2021-7mesh-copilot-jacket
7mesh Copilot Jacket
£220.00
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
