Held Carese Evo GORE-TEX Jacket and Torno Evo GORE-TEX Pants

When the call of the open road beckons and your journey promises unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, and countless miles, having gear you can trust is not just important—it’s essential. I discovered this firsthand during an 11-day enduro adventure across France, where Held’s Carese Evo GORE-TEX jacket and Torno Evo GORE-TEX pants became my steadfast companions. This meticulously designed, all-weather combo proved to be a benchmark in adventure motorcycling apparel, offering the perfect blend of protection, comfort, and versatility for riders who demand the most from their gear.
Built for the Journey

From the moment I zipped up the Carese Evo jacket and Torno Evo pants, it was clear they were made for serious adventure. Both pieces are crafted from a 500-denier Cordura outer shell—durable enough to shrug off brushes with branches and roadside mishaps yet lightweight enough for all-day wear. During the ride, I had the misfortune of a low-speed slide on loose gravel, and the Ripstop reinforcements in critical crash zones kept the gear intact and unscathed.

Mobility is essential when tackling varied terrain, and these pieces didn’t disappoint. The jacket’s GORE super stretch panels at the arms and torso allowed me to shift easily from seated cruising to standing on the pegs for a rocky descent. Meanwhile, the Torno Evo pants featured stretch panels at the knees and crotch, ensuring freedom of movement for technical sections without compromising durability.

Weathering Any Storm

France delivered every type of weather imaginable—soaking rain, gusting wind, and blistering heat—all within the same day. Thankfully, the Carese Evo and Torno Evo were more than up to the challenge. Both pieces come with removable GORE-TEX 3-layer liners that can be zipped inside, worn over the outer shell, or used independently. When rain hit unexpectedly, I quickly deployed the liners over my gear to keep the shell dry. Once the sun came back out, the liners packed away compactly, freeing me to enjoy the ventilation.
And the ventilation is superb. The Carese Evo’s COOLMAX® mesh lining and 3D air panels at the back worked wonders during hot afternoons, while the pants’ 37.5® lining kept me cool and comfortable during extended rides. Zippers strategically placed on both the jacket and pants—and even vented pockets—provided customizable airflow, which made all the difference on humid days when sweat would have otherwise dampened the experience.

Comfort and Practicality

Long days in the saddle can push gear to its limits, but Held designed these pieces with the rider’s comfort in mind. The jacket’s waist belt and dual arm adjustments allowed me to dial in the fit, while the high-waisted design of the Torno Evo pants, with its Velcro flaps and self-regulating waist system, kept everything secure without ever feeling restrictive. I layered up on colder mornings and stripped down to the bare essentials in the heat, and the adjustments always provided a snug, functional fit.

Practicality is another area where this set shines. Between the jacket and pants, I had ample storage for my essentials: waterproof external pockets for maps, snacks, and even my phone, all kept safe and dry. The integrated hood in the jacket, which tucks neatly under your helmet, came in handy during heavy rain, keeping the drips from trickling down my back when off the bike.

A particularly thoughtful touch on the pants is the Kangaroo leather anti-slip patches on the seat and knees, which provide excellent grip, even when wet. During one particularly muddy climb, this detail gave me the confidence to stay planted on the bike when I might have otherwise been sliding around.