Summiting Kilimanjaro with the Empowerment Jacket
A firsthand account of a Bornfidis customer who wore our gear to conquer Africa’s tallest peak. At 19,341 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro stands as one of the most iconic and challenging treks in the world. For one of our loyal Bornfidis customers, the journey to the summit wasn’t just about reaching the peak—it was about pushing limits with the right gear by their side. Here’s their story of how the Empowerment Jacket helped make the dream of summiting Kilimanjaro a reality.
The Journey Begins: Preparing for Kilimanjaro
Before setting out on the journey, they chose the Empowerment Jacket for its versatility, lightweight design, and weather-resistant features. The jacket’s ability to adapt to rapidly changing conditions, along with its eco-friendly construction, made it the perfect choice for a sustainable and performance-driven expedition.
Day 1: Rainforest to Moorlands
The journey to the summit began in the lush rainforest zone. As the group trekked through dense foliage and humid air, the Empowerment Jacket’s breathable fabric allowed for comfortable movement without overheating. The moisture-wicking inner lining kept our customer dry, even as they ascended into the mist-covered forest.
The jacket’s waterproof outer shell came in handy when the inevitable mountain showers rolled in. “It was like walking through a cloud,” they recalled. “But even with the rain, I stayed completely dry, and my jacket never felt heavy or uncomfortable.
As the group left the rainforest and transitioned into the moorlands, the Empowerment Jacket continued to deliver. The zippered ventilation panels allowed airflow during the steeper sections of the hike, providing much-needed temperature regulation as the sun peaked through the clouds.
Day 3: Into the Alpine Desert
By the third day, the landscape transformed into a barren, rocky terrain known as the alpine desert. The dry air and high-altitude winds began to take their toll on the team, but the Empowerment Jacket’s windproof technology kept our customer shielded from the relentless gusts.
I couldn’t believe how well the jacket handled the wind. There were times when it felt like we were walking into a wall of air, but the jacket blocked it out completely,” they said. With every step, the Empowerment Jacket’s durability and light weight helped reduce fatigue, allowing for easier movement as the oxygen levels thinned at higher elevations.
Day 5: Summit Night
Summit night is the most daunting part of the Kilimanjaro trek. In the early hours of the morning, climbers leave camp in sub-zero temperatures, navigating steep switchbacks and loose scree in complete darkness. Reaching the summit requires both physical endurance and mental strength.
The Empowerment Jacket proved invaluable on this critical night. Its insulating layers trapped heat, while the high-performance down alternative fill kept our customer warm without adding bulk. “I was wearing several layers underneath, but the jacket was the star. It kept me warm when the temperature dropped below freezing, and I never felt restricted by it.
As the group neared the summit, fatigue set in, but the jacket’s thoughtful design continued to make a difference. The adjustable hood and cuffs helped seal in warmth, and the jacket’s lightweight design ensured that our customer could focus on the climb, not on heavy gear weighing them down.
The Summit: A Triumph in More Ways Than One
Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is an emotional experience. “When I finally stood at the top and looked out over the clouds, it was surreal. I knew I had just achieved something incredible, and the Empowerment Jacket had been with me every step of the way,” they shared.
Bornfidis: Built for Every Adventure
The story of summiting Kilimanjaro is more than just an adventure tale—it’s a testament to the power of performance-driven gear. The Empowerment Jacket was designed to withstand extreme conditions, protect adventurers in any climate, and empower them to reach new heights, both literally and figuratively.