Explorer Mike Horn has entered a new technical partnership with Woolmark for his multi-year What’s Left expedition, a journey that will take him from the Arctic to the Amazon and Patagonia to document some of the planet’s most challenging and rapidly changing environments. The collaboration unites Horn’s decades of exploration experience with Woolmark’s fibre science expertise to test the limits of Merino wool in real-world extreme conditions.

The partnership aims to demonstrate how nature-based materials can meet the technical demands of high-performance expeditions while reducing reliance on synthetic fibres. Merino wool, which is biodegradable, renewable and inherently high performing, forms the foundation of this approach. Its natural temperature regulation, moisture management and resistance to odour have long supported Horn’s work in some of the world’s harshest climates.

Working with Woolmark and French technical apparel brand AYAQ, Horn will lead a comprehensive wear-testing programme across his expedition phases. Garments ranging from base layers to wind- and water-resistant outer shells will be evaluated in the Arctic, the Amazon and Patagonia. The findings will help accelerate the development of responsible performance textiles capable of withstanding intense environmental pressures.

Horn describes wool as indispensable to his achievements, noting that its natural technical properties have accompanied him throughout his career. This new collaboration marks the start of a broader project focused on testing, learning and developing gear that can combine extreme performance with reduced environmental impact.

Following the expedition, Horn will travel to Australia in 2026 to immerse himself in the wool industry at its source. Meeting with woolgrowers, he will document animal care standards, responsible land management, biodiversity protection and other nature-positive practices that shape a more sustainable textile supply chain.

For Woolmark, the partnership offers an opportunity to highlight Merino wool’s capabilities in the most demanding settings while underlining the vital role of Australian farmers within the fibre’s innovation ecosystem.

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