WHAT WE WEAR: Held ‘Karakum’ Motorcycle Textiles

This season, I’ve been wearing Held Karakum Gore-Tex motorcycle textiles, and as you’d expect from anything bearing the Gore-Tex logo (and indeed from German manufacturer Held), they’ve seen me through rain, wind, and sun.

Right from the unboxing, the quality of this suit is evident; it exudes a premium feel that speaks of Held’s reputation for crafting exceptional riding gear. The standout feature for me has to be the Gore-Tex membrane. Riding in unpredictable weather can be challenging, but with the Karakum textiles, I felt completely confident tackling rain and wind. The waterproofing is genuinely remarkable—my rides in heavy rain were comfortable and dry without compromising breathability.

The ventilation system works perfectly, keeping me cool during warmer outings. Comfort and fit are also top-notch. The adjustable cuffs, waist, and collar allow for a personalized snug fit, making the gear feel like a second skin. There’s plenty of protective armour at key impact zones, giving me peace of mind without sacrificing mobility. Additionally, the design is stylish and functional, blending modern aesthetics with practical features such as reflective elements for enhanced visibility at night and a clip-in system that allows you to add a thermal layer, a Held airbag vest (which I always ride in) and in the case of the Karakum, the Gore-Tex liner. Now, I say a liner, but there’s some trickery here from Held afoot. The ‘liner’ can be worn clipped into the jacket and trousers (as we’d all expect); It can be worn stand-alone (dog walking and other outdoor stuff when it’s raining) or, over the top of the textiles. Yep. You can wear it under or over the suit. So if it’s a warm day, you’d have the Gore-Tex liner unclipped and in your rucksack, and in the vent of rain, you can whip it out and quickly pop it over your gear. I don’t quite know how it fits under AND over, but it does…

The abundance of pockets on the jacket AND trousers is also a huge plus—there is plenty of space for my personal items without feeling bulky. Overall, the Held Karakum Gore-Tex motorcycle textiles have surpassed my expectations in every aspect. Whether you’re an everyday commuter or an avid motorcycle adventurer, this gear provides the perfect combination of protection, comfort, and style. At just shy of £1200, Held Karakum Gore-Tex motorcycle textiles are not cheap, but they are of excellent quality, will last, and are worth investing in. So far, they’ve made every ride enjoyable, no matter the weather conditions, and that’s what matters, right? Held also offers a free upgrade on the guarantee to 5 years on their Gore-Tex products via their website post-purchase, to give you extra peace of mind.

www.held.de