What Our Gearhead(R) Experts Are Saying:"I stuffed the Northwoods Windshell in my hip pack for a cold morning ride and pulled it on the second the wind picked up on the descent. It packs down small enough that I forget it is even in there until I need it, and the DWR kept a passing sprinkle from soaking through."The 7mesh Northwoods Windshell earns its spot in the pack on every ride where the weather cannot make up its mind. Cold mornings, fast descents, and quick local loops all call for a layer that goes on fast and disappears once the sun comes out, and this windshell does exactly that. The low-profile hood and brushed-tricot chin guard cut the bite of the wind on an exposed ridge, while elastic cuffs seal things up without adding bulk underneath a jersey. What makes it worth carrying is how little it asks of you in return. The StashSystem pocket packs the whole jacket into itself, and built-in straps let you clip it straight to the bike once temperatures climb, so there is one less thing competing for space in your pockets. DWR treatment shrugs off a surprise shower, reflective details keep you visible on a dim morning start, and the relaxed fit leaves room to layer over a thermal when the forecast turns colder than expected.