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review

7mesh Copilot Jacket

9
£220.00

VERDICT:

9
10
High-performance packable waterproof with excellent breathability – but expensive
Brilliant, almost tailored fit
Excellent waterproofing
Good breathability
Packs reasonably small and light
Arms might be a little long for some
Reflective detailing a bit stingy
Stiff zips
Weight: 
261g
Contact: 
road.cc Recommends

This product has been selected to feature in road.cc recommends. That means it's not just scored well, but we think it stands out as special. Go to road.cc recommends

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The 7mesh Copilot Jacket offers a minimalist design with maximum performance – it's a brilliant packable jacket for taking with you everywhere. The Gore-Tex PacLite Plus fabric keeps you dry, protected from the wind, and won't have you in too much of a sweat either. The price is high, but it's a very versatile jacket that's built to last.

7mesh is based in Squamish, one of the wettest places in Canada (it's as wet as Argyllshire in Scotland), so it's no surprise their gear is well suited to the British climate.

The Copilot, named for its role as 'the ultimate backup shell,' lives up to expectations. Its £220 asking price might be worth a raised eyebrow, but guess what – it's worth every penny.

> Buy this online here

Though the Copilot looks like a mountain bike jacket, it's designed for everything from that to gravel riding, commuting, hiking or even – dare I say it – going to the pub (remember those days?).

Consequently it's built from Paclite Plus, which sits somewhere in the middle of the Gore-Tex lineup. It's not quite as light, breathable or packable as Shakedry (which features in 7mesh's brilliant Oro Jacket), and nor is it as hardy as Gore-Tex Pro.

2021 7mesh Copilot Jacket - hem.jpg

It's a blend of all the water- and windproofing you expect from Gore-Tex, along with a high level of breathability and good durability. Just to be clear: it's not as durable as Pro, but it's more packable, and it's not as breathable or light as Shakedry, but it's much more durable.

The two-layer material consists of a Gore-Tex membrane laminated to an outer face. Paclite Plus is an evolution of the original Paclite, and is more durable construction thanks to an abrasion-resistant treatment for both the inner and outer layer. As a result, the Copilot has an almost gritty, sandpaper-like feel (at least on the inside) and feels less fragile than Paclite jackets I've worn in the past.

2021 7mesh Copilot Jacket - hem drawstring.jpg

This, and because the fabric's relatively thin, means it doesn't feel as nice regular Gore-Tex, though it's a definite improvement next to the skin over the old Paclite.

7mesh says the fit is 'relaxed,' but to my mind that sounds a bit baggy. I'd say it's more of a slim fit with room for some light layers. It's also long in both the body and arms.

2021 7mesh Copilot Jacket - back.jpg

If you're not long-bodied and slim, you might find either the arms are a bit long or it's a bit tight round the waist. If you size down for shorter arms you've got to be quite thin, and if you go up for more room around the middle, the arms could get too long... those with short, wide builds could struggle with sizing.

The hood is pretty generous, enough even to get over your helmet, and the three-way adjuster cord allows a snug fit. There's also a draw cord on the hem, but honestly, I don't think it's necessary.

2021 7mesh Copilot Jacket - hood.jpg

I rode with the Copilot primarily when commuting in a range of wintery temperatures (from 5 -10 degrees), and it also came along as backup on several mountain bike rides too. Overall, the jacket performs exactly as it's intended to.

In heavy rain the water just slides off the outer layer. Even hitting it with a hose from two feet, on a medium strength sprinkler setting, nothing got through the outer layer – including the waterproof front zip.

2021 7mesh Copilot Jacket - hood drawstring.jpg

Now, breathability – that's another matter entirely. Even puffing my way up some big climbs, I never found breathability an issue, and the windproof outer adds just a little extra warmth without making you too hot. Even if it's not raining, it's worth having as a windbreaker.

The generous drop hem gives you loads of coverage against spray, but I'm not so thankful for the zips – boy, are they tough to move. Maybe they'll ease after more miles, or maybe I need to crack out the Vaseline, but adjusting them on the move was nigh on impossible during testing.

2021 7mesh Copilot Jacket - collar.jpg

Verifying Gore-Tex's claims of increased durability, I can confirm the jacket definitely takes a beating. I had more than a few run-ins with branches and trees during the test – and some heavy clouts – but after washing the jacket looked as good as new, without a single mark.

If the thought of crashing such an investment gives you the sweats, 7mesh offers repairs against accidental damage for 30 days after purchase. Beyond this, it will repair your kit 'charging only a small fee to cover the service'.

2021 7mesh Copilot Jacket - cuff.jpg

So just how packable is this backup jacket then? In size large you're looking at 261g, and it packs down (into its own pocket) to the size of a grab bag of crisps. Not the most packable, then, but good given the level of protection.

2021 7mesh Copilot Jacket - pocket.jpg

To aid this packability, features are sparse. For starters, there's only one pocket at the front, which is big enough for a phone and some other bits. The cuffs are elasticated instead of adjustable, and there's not even a hanging loop.

2021 7mesh Copilot Jacket - Gore-Tex logo.jpg

The Copilot is available in two colours – this visible 'Brickwork' orange or a low-key Slayter Blue. Unfortunately, the hi-vis details (a small logo front and back) are a bit sparse on both for serious commuting.

If you want a road-specific jacket that's much more packable and more breathable, you can do little better than the 7mesh Oro or the very similar Gore C5 Gore-Tex Shakedry. Both these jackets are quite vulnerable, mind.

> 32 of the best 2020 waterproof cycling jackets

For a more off-road orientated jacket that boasts good breathability and waterproofing, the Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II is worth a look. It's similarly priced at £200, but not as packable.

For packing really light there's the Specialized Deflect Jacket with SWAT at 140g and very scrunchable, though it's just a windproof, so you won't be able to fend off any sort of rain. Lighter still is the Ashmei Men's Cycle Emergency jacket, but again there's no waterproofing to speak of.

None of these options have a hood, mind. For a better all-round jacket, there's the Altura Nightvision Thunderstorm or Resolute Bay Reflective Cycling Jacket. Both are heavier than the Copilot, though, and aren't anywhere as packable. They don't have the same level of waterproofing or breathability, either, but excellent reflectivity makes them better for commuting.

Overall

If you're looking for a great do-anything jacket, you can't do much better than the Copilot. It's not necessarily the best at one particular thing, but it works really well in many areas, whether that's breathability, durability or packability. It's a versatile and very handy jacket.

Verdict

High-performance packable waterproof with excellent breathability – but expensive

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road.cc test report

Make and model: 7mesh Copilot Jacket

Size tested: Large

Tell us what the jacket is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

7Mesh says: "Copilot is the ultimate back up shell – a durable, on-demand wind and waterproof jacket that packs down into its own pocket for bikepacking and trail riding in changeable conditions."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the jacket?

MATERIALS

Body: GORE-TEX Paclite® Plus 2L, 40d Recycled 100% nylon, Plain weave

Front zip: #3 Watertight Vislon

WEIGHT

253g

FEATURES

Packs into its own side pocket with double sided zipper

Watertight zippered side pocket

Over the helmet hood with 3-way draw cords

Elasticated cuffs

Drop back hem

Hem draw cord

13mm taped seams

Reflective logos

Rate the jacket for quality of construction:
 
9/10

It's incredibly well made.

Rate the jacket for performance:
 
8/10

Everything works brilliantly, bar the slightly difficult zips.

Rate the jacket for durability:
 
8/10

Not as durable as regular Gore-Tex, but Paclite Plus is a definite improvement over the old version. In testing the jacket remained unmarked, despite some heavy-duty use.

Rate the jacket for waterproofing based on the manufacturer's rating:
 
9/10

Even in very heavy rain, it didn't leak at all.

Rate the jacket for breathability based on the manufacturer's rating:
 
8/10

Probably not quite as breathable as Gore-Tex ShakeDry or Active, but still pretty impressive nonetheless.

Rate the jacket for fit:
 
9/10

For me, it's absolutely spot on - like it was tailor made. Some body types might find it a bit too slim and long, though.

Rate the jacket for sizing:
 
9/10

Spot on – exactly as I expect from 7mesh.

Rate the jacket for weight:
 
7/10

Not the lightest option, but given its level of performance – in waterproofing, breathability and durability – it's pretty good.

Rate the jacket for comfort:
 
8/10

Although the jacket is slim, there's great range of movement and it feels good whether you're standing or riding. It's not as nice next to the skin as regular Gore-Tex, but Paclite Plus is an improvement over its predecessor.

Rate the jacket for value:
 
5/10

It's not cheap, but performance is very high and its versatility is a big plus – you can wear it more often than you'd think.

How easy is the jacket to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Easy – 30 or 40 degrees wash. You can even tumble dry it on low. I got it plastered with mud and it came out looking like new.

Tell us how the jacket performed overall when used for its designed purpose

The Copilot is pretty much the ultimate backup jacket.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the jacket

Excellent waterproofing and impressive breathability mean you can go out in any weather and ride hard. The fit is also exceptional.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the jacket

The tight zips.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market including ones recently tested on road.cc?

It's definitely at the pricier end of the spectrum, but the performance justifies it.

Did you enjoy using the jacket? Love it!

Would you consider buying the jacket? Yes

Would you recommend the jacket to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

If you're looking for the ultimate backup jacket, you really can't find better than this - provided you can afford it. It's got everything: great waterproofing, good breathability, it's packable, durable and it fits incredibly well. It's also versatile enough to be worn in pretty much any situation, and it could even be your main jacket if you can get over the slightly flimsy, crinkly feel to it. There's little bar this, the price and the tight zips to detract from it.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 39  Height: 6'4  Weight: 175lbs

I usually ride: Steel audax bike  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, sportives,

Add new comment

8 comments

Avatar
dabba | 3 years ago
0 likes

I've read with interest the reviews of wet weather gear here. I am constantly disappointed that meaningful measures of waterproofness and breathability are not used, preferring garbage and esoteric meaningless descriptions instead. 

Please do some meaningful analysis for your readers. Showing your usual headlines of "The best 99 (items)" is meaningless without quantifiable reasoning to substantiate the claims of the goods described as "best"! 

This site comprehensively describes "waterproofness" https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/expert-advice/waterproof-jacket-guide/ 

This site offers a good description of breathability, as well as more on waterproofness https://shreddog.com/blogs/news/deciphering-waterproof-breathability-rat...

Avatar
mdavidford replied to dabba | 3 years ago
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To be fair, I don't suppose they have the budget to run hydrostatic head tests on every item received for review (i mean, they don't appear to be able to stretch to a proof-reader or fact-checker...), so unless the producer / PR agency / etc. provides that information with the review sample, a subjective feel for the performance in use is about all they've got to go on.

Avatar
dabba replied to mdavidford | 3 years ago
0 likes

The fabric manufacturer would supply this info to the garment manufacturer. It's in the garment manufacturer's interest to provide that info to Road.cc 

Having searched through many UK bike shops for quality wet weather gear and not finding anything, I bought a Storm Trooper Jacket from Ground Effect in New Zealand because it had a hood and it showed the following details that were far superior to anything that I saw in UK bike shops. 

Waterproofness: 23,000 mm hydrostatic head with durable water-repellent finish.

Breathability: 33,000 gm per sqm per 24hrs.

You can see the full specs here - 

https://www.groundeffect.co.nz/products/storm-trooper-waterproof-cycling...

 

 

Avatar
mdavidford replied to dabba | 3 years ago
0 likes

It's in their interests to provide it if it tests well. Not so much if it doesn't.

Plus that assumes that the PR flack sending out the samples knows enough to ask for and include the information.

Avatar
Chris Hayes replied to dabba | 3 years ago
0 likes

Totally agree, it would be better if reviewers adopted a more empirical approach to equipment performance generally.  There are a few tools out there that could be used, for example the web ratings tool used in finance and project management, but also prevalent in sport and gaming (for player ratings on FIFA, for example).

It would not solve the subjectivity of inputs, but it would enable readers to visualise the comparative benefits of each piece of equipment.

Avatar
Truffl3Shuffl3 replied to dabba | 3 years ago
0 likes

I would have loved to have included the figures, but neither 7Mesh or Gore-Tex publish them, at least from what I could ascertain. 
 

I'll check in with the team and ask them to get in touch with the PR to see if they can supply us with figures and I'll update as necessary.

And no, we don't have a testing lab for equipment here.

Avatar
Sriracha replied to Truffl3Shuffl3 | 3 years ago
0 likes

I think there is always a risk with metrics that beguiled by the numbers we lose sight of the benefits. The metrics are only ever a one-dimensional proxy for the desired user benefits. I can well imagine a a poorer jacket outranking a better jacket on the basis of lab measurements on a fabric swatch.

So I can understand why the likes of Gore and Apple steer shy of the numbers games, and promote instead on a more holistic appreciation of their performance.

Avatar
Truffl3Shuffl3 replied to Sriracha | 3 years ago
1 like

Absolutely, numbers don't always translate to the real world which is why I tend to avoid them, but I do understand why people like to pore over that kind of data too, if you can get it! 

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