Mike Horn, Product Development Director at AYAQ

Pushing the limits of the world to better equip today’s and tomorrow’s explorers.

A Legend of Extreme Exploration

Mike Horn has traversed the planet’s harshest terrains for over 25 years through extraordinary, motor-free expeditions, often fully self-supported.

1997 – Amazon River Descent
Alone, Mike Horn covered more than 7,000 kilometers from Peru to the Atlantic, swimming and paddling through dense forests, rapids, and wildlife.

1999 – Latitude Zero: Equatorial Circumnavigation
Without using any motorized transport, he circled the globe along the equator, covering over 40,000 kilometers by sailing, trekking, cycling, and canoeing.

2006 – Arctic Polar Night Expedition
The first person to reach the North Pole solo in winter, enduring total darkness and temperatures below –60 °C. A unique endurance feat on skis, hauling all his gear.

2016 – Pole2Pole Expedition
A global journey via both poles combining sailing, trekking, and skiing. The mission: to document visible climate change impacts in extreme environments.

2017 – Antarctic Crossing
In 57 days, Mike Horn solo-crossed Antarctica over 5,100 kilometers using only skis and a sled. An exceptional physical and mental achievement.

Full Commitment to the Environment

Throughout his expeditions, Mike Horn has witnessed firsthand the ecological upheavals affecting oceans, ice, and forests. Aware of the climate emergency, he has dedicated years to raising awareness among younger generations and promoting a more responsible relationship with nature.

His "What's Left" project embodies this commitment: a series of educational expeditions to explore and document the planet’s most fragile areas, aiming to inspire concrete preservation actions.

Mike Horn at AYAQ

Since 2024, Mike Horn has joined AYAQ as Product Development Director.

With unparalleled experience in extreme environments, he helps design high-performance technical apparel tailored to the demands of mountaineering, ski touring, polar exploration, and mountain trail running.

Every product developed under his guidance is engineered to ensure lightness, durability, elemental protection, and freedom of movement in the harshest conditions.

A standard born from the field, to support those who live real adventure.

Learn more about Mike Horn and his expeditions: Official Mike Horn Website