Our Story

The team at 7mesh live and work on the unceded traditional territory of the Squamish Nation Indigenous People.

Our Story

With the vibrant, tech-forward city of Vancouver to the south, the mountains of Whistler to the north, and some of the world's best riding all around us, our hometown of Squamish sits at the crossroads of creativity and adventure.

GEAR TO DISAPPEAR

7mesh was born out of the realisation that while technical gear for most backcountry adventurers had taken great leaps forward, the bike community had been left behind. As riders as well as apparel specialists, we knew that cyclists deserved better. So in 2013 we quit our jobs and got to work. Since then, we’ve been equipping a growing community of global adventure seekers with advanced bike apparel for road and trail riding in all conditions.

We create bike apparel that stands the test of time, using premium materials, innovative shaping, and advanced construction methods. We believe that clothing shouldn’t call attention to itself, which is why we spend so much time refining every line, seam and shape, while testing new ideas on the mountains that surround us. With each revision we build upon what worked, and improve anything that took us out of the moment, repeating the process until we only see the ride ahead.

Our Name

7mesh isn’t a real word. But it was inspired by a very important one.

Over the last century anthropologists have worked alongside members of the Squamish Nation to document their spoken language. The work of the BC Native Language Project developed the writing system used today, resulting in our town being known as Squamish / Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh. Inspired by this important collaboration, we adopted our name as a show of respect to the People that have lived here for countless generations, and to exemplify our goal of contributing to progress on indigenous issues in our country.

Why is progress needed? The uncomfortable truth is that Canada's history of colonialism and treatment of Indigenous Peoples is dark, and needs to be recognized. As just one example, BC is home to 34 distinct indigenous languages, all of which are endangered. These languages were severely impacted over many decades by government policies designed to eliminate First Nations’ cultures completely.

At 7mesh we are on a learning journey, and we encourage all Canadians to familiarize themselves with the difficult parts of our history, including residential schools and the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Let’s celebrate positive steps - but as settler-descendants and allies, let’s also recognize we have a long, long way to go.

Several organizations champion the revitalization of First Nations language and culture in Canada. Our strongest partnership is with the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program, see more about the great work they do below. 7mesh has also contributed to:

Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh Lil̓wat7úl Cultural Centre

First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation

New Hope Community Bikes

Reconciliation Canada

IYMBP

7MESH IYMBP

Reconciliation is a journey of listening, learning, and commitment. We’d like to thank our partners at the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program for helping us progress along the path of understanding and action.

Since 7mesh and the IYMBP started working together, we've provided funds, gear, developed a custom shirt program for trail builders and riders, and used our resources to help document and promote their important work. Learn more about what they do, and see the film we produced that shared their story with the world on Red Bull TV.

OUR LOGO

Our logo is also inspired from our region, incorporating a ‘7m’ that pays homage to the two icons of beauty and adventure that oversee our efforts every day. The ‘7’ represents the rugged vista of Garibaldi (Nch’Kay) Park, and the ‘m’ stylizes the graceful curves of the Stawamus Chief (Siyám Smánit). These incredible landmarks inspire our team and our community, and our logo symbolizes the unending opportunity to find new adventures here and around the world.