Short ACG Gear Review

Alright, I realized that in my last post I sounded a bit like Steve Balmer laughing at the iPhone when it was first announced, so I decided I should jump on the Nike site and look at their current product offerings.

Nike ACG Rufus:

After more than a decade, this mule is making a comeback in luscious suede. It blends a grippy outsole with a more cushioned midsole, bringing both comfort and traction while you’re wandering off the beaten path or navigating the urban terrain.

It’s a slide-in mule type shoe you get your grandpa for Xmas, but with sole so he can wear it pushing the garbage can to the curb. You’re not going to hike the PCT in these. In fact their entire shoe line so far exists out of the Pegasus, which has been around for years and a couple boots for folks who want to wear an outdoors-y outfit to the city. Clearly no performance-oriented stuff out yet.

But maybe, Nike is just taking a page from the Satisfy playbook. They also launched with fashion pieces that cosplayed as outdoor clothing and the shoe, the actual item that runners rate for performance came much later. (And speaking of which… has this shoe been a success by any measure?)

Nike ACG “Tuff Fleece“:

Cold, but nothing too crazy? That’s what Tuff Fleece is for. We made this heavyweight sweatshirt durable for your every day.

Okay, I previously complained about Nike’s use of orange, but this sweater is cool. I’d wear it.

Nike ACG “Lava Flow“:

This vest is designed to keep your core warm with heat-regulating and water-repellent tech.

I love that a vest, which has no arm protection has water-repellent features. Also: why is it so big? The models seem to wear a size too big. I bet this vest will be super popular with the fin-tech crowd.

Nike ACG “Canwell Glacier“:

Made from superplush fleece, this windproof jacket is designed to protect from even the frigid air coming off Alaska’s Canwell Glacier (from which it takes its name).

A fleece, in boring colors, and another oddly weird shaped piece.

Nike ACG “Wildsee“:

On its own or worn as a layer, these tights have soft and stretchy fabric for a comfortable feel.

Running tights, in that aforementioned bright orange? Take my money. I hope they go on sale… or I can find them in our outlet store nearby soon. They look hot.

Nike ACG Towel:

Made of breathable and soft cotton terry, this towel helps keep you dry and distraction-free as you tackle the trail, path or track.

Not sure why my towel needs to be made out of breathable material.

Alright, ACG is here, has a few products but mostly promotional stuff so far. Before we can call any of it “performance products” we need to wait a bit longer. All this stuff so far looks like it’s meant to be worn to a trip to the mall, not to a National Park. Which of course, won’t stop folks from wearing it to the outdoors anyways. In related news, ACG picked up another race sponsorship with Daybreak Racing. They are sponsoring their Bachelor Ascent.