Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket

On the 7th of July 2022, I went to Iceland for an expedition we planned to explore some of the land's glaciers. First day, we walked up to 500 meters, everything went fine when we reached our camp. The next day, we climbed the next 1100 meters. During our trek, we experienced a huge sudden storm of rain and wind. We were about to cross glacier rivers, but the wind was so strong. It was blowing over people and things at a weight of 80 kg. There were other people who experienced hypothermia. 20 people got airlifted out from the area. It was an emergency status. I was wearing the Beta AR Pant and the Alpha SV Jacket. When we got back to the camp safely, I ended up being the only person in our group completely dry. Everyone was soaking wet. If it weren't for my Arc'teryx gear, I would of been wet and cold, and who knows -- possibly getting hypothermia too. This jacket was so expensive, but the quality is there. It is worth every penny when you are in a severe weather scenario, and it literally saved my life. To this day, I thank God and my Alpha SV for keeping me dry and safe there in the Icelandic mountains during that abrupt storm.

The first day I received it I was caught in a deluge of rain. My shorts were saturated. My shoes (which are Gore-Tex) were water-logged and making a squishy sound. But everything under the jacket was bone dry. Rain was bouncing off the sidewalk, small rivers formed and started moving the soil, yet water rolled right off the jacket. There no wetting out anywhere. This jacket is in another class from any waterproof product I've ever owned. It's probably one of the best raincoats on earth. Astounding.

I've had this jacket a little over a year now and have put it through it's paces in the Northeastern Ontario bush, not just trails but actually off trail bushwhacking as well, including in the rain. There were a few times I got it so dirty from going through trees and other vegetation that I thought I might have stained it, a simple wash fixed it right up - no rips or tears either! Love this jacket!

I've had this jacket a little over a year now and have put it through it's paces in the Northeastern Ontario bush, not just trails but actually off trail bushwhacking as well, including in the rain. There were a few times I got it so dirty from going through trees and other vegetation that I thought I might have stained it, a simple wash fixed it right up - no rips or tears either! Love this jacket!

I purchased this jacket to go on a combination back country, self supported and Heli service trip. I wore this basically non stop, except for sleeping for 10 days. It worked in all types of weather and temps. I purchased the off lime color and my friends said they could really see me at a distance, which was the point of buying the bright color to be see in low light and low visibility at all times.

I am 5'9 and an athletic broad chested build at 200lbs. I had originally purchased the rush jacket but the length was just too much. The powder guard wrapped around my lower butt. After popping into the Arc'teryx store in Toronto, I tried on this jacket and it just checked all the right boxes for me. Its shorter in the front by about 2 inches and swooped down in the back about a half inch shorter than the rush did. This jacked doesn't have a powder guard but to be honest, I've never used it on any of the other jackets I've owned so I'm actually happier without it. Pockets are placed high which is perfect if you ski with a backpack. My only gripe is the length of the sleeves they're very long but the Velcro remedied that. The hood fits perfectly over my Oakley mod 3 helmet and the adjustment pulls are great at adjusting the hood size when not wearing a helmet. I paired them up with the beta sv bibs in a Large Short and this kit is wicked

I just bought another Alpha. I have two red ones that I use for Search and Rescue. I'm on two teams in Lake Tahoe. Each has custom logos otherwise one would be plenty. I bought a blue one to wear instead of my Procline shell I have been wearing in too many harsh conditions. Its a great jacket in its own right but when its really bad out I needed more jacket. The Alpha was my only choice. Today I wore it skiing at the resort with just a base layer underneath. I can add any number of layers to make it perform in any conditions. Then I got a call out for a lost skier at a different resort. I changed out of the blue one, put on an Atom LT jacket then a red Alpha to go find the lost skier. I can't say enough good things about this jacket. The name is appropriate as well.

Bought this jacket last winter in Alaska, taken on XC Cabin trips, ski trips, as well as a couple nights out shooting photography in poor weather. Of course this jacket had no issues with any of these situations as it is absolutely bomber. The real test came with a season-ending tree collision that resulted in a broken wrist, torn quad, bruised rib, and a lot of skin removed from the shin. The jacket though?? Not even the slightest mark on it. This will hold up to anything you can possibly throw at it and then beg for more, buy it and take it on the wildest adventures and you will see for yourself it is worthy.

This jacket is sick. If you're looking for the greatest shell of all time, buy this one. Fits super well to size, very durable and will withstand extreme weather conditions.

Truly an incredible jacket. This thing will keep you bone dry in the worst conditions. The tradeoff is not being as light or packable as a lighter shell, but this jacket is bulletproof. I live in Squamish and this is an essential piece for adventures in the shoulder seasons. Customer service is also top knotch (part of what you're paying for). My jacket was 8 years old and had been through everything when the chest started delaminating. Within days I had a new jacket being shipped to me and the new version is even better! You rock Arc'teryx! Thank you!

Durable and waterproof. This is the best jacket around if you can handle shelling out the money.

Wear this coat in streams, snowshoeing and sledding. Works great

I bought the Arcteryx beta SV jacket because I have heard excellent comments about it, is really one of the best rain jackets I have ever tried. It really feels comfortable when wearing it, I can easily move around with it, I can bend and stretch my arms easily, is extremely durable, very superior weather protection, it has great hood, it reminds me of the theta SV jacket I had before. Everything can easily be adjusted, it has excellent fit.

I bought the Arcteryx beta SV jacket because I have heard excellent comments about it, is really one of the best rain jackets I have ever tried. It really feels comfortable when wearing it, I can easily move around with it, I can bend and stretch my arms easily, is extremely durable, very superior weather protection, it has great hood, it reminds me of the theta SV jacket I had before. Everything can easily be adjusted, it has excellent fit.

I had my first Alpha SV for almost 15 years. It had survived largely unscathed after a lot of hard use, but I thought it was time to treat myself to a new one. I can't imagine a better made or more functional hard shell. Worth every penny. Looking forward to another 15 years of great use, before treating myself to another new one!

when I bought this jacket I wasn't planning spending that amount of $$$ on a rain jacket.The jacket is absolutely waterproof I can't stress enough how weatherproof this jacket is.My only knock on the jacket is that the material loud (crinkly)and when rain hits it but I'm DRY.

I have had numerous Alpha's over the years. I love how the jacket is more fit than other ski type jackets. It works great for activities where you do not want a ton of bulk and require movement. I found each year the jacket to be very durable and extremely warm. You can pretty much run a light base layer or puff layer in the extreme cold without having to shed or put on layers. Over the years the fit and material seem to change a bit. I found the older jackets to be more quiet and softer to the touch. I feel the latest model can be kind of noisy and seems to be more durable. I would like to note the change in the fit. I have always worn an XL in this jacket. It was always tapered and a slim cut. This year, I had to return for a Large and it fits like the older XL fit. The colors can be confusing. The jackets never look like the pictures on the computer. I think they should also give a better description of their colors. Dynasty is really more orange than red. They should tell you this to avoid returns etc. Using names like forcefield, Tatsu, etc is cool but confusing for people just wanting to know the color. I've used this jacket for multiple activities. It has been perfect for snow biking, skiing, and Montana winters.

What's to say? From my point of view the Alpha SV has been the industry leader for light and bulletproof since it's inception. Take care of this jacket and it will take care of you. Pros: - Light - Tough - good breathability - full hood for helmet - built for use with harness, no conflict between pockets and backpack/harness Cons: - you can buy a car for cheaper these days - You're going to look ridiculous wearing it to walk your dog. - seriously, this is a technical shell that should be treated like equipment. Unless you're walking your dog on a ski tour wear something else - Fresh three-ply goretex sounds like you're wearing a paperbag filled with sand paper If you're looking for a high quality, light, tough hard shell to tour, climb, or hike, you're probably already well acquainted with the Alpha SV. you probably have a picture of it surreptitiously taped somewhere you can admire it. You probably dream about it. You know you want it, and you're not you even need two kidneys anyways.

What's to say? From my point of view the Alpha SV has been the industry leader for light and bulletproof since it's inception. Take care of this jacket and it will take care of you. Pros: - Light - Tough - good breathability - full hood for helmet - built for use with harness, no conflict between pockets and backpack/harness Cons: - you can buy a car for cheaper these days - You're going to look ridiculous wearing it to walk your dog. - seriously, this is a technical shell that should be treated like equipment. Unless you're walking your dog on a ski tour wear something else - Fresh three-ply goretex sounds like you're wearing a paperbag filled with sand paper If you're looking for a high quality, light, tough hard shell to tour, climb, or hike, you're probably already well acquainted with the Alpha SV. you probably have a picture of it surreptitiously taped somewhere you can admire it. You probably dream about it. You know you want it, and you're not you even need two kidneys anyways.

I have owned this jack for over a year now and it is by far and away the best overall rain jacket I've had. It's thoughtfully laid out, the fit allows for layers without feeling "big" and the fit and finish is unmatched.

I got this jacket for wet windy BC camping trips. Keeps me dry on the rainiest days.

The Alpha SV really is a great jacket! Being an active family, we have multiple Arcteryx jackets, pants that are best for specific activities. But when space is an issue, we all reach for the Alpha SV. It's light weight, minimalist, tough as nails, with consistent quality. The only minor complaint I have is that it's "noisy" as all hardshell jackets are.

Hands down the best shell you will ever own. Perfect fit and comfort. Plus abrasion resistant. Best protection against the elements and plenty of room for layering. I have several of the Alpha SV which are made from in CANADA.

Quality is amazing Fits a little big , but I guess it needs to be to have the adequate layers underneath It's warm It breaths and it repels water Perfect

Quality is amazing Fits a little big , but I guess it needs to be to have the adequate layers underneath It's warm It breaths and it repels water Perfect