The Nike ACG Sierra is a lightweight insulated jacket that has become useful for the colder starts of spring and autumn, particularly when heading higher into the mountains. The combination of light PrimaLoft® insulation and a soft knit liner adds enough warmth without turning it into a bulky mid-layer
I’ve used it on multiple early morning trips to photograph glaciers at around 3,000 metres, where the extra insulation was welcome. Stretch panels under the arms give good freedom of movement, which is useful when working with a camera rather than simply walking in a straight line. The jacket is warm enough over a light base layer without becoming uncomfortable when moving around
The outer fabric is ripstop with a water-repellent finish, which is enough for passing showers. I have avoided using it in prolonged heavy rain, where a proper waterproof shell is the more obvious choice. An adjustable bungee at the hem with a cord lock lets the jacket be tightened around the waist, useful for keeping cold air out when standing around at altitude
The two external zipped pockets are fine for small items, but putting anything heavy in them changes how the jacket hangs. The internal pocket is better suited to heavier equipment. A Leica Q just fits, although carrying a camera this way is not always convenient
The ACG details are restrained, including the earth-bead zip pulls inspired by trail snacks. The jacket is also packable, which makes it easy to carry when temperatures change during the day. The downside is that the creases from being packed away take some time to disappear
It sits somewhere between a light insulating layer and a standalone jacket, which is where it works best. For cold starts, variable temperatures and short periods outside in light weather, it has proved useful without taking up much space in a pack.
