Operating at this altitude requires more than just physical grit; it demands clothing that can withstand one of the most volatile climates on the planet. With temperatures swings ranging from a freezing -30°C to a balmy 20°C, the terrain is as unpredictable as it is beautiful. It was here that Jean-Louis successfully claimed the world record for the highest altitude ever achieved by an electric motorbike.

We sat down with Jean-Louis to discuss the immense physical and mental challenges of the ascent, his pursuit of extreme challenges, and why he chose Arksen Apparel as his primary protection against the elements.

What was the toughest physical or mental challenge you faced during the ascent?

One of the biggest challenges was being the athlete, the producer, and the guide at the same time. My mind was under a lot of pressure and responsibility. I had to imagine the documentary shots while making a gnarly physical effort, and most importantly, I had to make sure my friend and filmmaker was in good health.

What were the conditions like at that altitude?

The mountain is very unpredictable. You can have 20°C or –30°C, so it’s key to have clothing that can perform in both conditions. At base camp, temperatures are usually between –5°C and –10°C, so the Asgard down parka was perfect to stay comfortable while resting. On summit day, I wore the Shiya insulated jacket, which is light, warm, and packable — perfect to carry in my backpack during intense efforts when you can overheat. On the mountain, you also face strong winds and sandstorms that can almost blind you. I used the Foul Weather waterproof jacket, which completely blocked the wind and kept me protected.

Was Arksen’s responsible approach to apparel something that drew you to our brand?

Yeah, for sure! This project was about showing people our beautiful Chilean desert and its mountains. One of my goals is to show the world that we need to be kind to nature so it can last for generations. “It was a must for me to work with brands that are conscious about our world.” The clothing industry contaminates a lot — we see piles of discarded clothes in the desert — so recycling and using conscious materials in apparel is a big help.

What were your initial impressions of the Arksen products?

I loved them. “I’ve tried lots of brands in my life, and I immediately noticed that this clothing is made of high-performance, durable materials.” The best thing is that it fits perfectly — which is hard to find in this type of technical clothing.

How did you prepare physically for the Ojos del Salado volcano?

I rode a lot — five days a week. Once a week, I climbed a 5,000-meter peak to acclimatize. It was hard, but I enjoyed it a lot.

Now that you’ve completed this, what are you working on next?

This isn’t finished yet. I found a route that could take me to the main summit. I’ll come back in April to try to reach the highest point ever achieved by a vehicle.

Follow Jean’s journey on Instagram to see his record-breaking ascent on an electric motorbike. His profile features exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and stunning imagery of the high-altitude Chilean desert.

Prepare for your own adventures by shopping the same high-performance apparel Jean used to break records. Follow the links below.