7mesh Men’s Northwoods Windshell review

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The 7mesh Men’s Northwoods Windshell is a well-specified jacket with plenty of attention to detail paid to its features, resulting in a comfortable feel on the bike and easy use.

Those details, the jacket's fit and the ease with which it packs down make for a positive experience.

However, the £170 price tag is a heavy premium for what is essentially a windshell.

7mesh Men’s Northwoods Windshell details and specifications

This jacket features a low-profile hood with adjustable draw cords and a brushed-knit hood brim and chin guard for additional comfort.

The elastic cuffs make for a secure fit, while the jacket packs easily into its own side pocket with a double-sided zipper.

The unique Stash System pocket, with straps, enables you to attach the jacket to your bike when packed for even faster access, while reflective details enhance visibility in low light.

The jacket is made from PFC and PFAS-free materials, Bluesign-approved and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, demonstrating 7mesh's attention to environmental and safety standards for more responsible manufacturing.

7mesh Men’s Northwoods Windshell performance

The Northwoods is designed to be a mountain bike jacket you take with you at all times to provide an extra layer of protection in case of a sudden shower or cooler trail conditions.

As such, the fit is versatile and loose enough to go over thicker mid-layers, but not so baggy that it won’t work over a mountain bike jersey. I found the cut on this jacket generous compared to the sizing of other 7mesh kit.

The fabric feels both soft and light, yet substantial to wear.

I spent long trail days covering lots of miles in this jacket. It provides an instant layer of warmth when you pull it on, but doesn’t overheat when you’re working hard.

On rides where a chill sets in, the soft lining on the front collar and brim of the hood are a welcome extra touch of comfort.

It all combines for a barely-there feel when you’re riding.

Along with the lined touch points, the details that make the difference in this jacket are extra-long zip pulls that are easy to use, even with winter gloves, and the pockets – which are positioned to be comfortable on the bike.

Accessed from the side, the contents of the pockets fall to the back, so they don’t pull on the jacket front or get in the way.

Once the jacket is packed into its pocket, it can be attached to your handlebar using the integral straps.

This is a well-specified and practical jacket, but it is a sizable investment.

How does the 7mesh Men’s Northwoods Windshell compare to the Madison Roam Lightweight Packable Windproof Jacket

These jackets are very different in cost, with the Madison Roam priced at £69.99.

However, both are well specified for their respective prices and offer a similar cut, level of comfort and features.

The benefit of spending more is in the 7mesh jacket's fabrication – soft lined touch points and the shell itself, which has a softer handle and breathes better for extended use in a greater range of conditions.

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How we tested | Windproof jackets

Russell Burton tested five of the latest windshell jackets, trying to find the perfect balance of breathability, warmth and waterproofing – as well as assessing how small they pack down.

He put the jackets through their paces in a wide range of weather conditions, to help you decide which one is most worthy of your cash.

Jackets on test

• 7mesh Men’s Northwoods Windshell
• Madison Roam Men’s Lightweight Packable Windproof Jacket
• Rapha Men’s Explore Lightweight Jacket
• Specialized Men’s Trail Wind Jacket
• Velocio Ultralight Trail Hooded Jacket

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7mesh Men’s Northwoods Windshell bottom line

The Northwoods Windshell is a highly specified jacket with all the details that matter.

It’s an emergency shell that goes above and beyond for your riding comfort – but at a high price.

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