Held Oasis Jacket and Dakar Pants

We tested this pair on a four-day ride up to the mountains. The temperature ranged between 80 in the flatlands and 58 in the hills, and two out of the fours days were spent riding in rain. For the hard rain, I did have to put on extra raingear. Both jacket and pants fit perfectly, almost skin-like. The pants extend just far enough to tuck into the boots, and riders who prefer to wear pants outside their boots will probably consider them to be too short. The Dakar pants have the best-placed air vents I have seen so far, with one on the inside of the lower leg and one on top of the thigh. This placement allows for maximum airflow, but don't forget to close them when it rains – the water will run like it's in a downspout, right into your boots. The anti-slip patch in the seat enhances control and comfort in the saddle.

The Oasis jacket can be used in all kinds of riding, and also has well-placed air vents that keep the air blowing through, not just in. Arm and midsection adjustments hold the protective gear securely in place, and there's ample room in the large front pockets. It's one of the few jackets I've found that, when closed all the way to the top, allows me to still breathe comfortably without getting scratched up. Jacket and pants zip together too.

Oasis Jacket
Colors: grey with black, blue or red
Sizes: XS-4XL
Price: $349.99

Dakar Pants
Colors: black, grey
Sizes: XS-4XL
Price: $289.99
www.heldusa.com