Held Carese 3 Gore-Tex jacket review

The manufacturer describes the Held Carese 3 Gore-Tex jacket as part of a ‘Swiss Army knife’ combination designed to cope with almost anything, and after using it for around 4000 miles I can see where that description comes from. 

This is an adventure-touring jacket primarily aimed at spring, summer and autumn, but its flexible construction means I wouldn’t rule out winter use with suitable layers underneath. Rather than building the waterproof membrane into the main jacket, Held supplies a separate Gore-Tex jacket that can be worn either underneath or over the top, giving plenty of choice depending on the conditions. 

I put that versatility to good use on an adventure to the Balkans aboard an Aprilia Tuareg 660, where the Carese 3 had to cope with some seriously hot weather. For me, its ability to adapt to different conditions is one of its biggest strengths. 

Fit & comfort 

The Carese 3 fits me well in my usual size medium, which is consistent with other motorcycle jackets I wear. There’s enough room underneath to add extra layers if required, yet the jacket still fits well when worn without layers. 

It’s comfortable both on and off the bike, although fitting the optional Level 2 chest armour makes that area quite stiff and I notice it every time I put the jacket on. Once I’m riding, though, that awareness quickly disappears. 

I also fitted the optional Level 2 back protector, which integrates well without creating any specific comfort issues. 

The waterproof Gore-Tex outer jacket is slightly tight when worn over the main jacket. That could be improved, although there is a benefit when using it away from the bike as the closer cut makes it much more presentable as a standalone waterproof jacket for walking around in wet or cool weather. 

Hot weather performance 

Ventilation is one of the Carese 3’s strongest areas. 

There are two large chest vents and a sizeable exhaust opening at the rear. The chest panels unzip down each side before folding into storage pockets, with magnets helping hold everything in place. There are also vents on the front and rear of each arm, plus two-way zips at the hips that open further ventilation channels. 

The collar can be secured open, and clips allow the front storm flap to be held away from the main zip so more air can get through. 

In temperatures into the mid-20s Celsius, I find the ventilation excellent, even when I’m wearing an airbag vest over the top. 

My trip through the Balkans provided a rather more extreme test, with temperatures already around 30°C at 9am and climbing towards 40°C during the day. At that point no conventional ventilation system will keep you properly cool because the air flowing through the jacket is itself hot.

I use a hydration vest soaked with water, and this is where the Carese 3’s huge amount of airflow becomes particularly useful. The ventilation evaporates the water in the vest and gives me noticeably more cooling than simply allowing hot air to pass through the jacket. 

For hot-weather touring, this is one of the better ventilation systems I’ve used. 

Cold & wet weather performance 

The Carese 3 takes a slightly different approach to weatherproofing because its Gore-Tex membrane is supplied as a separate jacket. It can be fitted underneath the main jacket as a waterproof liner, but I prefer wearing it over the top. 

That way, the main jacket doesn’t become soaked with water, which can add weight and eventually make you feel colder. It’s also much easier to pull an outer waterproof layer on quickly when a shower arrives than it is to stop, remove your main jacket and install a waterproof liner underneath. 

The Gore-Tex layer also works as a windproof outer in cooler weather, helping keep cold air away and retain warmth. Better still, when I reach my destination I can use it as an ordinary waterproof jacket rather than packing another one. 

I didn’t encounter meaningful rain during my summer trip through, so I can’t give a first-hand verdict on its waterproof performance. Likewise, I haven’t worn the Carese 3 in genuinely cold conditions. My expectation is that, with appropriate layers underneath and the Gore-Tex outer helping block wind, it should adapt well to cooler riding. 

There is no thermal liner included, although Held offers separate thermal layers if required. 

Protection 

The Carese 3 carries an overall AA rating and comes with CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow armour as standard, which is an excellent starting point. I’ve added the optional Level 2 back and chest protectors to increase the coverage further. 

Generally, the armour is comfortable and reassuring. As mentioned above, the chest armour is quite obtrusive at first, however I’m prepared to accept that for the additional protection. 

There is one area where I think the jacket could be improved. The elbow armour itself has plenty of positional adjustment within the jacket, but the straps above and below it don’t tighten sufficiently around my arms. 

Unfortunately, I have some real-world experience to draw on here. Following a collision with a car, I suffered abrasions around my right elbow despite the jacket itself sustaining relatively little damage. I can’t know for certain what happened during the accident, but I suspect the elbow protector moved away from where it needed to be. 

That leaves me wondering whether a greater range of adjustment in the arm straps might have held the protector more securely in place. 

Aside from that concern, the AA construction and Level 2 armour package compare very well with plenty of other adventure-touring jackets. 

Pockets & practicality 

There are two large external pockets secured with hook-and-loop closures and another two internal pockets using the same type of fastening. One of the internal pockets is marked for a mobile phone. 

The external pockets carry Gore-Tex branding and are described as waterproof. I didn’t get the opportunity to test that claim in rain, but they are useful in everyday riding. I use them for my wallet and bike keys, and the openings are wide enough to make getting items in and out straightforward. 

I use the internal pockets less because I don’t particularly like having bulky objects pressed against me inside a jacket. 

The separate waterproof jacket adds another two zipped external pockets, although its tailored fit means there isn’t much room for bulky contents. 

There are also pockets at the back, and one on the left wrist for keys, but I didn’t use either. 

Elsewhere, there are waist adjusters to help fine-tune the fit, while Held offers optional extras including a hoody and collar system, hydration bladder and thermal layer. The standard two-year warranty can also be extended to five years. 

Durability 

After around 4000 miles, the Carese 3 still looks good and nothing has broken or required repair during normal use. 

The exception is the right elbow, which picks up some relatively minor damage during my collision with a car. Considering I ended up rolling down the road, I think the jacket itself survives the accident remarkably well. 

That experience reinforces my impression that the Carese 3 is a well-made jacket. Without the accident damage, I would expect it to give many years and plenty more miles of service. 

Final thoughts 

The Held Carese 3 Gore-Tex is a well-made, comfortable and exceptionally adaptable adventure-touring jacket. 

The huge ventilation system is a particular highlight and works superbly in warm conditions. Pairing it with a wet hydration vest makes it genuinely useful even in extreme heat. 

I’m also a big fan of Held’s approach to waterproofing. Being able to put the separate Gore-Tex jacket over the top when rain threatens is quicker and more convenient than installing an internal liner, while also preventing the main jacket from soaking up water. Being able to use that waterproof layer away from the bike adds even more practicality. 

The standard Level 2 armour is another significant positive and saves the expense of immediately upgrading the shoulder and elbow protection. My main reservation is the limited adjustment of the arm straps, particularly given my experience during an accident. 

Overall, though, if you’re looking for a flexible, highly ventilated adventure-touring jacket with strong protection and a weather system you can configure to suit the ride, the Carese 3 is definitely one I’d consider.