Held Sambia 2in1 EVO GTX

When it comes to motorcycle gloves that can handle everything from summer heat to mountain snow, few options feel as complete as the Sambia 2in1 EVO GTX. We tested them across the Alps in June 2025, riding from Austria to Italy and Slovenia, where conditions changed from warm valleys to torrential rain and snowy summits. In every scenario, the gloves showcased their adaptability, combining Gore 2in1 technology with premium materials like kangaroo leather and SuperFabric®. The result is a glove that blends protection, comfort, and versatility for riders who demand more.

Build Quality & Design

The Sambia 2in1 EVO GTX are purpose-built for multi-season use. Their outer shell combines elastane leather panels for flexibility with a kangaroo leather palm that delivers outstanding abrasion resistance and precise grip. Reinforced edges on the hand and index finger, along with SuperFabric® backed by Armaprotec, add strength where it matters most.

In practice, these reinforcements inspire confidence when moving between terrains. On gravel and mud tracks in Erzberg, the gloves provided excellent control without feeling stiff. Subtle 3M Scotchlite details on the fingers enhance nighttime visibility, although we found the reflective coverage to be minimal and would welcome more for extended nighttime rides.

Comfort & Fit

Long-distance touring is where these gloves shine. The special step seam construction eliminates pressure points, and after nine-hour days in the saddle, no hotspots developed on the hands. Over 15 consecutive days of use, the materials remained in excellent condition, a clear indication of their premium quality.
Adjustable Velcro cuffs allow the gloves to sit securely over or inside jacket sleeves. They sealed perfectly against rain when worn over a sleeve, keeping water out. Smartphone-friendly fingertips proved handy for GPS navigation, though, like most gloves, performance suffered once screens were wet.

BMW GS Rallye Carbon Helmet, BMW ConnectedRide COM P1 GS

Held Sambia 2in1 EVO GTX adventure motorcycle gloves

Weather Performance – Gore 2in1 in Action

At the core of these gloves lies their defining feature: Gore 2in1 technology. Two distinct chambers let you choose between airflow and warmth:

Grip Chamber – Unlined, ventilated, and ideal for hot weather. During Alpine valley rides, the air circulation system and perforated palm kept hands cool and fresh.
Warm Chamber – Waterproof and insulated with a GORE-TEX membrane. On the Grossglockner Pass, where temperatures dipped to -2 °C (28.4 °F), this chamber kept hands warm and comfortable. While extreme cold below 5 °C (23 °F) may call for heavier winter gloves, for Alpine touring, they performed flawlessly.

Switching between chambers takes just seconds. While it can be done on the move, stopping briefly is safer, especially in the rain. This quick adaptability meant we never had to carry a second pair of gloves, even when the weather shifted dramatically.

Practical Features on the Road

Several rider-focused details make the Sambia 2in1 EVO GTX more than just protective gear. A visor wiper marked “Held Clear Vision” sits on the left index finger, useful during rain showers, although on the BMW R1300GS tested, the bike’s aerodynamics reduced the need. Stretch panels enhance flexibility on the back of the hand, and the perforated palm improves both feel and comfort in warmer conditions.

These practical touches may seem small, but on multi-day journeys, they add up to a noticeable difference in convenience and control.

Safety & Certification

The gloves are certified under EN 13594:2015, ensuring they meet the recognized safety standard for motorcycle gloves. Their hard plastic knuckle protection, tested for impact absorption, sits securely without causing discomfort, even after long hours. Reinforcements on the thumb and index finger add peace of mind during technical sections or gravel riding.

Touring Confidence Across All Seasons

The Sambia 2in1 EVO GTX gloves deliver on their promise: a single pair capable of handling both heat and cold, sunshine and rain. Their kangaroo leather palm, dual-compartment Gore-Tex design, and EN-certified protection make them an excellent choice for serious touring and adventure riders.

They aren’t the slimmest gloves for enduro use, and their premium price places them in the top tier of gear. But for riders who want the freedom to tackle long journeys without worrying about swapping gloves when the weather changes, they are an investment worth making.

After 15 days across the Alps in every condition possible, we can confidently say: the Sambia 2in1 EVO GTX are more than gloves, they are a trusted companion for the road ahead.