Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket

This is an incredible piece of equipment-- well built, durable, and functional. I especially love the chest pockets and hood design, and the fabric is incredibly durable yet moves well and somehow nicely fits the gap between burly and lightweight. The same cannot be said for the Alpha SL and FL jackets, the fabrics of which have too easily scraped and torn while climbing rock or mixed climbs (although of the two the FL is more durable than SL). The only downsides that I have noticed are that none of the goretex shells is particularly windproof-- even with the SV it seems that any 50+kph wind passes through the main zipper, so when alpine winds have whipped up I have certainly felt them through the jacket, but of course you want it to also be breathable and waterproof (which it is). Also, this jacket is sized bigger to accommodate puffy layers, but even with the cerium SV and other layers underneath I felt this jacket was a little too oversized... I have a 39" chest and 31" waist and normally wear a medium sized top and small size bottom, but this medium jacket feels slightly too big, but at least there is room for more layers if I need them and it gives plenty of room for strenuous reachy climbing. The FL and SL feel smaller sized, i.e., more standard arcteryx fit and thus better for wearing around town or for lighter conditions with fewer layers, etc.

As everyone says, it's an awesome jacket. I am on my fourth one. Over the years, the fit has been tweaked from perfect to 'What are they thinking? I started out with a perfect fitting large and now take a medium that is tight in the arm pits and loose in the torso with really, really long arms. The rational for the long arms is that ice climbers spend time with their arms fully extended over their heads. However, lifting your arms over your head only shortens the sleeves by a tiny amount. Furthermore, every ice climber I have seen has been wearing gloves of some sort which covers the space the shortened sleeve would, theoretically, leave bare. Perhaps Arcteryx could compromise and just make the arms a little longer than normal. Their dedicated ski touring jacket, the Sphene, also has monkey arms. So I am really not sure why Arcteryx insists on making the arms so long as the days of Telemarking with ski poles to the armpits are long gone!

As everyone says, it's an awesome jacket. I am on my fourth one. Over the years, the fit has been tweaked from perfect to 'What are they thinking? I started out with a perfect fitting large and now take a medium that is tight in the arm pits and loose in the torso with really, really long arms. The rational for the long arms is that ice climbers spend time with their arms fully extended over their heads. However, lifting your arms over your head only shortens the sleeves by a tiny amount. Furthermore, every ice climber I have seen has been wearing gloves of some sort which covers the space the shortened sleeve would, theoretically, leave bare. Perhaps Arcteryx could compromise and just make the arms a little longer than normal. Their dedicated ski touring jacket, the Sphene, also has monkey arms. So I am really not sure why Arcteryx insists on making the arms so long as the days of Telemarking with ski poles to the armpits are long gone!

This jacket is fantastic. The minute I first put it on I understood what all the reviews were talking about. There's no better way of describing this other than a suit of armor. 20+ mph wind with snow? Please! This jacket yearns you to push it to the extreme. The equivalent of having a Ferrari (with a similar price tag)... To me, the best part of this jacket is the hood. The security it provides, adjustments, & fit are second to none... A couple cons: 1. Price 2. Noise. I think it goes without saying that the price will be a top deterrent for many. This jacket is also noisy. The noise doesn't bother me. It's an attribute that is synonymous with the security and structure of gore-tex pro. However, some may find it annoying. If you can stomach the price, it is definitely worth purchasing!

The Alpha SV jacket has set the benchmark for technical mountaineering shells for years, and continues to define the path forward. This is my only no-brainer piece of kit that accompanies me on any climbing or ski mission in the high alpine. Helmets, pants, packs, thermal layers, gloves, ice axes, boots, and just about any other technical gear varies depending on the trip, but this shell is always either readily accessible in my pack or actively protecting me from the elements. This bomb shelter blocks out the wind, sleet, snow, rain, and whatever else nature might throw your way, keeping you in your own personal cocoon of safety as you push through to your goal. Simply put, awesome jacket.

My first (2014) Alpha SV had was replaced when the gore tex layers came apart by the pit zips, now using the 2017. Definitely the best heavy shell I've had. Fit is important to me, this fits great, athletic cut but with room around the chest for loft. Goretex pro is obviously great. It is relatively stiff and heavy so the jacket is not great as a rain shell or to throw in a pack for maybe. Construction is totally on point, materials are all great. I appreciate this jacket every time I use it.

My first (2014) Alpha SV had was replaced when the gore tex layers came apart by the pit zips, now using the 2017. Definitely the best heavy shell I've had. Fit is important to me, this fits great, athletic cut but with room around the chest for loft. Goretex pro is obviously great. It is relatively stiff and heavy so the jacket is not great as a rain shell or to throw in a pack for maybe. Construction is totally on point, materials are all great. I appreciate this jacket every time I use it.

Super Jacke fr jedes Wetter geeignet. Bequem und doch nicht zu weit. Mich hat die Jacke nie im Stich gelassen, weder bei Klte, noch bei Schneefall oder anstrengenden Aufstiegen.

I've been wearing versions of the Alpha SV for decades and just acquired this latest version so these are first impressions. The shell fabric has been improved over the previous version and has recovered its thermal properties. The fabric is now stiffer, more like the fabric of the current minus-2 version. Thankfully the hood cords will now not snap back into the eye because the fasteners and design are improved. These are two major improvements. Arc'teryx has deleted the waist cord; not sure yet how I feel about that. The dump pocket is useless because anything dumped into it will easily dump out, as it lacks a Velcro fastener. It appears to be an ill-advised design afterthought. The cut has been made roomier but as mentioned the waist cord has been deleted. Oddly however, the cut is tighter at the arm-pits, so you'll take the same size as the previous version. I think this may be a serious design flaw.

I've been wearing versions of the Alpha SV for decades and just acquired this latest version so these are first impressions. The shell fabric has been improved over the previous version and has recovered its thermal properties. The fabric is now stiffer, more like the fabric of the current minus-2 version. Thankfully the hood cords will now not snap back into the eye because the fasteners and design are improved. These are two major improvements. Arc'teryx has deleted the waist cord; not sure yet how I feel about that. The dump pocket is useless because anything dumped into it will easily dump out, as it lacks a Velcro fastener. It appears to be an ill-advised design afterthought. The cut has been made roomier but as mentioned the waist cord has been deleted. Oddly however, the cut is tighter at the arm-pits, so you'll take the same size as the previous version. I think this may be a serious design flaw.

Beste Hiking und Alpinjacke, die ich je besessen habe. Auch als robuste Regenjacke bei herbstlichen Mountainbike-Touren zu empfehlen. Packmass auch bei Mehrtagestouren genial klein. In Verbindung mit Daunenweste oder Hoody-Jacke immer angenehm temperiert.

I originally bought this shell just for everyday use during rainy weather. However, the fitting was a bit big for casual use so I ended up using it for skiing, as it fits well with layering and with a helmet. This jacket is extremely waterproof! Its been almost 6 years since I have purchased this jacket and I have yet needed to wash it once, because the jacket still beads water like it's brand new. The material on the new Alpha SV is not nearly as durable and good as the old one (in my opinion). Definitely worth the price. I only wish they would have this in a slimmer fit and more colour selections.

I have owned lots of great gear from quality companies...but this jacket is in a whole new league. By far the best jacket I have ever owned. Sleeve length is fantastic. I am very tall and fit. Usually I have to get an XL to get the sleeve length I need. The large was perfect for my body and the sleeve length amazing. No extra material around my mid-section any longer. Awesome!

When this first arrived, I stood in the shower with it on and came out completely dry probably not recommended but had to try it out and it wasn't raining outside. This jacket goes anywhere and everywhere with me its fashionable without looking like a mountain bro. As always the build quality and materials used means this will probably last longer than I do and I'm only 22 years old. Frequently taken on climbing and walking trips with the university clubs I'm the member of along with some jealous looks from the other member but that the joy of being a part-time student and working full-time. Packs down great and is just an epic jacket. pockets are well designed and the little bit of foam at the bottom to stop it slipping out a harness when I'm wearing on. Save me a lot of times with British weather. Usually wear this then either the Cerium Lt if it's super cold if not then just a T-shirt and is warm and dry. Couldn't recommend enough.

This is by far, the finest piece of gear I have ever owned. I have worked in the film industry for 24 years now, never go to set without my Arcteryx Jacket, the most important piece of gear to have here in Vancouver! Carry on Arcteryx!

This is by far, the finest piece of gear I have ever owned. I have worked in the film industry for 24 years now, never go to set without my Arcteryx Jacket, the most important piece of gear to have here in Vancouver! Carry on Arcteryx!

When this first arrived, I stood in the shower with it on and came out completely dry probably not recommended but had to try it out and it wasn't raining outside. This jacket goes anywhere and everywhere with me its fashionable without looking like a mountain bro. As always the build quality and materials used means this will probably last longer than I do and I'm only 22 years old. Frequently taken on climbing and walking trips with the university clubs I'm the member of along with some jealous looks from the other member but that the joy of being a part-time student and working full-time. Packs down great and is just an epic jacket. pockets are well designed and the little bit of foam at the bottom to stop it slipping out a harness when I'm wearing on. Save me a lot of times with British weather. Usually wear this then either the Cerium Lt if it's super cold if not then just a T-shirt and is warm and dry. Couldn't recommend enough.

I leave in a balmy region of the USA so The SV gets used mainly on trips to the Alps and the western USA. It is a great all around shell for climbing, skiing, and trekking. Solidly built in Canada. I have an Alpha FL which is great, but the face fabric of the Alpha SV appears muck more durable and resistantt to damage. Arc'teryx makes great products that are just constructed better and fit better than other brands.

What can be said about the Iconic Alpha SV that has not already been said! I'm not a mountain climber, extreme explorer or alpine S&R member, I'm a professional photographer. To do my job the best I can I ask (seek) one thing, for my equipment to stay out of the way, that is not impede me and simply do it's job. The Alpha SV does just this. I need a good range of movement, too many times a garment has poor arm articulation, this makes moving with my camera a "trying" experience. This is doubtless not helped by my build, I am 6'1 and about 220lbs, but thats with a 48-50" chest and 35" waist (and very broad shoulders). So a good fit in jacket is seldom something I am used to. The cut of the Alpha SV (although having mid space) fits wonderfully and allows an amazing range of motion. I can wear it over a t-shirt or layer up, it's rather a neat trick from Arcteryx as the jacket does not seem to change either way. Mine is about 5 years old and looks brand new (and with Arcteryx near legendary warranty, let alone quality control) I expect no issues for many years to come! No, it's not the most packable jacket, but if in doubt I can always since it to the outside of my pack, but it's light and bombproof. The hood, and I fully understand designing something for multiple situations/uses is rather tricky, is my only gripe. I don't find myself wearing a helmet and it's a little tricky to adjust the volumes hood over a bare head or beanie. Apart from that, whats not to like! Yes the omission of hand warming pockets could be seen as a minus point, as is the "reverse" nature of the upper pockets, but this is not really a "casual/country walk" jacket, it's body armour for taking on mother nature (and winning). Plus points, For my more "muscular" body shape, it allows great range of motion and fits well (not looking like a tent in the middle like many garments to fit my upper body). It laughs at weather. It looks darn good. Its made in Canada (not that overseas manufacturing is bad, but a product still made "at source" is a rarity these days and does say something special. The legendary company warranty and pride. Minus points, One could mention price (but really longevity, quality, customer care and warranty HAVE to be taken into account, and then it's a bargain!). The hood, minus a helmet, is a little fussy (but we can't please all the people all of the time).

What can be said about the Iconic Alpha SV that has not already been said! I'm not a mountain climber, extreme explorer or alpine S&R member, I'm a professional photographer. To do my job the best I can I ask (seek) one thing, for my equipment to stay out of the way, that is not impede me and simply do it's job. The Alpha SV does just this. I need a good range of movement, too many times a garment has poor arm articulation, this makes moving with my camera a "trying" experience. This is doubtless not helped by my build, I am 6'1 and about 220lbs, but thats with a 48-50" chest and 35" waist (and very broad shoulders). So a good fit in jacket is seldom something I am used to. The cut of the Alpha SV (although having mid space) fits wonderfully and allows an amazing range of motion. I can wear it over a t-shirt or layer up, it's rather a neat trick from Arcteryx as the jacket does not seem to change either way. Mine is about 5 years old and looks brand new (and with Arcteryx near legendary warranty, let alone quality control) I expect no issues for many years to come! No, it's not the most packable jacket, but if in doubt I can always since it to the outside of my pack, but it's light and bombproof. The hood, and I fully understand designing something for multiple situations/uses is rather tricky, is my only gripe. I don't find myself wearing a helmet and it's a little tricky to adjust the volumes hood over a bare head or beanie. Apart from that, whats not to like! Yes the omission of hand warming pockets could be seen as a minus point, as is the "reverse" nature of the upper pockets, but this is not really a "casual/country walk" jacket, it's body armour for taking on mother nature (and winning). Plus points, For my more "muscular" body shape, it allows great range of motion and fits well (not looking like a tent in the middle like many garments to fit my upper body). It laughs at weather. It looks darn good. Its made in Canada (not that overseas manufacturing is bad, but a product still made "at source" is a rarity these days and does say something special. The legendary company warranty and pride. Minus points, One could mention price (but really longevity, quality, customer care and warranty HAVE to be taken into account, and then it's a bargain!). The hood, minus a helmet, is a little fussy (but we can't please all the people all of the time).

When I first received this jacket, it drove me nuts. I forced myself to wear it as it was a gift from my son. Real simple now - it is my go to jacket in southeast. I does everything I can imagine and I'm getting another just to own two. It is durable, sheds water, washed up easily and is just plain fantastic. We get a bunch of rain here and this is the only thing that is reliable.

I climb communication towers for a living and needed a super tough super light shell. The steel on the towers can be very hard on clothes. The temps are much cooler at those heights even in summer, and the wind many times feels like hurricane force when there is no wind at all on the ground and normal rain feels like freezing sleet. Forget about winter. Insanely cold with the wind, and the steel on the tower is so cold it's beyond description. This jacket meets all of my needs for strength, wind and rain blocking, and lightweight. Nothing better on the market. Fit: I am 5 ft 9 inches, and a very fit 150 pounds and purchased a small. It runs a bit on the larger side, but it covers my rear end, and enough room for layering and no riding up when I'm wearing my full body climbing harness. The helmet compatible hood works great over my helmet and there are 3 adjustments to cinch the hood down. Overall the jacket looks great with or without layers and I love the pilot color. I didn't purchase this as a fashion statement, but as a a functional piece of safety gear equally as important to me as my harness and helmet. Just an added bonus that it looks cool too. I appreciate high quality and well made products and this is built with the highest quality materials and construction standards. Can't put a price on your well being or your life when you're exposed to extreme weather for long periods of time. With that said it's a bargain and should last many years.

I climb communication towers for a living and needed a super tough super light shell. The steel on the towers can be very hard on clothes. The temps are much cooler at those heights even in summer, and the wind many times feels like hurricane force when there is no wind at all on the ground and normal rain feels like freezing sleet. Forget about winter. Insanely cold with the wind, and the steel on the tower is so cold it's beyond description. This jacket meets all of my needs for strength, wind and rain blocking, and lightweight. Nothing better on the market. Fit: I am 5 ft 9 inches, and a very fit 150 pounds and purchased a small. It runs a bit on the larger side, but it covers my rear end, and enough room for layering and no riding up when I'm wearing my full body climbing harness. The helmet compatible hood works great over my helmet and there are 3 adjustments to cinch the hood down. Overall the jacket looks great with or without layers and I love the pilot color. I didn't purchase this as a fashion statement, but as a a functional piece of safety gear equally as important to me as my harness and helmet. Just an added bonus that it looks cool too. I appreciate high quality and well made products and this is built with the highest quality materials and construction standards. Can't put a price on your well being or your life when you're exposed to extreme weather for long periods of time. With that said it's a bargain and should last many years.

I have owned 2 Alpha SV jackets in the last 12 years. Paired with Alpha SV bibs, this setup has been bulletproof in extremely harsh early season conditions on Denali and on winter climbs of all kinds in Colorado. Paired with Arcteryx shell pants, this rig has easily made the grade in somewhat less severe conditions.

First of all, I will try to say something bad, otherwise it is not a good review, it is like if a grandma speaks about the grandchild. It is always difficult to say something bad of something that has cost you so much money, it is like if you are saying of yourself that you are stupid, it goes against our nature, but I will try. The hood is the only point I am not 100% satisfied, I would say. The design is made so that a helmet can be put inside, which is in my opinion fine. The point is, when you are not wearing helmet, you can adjust it with a cord, but this adjustment can never be so good as if it would have been done without previewing it for a helmet. I would also be happier if it would be a little longer on the back side, so that the back would be a little bit more protected on the behind. Only things let's say I am 90% happy with, the rest, 100%. It is always the question, why I should buy such an expensive jacket. The first thing I noticed before buying it is that it was much stiffer than the rest of the jackets, which it is a sign of protection. You can try with jackets of other brands, just touch them and touch also the Alpha SV, the Alpha SV is noticeably stiffer. Among the Arc'teryx jackets, this is made with N100p, 100 is the thickness, so this jacket is the thickest of all the Goretex jackets, so that it is supposed to be the most protective. When you are in a very harsh situation, with snow very high winds, you always want to have the best possible, and in my opinion this is the case of this jacket. In that cases, you want care about 100 more or less, you will be sure that you have made the right decission with this jacket. The pocket are extremely well sealed, I like a lot that the jacket reaches my nose, so that it is protected of high winds. It can be packed very easily and there is room for layering. You just feel like in a shelter, even if there are hard conditions outside. I can say I had it twice in the 2 years I own this jacket and the performance was really more than outstanding. Finaly, I want to mention that I was told that delamination may appear after some years and to avoid that just try to pack it always on a different way, so that it last longer. Forget about packing it like a smart shirt with perfect lines. If you do this, delamination may appear in the areas you make these perfect lines.