Alpha SV Jacket Men's

I live on the West Coast of the Scottish Highlands. The persistent horizontal rain can weaken the soul at times and the winter storms are no joke. The SV gives amazing protection against just about anything that Scottish winter can throw at you, both on the sea level and up in the mountains, or working outdoors in horrendous weather. Very solid and durable, and very versatile. Good for most activities when you live in the Highlands. The asking price is outrageous but I guess one is paying for a premium imported product and the warranty. And here it comes. After a few years of use, the thin material covering the inside of the handcuff area came off, so did the bottom and the middle drawstring. I've been instructed by the customer support to post it to their repair spot in Switzerland, where the jacket was repaired. Sawn, rather than glued, but I thought they did a cracking job. So here I am, getting another good few years use thanks to that. This is a review of the customer service rather than just the jacket - thank you for sorting it out for me.

Hi, Hope this one is much better than previous Alpha SV which I had purchased 3y ago to "over kill" anything, I can meet in the mountains (Alps mainly). I was shocked with poor resistance of high level competitor's jacket (Goretex Pro as well) which had given up after 6-7 hours of rain. That day, I was heavily chilled out so I have promised to myself to buy "the bast in class" hard shell jacket. Alpha SV resits wind very well. With 1-2 layers of light insulation it went really well even with -16C and wind of 100km/h... Things are changing after 2-3 years when it comes to the rain. After my previous bad experience, I was washing my new Alpha in hands using only Nikwax products (certified in EU for Gore cloths). After 30-40 days of use (during 3 years) and 2 hand washes my Alpha leaked spectacularly after max 3h of mid rain !!! I would love to get an info: "Dear Customer, its normal - it cannot survive more than ... days" or "don't wash it, even if it smells :)". Should I have a second one to use it only while raining ? This year I had used brand new Norvan as a back up during the rain and it worked. I cannot take the risk of being chilled out again... Please keep in mind - I am a supporter, even ambassador of Arcteryx ! It seems the it should be a new staff only...

I own the Alpha SV pre-2016 version for many years - I worn it in many continents from wet tropical volcano exploration in Indonesia/Hawai’i, bone chilling Sahara at night, to the freezing mountain top in Rocky Mountains here in Alberta. I am not going to repeat what other reviewers have already commented. This jacket is simply quality without compromise. Simply put, this jacket has never gave up and can always be counted on. It is in my backpack everywhere I go. I updated my SV recently in late 2020 and look forward to wearing it in many adventures to come after Covid.

I have had this jacket for several years now, has been replaced once under warranty as there was an issue with the zipper on my original one (Arcteryx sent me a brand new one, updated version!). So this jacket is like a space suit, in rain, snow, wind, it performs. I am an arborist in a wet climate and climb regularly in this jacket, and am amazed to say that it holds up, no holes or tears (I have destroyed many a 'name any piece of clothing'). Fits well when wearing a harness. Helmet compatibility is certainly a thing- as a person that spends a lot of time in a climbing helmet in the rain, it is important to consider if this is something that you actually need. I just bought a new jacket, the Zeta AR, because when I am not in a helmet I find the hood on this jacket to be obnoxious. I imagine that there are plenty of people who are considering buying this who don't spend their lives in a climbing helmet, so I felt that this is an important consideration. (I have spent years wearing a climbing helmet for 40 hrs a week, if you gave me the option to have anything NOT be helmet compatible I would enthusiastically accept). It only matters when it is unimaginably dumping rain, otherwise I am fine with my jacket zipped up, hood tucked in, vents on helmet closed. I guess the reason I am writing this review is that after years of working with this jacket I think that it is important to understand that this thing is serious. I have a tendency to want to buy the most 'hard core' version of whatever I am after, while this thing is in fact that, if I could only own one rain jacket this may not be it as it is a little much. I love it when dangling from a rope in the rain, but I don't like hiking in it, I don't wear it to the store, I am not going to do yard work in it. Basically, it functions as advertised!

Best jacket I have ever had. Mine Alpha SV is now 8-9 years now, but still in perfect order. I use it for every day use, cycling, waking the dog, skiing. I have been in rain for hours without the jacket has given up. Still dry on the inside.

I got this jacket in March of 2018. I was immediately impressed by the construction, it is bomber in every sense of the word. The careful thought that has gone into the redesigns over the years is obvious. Simply by feel, it is a substantially burlier jacket than the Beta AR; from durable face fabric materials, to extended drop hem coverage, to hood design, to pocket configuration with a harness or pack, attention to detail is evident and appreciated. The only limitation(i don't consider it a drawback) is that I would say this is a 3-3.5 season hardshell, it has a limited amount of space for mid-layers, so don't expect to use it as an outer layer on colder(here in NW Wyoming) belays or skiing. When those conditions become the case, i reach for the same size Rush LT which accommodates the extra layers with ease. This jacket has been all over and has participated in a range of activities and fulfills it's role well. This is the shell I bring when I know the weather will be garbage and staying in is not in the plans.

When you see durable on the description I can say that it is not really the case. I have this alpha SV for 5 years as a second Shell jacket (I worn that jacket not even 20 times and just on rainning condition, not extremes) I cannot say it is a durable jacket after what I have found today (see pictures) I am very surprised to see that on my jacket, because for the price I paid I can say I'm not very happy. I have a 15 years old Millet shell jacket with nothing like this ( of course it's old and the goretex properties are not doing the job anymore but no issues like this SV jacket) I hope Arc'teryx customer service will reach me to find a way to arrange that. I put 2 stars because it is still a good jacket that can protect you well and keep you dry. But I'am very disapointed, I bought it because of the durable thing that in fact is not

I am 5'11", 179, very fit athletic build, slightly broad shoulders, thin waist, own probably 10 ArcT. jackets, 5 ski/bc pants, and spend at least 4 days a week in winter in the mountains of WY, etc... so I have pretty good appreciation for the gear and sizing. Like all other ArcT I got a M sized Alpha SV and it is superb but seems to me it has a oddly limited fit through the shoulder. Medium is remarkably snug between underarm and shoulder and that is with a t-shirt below. A Large I fear would be giant on me everywhere else in the fit, particularly the arm length which starts off generous (which is good), otherwise I would trade up in size (not available at the moment as well). I might keep it but if so, only bc I want the Pro 100D material for the roughest winter days in the back country and the nastiest rainy days in my drift boat in the rain.

I’ve had the Alpha SV jacket for two years now and have used it from wet weather around town to snowboarding Park City, Beaver Creek, climbing Mt. Rainier, hiking during snowfall in Sequoia, and Yosemite National Park during snow/rain in mid-November. This jacket is absolutely awesome. It’s versatility and durability make it a perfect piece for winter backpacking/mountaineering/skiing/snowboarding.

I bought the Alpha SV around 8 years ago. I mainly use it for cycling and hiking and occasionally for climbing and skiing. It has performed reasonably, overall, but has several major material/design flaws that were not covered by warranty, which was disappointing. The seams began to delaminate within the first year of use – around the hem, drawcord and cuffs – and are almost completely detached now. I sent it to Arc’teryx for inspection last year and they told me the problem wasn’t covered by warranty even though the jacket was otherwise in excellent condition. (They offered to repair it by stitching through the shell with the result that it would no longer be waterproof). My partner had similar issues with the Beta AR, including a split font zipper, which was not covered either. Arc’teryx describes their warranty as the “Practical Product Lifespan”. This could be taken broadly but my experience suggests a conservative interpretation. In short, the high price, material/design flaws and limited warranty protection suggests poor value. I wouldn’t recommend or buy it again.

J'ai acheté cet article ce mois-ci pas eu le temps de l'essayé en condition réelle juste une promenade en forêt par temps de pluie suis resté au sec superbe qualité

I have bought other "high end" brands Gore-tex and "Better than Gore-tex" products and i stay dry for about 9 months then it's back to the same old soaking wet in a rain storm again. I finally invested in my Gore-tex Alpha and will never look back again dry, day in and day out

Incredible, Fantastic, Best Hard Shell Ever! Checked all the box's - Durability, Waterproof and Windproof. Keep up the great work Arcteryx!!

Jeg har pr nå hatt 3 forskjellige modeller av akkurat denne jakken. Limet i fester går opp, skitt og møkk lar seg ikke vaske av, og mest av alt; Jakken lar seg ikke re-impregnere med spray. Til denne prisen sammenlignet med andre skalljakker på markedet, skulle man sett en klar forskjell i kvalitet og ''effekt'' i dårlig vær. Det er min personlige erfaring at man overhodet ikke gjør

this jacket replaces 3 others I had before - works in alpine conditions as well as the city under cold & rain.

I bought this a month ago for northern bc cold climate. So far it is worth its weight in gold. Combine with the atom ar you'd be able to last overnight in an emergency situation. Highly recommended

The new updates made to this jacket are excellent. Arc'teryx has knocked it out of the park again. In gusting winds with the rain coming down sideways, I remained dry and comfortable under the circumstances. The new Goretex Pro 2.0 breathes well and the N100p-X nylon face sets the standard for wear resistance. The jacket is "bulky" but I prefer it that way because it adds warmth when I'm in the back country and the temperatures drop. The zippers are watertight as always and the chest pockets are positioned for easy access when carrying a pack. If you're just looking for one jacket that checks all the boxes and will last for many seasons, this one does it.

Nach 12 Jahren Alpha SV war ein Update nötig. Fantastische Jacke. Noch einmal deutlich besser als der Vorgänger. Benutze sie in den Bergen (Touren, Wandern) und in der Stadt. Klar nicht günstig, aber wenn diese Jacke auch wieder 12 Jahre hält, ist das total ok. Und davon bin ich überzeugt, dass sie das wird.

I purchased size L stratosphere several weeks ago. I am about 6 feet, 180, 42 chest and 33 waist. Medium fits me everywhere except in the chest, hence the size L. The size L jacket can be cinched at the hips to be more form fitting for an athletic build. It can also fit a broader build. I have not yet had an opportunity to test this latest purchase in rain/snow. This is my fifth Alpha SV jacket - they only keep getting better in terms of durability, quality and appearance, with a wide range of new colors each year to match the traditional black and red. Stratosphere is an awesome color - a blue/gray. A number of Arcteryx products are now made in China. The Alpha SV jacket is still made in Canada - and the attention to detail and quality of Canadian workmanship shows. Although a number of changes to Arcteryx products over recent years have resulted in the loss of desirable features, the Alpha SV jacket only seems to get better every couple of years. It already seemed to be the most durable and weather proof garment in their line, and this year it is even more so. On the average I ski over 75 days a year, front side, back side, side country, backcountry. All my Arcteryx Alpha SV jackets have held up 100%, through scrapes with trees, branches, and quite a few tumbles on all kinds of conditions. The hood has many adjustment cords and can fit just about any size helmet, or no helmet at all. I primarily ski in the Pacific NW. I have never once been wet on the inside of the Alpha SV jacket through storms and blizzards. The jacket is solidly windproof - it is not uncommon for us to see winds pushing 75 miles an hour at one of the resorts at which I ski. Sleeve length runs long - the jacket is designed to be used for ice climbing when arms need to be outstretched. Don't let this stop you from purchasing the items if it is the only drawback. Cinching up the arms with the velcro wrist fasteners essentially makes the arms wear shorter. It is hard to imagine there is a more awesome jacket on the market. I have turned on friends to purchasing Alpha SV jackets and they rave about their jackets. I have friends who have purchased it just for City use in NW rain, because of water and wind resistance and overall appearance.

I've had the jacket a few months and it has been amazing. I previously had a Beta SL Hybrid and although it worked fine, it never felt as strong or durable as this Alpha SV, particularly on the mountain or hiking in heavy weather. The hood has 3 adjustable cords so you can fit it perfectly to your head, even with a ski helmet on. The small zipper pocket on the arm is great for a ski pass, as well as the interior pockets. Obviously it's not a cheap purchase, but so far I've been extremely happy, and with the lifetime Arc'Teryx warranty I'm very confident it will last a long time. Try it on before you purchase if you can, as I initially bought an XL as that's what I had in my old jacket, and it was way too big. The Large fits great (I'm 6"4, 220lbs).

Have had this jacket for the last 5 years and was waiting for a new color! Hard wearing and clearly a high quality product.

I bought this jacket 23 years ago and it finally wore out after being used intensively for 12 years and then a bit sporadically thereafter. When the welding on a seam came off, Arcteryx replaced it for FREE. This is such a great jacket that sometimes I like going out in the rain to stand and watch other people get wetted through in crummy coats. Fits a bit small if you’re not a skinny mini, so think about ordering a size up. The jacket is totally bomb proof and I have never gotten wet even in the most torrential downpour. Especially great in the shoulder seasons, and I wear a light down jacket as an extra layer on cold, wet winter days.

Veldig god jakke som stenger ute alt av regn og vind. Et must på fjellet til vinterstid

I purchased my Alpha SV roughly 10 years ago and have been using it all year round in intense usage conditions: Climbing, Alpinism, Multi-Day Trekking (up to 10 days, with a 25kg backback), Skitouring and even in my daily commutes to work in the city. I never felt the need to get a second jacket because this one worked so well and I could use it for all the mentioned different activities. After 5 years there were parts of laminations going a bit loose, so I contacted the Support and I got everything repaired easy and fast. I wear it to this day and have never been happier with a product that I purchased.

I purchased my Alpha SV in the Boston area several years ago. I wore it as a casual jacket and never subjected it to alpine conditions. I suppose the most intense action it saw was going through the washing machine through the light cycle. I only hung it to dry. It never went through the dryer. Anyway after about five years of casual use and perhaps one wash too many, both cuffs unraveled and require some kind of repair. Arc'teryx did provide me with a return code, but after seeing other disappointed reviews I guess I won't send it. The jacket is not worth the price. I did however notice Arc'teryx seems to have changed the cuff design so buyers beware.

I have now had my arc’teryc alpha sv technical shell for several months. I have always wanted one of these jackets but couldn’t justify the price. My last windbreaker was purchased at Zellers for 11.99 I turned 61 this year and after a careful assessment decided this jacket will probably outlive me, therefore a good bang for my buck. I believe the color is elytron.. a.k.a. neon green—- listen kids , when you hear everything eventually comes back in style — it does . I am 6’ 2” and 200 lbs—— a little doughy, but the XL fit was right on ....it perfectly hides my small pot belly. The pocket positioning was initially a challenge, but I have mastered the arm crossover maneuver to get in and out of them The alpha sv is advertised for use in severe alpine conditions...not exactly me--- I have ascended many steeps though..usually on the TCH in my ‘93 Silverado...I did have my left elbow sticking out the window exposed to the ravages of UV rays...not a mark...didn’t even fade This past weekend I was extreme golfing....sleet and hail...I remained warm and dry. My only complaint was the noise the jacket made in my backswing...now given I am a 30 handicapper, I likely have bigger issues with my game .After golf I spilled a double Lambs Black Rum and Diet Pepsi Cola all over it—- cleaned right up On a serious note, I have used this jacket while offshore boating and it performed much better than my current gear This winter I will put the jacket through its paces with strictly “on piste “ skiing and extreme trips downtown My challenge now is to find a pair of deeply deeply discounted pants to match my green jacket In summary, “poser” or not, I love this jacket

Had mine for a couple of years. Used for MRT and Scottish winter climbing. Not sure there’s a tougher test: granite chimney mixed climbing tests durability like nothing else. 6ft 80kg, Medium great fit with couple of layers underneath but it’s definitely looser than an Alpha FL. The face fabric in all Arcteryx waterproofs I’ve used is the secret weapon: it’s density and slick surface I think really helps the water to bead.