Veste Alpha SV Femme

This is my second Alpha SV (to replace one I had lost). Great fit and features! I am not entirely sure how this one differs from previous generations but all the same, it's great jacket and admittedly, total overkill for my (mostly urban) needs. But on the days I'm outside working or hiking the PNW, I appreciate this jacket more and more. For fit reference: I am 5'7' and 195lbs. I am typically a size 12/14 or L/XL. The jacket is roomy in the shoulders and bust, sleeves are long enough to snug down over mitts, waist is tighter to anchor on hips which keeps the profile sleek under a pack waistband. Since I lost my last one, I am going to stow an AirTag in a pocket so I can find it again.

I’m doing this review to help you choose your correct size in this jacket. I received this Alpha SV today in ladies size small. I’m 5’2” and weigh 115lb. For comparison of size, I also have the Shashla ski jacket in a small and this Alpha jacket fits just about the same, but it is slightly wider in the chest and waist, and has slightly longer sleeves which allows me to fit a few more insulated layers under it. I can fit both the Atom light jacket and then the regular Atom jacket on top of that, then wear the Alpha SV as my outer layer. Keeping me super cozy! I really feel the cold when sitting on chair lifts in ski resorts, but I heat up rapidly when skiing long, fast, hard runs and I feel this jacket will work better for me than my shaska Jacket as it allows more thicker layers under it, and the zips under the arm pits are very substantial in length to let out that heat. If I didn’t need layers under it, an xs would have fitted me nicely. I can’t comment on how the jacket functions as I’ve not yet worn it. But I’m very happy with the colour “Edziza” ( a yellowish orange ) the size and features after trying it on today.

Stunned by the ‘performance’ and subsequent warranty claim - here’s our story. I am genuinely stunned by this experience after loving Arcterxy products for nearly 20 years. My wife purchased an Alpha SV jacket at the Woodbury Commons outlet location on 2/16. It’s clearance so final sale - I believe it's the 2023 model it's tge Lampyre color. She purchased this to replace her current jacket - Shashka IS - which we purchased about 5-6 years ago and within a few times wearing that jacket, the shoulder and upper back sun-faded skiing at Stowe (so not exactly harsh sun conditions). The nice associate who helped us at Woodbury told us this was not uncommon and that Arcteryx changed their dyes after this happened to a not small number of jackets. Who knows if that’s true or not but Arcteryx told us that that is considered normal wear and tear and couldn’t cover it. No big deal. We figured - stuff like that can happen and it doesn’t impact the performance of the jacket. Fast forward to our ski trip we fly to Whistler on 2/22 and we ski 3 days. On day 3 she notices that the fabric is literally wearing off on her hip - and if you look closely at where the drawstring is the fabric is actually splitting at the drawstring for a few inches. Up on the clavicle area to the right of the logo, there’s a stitch that’s separating. It’s hard to see because it’s early stages - but it’s there. We stopped at the Whistler store location and the associate immediately reacted with a ‘that should not happen’ and offered to assist filling out a warranty claim. We filled it out the claim, the associate took photos, and submitted it. Within a few days my foe got an email that explains this is NOT covered. We are honestly shocked and I can’t imagine ever purchasing an Arcteryx product again. The 17 people on our ski trip almost all wear Arcteryx. 9 kids across four families all Growing and regularly needing new equipment. I know the warranty used to be better and people probably abused that. But - wow. What an experience for a $900 jacket that’s advertised as their most durable jacket they make, geared towards ice climbing and wearing a harness - and it can’t withstand a couple of days of resort skiing? Shocking. Attaching pics of her new yellow jacket with the fabric issues and her older jacket with the sunfading. Cautionary tale to folks shopping for Arcteryx gear and expecting the quality they used to provide.

Fit great under my harness. I stayed dry in the rain and snow.

Holds up to wear and tear while ice climbing, hiking, and daily life