Held Tamarack Adventure Jacket & Pants
Adventure riding demands gear that can keep up with unpredictable weather, long days in the saddle, and the occasional off-road challenge. The Held Tamarack Top Adventure Jacket and Tamarack Base Adventure Pant form a two-piece kit designed precisely for that purpose: waterproof protection, ventilation for hot days, and CE Level 2 armor for safety. After going through the technical details and considering how the set works as a system, it’s clear that this gear is meant for serious riders who value durability and versatility in equal measure.
First Impressions
The Tamarack kit immediately gives the impression of purpose-built quality. The jacket and pants are cut in durable 2.5-layer stretch ripstop laminate, which feels tough yet flexible in the hand. The styling is understated—available in either black or a subtle anthracite-grey-blue—and leans more towards function than fashion. That said, the clean lines, reflective elements, and matching tones give the kit a professional, coordinated look when worn together.
Unlike some flashy adventure gear, the Tamarack feels like it was designed to quietly do its job, keeping the rider dry, protected, and comfortable across a range of riding conditions.
Tamarack Top Adventure Jacket
The jacket is where Held really shows its attention to detail. The Held-Tex® membrane is integrated into the construction, making the outer shell both waterproof and windproof without feeling stiff. Riders who spend long hours touring will especially appreciate the 3D air mesh panels in the back and the clever ventilation zippers on the front, back, and arms. The ACS front air-vent system works like a controlled airflow channel, giving the rider cooling on demand.
Storage is practical: two waterproof external pockets, an inner pocket, a map/document pocket, and even a back pocket large enough for stowing essentials. Adventure touring often means carrying odds and ends, snacks, paperwork, small tools; and the Tamarack has clearly been designed with that reality in mind.
In terms of protection, the jacket is EN 17092:2020 certified to AA class and comes with CE Level 2 D3O® Ghost armor at the shoulders and elbows. Riders can also add optional back and chest protectors for a full protective system. Importantly, the armor sits securely in place but remains slim and flexible, so the jacket doesn’t feel bulky.
Comfort touches like a soft collar, arm adjustment straps, and compatibility with Held’s Clip-in Technology make it adaptable for multi-season riding.
Tamarack Base Adventure Pant
The Base Adventure Pant mirrors the jacket’s functionality, making it the natural companion piece. Like the jacket, it uses the 2.5-layer Held-Tex® laminate, which ensures waterproofing and breathability. A mesh lining helps wick moisture away from the body, while stretch panels in the knees, calves, crotch, and back allow the pants to move with the rider, a must when transitioning from road touring to off-road standing positions.
One standout feature is the zip-off thigh panels, which give riders a way to dramatically increase airflow in hot conditions. Combined with waist adjustment tabs and Velcro-closure ankle zips, the fit can be tuned easily, whether worn over boots or tucked in. The anti-slip seat patch is a thoughtful detail that adventure riders will appreciate on long rides, especially when fatigue sets in and grip on the saddle becomes important.
Protection is once again up to EN 17092:2020 AA standard, with CE Level 2 D3O® Ghost armor at both the knees and hips. There’s also provision for optional coccyx reinforcement. Four external pocket, two of which are waterproof, add practical storage.
On the Road and Beyond
Taken together, the Tamarack jacket and pants make an integrated system that’s more than the sum of its parts. The connecting zipper ensures the pieces function as a unit, sealing out water and wind. Riders moving between climates will find the balance between ventilation and weather protection especially effective: zippers and mesh panels keep air flowing in summer, while the Held-Tex® membrane locks out rain and cold when the skies open.
This flexibility makes the Tamarack kit especially appealing for multi-day tours, where conditions can swing wildly.
On-road or off, the stretch panels and ergonomic cut make movement natural, while the CE Level 2 armor means protection never takes a back seat to comfort.
The Held Tamarack Adventure Jacket and Base Adventure Pant are not designed to be entry-level gear. They are aimed at riders who know they’ll face a wide range of conditions and who demand reliability from their kit. With waterproofing that inspires confidence, armor that meets the highest safety standards, and comfort features that make long rides easier, the Tamarack set earns its place in the premium segment of adventure motorcycle gear.
If you’re investing in equipment that needs to work flawlessly across thousands of kilometers—through rain, heat, and rugged terrain—the Tamarack jacket and pants deliver. For riders planning long tours, off-road sections, or simply seeking gear that won’t let them down, this kit is a dependable, top-tier choice.
Photos/Videos: Held Media, BTA Media – Words: Pablo Ferrero
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