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Nike ACG Lava Loft: The Trail Jacket Built to Handle All Conditions
Wind, cold, rain, heat—when you’re running in the mountains, you need to be ready for everything. The right gear isn’t optional; it’s survival. That’s the promise behind Nike’s new ACG Lava Loft, an ultra-light down jacket designed to take on the harshest conditions. From a technical standpoint, it’s an impressive piece of engineering—and behind this launch lies a clear signal: Nike’s trail strategy has just entered a whole new era.
| A Technical, All-Terrain Jacket for the Mountains
Designed for trail runners tackling steep climbs and technical descents, the Lava Loft is all about versatility.
Thanks to its ExpeDRY™ Gold insulation—a lightweight, responsibly sourced down—and Nike AeroLoft technology, it strikes the perfect balance: warmth when temperatures drop, breathability on the ascents, and comfort on the way down.
As always with the Swoosh, science drives innovation. Engineers at the Nike Sport Research Lab used the Atlas body-mapping system to identify the exact zones where the body needs ventilation or insulation. The result: perforations ranging from 0.7 mm to 2 cm, positioned with surgical precision for maximum comfort.
The outcome lives up to the promise—a jacket that moves with you, capable of keeping pace with an ultra-trail runner without ever feeling heavy.
Another clever touch: it packs down to fit in the palm of your hand. Slip it into your trail vest between your gels and headlamp, and you’ll barely notice it’s there. The Lava Loft is clearly built for long mountain runs where the weather can change in an instant.
Sustainability also plays a key role. The down filling comes from ethically sourced, traceable suppliers, certified for environmental responsibility.
| Part of a Complete High-Performance Lineup
The Lava Loft doesn’t arrive alone—it’s part of a reimagined Nike ACG collection, where each piece reflects the brand’s evolving philosophy: combining performance with exploration.
Take the Nike ACG Ultrafly, for instance—a trail shoe born from over 13 prototypes and 30,000 miles of testing. Built for distance and technical terrain, it’s Nike’s first true “super shoe” for trail running, merging ZoomX foam with a Vibram Megagrip outsole for a ride that’s both fast and stable. The Ultrafly has already made its mark on the world’s toughest races, including the Western States 100, where it was spotted on the feet of Caleb Olson.
Alongside it, the Nike AirFlow T-shirt showcases another aspect of this revolution. This futuristic, perforated fabric is engineered to regulate body temperature and has been seen on Caleb Olson during his Western States victory—and more recently on Eliud Kipchoge at the New York City Marathon. Proof that Nike’s technology now transcends disciplines, supporting athletes from road to trail, from California heat to the cool breezes of Central Park.
Nike’s approach is crystal clear: test every piece in extreme conditions and push each product to its limits. It’s the brand’s way of positioning ACG squarely within the world of elite performance.
| A Return to ACG’s Roots
Thirty-five years ago, **ACG—short for All Conditions Gear—**was born. A line created for adventurers, climbers, and mountain runners. Gear that was rugged, functional, and nearly military in spirit—made to withstand anything. Over time, though, ACG faded into the background, overshadowed by Nike Trail, which leaned more lifestyle than performance. Today, Nike is bringing ACG back to its roots, placing it once again at the heart of its trail strategy. No more accessory pieces—the goal is clear: to reclaim leadership in performance trail gear, a field currently dominated by brands like HOKA, Salomon, and ASICS.
With the Lava Loft, Nike is sending a strong message to the trail-running world. This is not just a jacket—it’s a statement of intent. ACG is back, stronger, smarter, and more technical than ever. After transforming road running, Nike now has its eyes set on conquering the trails—armed with the same formula that made it a global icon: performance, style, and innovation.
✔ The Nike ACG Lava Loft will be available January 1, 2026, on nike.com and in select specialty stores.
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
