Updated 7mesh Glidepath Pants

It seems to me that 7mesh has been tweaking products more frequently in recent years and the Glidepaths that were new in 2021 show some nice refinements. Unlike the Flightpaths I tried last year, with their hook and ladder belt system that seemed to stretch a little during an outing, the Glidepaths have waist cinches that 7mesh says will adjust a whole pant size. They also sport belt loops for those who prefer to keep their pants up like their grandpa did. A belt with some stretch, like those from Arcade would be a comfortable way to apply pressure more evenly and more comfortably. Velocio actually includes an Arcade belt in the purchase of their pants or shorts. Velocio's pants, (which I'd say are more similar to the 250 USD Flightpaths) will set you back 200 USD.

Fabric and Feel

I prefer the feel and hang of the Glidepath fabric to that used in the Flightpaths. I hope it's not identical because it doesn't seem like it to me. The make up of the fabrics is almost identical with the FP 86% Nylon, 14% Elastane, while the GP is 85% Nylon, 15% Elastane. Despite that near identical makeup, I find the Glidepath fabric to be a little softer feeling and to show fewer wrinkles. The difference isn't dramatic however but the Glides feel a little more comfy as well. The Flightpaths weighed 20 grams more on my scale as well at 280 grams, and despite that tiny difference, the Glidepaths seem cooler to me.

I pulled in several directions to try and feel a difference in stretch between the two but they were too close to call for me without some sophisticated stretch gauge. Both pants have a DWR finish but don't expect them to protect you from anything worse than a Scotch mist for more than a few minutes.

Fit

One again I'm wearing a size small, despite being 6'/183cm tall and weighing 165 lbs/75kg. I am comfortably a medium in virtually every other apparel brand's gear so keep that in mind if you plan to order online. I prefer the fit of these Glidepaths to the Flightpaths which I found a little baggy for my long skinny legs.

I have easily worn some medium-sized NF trail pads pads under these as well as some slightly chunkier Fox Launch D3O knees which also fit just fine. Articulation is excellent and I can climb comfortably wearing these even with the pads up. Length is excellent for my 33" inseam and there is no bunching at the ankles either. You might find some fabric piled up a little if you have a small waist and shorter legs but I wouldn't expect that to mess with your comfort or your style.

Features as listed by 7mesh

• Hand pockets
• Two zippered side pockets
• Internal mesh slip pocket to keep your important items secure
• Belt loops
• Low profile locking waist adjusters with full waist adjustment
• Belt provides 1 full waist size adjustment with patent pending no flip design
• Zippered fly with 2x 7mesh branded snap closure for a secure fit
• DWR finish
• Accommodates knee pads
• Cuffed hem
• Reflective details

In the End

In a week it seems like we went from November to June and I've been wearing the Glidepaths for all of my recent rides, aside from a particularly warm one on Saturday. I think I would have been okay and, more importantly, I would have protected my right calf from being turned into shredded pork. In retrospect these would have been fine considering the temperature.

On the trail these pants provide a little protection, despite being incredibly light feeling, they allow your body to make any shape you'd like (I generally choose potato) and they deal with heat well enough to wear them on warm days in the saddle.

I like these a lot. If we gave stars, I'd give some to these.

7mesh Glidepath Pants

180 USD/220 CAD