The Mora is available in two colour combinations: black with dark green, or black with blue. The Malung trousers come exclusively in black. Overall, Halvarssons keeps things understated, with black dominating the colour palette. That’s good news for riders who prefer a neutral look without bright orange or fluorescent green accents revealing their favourite brand. It also proved useful during the many motorcycle presentations I attended, as the Mora paired remarkably well with just about any bike. It looked particularly good on the BMW R 1250 RT, which we had on long term test for a while.

Ready for outer space

Halvarssons puts quality first. Its gear is designed by Scandinavian riders who refuse to let harsh weather conditions keep them off the road. No excuse, however extreme the climate, should stand in the way of an adventure. The Halvarssons website lists an impressive range of materials and technologies designed to make that possible. The most remarkable is Outlast, a material incorporated into the removable inner lining. Originally developed for space travel, it is designed to cope with extreme temperature fluctuations. I suspect every motorcyclist can relate to that challenge. You might set off early in the morning in freezing temperatures, only to find the mercury climbing towards 20°C by lunchtime. The same dramatic changes can occur when riding through the mountains.

Normally, these conditions call for an extra layer of clothing, either on or off, depending on the temperature. That’s not always convenient and can be particularly time consuming on days when you’re covering long distances.

Outlast works through what are known as phase change materials. Millions of microscopic capsules containing a natural wax absorb or release heat as the material changes between its solid and liquid states. It’s an interesting technology that is also used in building insulation. The principle allows the material to regulate temperature in both directions, helping to keep you comfortable as conditions change.

I’ve ridden in this suit in temperatures ranging from 5°C to 35°C. However, during prolonged periods of extreme heat, I prefer to remove the Outlast lining from both the jacket and the trousers. The outfit simply feels lighter that way, and removing the lining is relatively straightforward. There are also plenty of zips and ventilation openings to let air circulate through the suit. That natural airflow feels wonderful when cruising along in warm weather.

Protection

As you would expect, the vulnerable areas are equipped with CE certified protectors, including the elbows and shoulders. These areas are also reinforced with Halvarssons’ own patented HI ART material, developed in house. According to the manufacturer, it makes the textile in these areas up to 500 per cent stronger.

That extra reinforcement is useful not only in the event of a slide, but also for the longevity of the jacket, as these are the areas most likely to suffer wear and tear. Halvarssons also offers an optional back protector. Unlike some alternatives on the market, it extends over the full length of the back, providing more comprehensive coverage. Despite the reinforced panels and protective inserts, the suit remains flexible and comfortable to wear in all conditions. The trousers feature additional reinforcement around the knees and hips, providing protection without compromising riding comfort.

Water repellent

Two more impressive sounding names associated with the jacket are Dryway and DWR. The former is a waterproof and windproof membrane that still allows moisture to escape from the inside. The latter is a treatment applied to the outer fabric to repel water and help it run off efficiently, allowing the material to dry more quickly.

Halvarssons promises a high level of waterproofing, but there are always conditions in which water manages to find its way through even the most carefully designed barriers. Fortunately, this is the exception rather than the rule. During the extreme downpours I experienced last year, however, even this fortress of waterproof protection eventually reached its limits.

To be fair, I’m talking about those rare occasions when the rain is so intense that pulling over and waiting for it to pass is probably the wisest option anyway. If you want absolute waterproofing in the most extreme conditions, I would consider wearing a one piece rain suit over your motorcycle gear. The transition between jacket and trousers remains the most vulnerable point, and that’s where things can occasionally get a little damp.

A suitcase on two wheels

A proper adventure suit should offer plenty of storage, and the Halvarssons outfit certainly delivers. There’s a dedicated place for practically every essential item a motorcyclist might need. My glasses, wallet, smartphone, keys and an extra Halvarssons neck warmer that matches the suit all have their own designated spots in the jacket, without getting in the way.

A generous selection of straps, adjustment dials, Velcro fasteners and zips allows you to tailor the fit to your body. You can even connect the inner linings of the jacket and trousers to help retain warmth. As an added bonus, this also helps keep the trousers securely in place.

Verdict

After a year of enjoying this motorcycle suit, I can easily imagine getting several more years of use out of it. Its greatest strength is its versatility, both in terms of the seasons it can handle and the wide variety of motorcycles it suits.

I’ve ridden in it during both summer and winter, on everything from a BMW R 1250 RT to a Suzuki Hayabusa, and it never felt out of place. That matters to me, because I like my riding gear to complement the motorcycle I’m riding. The Halvarssons suit remains neutral in appearance and adapts remarkably well to different bikes and weather conditions.

It isn’t the cheapest outfit on the market, but sometimes it makes more sense to invest in lasting quality than to opt for something cheap that won’t stand the test of time. The Mora jacket costs just under €700, while the Malung trousers retail for €490. That’s a substantial investment, but with an all rounder like this, you can cover a lot of ground without having to build a separate wardrobe for every season or motorcycle.