Mike tells us what we need to know…
I’m sure most of us have been caught out by a sudden change in the weather, watching as thunder clouds roll in, with no escape route. Perhaps that is why those bikers who enjoy touring so often opt for textiles. They keep you dry; they keep you warm with their layering system; and they keep you cool with excellent venting options. So why bother to even consider a leather outfit? Doesn’t make sense, eh. Or does it?
How about a waterproof, leather two-piece suit that you can wear year-round? A suit that you can tour in, enjoy daily rides in, or commute in, and not worry if it rains during the journey? Nah. Not possible. Well, allow me to introduce you to Halvarssons. Established in Malung, a small town in Sweden’s back country, the brand boasts a passion for detail and the highest level of protection, developing its leather and textile garments using only the finest quality materials and features to accommodate and protect riders.
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There was only one way to check out this claim and that was to don the gear and venture out on a bike. Admittedly, the first time I wore the jacket and pants it was dry, but windy. I spent a good few hours out, stopping for a brew, and felt so relaxed in the outfit I almost forgot I was wearing full leathers. Comfortable, light, and supple? Oh yes. Early days, but I was extremely impressed.
The Racken’s comfort is down to the durable water-repellent treated soft cow nappa leather and concertina panels inserted behind the neck and running down from each shoulder with vertical zips and mesh inner to aid airflow. A Dryway+ 2.0 functional membrane completes the traditional, clean-cut design, protecting the rider from showers. We are also treated to TFL Cool System® technology which helps you, well, stay cool. I have known people say you should avoid wearing black in hot weather, but apparently the colour actually helps cool you down during the summer! So, in essence, thanks to the innovative technology built into the Racken, the black leather doesn’t absorb more heat than lighter coloured materials. Once treated, 80 per cent of the heat radiation is reflected away, and the garment can be up to 20°C cooler.
At the highest CE certification, the Class AAA Racken boasts triple stitching in vulnerable areas. Reinforcements on the shoulders and elbows are made of HI-ART® material which offers a high abrasion resistance. In addition, you’ve got adjustable Level 2 protectors, and should you fancy it, the Racken can also accept a Halvarssons Okelbo back protector insert and/or a Halvarssons Furudal chest protector insert, plus expanding panels will accept a suitable air bag, all available as an option. There’s also a full waist zip which enables easy connection to the Rinn pants.
As it transpired, the rain gods decided to dump on me the next time I was out… and I have to say the waterproof membrane really came into its own, keeping me well and truly dry, with no wetting out. Whether or not that would be the case should I get caught out in a serious thunderstorm would be a test for another day, but I reckon it would have to be torrential and for a sustained period to wet out.
As to the Rinn pants, material-wise they are constructed in a similar fashion, with water-repellent cowhide and a waterproof, breathable membrane, plus a DWR coating and use of the TFL Cool System Technology. I was particularly impressed by the concertina stretch above the knees and in the back below the waistline. You’ve got two zipped pockets, plus 10-inch-long zips at the back of the bottom half of the legs which are wide enough to fit easily over racing or touring boots. They are also very comfortable to both walk around and ride in. Like the Racken, the Rinn conform to the highest CE approval, i.e. AAA. One thing to note is that the Rinn pants are only available in one leg length. I’m six foot, with an inside leg of 32, and they are spot on for me.
In conclusion, the Racken and Rinn are without doubt next-generation products. They are a quality set, being versatile, durable, comfortable, and stylish, notwithstanding the fact that they set ground-breaking standards for safety on the road with the AAA CE rating… go to the top of the class, Halvarssons.
As for sizing, the Rinn pants range from XS-5XL (28-44/EU 46-62), and the Racken jacket XS-5XL (38-54/EU 48-64. Female riders won’t be disappointed either, because Halvarssons have thought of you, too, in the Vitsand jacket and Velen pant.
TESTED BY: Mike TIME: 6 months PRICE: Jacket £599.99
