Whether you’ve come across Held or not, this German manufacturer has been in its stride for over 70 years, starting out as glove makers. Being one of the first to offer up textile motorcycle apparel back in 1991, the Held Carese II jacket and Torno II pants go all out to harness the latest fabric technology. To a woman rider’s advantage?
On- and off-road in Alberta, Canada I was fortunate to test, exert and comfortably sweat in the women’s suit in late summer at 85°F, in the slightest of autumnal windows where the temperatures and rain began to fall, and during the onset of a long and unforgiving sub-zero winter. As far as sizing goes (XS to 4XL), I’m 5 feet, 5 inches tall, with a 27-inch waist and 29-inch inseam. 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 favored, slightly more European fit conscious to my curves.
Like all adventure touring ensembles wanting to reset the industry standard, the Carese II and Torno II achieve its absolute weatherproofing from a 3-layer inner Gore-Tex liner. Alas, it’s a layered system so during heavy downpours, there’s still a need to stop and waterproof oneself while getting wet.
Pleasingly though, the membrane liners are designed to be worn either under or over the suit, where opting for the respective latter shields the suit from the dust and dirt (chomping at the bit to stain the grey sections), and a damn good soaking too. A no-brainer when camping remotely in wet conditions with limited opportunity to dry out your gear in the tent.
Considerately, there are stretch panels at the joints for dynamic movement, especially unhampering in upright and three-quarter riding positions, and even swinging my leg over to mount the 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 all the usual suspects: elbows and forearms, shoulders and knees, aiding better temperature stability on top. While hip pads and a Temperfoam back pad are included, bizarrely, 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 round.
For me, the unique selling point of the suit has to be the bounty of zippered and paneled vents at one’s fingertips. Between the upper and lower, I stopped counting after 20 vents. Having ventured on two wheels through Death Valley’s 100°F+ hot spots and the dripping wet heat on the Baja California, Mexico, in September, this ensemble would undoubtedly come into its own.
Coupled with an array of magnets and the use of a Coolmax sweat-wicking inner mesh lining, means the welcome rush of air keeps charging through the suit—underarm, front-to-back and laterally—in full flow. For sure, a lot of openings to close when the weather turns cooler but beyond worth it in searing heat. Furthermore, at the back of the outer shell of the jacket, there’s an air mesh construction: a micro-climate enhancing layer, which traps heat on inclement days as well as managing moisture and good circulation on warmer ones.
Other thoughtful features comprise Superfabric on the shoulder (tiny, ceramic laser-welded plates) for superior protection over Cordura or leather. Although as a trivial nitpick, I would’ve opted for an extension of the Superfabric coming over the shoulder. A soft, fleece-lined high collar edged in neoprene offers daylong comfort; a waist belt, dual arm and double leg adjustment really refines the fit top and bottom; and ample storage on the jacket is invaluable on a suit, all of which are still a rarity on some women’s gear.
There are eight pockets in total on the jacket including two handy compartments on the lower back for your liners, concealed zippered security pockets, a map pocket, another internal neoprene accessory pocket for small electronic devices, and two lower cargo compartments that are waterproof but not zippered. Regardless, all the zips employed are YKK. There are four pockets on the high-waisted pants although none of them are particularly big. Mayhap exclusively, the magnetic closure technology on the pockets, located 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 appears on the lower leg—a heat-retardant fabric for a serious level of protection.
Going beyond the call of duty, Held has designed the jacket liner with style and function in mind. Unlike many, it’s actually not unattractive as a women’s jacket on its own. I’m happy to wear it while off the bike. It’s also waterproof so when it’s not keeping me dry on the bike, it saves me from taking a rainproof layer when out of the saddle as well. Another innovative two in one—glorious!
Where some may find the Cordura’s open weave in the grey color of the suit (comparable to what I’d call stone), a royal pain to clean—lighter colors being susceptible to getting dirty quicker—to my mind, it constitutes a functional plus. Having worn black from neck to toe over the last 3 years (also available in the jacket and pants if preferred), I’m disposed towards lighter colors because they keep me cooler. Less agitated and sane even. Come the hot weather, I’d rather be far cooler caked in dirt, than look cleaner in a heat-induced agony any day.
Why I love this suit really comes down to the one thing. It’s capable in every season. It has 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 (those that wear pacemakers BEWARE). Where some severely lack in storage, fit and, or ventilation, this one definitely does not. I’d even argue it’s one of the most striking and tailored adventure touring suits I’ve seen to date, joyfully lightweight too.
The only real gripe I have for this higher end priced masterpiece is the use of waterproof liners over a fixed 3-layer laminate layer. Admittedly, the impressive ventilation solution may suffer with the inclined alternative.
Fundamentally, its top of the tree components meet if not surpass my needs as a long distance rider in all weathers ranging god-awful in the deep winter months and wettest of rainy seasons, to wonderful in the warmer ones. Fully featured is beautifully correlated to fully functional here. Women riders: there’s a lot going on for this genre of suit but when it all comes together, it’s a juggernaut. MSRP: $849 Jacket | $620.00 Pants HeldUSA.com
Pros
- Unparalleled ventilation in a four-season, long distance adventure suit
- Good bang for your buck against the wealth of apex materials with specific applications
- Relatively lightweight for more active riding
- Extra protection from dirt and water saturation with multi-purpose liners
- Dynamic and adjustable fit with stylish lines and finish
Cons
- Lacks a full-length back protector as standard
- Manual waterproofing required
