Whether or not you’ve come across the Held brand, this German manufacturer has been in its stride for over 70 years. One of the first to offer textile motorcycle apparel back in 1991, Held goes all out to harness the latest fabric technology with the Carese II jacket and Torno II pants, to a woman rider’s advantage.

On and off road in Alberta, Canada, I tested, exerted and comfortably perspired in this women’s suit in late summer at 85°F, in the slightest of autumnal windows when both temperatures and rain began to fall, and at the onset of a long and unforgiving sub-zero winter. I’m petite and the women’s small jacket was true to size, although I needed to go one larger against Held’s size guide with the medium pants—both giving a slightly more European fit conscious of my curves.

Like all adventure touring ensembles wanting to reset the industry standard, the Carese II and Torno II achieve their absolute weatherproofing from a three-layer inner GORE-TEX liner. Alas, with a layered system, during heavy downpours there’s still a need to stop and get waterproofed. The membrane liners are designed to be worn either under or over the suit, and opting for the latter shields the suit from the dust and dirt, as well as water saturation.

The Held Carese II jacket and Torno II pants offer year-round protection from the elements.

Held considerately placed stretch panels at the joints for dynamic movement, especially unhampering in upright and three-quarter riding positions, and even when swinging my leg over to mount the tall DR650. They prevent bunching in the suit, too. The 500-denier Cordura undeniably gives the suit its bombproof construction for longevity as much as protection.

Speaking of protection, safety extends to CE-approved SAS-TEC cloverleaf shock-dispersing armor in the usual areas: elbows and forearms, shoulders and knees. While hip pads and a Temperfoam back pad are included, the full-length SAS-TEC back protector is “optional” rather than standard. A 360-degree zipper joins the upper and lower pieces, fostering further safety and sanctuary from the weather, and 3M SCOTCHLITE reflectors promote good visibility all around.

For me, the unique selling point of the suit is the bounty of zippered and panel vents at one’s fingertips. Between the upper and lower, I stopped counting after 20 vents. Coupled with an array of magnets and the use of a COOLMAX sweat-wicking inner mesh lining, a welcome rush of air keeps charging through the suit. Furthermore, at the back of the outer shell of the jacket, there’s mesh.

Other thoughtful features include Superfabric (tiny, ceramic laser-welded plates) on the shoulder for superior protection over Cordura or leather. A soft, fleece-lined, high collar edged in neoprene offers daylong comfort; a waist belt, dual arm and double leg adjustments really refine the fit top and bottom; and the jacket has ample storage, too. All still a rarity on some women’s gear.

A three-layer GORE-TEX liner helps shield you from the elements while the sweat-wicking COOLMAX liner keeps you comfortable.

Eight pockets in total on the jacket include two handy compartments on the lower back for your liners; concealed, zippered security pockets; a map pocket; another internal padded accessory pocket for small electronic devices; and two lower cargo compartments that are waterproof but not zippered. There are four pockets on the high-waisted pants although none of them are particularly large. Magnetic closure pockets on the upper and lower pieces double as air vents to boot. How nifty.

As much as I adore textile, I appreciate the stay-still tough reinforcement given by Pittards Armor-Tan abrasion resistant leather at the seat and inner knees. Moreover, Nomex—a heat-retardant fabric—appears on the lower leg for a serious level of protection.

Why I love this suit really comes down to one thing: It’s capable in every season. It’s been crafted with a mindfulness you don’t see on the majority of women’s motorcycle apparel, certainly in its pre-eminent venting configuration and clever use of magnets. Where some severely lack in storage, fit and/or ventilation, this one shines. I’d even argue it’s one of the most striking and tailored adventure touring suits I’ve seen to date, and it’s joyfully lightweight. 

Fundamentally, its top-of-the-line components meet, if not surpass, my needs as a long distance rider in all weather, ranging from gawd-awful in the deep winter months and wettest of rainy seasons, to wonderful in the warmer ones. MSRP: $849 Jacket | $620.00 Pants—Sizes: XS to 4XL HeldUSA.com

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