Alpha SV Jacket Men's

This is a brilliant product. It is expensive but the quality comes with price. This one is definitely worth the price. I lost my first Alpha SV jacket at the airport. I bought it over 3 years ago. I only had one issue with it, namely the arm pocket peeled off inside the sleeve. It was still usable though. (It happened when I washed it with pockets opened). Otherwise I was really happy with this jacket. Never got wet even in torrential rain. So when I realized I lost it and won't be able to pick it up from the airport, I ordered a new one the next day. I know this is the quality I can trust. This jacket is what've been looking for for a long time. Something lightweight that can stand rain, wind, and cold. I wear it in winter (on top of a softshell), on rainy and windy days daily, and take it whenever I travel.

A great jacket from Arcteryx - it does come up slightly large (A normal S in my Beta AR is a far truer fit) but this makes complete sense when needing to layer. First wearing, when combined with a Cerium found it snug and warm.

It’s all true. If you want the best start here. If it’s too slim get the beta sv. The alpha works better with allof the mid layers arcteryx has like the proton lt or atom ar. If you get a cerium sv, I could see going with the beta sv. As it is however it’s perfection and that n100pX holds a dwr better that any other fabric I’ve seen. Though it doesn’t pack as well as the n80pX. Good for tall guys even. If you have any of the arcteryx midlayers an like the fit, get this. It works absolutely perfect as a system. U won’t do better.

I was concerned about spending that much on a shell but it turned out to be the best money ever spent on any of my gear

I absolutely love this hard shell, it’s extremely versatile if you layer properly so 4-seasons is definitely in the realm of this shell, especially if you utilize the pit zips. It’s very durable, I’ve taken it climbing several times and it took a beating with little to no sign of it. The storage is perfect, I love the mesh compartment for when I stop on the trail and need to store my gloves somewhere warm. The hand pockets are a good design for climbing purposes, kind of annoying for daily use but I’ve grown accustomed to it. I got the color Cardinal solos because it stands out in nature and in the case of an emergency would definitely be a help to S&R. Overall I love this jacket I primarily wear it with a merino T-shirt for summer, add a mid weight for spring/fall and add an Atom LT for winter, can’t get enough of this thing and I for see it having years of use ahead of it.

If you are going to be in severe weather and will only ever buy one shell, save and buy this one. Very durable and extremely hardwearing. Fits just a tad larger for layers underneath, and is very well thought out. The very best shell Arc'teryx makes. I got a medium and it can fit a thin base layer, a Fortrez Hoody, an Atom LT Hoody, and a Cerium LT all underneath without looking too poofy or being too constricting of movement. For days without all the layers, there is a chest sinch to keep fit slim. This shell is articulated very well and has handled everything I've been able to throw at it. Not a complaint but it's not as paper-thin as other Arc'Teryx shells so for casual daily use I'd recommend something from the FL or SL line of Arc'teryx shells.

My favorite jacket lower draw string sleeve came appart so I contacted Arc’teryx to see if it could be repaired. The jacket was close to 10 years old but was well cared for. They asked that I send it back and after about 5 weeks the jacket came back with a complete overall. Not only was the lower draw string sleeve replaced, all zips were changed, new interior pockets were welded in and work was done to the hoodie. The jacket basically looks almost new again. Wow! Thanks Arc’teryx!

Had this jacket for some years. Very nice fit, -extremely comfortable, which also d´should be expected at that price. My jacket has spend most time in the closet, and has never been exposed to "heavy use", but within the first few years I had to send it for repair two times because some seems opened up. The a third repair was needed, -the glued tape across the neck came loose, but the service center judged it "end of life due to excessive wear", despite no visible signs of wear on the fabric at all, but most dissappointing was that the service center has teared up some seems in the hood quite badly, so the jacket was returned in significantly worse condition than when sent in, -and one piece was missing. I have asked Arc'teryx several times to have the jacket returned to the condition it was before sent in for repair, but can only get an answer that the jacket is "end of life", despite nothing looks worn. I am extremely disappointed with both the build quality of this jacket and with the service from Arc'teryx. Their limited life time guarantee is not worth a thing, the build quality (the glued seams) is poor, very poor. It is such a shame, since this overpriced jacket truly has a perfect fit, -but when it falls apart, one would be better off with something at half price. I have only experienced jackets from North Face and MEC to be bullet proof, in fact my MEC jacket has taken an incredible amount of beating in its 16 years, -only had to change the front zipper, -apart from that it just keeps on. At half the price.

Over some 50+ years of climbing, hiking, back country skiing I have owned many different manufacturer's jackets and unlined shells - most recently shells by North Face, Patagonia and Columbia. I've been using the Alpha SV jacket for several seasons and think it works well but not much better than my North Face or Patagonia shells. Let's be honest, no unlined shell is worth CA $900! I can justify spending that much for a cell phone or laptop but for an unlined shell?? While I think Arc-Teryx makes some great stuff, their products are grossly overpriced and over-rated. Sorry, but I am unlikely to buy anything more from Arc-Teryx.

Wind proof total goretex package worth more than you folks charge no clothing better period

The Alpha SV Jacket is Arc’Teryx flagship gem with a long history of proven performance and hardcore fans. With several iterations since its introduction in 1998, the Alpha SV Jacket has been evolving in a symbiotic relationship along with the sports that people are using it for. Over these 21 years, the Alpha SV Jacket has helped the people who wear it, and their respective sports to go further. In this review, I will look at several different aspects of the Alpha SV Jacket: Fit, Function and Comfort (with layering and stand-alone) Construction and Durability Attention to Detail Fit, Function and Comfort: The Alpha SV Jacket is a regular fit, hip length jacket that allows plenty of room for layering. With wearing a mid-weight merino wool base layer and an Arc’Teryx Cerium LT mid-layer, I was able to slide into the Alpha SV without issue. I did not find mobility issues anywhere. Performing movement overhead was not hindered by the sleeves creeping down my forearms or binding with the mid-layer. There was still enough room between the shell and the mid-layer and I didn’t feel like I was stuffed inside there. I stepped up layering to see if I could max out mobility by over stuffing myself as well as find the insulating limit of this performance shell. With my Arc’Teryx Cerium SV mid-layer, the torso portion of the Alpha SV fills out, but there is still some volume left through the arms. Arm movement and mobility overhead was not restricted. There is a minute change to stuffiness in the pits. If you need more insulation like a Ceres SV jacket for example, I would recommend sizing up one size else you will risk the shell creeping up your mid layer risking water intrusion and heat loss. Conversely, if your intended use for the Alpha SV is city use or mountain use where you will not need a lot of layering, I would recommend sizing down. Wearing the Alpha SV as a stand-alone gives the impression that I made a poor sizing decision and that I need to size down. There is simply too much room in the arms for this thing to not look like I’m wearing a sack of Gore-Tex. The zipper pulls and pocket placement are intuitive. With goggles, a helmet and gloves on, I don’t have to hunt for the zipper pulls or where the pockets might be. I can grab without looking. One change that I would like to see are the zipper found on the Arc’Teryx LEAF Cold WX/SV and WX/SVX jackets. These respective zipper pulls are just that much more reassuring that my fingers (with gloves on) have grasped the right object. Along the same tangent as the last paragraph, the internal waist draw cords are a bit too small and fidgety to navigate with gloves on. The removal of gloves in a sub-zero alpine environment to adjust a waist draw cord is poor execution. I need to be able to roll the jacket hem at my left or right hip, find the cord and clasp and make adjustments with the jacket on and with gloves on. I will gladly accept the draw cord system found on the aforementioned LEAF jackets for a few grams in additional weight of the garment. Construction and Durability: Construction of the Alpha SV Jacket is an impressive thing to behold. When you have the chance, lay one down on its back, unzip the front zipper and open the jacket up all the way. Look at all those micro taped seems and the internals of the e3D patterning. Such great attention to detail and craftsmanship. There is not one seam, tape or bond out of place. Look at the backsides of the water tight zippers to see how well they are bonded to the inside of the shell. Regarding the front face of the zippers, I find the absence of the zipper garages interesting. These were part of the Alpha SV since 1998 and sadly removed from the jacket after this most recent generation. The ‘WaterTight’ zippers are water tight until the very top of the zipper where it tops out at the fabric. This hole will allow water into the pockets. If there is something you need to keep dry and carry on you, use the internal pocket. With a constant rain, you run the risk of ruining whatever may be in the front pockets because they will take in water. The WaterTight name is pure marketing and misleading, so keep that in mind. The N100p-X 3L Gore-Tex Pro is claimed to have exceptional durability-to-weight ratio. I believe this to be true. This is a 100 denier polyester plain-weave fabric that weighs 0.01111 g/m with an overall garment weight of 490g. Conversely and as an example, the Alpha AR jacket uses N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex Pro that weighs 0.0044 g/m with an overall garment weight of 400g. As the denier number increases, so too does the durability and the weight. Additionally, as the denier number increases so does the ‘crinkle’ noises of the fabric and stiffness of the garment. The N100p-X face textile will take a beating while the other layers keep water out. In summary, the Alpha SV jacket can be essential for those of you who need a very high quality waterproof shell that can take abuse in rough environments. While an extremely well made jacket with great craftsmanship, keep in mind that the outer pocket zippers are not truly water tight and the zipper draws may be awkward for some if wearing thick gloves.

I bought the Alpha SV last Black Friday holding off for 2 years as it was almost a mortgage payment. After I got it I quickly learned that I had to buy a mid layer. Then it was a mortgage payment. First time it saved my hide: I dropped my car off at my mechanic 7.9 miles away when my wife says she ain't leaving work early to come and get me so I should wait about two hours or get a cab. As there was no bars around and I refused to pay a fare to get home I started hiking then it started to rain, then rain harder and it got colder. I was laughing as the rain pinged and bounced off my SV and hoped for it to rain harder, much harder. Felt like Superman. Dry, dry, dry and not damp. It was about 40 F. I Heated up and had to open the vents. My mid layer was too warm so I packed it down into the tube and put it in the Alpha SV glove pocket. About 2 hours into my trek wifey found me on a dark lonely gravel road by the tracks about 2 miles from home and argued for me to come in the car. I said no, she said yes and it was dangerous. But not dangerous for me as I had my Alpha SV on my back and my Colt .45 on my hip. Who needs anything else. It's total independence.

I'm loving my jacket. It's nicer than the North Face Summit Series Pro yet only slightly more expensive. The fabric is quieter and more supple in feel, the collar and hood feature are better but most importantly the zippers are easy to use and it keeps the rain out.

I was originally introduced to Arc'teryx through their LEAF program. I was blown away by the level of quality craftsmanship, thought and consideration that goes into each piece of gear that Arc'teryx makes. I own many pieces of Arc'teryx gear from shoes, jackets, sweaters, gloves and warm pairs of britches. I couldn't tell you which one is my favorite, because I LOVE them all! I will continue to buy from Arc'teryx until the day that I die.

You don't want to spend your money on something that won't work. Your hard-earned dollars are important to you and you want something that will last. I will tell you, this jacket, though pricey, is worth every penny and will last. It's extremely technical and withstands anything I have come across. You can tell that the engineers/designers at Arcteryx took the time needed to build the perfect shell. The other great thing is, these same engineers actually put this equipment through the ringer and know the pain points. I am not an alpinist per se, but I do know that while I have had this jacket, I can trust it will keep me dry and cut the wind completely. Stop looking for something that is comparable because you won't find it.