Corrie (Mountain Barista) - Story of My Jacket

Have you heard the saying that you wear 20% of your closet 80% of the time? Corrie van Niekerk shares why his Touch Down absolutely makes the cut.

The touch down jacket is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing, making it one of my favourite items in my wardrobe. Whether I'm heading to the mountains, the forest, to work after a morning run, or even on a casual date - the touch down jacket always has me covered.

One of the things I love about my jacket is its lightweight design. It’s warm and comfortable, but it's also not bulky or heavy, making it easy to wear for extended periods of time. The jacket's insulation is made of high-quality down, which ensures that I stay warm even on the coldest days of autumn and spring.

Living in South Africa, I'm fortunate to have access to some of the world's most beautiful hiking trails, and my touch down jacket is an essential item for any mountain excursion. Whenever I head out early in the morning to hike Table Mountain, I always wear my touch down jacket. As I start to warm up, I can easily pack the jacket away into its compression bag, which is conveniently located in one of the interior pockets. This feature makes it easy to carry the jacket with me without taking up too much space in my hiking pack.

When I reach the summit on a cool winter day, I love being able to sit and absorb the views while staying nice and cosy in my jacket. There's nothing quite like enjoying a warm cup of coffee while taking in the stunning scenery of the mountain. I have taken my jacket on my adventures, here are a few:

• Table Mountain
• Hex River Mountains (peak bagging missions)
• Compasberg - Karoo Trip
• Du Toits Peak
• The Real/ Ultimate Wemmershoek Traverse
• Jonkershoek Traverse
• Swellendam

Aside from outdoor adventures, the touch down jacket is also a great option for a date night. Paired with jeans, the jacket adds a touch of casual style to any outfit. It's the perfect combination of comfort and fashion. I’ve gotten many compliments on it. 

The touch down jacket is a must-have for any South African who loves the outdoors. It's a reliable and versatile piece of gear that can be worn in a variety of situations, making it a valuable addition to any wardrobe.

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