Summary:
- Nike ACG converted a vintage commuter train into a mobile outdoor facility that travels between Milan and the Orobic Alps
- Athletes including Jannik Sinner and Bebe Vio tested trail running and hiking equipment during the four-day journey in February
- The train includes gear showrooms, recovery spaces, and serves as a testing ground for ACG's redesigned product line
Nike ACG sent a retrofitted orange train from Milan Central Station into the Orobic Alps this February. The All Conditions Express ran for four days as a mobile testing facility for trail gear and outdoor equipment.
The train left Milan on February 4 and returned on February 8. Nike ACG designed the project to show its refocus on trail running and alpine sports. The company stripped down an old Italian commuter train and rebuilt it as a moving hub for athletes who test products in mountain conditions.
Each carriage holds different functions. One section displays new footwear like the ACG Ultrafly. Another area includes recovery equipment. Nike ACG worked with Hyperice to install a modified Normatec Elite compression system painted in ACG orange. Athletes use the system after running sessions in the mountains.
The train stops at Pian dei Resinelli in the Orobic Alps. From there, groups head out for guided trail runs and hikes. Jannik Sinner and Bebe Vio joined the first trip. Both athletes tested new ACG products during the alpine sessions.
Nike ACG used the journey to field-test products designed for unstable weather. The Lava Loft down jacket and Radical AirFlow racing top were both worn during mountain activities. These items represent the brand's All Conditions Racing Department, a division focused on trail performance gear.
The train format lets Nike ACG bring city-based athletes into remote terrain without requiring them to organize separate transport or accommodation. Everything happens on the train or within walking distance of where it stops. This setup reduces the gap between product development and real-world testing.
Nike ACG positions this project as part of a broader return to functional outdoor gear. The brand originally focused on technical apparel for hiking, trail running, and backcountry movement. Over time, the line became more lifestyle-oriented. The All Conditions Express signals a shift back toward performance-driven products tested in the environments they were built for.
The train's interior mirrors the brand's design language. Orange accents run through each carriage. Storage spaces hold trail shoes, waterproof layers, and lightweight packs. Seating areas convert into workspaces where athletes review run data and discuss product feedback with Nike designers.
Guides lead groups into the Alps at different elevations and terrain types. Some routes focus on steep ascents. Others test endurance over longer distances. Weather shifts between snow, rain, and sun within hours, which lets athletes see how fabrics and footwear respond to different conditions.
Nike ACG plans to continue the All Conditions Express beyond this initial run. The brand has not confirmed additional dates or locations. The concept allows for flexibility. The train travels to different mountain ranges depending on seasonal conditions and testing priorities.
Athletes who participate give direct input on product design. Their feedback goes to the All Conditions Racing Department, which adjusts materials, fits, and features before items reach wider release. This process shortens the cycle between prototype and finished product.
The project also connects ACG's history to its current direction. The brand launched in the 1980s as a response to outdoor athletes who needed gear that worked in unpredictable environments. The train concept builds on that foundation by creating a mobile testing lab that moves with the terrain.
Nike ACG's approach differs from traditional product launches. Instead of static showrooms or staged events, the brand puts athletes in real conditions and observes how gear performs. The All Conditions Express turns the testing process into the marketing itself.