When it comes to performance wear, there isn’t any other brand that rivals Nike’s ubiquitous heritage. Over its lifetime, it continuously superseded technical improvements and design innovations, and more impressively, managed to anchor itself into the hearts of both outdoor enthusiasts and gorpcore stans, by celebrating niche sports communities and cultures. And it’s paid off. Nike’s legacy continues to overshadow the successes of rival brands, and brand loyalists sustain the brand year after year.

So what’s next for the sporting giant? You could say the answer lies within, quite literally, with the latest collection from the sub-label Nike “All Conditions Gear” aka Nike ACG. The cult-favourite line embodies Nike’s unparalleled success, and is back doing what they do best: exploring the magnetic bond between performance wear and nature.

Shop the drop

In 2024 where we sit in the landscape of gorpcore 3.0 and possibly the death of it re: GQ article titled ‘RIP Gorpcore’, Nike ACG stands out. Why? It could have something to do with its hybrid aesthetic, which perfectly marries technical highlights — such as Therma-FIT ADV insulation, durable water repellent coatings that are breathable, and modular construction that add versatility to adapt to different weather conditions — with the aesthetic elements now synonymous with ACG, like vibrant colours and retro-futuristic designs. A list of criteria to make an ACG piece that’s predated the gorpcore trend that it’s destined to confidently outlive it.

This is what Nike ACG has been doing away from the mainline, while operating on its own terms. Sitting at the intersection of fashion and functionality, it’s challenged the norm without slipping on their technical superiority, and given way for it to pave its unique history. And in this latest collection, Nike ACG’s authentic outdoor heritage again sets it apart from the rest.

Two people joyfully jump together on a grassy hillside, surrounded by mountains under a cloudy sky. They wear casual, colorful outfits.

Shop the drop

Nike ACG launched in 1989, after finding inspiration from a community of renegade mountaineers and adventurers called The Stonemasters who were climbing large rocks at Yosemite wearing sunshine yellow Nike LDV running shoes, preferring them over traditional climbing footwear. The Stonemasters were one of the rising communities born out of the ’60s and ’70s counterculture movements wholly embracing the idea of freedom and liberty. Whilst climbing isn’t a new concept, how they climbed — without ropes, free-hand — dubbed ‘free-climbing’ was, and with that, fueled Nike’s dedication to extreme outdoor sports and the development of Nike ACG.

Free-climbing was a way of self-expression, placing importance on attitude and flair rather than trying to reach the peak first. Like The Stonemasters’ ethos, Nike ACG’s cult appeal lies in the push for self-expression: bold colour palettes and silhouettes you wouldn’t typically expect to see on the rocky mountains or worn by what people call a ‘serious’ sportsperson. Remember, this is the label that incorporated GORE-TEX, ergonomic cuts, and experimental colourways long before it became the industry standard and through interpretations of designers like Tinker Hatfield, ACRONYM’s Errolson Hugh and James Arizumi — who once told Highsnobiety, “ACG doesn’t fit the mould of what outdoor clothing or gear is supposed to look like” — put the sub-label on the map and unlocked the key to Nike ACG’s ever-lasting allure.

Discover more

If you weren’t aware, the cult of Nike ACG is a pretty serious business that can be measured by how many vintage silhouettes like Air Mowabb and Air Terra are still sought after. Whereas Air Moc has seen another boost thanks to the minimalist revival. After all, “ACG was — and still is — a place where Nike’s greatest designers could go wild and make products for some extreme situations,” as streetwear guru and author behind cult blog Gwarizm, Gary Warnett wrote for Highsnobiety — and styles like layering jackets and cargo shorts are not only outdoor essentials but everyday essentials (because daily errands can meet unexpected situations too). The current collection lives up to its reputation — look at the Jackson Pollock-esque “Lunar Lake” and “Canwell Glacier” colourways, which BTW, are definitely archive material. Snag the full look (puffer jacket, Half-zip top, trackpant) while you can.

In a world where algorithms are pushing for conformity and the youth are living in internet silos, Nike ACG is like a breath of fresh air. Born out of the hippie movement, it’s matured to punk. It represents an anti-statement against the instant gratifications of social media in exchange for natural endorphins — the kind that only come from scaling cliffs, shredding trails, or trekking through unpredictable terrain. And showing the world the mix of functionality and style is a way to connect with nature on your own terms.

A person with short blonde hair, wearing a blue vest and black pants, walks cautiously on rocky terrain surrounded by cliffs and trees.

The brand’s motto, “taking the path into the wild that others don’t”, is also taking on a literal meaning. Every ACG item is tested rigorously in Alaska’s rugged wilderness to ensure it’s ready for anything, so you could, technically, take a path into the wild that others don’t (our advice: make sure you do the obvious due diligence beforehand).

Even if your path doesn’t lead you to something as extreme as the Alaskan wilderness, Nike ACG does remind you of one thing; it’s not about getting from point A to B, the most unforgettable experiences are how you chose to show up to the challenge.