Alpha SV Jacket Men's

I recently used the Arc’teryx Alpha SV while skiing, and it exceeded my expectations in every way. The jacket offers outstanding protection against wind and moisture — even in strong gusts and wet snow conditions, I felt completely shielded. While the Alpha SV is technically not an insulated jacket, the way the GORE-TEX Pro shell blocks external wind makes it feel incredibly protective and efficient at keeping warmth inside when layered properly. One feature I particularly appreciated was the hood design. It easily accommodates my full-size ski helmet — I actually wear a racing helmet — and still provides excellent coverage and adjustability without feeling bulky or restrictive. Durability is another highlight. During my trip, I had a fall, and while it was nothing serious, I was impressed to see the jacket came out completely unscathed. Not even a scratch on the fabric, which gave me great confidence in the build quality. Arc’teryx clearly designed this shell to withstand real alpine abuse. Regarding fit: I went with an XL, which is my usual size. I probably could have used a Large, but the XL worked perfectly with all my layers underneath, including a midlayer that was also XL. It ran true to size and allowed for full layering without feeling oversized — exactly what you want in a technical shell. If there’s one drawback, it’s the pocket design. They are clearly positioned for easy access while wearing a harness or pack, but they’re not ideal if you want to simply rest your hands inside for warmth. It’s a minor issue, but worth noting. On top of that, technical details like the WaterTight™ zippers, pit zips for ventilation, and articulated patterning make it highly functional on the mountain. Mobility is excellent, even with multiple layers, and I never felt restricted while skiing. Overall, I’m very pleased with the Alpha SV. It’s a premium shell, but in my experience, worth the investment for those who need maximum protection, durability, and performance in harsh alpine conditions.