Nike ACG Lava Loft: the trail jacket built for every condition

Wind, cold, rain, heat. Mountain runners need to be ready for anything, and the right kit can make all the difference when safety is on the line. That is the promise of the new Nike ACG Lava Loft, an ultralight down jacket designed to handle the harshest conditions. Technically, it is an impressive feat from Nike. More broadly, its launch suggests the American brand is taking its trail strategy to a whole new level.

A technical, versatile puffer for the mountains

Designed for trail runners tackling one mountain pass and technical descent after another, the Lava Loft is all about versatility. Its ExpeDRY™ Gold insulation, an ultralight responsibly sourced down, works with Nike AeroLoft technology to strike the right balance: warmth in the cold, breathability on the climbs and comfort on the way back down. As is often the case with the Swoosh, science sits at the heart of the innovation. Engineers at the Nike Sport Research Lab used Atlas body mapping to identify the exact areas where the body needs ventilation or protection. The perforations range from 0.7 mm to 2 cm, delivering meticulous precision for maximum comfort.

The result lives up to the billing: a jacket that can keep pace with an ultrarunner without ever weighing them down. It has another useful trick too. Packed away, it fits in the palm of your hand. It slips easily into a trail pack alongside energy bars and a headlamp, barely taking up a thought. That makes it an ideal companion for long mountain outings, where the weather can turn in an instant.

The Lava Loft also ticks the sustainability box. Its down comes from certified, traceable responsible sources. Packed away, the jacket fits in the palm of your hand.

Nike brings ACG back to trail with the Lava Loft, a lightweight, breathable down jacket built for every condition.

A complete range built for performance

The Lava Loft does not arrive alone. It is part of a redesigned ACG range, with every piece reflecting Nike’s new philosophy: combining performance with exploration. The lineup includes the Nike ACG Ultrafly, a trail shoe shaped by more than 13 prototypes and 30,000 miles of testing in the field. Built for long distances and technical terrain, it is Nike’s first trail super shoe, combining ZoomX foam with a Vibram Megagrip outsole for a ride that is as fast as it is stable. It has already proved itself on some of the world’s most iconic trails, including this year’s Western States 100, where it was spotted on the feet of Caleb Olson.

Alongside it, the Nike AirFlow tee showcases another side of the brand’s trail push. This perforated, futuristic fabric is designed to regulate body temperature and was also seen on Caleb Olson during his Western States 100 victory. More recently, it appeared on Eliud Kipchoge during his latest marathon in New York. The message is clear: the technology is no longer limited to the trails. It now follows athletes from road to mountain, from the California heat to the cool winds of Central Park.

For Nike, the mission is straightforward: test every piece in the most extreme conditions and push the equipment to its limits. It is the brand’s way of bringing ACG firmly into the performance elite on the trails.

Nike ACG goes back to its roots

Thirty-five years ago, ACG, short for All Conditions Gear, was born. It was a line for adventurers, climbers and mountain runners: tough, functional equipment with an almost military mindset, built to withstand anything. Over time, though, ACG faded into the background as Nike Trail took its place, with more marketing and less emphasis on performance. Now Nike has decided to put ACG back at the heart of its trail strategy. No more supporting act. The ambition is clear: to become a leading performance brand on the trails again, in a space where HOKA, Salomon and ASICS have gained a head start.

Nike is sending a strong signal to the trail world. With an ACG range this innovative and complete, the American brand is stepping back onto the trails, and the Lava Loft is its first genuine mass-market product. After revolutionizing running, Nike now has its sights set on trail. The American giant is returning with the ingredients behind its success: performance, style and innovation.

✔ The Nike ACG Lava Loft will be available on January 1, 2026, at nike.com and from a selection of specialist retailers.