New Held Gore-Tex Gear: Carese II and Torno II

• Filip L.
  Moto Wordsmith
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March is a pretty difficult time to be a motorcyclist in northeastern North America. The temperature may be climbing (thankfully!), but the temptation to pull the bike out for a ride is tempered by the disgusting amount of salt and gravel on the roads, the snowmelt waiting to dirty the bike and the suicidal woodland creatures coming out of the foliage after hibernation. Like most hibernating motorcyclists, I have been using this downtime to get my bike and my gear ready for the riding season, plus checking out all-weather jackets and pants that can get me through the variable conditions of spring, and do the same again in the fall.

New on my radar is the Carese II Jacket and Torno II Pants just released by Held for Spring 2014. If you are looking for a jacket and pants combo to get you through the daily temperature swings and often wet conditions of spring and fall, this might just be the do-it-all solution.


The Held Carese II Gore-Tex Jacket has a 500D Cordura shell and a proprietary Held CoolMax mesh lining that uses 3D mesh panels to increase air circulation. Neither the Carese II jacket nor the Torno II pants come with thermal liners. Held expects you to regulate your body temperature with moisture-wicking base layers and mid layers or heated riding gear. The waterproofing is handled by a removable Gore-Tex waterproof inner jacket,  so you can choose between Gore-Tex guaranteed waterproofness or direct-to-body venting.


With the removable liner zipped out, the Carese jacket uses air intakes in the chest and arms in conjunction with back exhaust vents to provide airflow. Protection is handled by CE-rated SAS-TEC shoulder and elbow protectors, and the back pocket will accept a SAS-TEC back protector, as well.


The Held Torno II Gore-Tex Pants may differ in name, but are similar in style. Just like the Carese II Jacket, the Torno II pants are made from 500D Cordura and use a series of zippered vents for airflow. The waterproofing is taken care of by a removable Gore-Tex liner that can be worn separately off the bike as a destination liner. The seat of the pants uses Pittards leather for excellent grip and Nomex heat resistant fabric on the inner legs protects against exhaust temperatures. The knee armor is CE-rated SAS-TEC and there are pockets for hip armor and a tailbone protector.


Held is offering the Carese II Jacket in classic black, grey/black, grey and orange for the KTM crowd, as well as a grey and blue option for BMW aficionados.  The matching Torno II pants are available in straight black or grey and black.

Spring has sprung, and hopefully it is here to stay. But if you need an all-weather, multi-season garment to deal with the season’s uncertain forecasts, Held has got you covered.