Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket

Ich habe die Jacke bereits mehrmals zum Eisklettern und Alpinklettern verwendet. Sie hlt dicht und lsst auch einen Schneesturm ertrglich werden. Von Wind ist nix mehr zu spren. Auch regen hlt sie mit Bravur ab. Durch die gut verstellbare Kapuze kann man auch einen Helm anziehen ohne Bewegungsfreiheit einben zu mssen. Die Passform ist gro genug um auch noch eine Isolationsjacke drunter zu ziehen. Unglaublich gut gelungen ist der Gurtstopper, es ist wirklich die erste Jacke die auch bei harten Moves in Position bleibt. Lediglich knnte der Schnitt am Brustumfang etwas grer ausfallen. Ich bin 180cm gro, habe einen Burstumfang von 104cm und eine Taille von 80cm. Gre S war am Brustumfang zu klein, von daher musste M her. Vorteil ist das man so viel unter die Jacke drunter ziehen kann. Aufgrund der Zipper sind die Einstellungen jedoch sehr wandelbar. Preis ist sehr hoch, aber dafr Made in Canada!!! Fazit (Maximal 5 Punkte): Robustheit: 4 Bewegungsfreiheit: 5 Passform: 4 Zipper/Ventilation: 5 Taschen: 5

J'utilise cette veste depuis un an pour tout: alpi, rando, raquette, ski, mme en ville par pluie. En points positifs: 1. Le fit est gnial. 2. La facilit d'utilisation des zips. Je suis pass d'une commodore d'Eider l'Alpha: aucune comparaison possible en terme d'ouverture/fermeture des zips. Tout se fait une main. No comment! 3. La qualit de fabrication + les divers dtails (I love les boudins pour le baudrier; a change une ascension!). En petits bmols: 1. veste assez "bruyante" Attention, elle taille assez large. Je porte du M (1m84; 73kg). Cela me permet de mettre micropolaire + autre couche (polaire/doudoune/softshell) en dessous

I have North Face, Marmot, Patagonia and MontBell technical shells. I've trekked and climbed for over forty-five years, in the Sierra Nevada, at Ranier, the AT, Bryce and in Alaska. If you want to go further, faster, lighter this is the kind of gear you need. The SV is professional grade, remarkably well designed and perfectly constructed. Our home is on the southern Oregon coast where winter winds routinely run at seventy to one hundred miles per hour with heavy heavy rains. The zippers of this shell do not let in water or wind. The hood is flawless and remarkably better than those of other shells I own. The sleeves are wonderfully articulated to fascilliate overhead reach without lifting the torso of the shell. There are no front pockets at hip level to get in the way of the climbing harness. The bottom hem of the shell has a foam strip sewn into it to prevent the shell from riding up under the harness. I'm sixty-five, trek five miles a day, five days a week, twelve months a year, going on two multi-week treks in the summer. In my opinion this is the finest technical shell ever made, hands down.

Urspr?nglich wollte ich eine superrobuste gross geschnittene Wetterschutzjacke f?r Kajak-Expeditionen und Trekkings in regenreichen der gem?ssigten Zone. Mittlerweile benutzte ich die Alpha SV auch f?r Eisklettern, Skitouren, Powdertage und als Arbeitsjacke f?r Feldeins?tze in Eish?hlen von Gletschern. Gerade dieses Einsatzfeld ist ?usserst strapazierend. Die Jacke ist als ?usserste Schicht beim Robben und Kriechen ?ber Schutt und Steine gr?sster Belastung ausgesetzt, zugleich erlaubt sie volle Bewegungsfreiheit und genug Platz f?r sehr warme isolierende Schichten - so kombinierte ich die Alpha SV mit der Fission SL was sich als extrawarmes funktionelles Duo erwiesen hat. Die Jacke ist ihr Geld wert - ohne Einschr?nkung!

Ursprnglich wollte ich eine superrobuste gross geschnittene Wetterschutzjacke fr Kajak-Expeditionen und Trekkings in regenreichen der gemssigten Zone. Mittlerweile benutzte ich die Alpha SV auch fr Eisklettern, Skitouren, Powdertage und als Arbeitsjacke fr Feldeinstze in Eishhlen von Gletschern. Gerade dieses Einsatzfeld ist usserst strapazierend. Die Jacke ist als usserste Schicht beim Robben und Kriechen ber Schutt und Steine grsster Belastung ausgesetzt, zugleich erlaubt sie volle Bewegungsfreiheit und genug Platz fr sehr warme isolierende Schichten - so kombinierte ich die Alpha SV mit der Fission SL was sich als extrawarmes funktionelles Duo erwiesen hat. Die Jacke ist ihr Geld wert - ohne Einschrnkung!

J'ai pu l'utiliser en haute montagne dans le massif du Mont-Blanc avec grand vent et chute de neige. Elle protge merveille ! Aration trs bien place ! Un poids rduit au possible pour une protection maximale. Elle se fait oublier !

I like the strength of the jacket, how it is completely waterproof, and how well it keeps me warm

I got my Alpha SV in 1998. It's been everywhere, in all sorts of weather. I use it as a raincoat and a shell. Pushed through heavy brush and been wadded into packs. It's held up like nothing else; I've worn out cars since getting it. The zippers are still good, the stitching is good, the tape is still good. What more could you ask?

So there's a preconception that this jacket is made only for mountaineers, etc.. But I like having top quality everything, so this jacket suits me well while hill climbing in Alaska, wearing around town in rainy weather, etc.. I also like that it's Fabrique au Canada. I've worn it this past Summer in Alaska during rainy hill climbs which turned very windy and cold up toward the top of the peak, and it performed perfectly. It was unobtrusive, and was like having my own mini-shelter (I didn't feel any of the elements to be honest). Highly recommended.

Within the first few seconds of trying this jacket on, you instantly realise the difference between this and just about any other shell on earth. The superiour fit, movement, and incredible attention to detail is immediately obvious. Take it out on the hills and mountains of the UK and Scotland, and this initial impression is reinforced more and more with every passing minute. Durable isn't the word. It feels like a second skin, only one too tough to punctuate. Everything is put exactly where it is needed. The pockets, pit zips, hood adjustments, everything is perfect. The hood is the best I have ever used, and I have used most. The performance of the fabric is considerably better than other three layer Gore-Tex constructions I have ever used. A costly investment, but given the level of consistency of performance, consistency which has so far lasted years, still a very, very prudent one. Cannot rate highly enough.

I have had this jacket about 4 years and it has been an absolute bomb shell. I have used it in every kind of weather from cold blustering wind and snow, to torrential downpours. The fit and function of this jacket is so perfect, there really isn't a situation that i am often found without it. On that history alone i would highly recommend this product, but I want to highlight how great Arcteryx is for standing by there product as I recently had an issue with some seems delaminating, which Arcteryx rectified by replacing my garment. Now i have many more seasons of weather abuse to put the alpha sv through. This jacket may be expensive compared to some, but for the most important peice of kit you will ever own i urge you to never buy anything less than what this is - the best jacket you can ever own.

It was 5-6 years ago when i decided that I wouldn't be wet anymore. And I stumble against arcteryx on slovenian climbing web page. I liked the design. I realy didn't know what is 3 layer gore-tex... And today after 5-6 years i was standing on the roof mounting the solar panels and it pours rain. I was standing on the rain for four hours and i was dry. Only on the side near hip I was little bit wet because I didn't close vent zipper all the way. ;) After 5-6 years of all season use it only become moist over the seams. Can someone tell me how does it work impregnator sprai or washing detrgent. How does it infect on gore-tex xcr. And which product can i use to extend the alredy long life span?

It's an awesome jacket that I use for everything from skiing to hiking.

If I didn't know any better I'd swear this jacket was made out of Kevlar. This is the most durable feeling jacket that I have ever used. The fit and attention to detail is simply amazing. Watertight zippers, just the right amount of pockets and a hood that actually makes sense. I can't tell you the number of times people tell me how great this jacket looks. Sure they are expensive but by the feel of it I'm sure this baby will last for years. Don't think about buying one, just buy it and stand out from the crowd, you deserve it.

This jacket is the roughest/toughest jacket I have ever worn. It will protect your from anything mother nature has to throw at you. This jacket will do anything from climbing a 70ft ice wall to protecting you from a downpour, there is not one condition I believe the Alpha SV can't handel. I is constructed of Gore-Tex 3L Proshell which is the highest level of protections, so you can do anything and the jacket will handle it. I recommend this to anyone looking for an awesome weather proof shell.

I have the "pelican" color I snagged in LA when I was at USC. I was at an outdoor store being a north face fan back then in 2002. The person helping me said to forget TNF and to check out a newer company out of Canada. Im so glad I did and Ive been an Arcteryx junkie since. The XCR on mine has been a perfect shelter from any storms Ive skied or boarded in here in the San Juan Mtns of Colorado. The jacket is 10 years old now. I havent noticed any fading, zippers still work perfect, love the hood, seems to be bullet proof to anything mother nature dishes out. Im 5'11" 195 lbs and I love the XL Arcteryx jackets. Room for a mid layer. If I had to get another shell today, Id go with this Alpha SV...especially since they are proshell now.

Wow, this jacket is awesome. I really like the Alpha jacket's design and I first looked at the SL version which costs about half as much. In short I think the SV is definitely worth the price premium. First, the Gore-Tex Pro fabric is really tough and it feels and looks the part. Whereas the Gore-Tex Paclight feels it could easily tear during a routine hike, the Gore-Tex Pro's ruggedness gives the wearer a kind of confidence that is in itself worth a small premium. I also like the SV's Expedition Fit over the Athletic Fit of the Alpha SL in that it gives the wearer more options. Whereas the SV can be worn comfortably as a standalone in the summertime and as a hardshell in the wintertime, I felt the SL's sizing was too restrictive over my Atom SV (though as a standalone it's very good). As some other reviewers have mentioned, I also find some of the zippers to be a bit stiff and challenging to operate efficiently. As well I have found the fabric to be a bit on the noisy side but these small inconveniences are minor and so they won't affect my affection for this piece of gear. Finally, I'll end by saying that this jacket is really handsome and I really enjoy wearing it around town. Cheers. PS. This jacket is the only piece of Arcteryx gear that I have that is made in Canada-which is a real plus for me. I would very happily pay a premium to have my gear be made locally and I hope Arcteryx decides to make more things in Canada in the future.

This jacket, like most Arc'teryx products, definitely stands at the head of the pack in terms of conditions-specific gear. Below are some thoughts I have regarding this jacket. For sizing purposes, I am 6'1", 150lbs, and wear a Medium in this jacket. The front hem falls about 1.5 inches below my beltline and the rear hem hits about mid-butt. I'm a skinny dude, and there is plenty of room to layer under, even with the nice trim cut of the jacket. The sleeves fall to about mid-palm. I'll start with the cons of this jacket: 1. Noisy! This jacket is seriously crinkly. If you ever want to be quiet and spy on anyone, leave the Alpha SV at home! Also, with the hood up, it is difficult to hear things going on around you due to the crinkly nature of the fabric. 2. Expensive! Seriously expensive. Even on sale it is more expensive than most shells I have seen. 3. Pulls are a little difficult to work, particularly with gloves on. I have not yet been able to locate and effectively pull the drawstring pullcords located in the pockets with gloves on. Maybe with more practice... 4. This jacket is clearly made with specific mountaineering activities in mind. As such, if you are an urban dweller looking for an around-town jacket, there are a few things that will drive you crazy, including: (a) location of external pockets (too high/centrally located to put hands in), and (b) size of hood (particularly when hood is down and you are sitting on train or in car and the brim rubs the back of your head). Now to the Pros: 1. Overall feeling of invincibility and quality! This jacket simply feels "heavy duty". I feel like I could slide down a mountain made of sandpaper and cheesegraters and this would not be ripped. 2. Amazing detail/craftmanship! The stitching is perfect, the seam-sealing is perfect. 3. Hemlock (a piece of foam tubing about 4 inches long located on the right and left side hips) is nice for keeping the jacket from riding up, particularly because this jacket is not very long. 4. Zippers are completely watertight (I have pooled water on the main zip and none has leaked through). They do require a little extra "umph" to pull, but it is worth it for the water protection. Also, the pit zips are nice and long! 5. So light (and packable)! No extra flaps, stitching, pockets, lining, etc. Very minimalist = very light = very comfortable. 6. Arm pocket fits a cellie tellie no problem! (but the zipper is tough to work 1-handed). 7. Everything is extrememly adjustable. The hood can be sinched down in 4 different ways, I believe. And there is a hem drawstring and a torso drawstring to seal out the weather. The cuffs are easy to adust also with the elastic. 8. I'm just gonna say it... it is nice to be one of the few not sporting a TNF jacket now adays... there, I said it! Overall I am very satisfied with the performance and styling of this jacket! I am excited to use it for many years to come!

The jacket is completely waterproof and is great with a harness outside. The foam inserts ensure that the jacket will not ride up your harness or pack belt. Pckets are well placed for pack and harness use. The hood is excellent, as it is completely adjustable and have used it with an extra large helmet for snowboarding and just hiking in a blizzard. Adjustment of the hood just takes a few seconds. Elastic closures on cuffs make closures comfortable and tight enough so no snow will get in. Pockets internal and external are easy to use with -40C rated gloves with a single hand with exception of the sleeve pocket which is a little more difficult to operate. External pockets are also spacious and face down, so things are not likely to fall out easily when open. Material is smooth and non-abrasive at all times and chinguard is comfortable with a stubble of a couple days without shaving as it will not catch and irritate your skin. Have taken the jacket to blizzards at 12000 ft in Colorado at -15F with 50mph winds and just needed to add a thin primaloft layer on top of a synthetic base layer to stay comfortable. Stayed dry at all times in Colorado mountain blizzard conditions as well as in torrential downpours in Sequoia National Park. Interior materals are smooth and non abrasive and do not catch layered. Have taken falls with the jacket on Ice, snow, and bushwhacked my way through thick undergrowth without visible damage. All in all an excellent jacket which allows you to concentrate on your goals instead of worrying about damaging your gear. Worth the full price of the jacket that I paid.

If Batman would have to wear rain protection, this would be his choice! I took an XL although L would have been enough. But the advantage is, with the xtra room available, you can use a warmer insulator (like Atom SV). My comparison is: A class of it`s own... Maybe some cons: ...haven`t found them yet. Enjoy

I have two of these jackets and they perform perfectly. Great material and freedom of movement without beeing bulky. I Also have 8 other goretex jackets from other manufacturers, but this one is by far my favorite. Way to go Arc'

Amazing performing jacket. Super durable. It's the do-anything shell. This jacket fits very large, especially in the chest and shoulders, then tapers to the hips. If you have large hips this may not be a great fit, or you may have more room than you need in the shoulders with a larger size. This shell is completely worth the price, as it's a lifetime investment.

Veste ultra polyvalente et trs rsistante, je l'utilise toute l'anne, que ce soit en trek, en ville ou en haute montagne depuis 4ans. La coupe est parfaite pour l'utilisation en alpi, accs au baudrier facile en concervant une bonne protection du bas du dos. La capuche est vraiment agrable en cas de gros temps, elle est rglable dans tous les sens, ce qui permet d'tre protg tout en gardant une bonne visibilit.

ive had mine a little over a year now and i love it.i live in myrtle beach sc and the weather is always changing so i pack this jacket everywhere i go.the only thing i dont like is the color options the blues r way 2 girly so im stuck wth black.i the alpha sv,the fission sv,the esplion,and the atom sv,and the firee along wth the tau pullover. so im a true arcteryx guy.hey mayb arcteryx can send me a free one

Got my first one 12 years ago, used it everywhere from hiking in Panama to survival training in Svalbard. I have never climbed in it but i hear its good for that too! its like a loyal dog, it will never let you down and always have your back. Its still made in Canada which is a big deal to me.