with straps that strap nicely to my frame
  • 12 0
 Could be nice in its ideal application, but that still doesn't carry the spare dry gloves and emergency helmet light that I typically pack on cool weather rides in BC where this stuff is designed. You'll probably see one strapped to the frame belonging to the guy asking you to borrow a tube, lever, pump, and water.
  • 14 1
 If only there were some sort of Jersey with more than one pocket. Say three of them, on the back so stuff would not interfere with your riding position.
  • 3 0
 A timeless design that seems to have fallen out of fashion among mtbr's. Got any good recs for less roadie fit 3 pocket jerseys?
  • 2 0
 @Speeder01: I’m old, so xc and roadie are my jam. Even when riding my enduro, I’ll use an old school jersey.
But, look for traditional, club or sport fit jerseys. These tend to be looser, you can always size up if they are lent too long.
  • 2 0
 @Speeder01: the jersey needs to be roadie fit so your stuff isn’t flopping around.

I personally prefer pockets on my bibs like Yeti Enduro, Specialized SWAT, and many others. Race Face used to have a compression tank with pockets and a hydration bladder/back protector pouch but seem to have discontinued it.
  • 1 0
 @Speeder01: giro men’s ride jersey
  • 1 0
 @Speeder01: I wear the POC Oseus VPD torso. Simple 3-pocket vest, with removable chest and back plates. Great to have the protection when you need it, and the pockets either way!
  • 11 2
 Here to watch the comment section applaud innovation from a small local company and then demand that large importers copy it at a lower pricepoint.

I own one piece of 7mesh gear (shorts) it was expensive but I’ve never needed anything else and never needed to replace it
  • 3 0
 Which pair of shorts do you have? I've been eyeballing their far side short as a (hopefully) slim fitting on/off bike short. I have their ashlu merino jersey, and could not possibly be happier with it.
  • 2 0
 @el-gaberino: the Farside shorts are easily the best biking shorts I've ever owned. I actually have 2 pairs (got both on sale luckily).

Can be worn on and off the bike. Not baggy at all, but also not tight. Not too short for knee pads to leave a gap, but not too long to look silly off the bike.

I've used their warranty before (broken zipper on goretex jacket) and they legitimately sent me a second jacket in a few days for free based on photos and an email.

Totally worth retail, but even better if you can find stuff on sale (all the 7Mesh gear I have I have found significantly discounted). Supporting an actual bike brand is also fulfilling.
  • 2 0
 f.ex. Pearl Izumi has the same feature in at least their 2022 collection
  • 1 0
 @el-gaberino: I looked at the labels and couldn't find a model name, but they are very big, floppy, loud and treated with gore-tex. They're the "it's raining cats and dogs and you're riding anyway" short.
  • 1 1
 @JohSch: I searched the Pearl website and couldn't find this feature anywhere outside of "packs into a small bag" which I think most shell jackets have done for a decade. I could have missed something.
  • 2 0
 @Mtmw: It is true.

www.pearlizumi.com/products/mens-summit-pro-barrier-jacket-19132101?variant=40648638529707

The last photo shows it. Really simple lightweight bungee cord with a hook. Almost bought one last year but went with a Patagonia so that I didn't have a jacket that fit my belly like a corset.
  • 2 0
 @i-like-toytles: "This just-in-case jacket features a hidden strap that allows it to be secured to your bike so you're always prepared and ready to go."

I stand corrected! I can't see it in the photo, they're underselling it pretty hard. But you're right, there it is.
  • 1 0
 Innovation...? Stitching straps to a packable jacket and adding a 300% markup. OK
  • 1 0
 @i-like-toytles: I don't think we've claimed this as a first? If it matters, Stash debuted on the Freeflow jacket in fall '21. But K-Ways bungied to your hips in the 1980s, so...
  • 2 0
 @7mesh: Oh I wasn't meaning to say Pearl got to it first and you were stealing anyone's thunder, I think a couple of us were just acknowledging that other companies had jackets on the market with that option. I think mostly in response to Mtmw's claim that this was an "innovation" in the original comment.

And for what its worth, I think every bike jacket needs this feature so good on you for doing it.
  • 2 0
 @i-like-toytles: Great thanks! I replied partly to make sure we weren't overreaching. Maybe we were first, maybe not. Clothing has been around for 50,000 years or so, gotta be pretty careful when you lay claim to something fresh!
  • 7 0
 I've strapped my jacket to my frame for 20+ years. I don't remember where I obtained them, but have 2, 2 inch wide by 12 inch velcro straps I kept in my seat bag, it's a small frame bag now. They've actually saved me for more then just the jacket, you know, back when parts broke once a season. Broke a bar once at the stem, insert a stick, straps wrapped around bar, stem and brake lever. Worked to get home.
  • 1 0
 Same straps hold tube and levers and plugs and plug tool to frame well too.
  • 7 2
 People are going to complain about the price of various jackets all day long, but this is a really neat idea. This time of year there are plenty of rides that I bring a pack on solely because I may need to take off/put on/expect to shed the jacket at one point - this removes the need to wear a pack for that reason.
  • 4 0
 www.sombriocartel.com/en_ca/squall-2-jacket-b705000m

Got mine for $90 CAD. A jacket that turns into its own K-way is the answer.
  • 5 0
 You really think anyone narcissistic enough to not want to tie a jacket around their waist purely for aesthetic reasons is going to risk scratching up their top tube by strapping a dirty wet jacket to it?

I mean, I think it's a great idea, not because aroind the waist is tacky or ugly, but because I already use a slim beltpack to keep my pockets empty and carry water for the dog, and a jacket around or over that is awkward. I've taken to just shoving my self-stowable rain shell under the belt and clipping them together with a carbiner for security. Actually more comfortable than rolled up jacket around the outside.

Also, where did the jacket around the waist means A&F reference come from? Surely you're thinking of a sweater tied around the shoulders...
  • 2 1
 Yes, Anything strapped to the frame will scratch and scuff the frame, trail debris will get caught between the straps and frame and abrade the frame.
  • 2 0
 @kingbike2: This is likely true if it's attached in a way it can move around a lot, but we haven't seen it happen. (And the Freeflow has had Stash since fall '21, and Northwoods from last spring.)
  • 1 0
 @kingbike2: if you keep it there all season then yeah. A few hours at a time is pretty unlikely to make significant damage to your paint.
  • 8 3
 good grief, is wearing a hydration pack such an onerous proposition that riders feel compelled to strap clothing to their bikes? Been doing this mtb thing for a LONG TIME and, come on people, stop it, just stop it already. Wear the fuggin' pack (it'll save your assneck for the next inevitable OTB moment.....)
  • 5 2
 good grief, is strapping a jacket on your frame such an onerous proposition that riders feel compelled to wear a hydration pack on their rides? Been doing this mtb thing for a LESS LONG TIME and, come on people, stop it, just stop it already. Strap on the fuggin' jacket (it'll save your assneck for the next inevitable long day in the saddle.....)
  • 6 1
 Can't wait til I can strap an infra red rotisserie under my top tube, so I can roast delicious chicken during my ride and feast afterwards .....New idea, you can to hang fresh jerseys from handlebar hangers (carbon fiber fer' sher), for a mid ride freshening of garments!
  • 5 0
 I just put my jacket in here . Works great . Comes with free shipping . Better hurry , its showing only one left in stock . www.bluefly.com/products/bf-104536879-yw8l?currency=USD&variant=40512797835396&srsltid=AeTuncrkzaHapioyiEmoPiD_sMMcQUVwS36uIp9dKQLh3O2Koy4HMcRxidE
  • 3 0
 Hands down the best MTB and Gravel clothing in the business…just the quality of the stuff is unreal…and the customer service is second to none. While the whole world is either on Leatt and Fox…I‘m happy to spend my bucks on 7mesh - and I can honestly say that for years to come. Finally a company that gets it and anyone who is currently riding their stuff knows whats up.
  • 4 0
 Believe it or not, some of us dinosaurs still use a pack on our back. And the light weight jacket, easily stashed in one of it's small pockets, only slows my ride time by .00003 seconds.
  • 7 1
 Personally, I'm just never as comfortable with a backpack on as when I'm not wearing one. Nothing to do with weight or ride time. Packs are the most practical way to carry stuff, of course, but it just feels nice to have nothing on your back Smile
  • 5 3
 @mikelevy: Personally I'm 100% with Mike on this one. Corporately - we're just here to provide options. People having choices, and having different needs, or preferences, or styles - that's what makes the world interesting. If you want to wear a pack, or not - you be you. Every rider and ride is a little bit different.
  • 3 1
 @7mesh: thanks for reminding us that we all have choices, needs and that we are all different. Glad you cleared that up. And of course how could we forget that "you can be you"
  • 3 0
 @Schmidt911: ha, fair. Just think the discussion goes further if it doesn't become arguing about who's 'right'. (And that's not directed at you. No one at 7mesh is selling all their backpacks...)
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: running vests are pretty awesome. Ultra light weight and super secure. I like the Salomon ADV 12. Really feels like you’re not wearing a pack.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: so it feels nice to feel 'no thing'?
  • 2 0
 7mesh makes some really nice gear. It looks decent too. It finds a good balance between the two styles of cycling clothing. You neither look like a wannabe pro road nerd, nor look like a 15yo listening to Korn in a parking lot.
  • 6 0
 First and last look
  • 1 0
 I think this is brilliant, I went for a ride this week and ended up overdressed so was jamming a jacket into an over stuffed frame bag. I've got a packable jacket I like that is getting old enough that it isn't so wind resistant any more, and while packable is great... still need a place to pack it into. Straps on the jacket in it's stuffed form is such a simple stupid idea I hope everyone is doing it a year from now.
  • 3 0
 I just leave the jacket in the car, then shiver and complain until about half way up the first climb, by which point I'm a hot sweaty mess...
  • 3 0
 And you'd think this time-honoured British approach would be even more useful in North America - where the weather's not so unpredictable.
  • 1 0
 @chakaping: Have you seen the midwest forecasts in the USA lately? Almost as unknown as up that way.
  • 2 0
 I've been using the anorak for the last two months and its my favorite jacket ever, super warm. I cant strap it to the frame but i just tie it around the handlebar.
  • 1 0
 Otb when that comes loose . Ask me how I know .
  • 1 0
 @Middnight: if you tie it with a surgeons knot it wont
  • 6 2
 backpack? What is wrong with a backpack?
  • 15 5
 Can't stand them
  • 4 0
 I have a small camelbak, never bothered me at all and always have everything I need.
  • 3 0
 @mikelevy: then sit down!
  • 3 0
 @Leviathandive: Give it a few more years, packs will be back in
  • 2 1
 Huh. tie around your waist, in pack and down storage. I just save $300 bucks. If any needs help with packing for ride and layers? HMU here. Small fee may apply for consulting.
LMAO!
  • 17 1
 True, our straps are pricey at $300. But hey, we throw in a jacket for free!
  • 3 0
 For those who hate backpacks but wear body armour you can get a back protector that has pockets to carry stuff.
  • 7 0
 You mean like a backpack?
  • 1 0
 @VtVolk: Check out the Alpinestars Paragon Plus vest.
  • 4 0
 Tie it around the stem and bars in an X and call it a day.
  • 3 0
 THEY WANT OVER A HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR THIS STUFF SACK?! NO WONDER NOBODY USES THIS PRO DEAL
  • 1 0
 Revisiting this after realizing it's a whole jacket too..derp.
  • 2 0
 Enough to attach 2 garments onto every bike you own for $15 www.amazon.com/VELCRO-Brand-ONE_WRAP-Double-Gripping/dp/B00O2A3P88
  • 2 0
 I’m personally a fan of ski straps. I’ve strapped a jacket to my top tube for years with good results. If this jacket gets you frothing though, good for you.
  • 1 1
 7Mesh stole their brand name from the first nation of Squamish, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw . The worst of it is 7mesh never asked the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw people and have never even engaged with them for compensation..... By the way they're partially owned by Lululemon who use coal powered factories to produce their “Be Human, Be Well, and Be Planet” moto... what a joke
  • 2 1
 Easy peasy… I just throw it in my Camelbak Milspec MULE.
And I have 3L of water for a long day out, with tools & snacks.
  • 1 0
 Suspiciously clean fingernails in that first pic . . . Joking aside, nice photography.
  • 1 0
 that's silly. My bike doesn't have downtube opening, but I push the jacket in throught the headset Smile
  • 1 0
 LOL! I just use Bongo ties to strap my flannel or jacket to my handlebars.
  • 1 0
 You could keep your current gear and get some $1.00 velcro straps on Amazon. Use the saved money for beer.
  • 1 0
 Be bold, start cold. Jackets are a PITA unless it's really heinous out there.
  • 1 0
 Stash system AKA The Banana Hammock.
  • 2 2
 This seems like the invented "need" of a product manager who's never been on a bike ride. Plus it's not enduro-specific.
  • 1 0
 This will be great for the day it will rain next summer in Utah
  • 1 1
 great stuff, just expensive. but like Patagonia and other quality goods, it should last.
  • 1 0
 Raphael one does the same and remarkably its less than half the price
  • 1 0
 That as meant to say Rapha
  • 1 3
 okay, 7mesh blacklisted

You youngers maybe don´t know, but your mum can probably stick a velcro strap to you actual gear!
Or just put a few bucks velcro tape under sadle, you never know when it helps.
  • 2 0
 Blacklisted because of an elastic...are you sure this isn't about hockey?
  • 1 0
 God forbid you have to tie it around your waist for free…
  • 1 0
 $5 for 2-3 cheapest velcro straps
  • 1 0
 in a word: Chilco







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