7MESH GLIDEPATH PANT REVIEW

AN ALL-DAY EVERYDAY OPTION!

Review by Cole Gregg  

When the 7mesh Glidepath pants arrived on my doorstep, we were in full season change here in Spokane, Washington. With changing seasons comes unpredictable and variable weather, making it tricky to dress in a way that’ll ensure comfort. What 7mesh have achieved with the Glidepath pant is awesome, offering comfort across the spectrum of conditions faced as spring ended and summer began. Year long pant users rejoice!

ABOUT THE 7MESH GLIDEPATH PANT

The Glidepath is a mix of 85% Nylon and 15% Elastane with a DWR finish. What this means in English is that the pants are flexible and breathable. The DWR did a solid job of shedding light rain and puddles, which I tested on the very first ride. The fabrics are Bluesign® approved, which is a standard for production ensuring harmful chemicals are eliminated –  not only good for our environment, but also your skin. Additionally they are OEKO-TEX® 100 certified, one of the longest standing certifications for textiles, this certification tests for over 1,000 different harmful substances.

Offered in sizes XS-XXL, my size medium fit great at just a hair under 6’1” tall with a true 31” waist. One thing that helps these pants stand out from the rest is the shorter inseam on the XS (85CM/33.46”) size, as well as longer inseam on the XL and XXL(87CM/34.25”) with the S-L being the same 86cm (33.85”). This is a small but noticeable change for riders on either end of the size range. All sizes feature the same cuffed hem at the bottom of the pant.

As far as features go the Glidepath strikes a great balance of providing everything you really need without any excess. There are two zippered side pockets just behind the traditional “jeans pocket” on the front. These pockets are just big enough for my phone, allowing for very little movement in the pocket. With that said if you have the plus size phones such as an iPhone Max, you may have to do some finagling to get the phone zipped up. The draw strings are easy to grab with gloves on and even when pedaling to reach for a snack.

7mesh gave both sides of the pants a snap close waist adjustment, with loads of room to fine tune your fit. If you fancy a belt instead, there are some loops for that as well. There are not one but two buttons securing the pants, and lastly a zippered fly.

THE DIRT

Having been an armchair fan of the 7mesh brand for a while now, I have been stoked on what they are doing. However, when I opened the package and got my hands on the Glidepath pant, I noticed how loud the material was when rubbed together. It feels nice in your hands with plenty of stretch, but is the loudest pair of pants I have had to date. While this really is not something that sinks the ship for me on recommending them, it is something I wanted to highlight. On the trail the noise is notably louder than my other lightweight trail pants (Fox Ranger), but they offer a much higher quality feeling fit and finish than those in my opinion.

Having a crazy long inseam, most pants are hit and miss for me when it comes to ankle coverage. The oversized elastic cuff did a superb job at keeping that gap minimal on these 7mesh pants. The longer inseam length on the size medium over the XS was much welcomed. I would have thought that these inseam differentiations would have been greater, but that is not the case. Regardless I still think this is a huge win for riders on the short and long end of the spectrum.

My Fasthouse Hooper knee pads fit inside the Glidepath pant with no fuss. These pads are on the larger side of a “lightweight” pad, so I do not see any issues with your pad of choice not fitting. Even with the pads used on every ride, the pant flexed and moved with me on climbs. I never experienced any bunching or need for adjustment even after an hour straight in the saddle.

Like I mentioned earlier, these pants came right when Washingtons weather was doing Washington things. Day one I set off with pretty clear and welcomed skies, only for it to turn into a downpour by the end of the ride. It was only after a serious squall on the road pedal home that the DWR finally met its match. To be fair, no non-waterproof pants would have worked in this situation. On the trail the pants shed mud darn good, which is a welcome bonus.

Only two days later I set out for a decently long pedal, and it was 73F (23C) with not a cloud in the sky. These are the best breathing pants I have in the garage, by far. While I was warm, it was 73 degrees outside. I was never uncomfortable or second guessed wearing them. While shorts would certainly be the best choice for breathability, I have no qualms about choosing the Glidepath when the terrain calls for it. A recent trip to Oakridge where Poison Oak is prevalent on many of the trails made me extra glad to have the Glidepaths in my kit bag.

Typically, I am taking off my riding gear in the garage standing up. The elastic cuffs are very tight, which I really like on the trail, but it can make for some sketchy moments if you do not have your balance right. Of course, I could also sit down, but I don’t want to change my ways!

7mesh has a great fit and size guide that other brands could take note from. I typically have a waist that is right between a small and a medium, so choosing size can leave me swimming or cutting off circulation if the choice is made wrong. Their fit guide pushed me towards the medium, and the fit was spot on.

The Wolf’s Last Word

The 7mesh Glidepath Pant is a premium product at a premium price. That price gets you everything you could want in a pair of pants that are safe for your skin and the environment. Besides the gnarliest spectrums of weather, this is a pant you can choose to throw on through any season.

Price: $180
Website: 7mesh.com

WHERE TO BUY
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