Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket

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!

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.

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.

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 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!!

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

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

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

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 ntig. Fantastische Jacke. Noch einmal deutlich besser als der Vorgnger. Benutze sie in den Bergen (Touren, Wandern) und in der Stadt. Klar nicht gnstig, aber wenn diese Jacke auch wieder 12 Jahre hlt, ist das total ok. Und davon bin ich berzeugt, 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).

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

While my Gamma MX Hoody is by far my most favorite and versatile piece of gear that I own, when heading out on an ice-climbing or alpine adventure, I never leave home without my Alpha SV Jacket. Yes, it's expensive, but this is the hard-shell jacket that all other hard-shell jackets should be measured by. Having worn this in a number of harsh, alpine environments while climbing, I always wear this ice-climbing to keep the ice, snow, and wind out. The lightweight, articulated construction allows me to easily swing my tools and the Velcro sleeve closures helps to keep me dry. All in all, this is an extremely lightweight yet very rugged, breathable, and waterproof jacket with so many other features like the helmet compatible stormhood that you pull out of your pack when the weather turns on you (like all zippers, the seams are said to be watertight). Bottom line, you can't afford to be without this bombproof, ward-winning, Gore-Tex jacket when heading out into harsh, windy, alpine conditions.

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.

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.