Created in 1981 as a response to the lack of progressive hiking gear during that time, the inspiration for Nike ACG’s predecessor, Nike Hiking, was said to have come about when designers at Nike noticed that experienced climbers were using their running sneakers on the mountains. It wasn’t long until Nike released its first range of hiking footwear designed to be rugged, protective, and made specifically for the hiker and his mountains. Over the next few years, Nike Hiking continued to evolve, and the company took steps to broaden its scope and create gear specifically for rock climbing, trail running, kayaking, and even snowboarding. Nike All Conditions Gear (ACG) was officially launched in 1989 producing gear for anything and everything outdoors.
Today, ACG remains one of Nike’s most innovative lines, amassing a cult-like following with its offbeat silhouettes and bold colorways. To celebrate the arrival of its Spring/Summer ‘19 collection, Commonwealth and Nike took the latest ACG collection on a journey 2,926 metres above sea level to the peak of one of the highest mountains in the Philippines, Mt. Pulag.
The team, composed of Commonwealth friends and family, plus Nike Philippines members, started their trek at midnight equipped with select gear from Nike ACG’s latest collection—specifically the React Terra Gobe, a sneaker that combines rugged durability with Nike’s React midsole for added comfort and flexibility; the Air Wildwood, an almost exact replica of one of ACG’s first sneakers designed for off-road runners looking for a shoe to take them through rain, mud, and rough terrain; and the Okwahn II, a shoe equipped with a high collar and a trail-running midsole.
The journey to Mt. Pulag’s peak is a 5-hour hike in pitch-black darkness through flatlands and steep inclines. ACG Packable Jackets were put on and stowed away several times throughout the duration of the trip due to erratic weather conditions and temperature changes. Scattered rain showers and heavy downpour from the previous day made the trail to the peak colder and wetter than expected – an environment fit for pushing ACG’s All Conditions claim to its limit.
The last leg of the trip took the team through rolling hills and near vertical ascents toward the top of the mountain in a race against sunrise to get to the peak. As daylight started to roll in, bold hues of pink, red, orange, blue, and purple lined the monochromatic trail. Known for utilizing a carefully designed color palette to stand out, ACG’s signature use of color is as groundbreaking as its innovation in gear and footwear.
The group arrived at the peak of Mt. Pulag just as the sun began to rise. It’s smiles and high-fives all around as everyone came together over a well-deserved cup of hot coffee to talk about the journey and jokingly thank the “ACG spirits” that guided them safely to the top.
One could argue that these are just clothes. And yes, many have made it to the top without it. But there was something special knowing that these clothes were designed with this exact moment in mind, to enable us to leave the comforts of our predictable environment and step out to face the unpredictable, knowing we’re prepared for whatever the unknown has for us. Nike All Conditions Gear lived up to its name, and the wearer carries its ethos wherever they take it. Take the gear out of the mountain trail and into the city on a cold, rainy night and it functions just the same. All Conditions means all conditions.
