Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket

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 lets 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.

In 3 years, I have spent over 300 days in my Alpha SV. It has put up with every possible condition that I can living in Colorado. Rain, snow, sleet, hail, wind gusts well above 50 mph, and windchill down to -25 F. The jacket still looks new despite skiing fast through tree branches, rubbing against rocks, hard falls bombing down chutes, etc. Even with all that time spent in it and sweating up a storm, all I've had to do is tech wash it a couple times a season and reapply the DWR once a season (mostly necessary due to wearing a backpack and rubbing hard on the shell for hours at a time). Pit zips are great for dumping heat. The crossover pockets keep your center balanced. The laminated interior pockets are just as readily accessible. The left bicep pocket is great for a ski pass. The hood easily adjusts for ski, bike, and climbing helmets. Expedition fit allows for a layering. Waist and hem adjustments allow a streamline fit even without any layers. I can't speak for latest and greatest N100p-X Pro material, but if the N80p-X Pro material is any indication, what Gore and Arc'teryx has done is fantastic. At this rate though, I won't be buying another SV jacket for a few more years at least. I definitely recommend trying this jacket on with the layers you'd want to wear underneath them to figure out sizing.

I've read a lot of these 5-star reviews and they all hold up. I LOVE my Alpha SV Odysseus. It is absolutely beautiful and a great product. The reviews are true. The reason why I'm writing this review is to mention the repair aspect of the company. I've read great things about Arcteryx's warranty and how they replace and repair jackets if something goes wrong, but I had a problem that wasn't under warranty. I ripped my jacket in 3 spots and sent it in for repair. I had just bought the jacket so I was bummed that I was going to have to probably pay for a new one since I was pretty sure the damage was irreparable. However, the repair department told me they'd send me a new jacket and only charge me what it would cost to repair the jacket if it were repairable. I am so happy with Arcteryx and I can say their repair/warranty service is truly remarkable. I have bought 2 Alpha SV jackets since 2006 and will continue to buy Arcteryx products despite their high pricetag. You get what you pay for with Arcteryx and it pays off in the long run. P.S. My wife has the Alpha SV Mirage and she loves it. She's really into fashion so I was surprised how much she was into her "utility" jacket. It looks that good. Her only con is the Napolean pockets are too high for her, so she just wears gloves.

I've read a lot of these 5-star reviews and they all hold up. I LOVE my Alpha SV Odysseus. It is absolutely beautiful and a great product. The reviews are true. The reason why I'm writing this review is to mention the repair aspect of the company. I've read great things about Arcteryx's warranty and how they replace and repair jackets if something goes wrong, but I had a problem that wasn't under warranty. I ripped my jacket in 3 spots and sent it in for repair. I had just bought the jacket so I was bummed that I was going to have to probably pay for a new one since I was pretty sure the damage was irreparable. However, the repair department told me they'd send me a new jacket and only charge me what it would cost to repair the jacket if it were repairable. I am so happy with Arcteryx and I can say their repair/warranty service is truly remarkable. I have bought 2 Alpha SV jackets since 2006 and will continue to buy Arcteryx products despite their high pricetag. You get what you pay for with Arcteryx and it pays off in the long run. P.S. My wife has the Alpha SV Mirage and she loves it. She's really into fashion so I was surprised how much she was into her "utility" jacket. It looks that good. Her only con is the Napolean pockets are too high for her, so she just wears gloves.

I've owned this jacket 10+ years and mine just started to fall apart after a wash. The seam tape is glued so there is the weak like in the overall construction of the jacket. Its travelled to many climates and many conditions over the years but if you have sticker shock on the overall price I can say that they do last and are by far the best product on the market

Very breathable, does not add warmth The jacket just defends you against the wind, rain and snow. The new face material is strong enough for backcountry use. 50 raining medium exertion level, when the rain stopped I removed the jacket and I did not become any cooler. 40 wind driven rain performed excellently for over an hour, one base layer. 20 dry but very windy base layer and lorum hoodie, seals out wind well. Typical hardshell paper crackly sound when the material is cold. Five pockets, plenty of storage for a day hike.

I had my alpha for almost 10 years before the gore tex at the cuff began to delaminate. This was nearly a decade of hard use skiing, alpine climbs, ice climbing, trekking and generally being abused. There were NO other flaws. The jacket was returned through the retailer and Arcteryx Replaced it FREE of charge. It's rare to find a company that backs its products after so long. Great product, great customer service, great company. If you're on th fence, buy arcteryx. It's worth the investment.

I live in UK and travel 15k miles a year on various motor bikes. I needed a waterproof jacket that accommodated my body armour during Spring summer and early Autumn. Read various reviews and bit the bullet on the Orange version. One year in and it is holding its own. waterproof, wind proof, versatile and packs small. The expedition fit allows armour and my rotund body to fit comfortably. I had a competitor jacket that gave up the ghost after 11 months. With my arc'teryx a machine wash and dry every month or so, WTD spray ..... and although it is showing wear it is a nice kind of wear with a patina that says it is holding up to a hard life well.

The really best in the market now; durable, useful, strong, comfortable in a few words perfect. I will put the powder skirt to just to use easily to snowboard or ski in the day without a bag pack

I had previously bought the Atom AR in size small and the jacket fits perfectly. According to Arc'Teryx's advice (not blaming anyone), I should buy the Alpha SV in size small too. After trying the Alpha SV over all layers (base, mid, and Atom AR), the general fit seemed correct but the sleeves are much longer, reaching the last phalanx of my ring finger. Now, it's possible to pull back the sleeve and attach it around my wrist and when I put gloves on, and it seems OK. There is still a little space between my insulation layer and the shell. So, I'm going to try the X-small but I hope it won't be too tight. I'll post follow-up pictures of the fit. For you info : I'm 172 cm tall (5 feet 8), Chest: 87 cm (34"), waist : 74cm (29"), back to wrist : 81 cm (32"). Thus, according to Arc'Teryx sizing charts, I should buy XS. I hope this helps y'all.

I had previously bought the Atom AR in size small and the jacket fits perfectly. According to Arc'Teryx's advice (not blaming anyone), I should buy the Alpha SV in size small too. After trying the Alpha SV over all layers (base, mid, and Atom AR), the general fit seemed correct but the sleeves are much longer, reaching the last phalanx of my ring finger. Now, it's possible to pull back the sleeve and attach it around my wrist and when I put gloves on, and it seems OK. There is still a little space between my insulation layer and the shell. So, I'm going to try the X-small but I hope it won't be too tight. I'll post follow-up pictures of the fit. For you info : I'm 172 cm tall (5 feet 8), Chest: 87 cm (34"), waist : 74cm (29"), back to wrist : 81 cm (32"). Thus, according to Arc'Teryx sizing charts, I should buy XS. I hope this helps y'all.

The Alpha SV jacket will protect you from just about anything that mother nature can throw at you. I am convinced that you could walk into a tornado and this jacket will come out looking like it was just taken off of the rack. I own this one in Cardinal and wear it everyday on my walk to work. I have yet to get too hot or wet on that trek and love how comfortable it is. The price might scare a few buyers away but know if you make the dive, this jacket will look fresh for years and the company will stand behind it.

I love doing winter 14ers in Colorado. This jacket replaced my old North Face Mountain Light which was good, but no comparison to my Alpha SV. It's light, tough, and has kept me dry and warm in horrible winter conditions. I can't imagine being in the mountains in winter without it. It's their most expensive jacket and seems like a lot for a shell. But once you've used it in severe conditions, you'll understand the expense is worth it. I plan on it being a lifetime purchase, so the expense is definitely worth it.

This jacket is bullet proof. I am the envy of all my friends. They refuse to buck up for what is clearly a superior product. I am going to buy another one just in case they decide (it would be foolish) to discontinue it. I couldn't live without it.

I've used my Alpha SV for several years now. I've been in the worst conditions possible in Utah, Mammoth, and Tahoe...below freezing with wind, sleet, blizzard, rain...you name it, I've been in it. 12 years of ski patrol experience as well. I bought the SV specifically for the conditions I find/put myself in, and I must say that it's performed flawlessly. It seals down tight when needed, the fit is great. I feel like I'm in a bank vault. When the world around me is chaos, it's like my private oasis. So good, I got the Theta SV bib. Short of catching on fire, I'm not too sure what these two can't handle. I owned North Face, Patagonia, Marmot, and Mammut. All are great brands and great products, but Arcteryx is simply the best I've ever used on every level. It's pricey, but it's worth every penny IMHO.

So, I wanted to write this review after owning the SV for a while. I have now, for more than a year, and have bought a second one I love it so much. I had a rather bad fall this year, about 6' down off a ledge onto rock. I landed on my elbow, and hip and the jacket came through unscathed. Not a scratch on it. This jacket is my, no matter how ugly it gets I need something I can rely on life saver. It's not too pack-able, I will admit. It's hot when the temps warm up, across the shoulders and the back, but when performance counts, this jacket can be relied upon. Period. If you need something for a wide variety of conditions, and maybe not the ultimate durability, go AR. If you need something as solid and dependable as possible for your money, SV.

So, I wanted to write this review after owning the SV for a while. I have now, for more than a year, and have bought a second one I love it so much. I had a rather bad fall this year, about 6' down off a ledge onto rock. I landed on my elbow, and hip and the jacket came through unscathed. Not a scratch on it. This jacket is my, no matter how ugly it gets I need something I can rely on life saver. It's not too pack-able, I will admit. It's hot when the temps warm up, across the shoulders and the back, but when performance counts, this jacket can be relied upon. Period. If you need something for a wide variety of conditions, and maybe not the ultimate durability, go AR. If you need something as solid and dependable as possible for your money, SV.

This is my first high end jacket, well, at least if you consider the price. Im one of those who cares a whole lot, probably too much, about the design and cut, but not to the extent that I would lower my expectations when it comes to usability, durability and anything else that really matters when you're out there in the wild. Even though I have a specific jacket for all my needs, I wanted a jacket that would cover 90% of them. With the Alpha SV I believe I've found that jacket. Its comfortable enough to wear on a low intensity hike, breathes extremely well, both in "hot" and in humid weather. The fit is roomy, without losing shape. I'm usually a size M, but this fit me perfectly in a Small. There is plenty of room for a thick mid layer, especially where it counts, over the chest and shoulders. The fabrics are soft enough to maneuver freely and comfortably, more like that of a single/two layer jacket. But then the wind starts bashing up against you the jacket is stiff and strong enough to make the wind go around you instead of moving the fabrics like a flag hanging freely. Tighten the hood well, and it moves with you instead of your head moving around inside it. Loosen it up if thats what you prefer... Easy, one-hand-adjustable cuffs. So far its proven to be a jacket that would rule them all. I guess the only thing I wouldn't use this jacket for is running and as a fine dining jacket in a country club...

This is my first high end jacket, well, at least if you consider the price. Im one of those who cares a whole lot, probably too much, about the design and cut, but not to the extent that I would lower my expectations when it comes to usability, durability and anything else that really matters when you're out there in the wild. Even though I have a specific jacket for all my needs, I wanted a jacket that would cover 90% of them. With the Alpha SV I believe I've found that jacket. Its comfortable enough to wear on a low intensity hike, breathes extremely well, both in "hot" and in humid weather. The fit is roomy, without losing shape. I'm usually a size M, but this fit me perfectly in a Small. There is plenty of room for a thick mid layer, especially where it counts, over the chest and shoulders. The fabrics are soft enough to maneuver freely and comfortably, more like that of a single/two layer jacket. But then the wind starts bashing up against you the jacket is stiff and strong enough to make the wind go around you instead of moving the fabrics like a flag hanging freely. Tighten the hood well, and it moves with you instead of your head moving around inside it. Loosen it up if thats what you prefer... Easy, one-hand-adjustable cuffs. So far its proven to be a jacket that would rule them all. I guess the only thing I wouldn't use this jacket for is running and as a fine dining jacket in a country club...

The new Alpha SV is truly solid. Not that the previous generations weren't, they just made some great improvements. The new stronger face fabric is more supple than I thought it would be and as far as any more noisy, we might be splitting hairs a bit. All nylon face fabrics will make a sound. Soft shells can even be a little loud sometimes. I have the super lightweight Norvan Hoody and it just really seems to be a different pitch to me, but not really different in a bothersome way. Of course, if you have something like the Stingray Pant with the soft shell backer, it'll be quieter. But, when you have a mid layer on underneath the Alpha SV, it muffles the sound in a similar way. And, the trade off of feeling so well protected is definitely worth it. You feel a lot of confidence wearing it for sure. I just feel like I can bump into rocks and trees and have my snowboard hit it without any concern of the face fabric ripping. It feels so solid. AND, it's lighter??? Well done Arc'teryx! A side note: I'm 6'0", 180lb.s, 40" chest and 35" arms and I chose the small. I won't be layering more than an Atom LT under it and it has all the room I need. I'm a medium with the Atom, Fission SV, Norman, etc., I just won't be using the Alpha SV so much for alpinism as I will for snowboarding, hiking, scrambling, etc. The medium didn't look bad. I just liked the fit of the small better. P.S. The Odysseus color is an instant classic! ...unless they had it before I became a bird fan :)

The new Alpha SV is truly solid. Not that the previous generations weren't, they just made some great improvements. The new stronger face fabric is more supple than I thought it would be and as far as any more noisy, we might be splitting hairs a bit. All nylon face fabrics will make a sound. Soft shells can even be a little loud sometimes. I have the super lightweight Norvan Hoody and it just really seems to be a different pitch to me, but not really different in a bothersome way. Of course, if you have something like the Stingray Pant with the soft shell backer, it'll be quieter. But, when you have a mid layer on underneath the Alpha SV, it muffles the sound in a similar way. And, the trade off of feeling so well protected is definitely worth it. You feel a lot of confidence wearing it for sure. I just feel like I can bump into rocks and trees and have my snowboard hit it without any concern of the face fabric ripping. It feels so solid. AND, it's lighter??? Well done Arc'teryx! A side note: I'm 6'0", 180lb.s, 40" chest and 35" arms and I chose the small. I won't be layering more than an Atom LT under it and it has all the room I need. I'm a medium with the Atom, Fission SV, Norman, etc., I just won't be using the Alpha SV so much for alpinism as I will for snowboarding, hiking, scrambling, etc. The medium didn't look bad. I just liked the fit of the small better. P.S. The Odysseus color is an instant classic! ...unless they had it before I became a bird fan :)

J'ai cette veste depuis maintenant 3 ans, elle est vraiment l'outil que j'emmne quand je sais que les conditions peuvent tre dlicates en hiver dans les crins ou alors sur les pentes Npalaise elle a vraiment t parfaite. J'ai lu dans d'autres commentaires qu'elle est un peu bruyante, c'est vrai manque un peu de souplesse parfois ce qui fait frotter le tissu et provoque un bruit qui peut tre ennuyeux avec le temps. c'est une veste que j'aime particulirement.

As you can see by all the awards and accolades, this is a good jacket. Lots of arm articulation. I have hiked in pouring rain all day with this jacket and I am dry as a bone inside. Like not a drop. It seems to very abrasion resistant too. The SV is serious business and is made from thicker material than its lighter-weight siblings and fits large so you can wear a few layers underneath. This is not an around-town or every day coat, it's purpose built so you can battle nature and win. Arcteryx has other, more suitable options if you need a more versatile jacket.

I was reluctant to buy this super expensive jacket when I saw the price tag. The fit wasn't right at first. I feel it was too loose. In the field, this is a hard shell for heavy duty. I always have medium to thick mid layer. The Alpha SV is perfectly fit well. During trekking in Rinjani, it was raining from 10:00AM to 2:00AM another day. I am so thankful to have this jacket. It keeps me dry and not too warm. Even unnoticeable sweat. I saw other people wearing the rain coat or other hardshell jacket with heavily sweat all over. I have used this jacket for 5-6 trips and it still look great after washing. On the con side, it can be a pricey. But the material is quite good. Another con would be the weight. It's quite heavy and bulky. I bought another Alpha FL for short trip trekking though.

I was reluctant to buy this super expensive jacket when I saw the price tag. The fit wasn't right at first. I feel it was too loose. In the field, this is a hard shell for heavy duty. I always have medium to thick mid layer. The Alpha SV is perfectly fit well. During trekking in Rinjani, it was raining from 10:00AM to 2:00AM another day. I am so thankful to have this jacket. It keeps me dry and not too warm. Even unnoticeable sweat. I saw other people wearing the rain coat or other hardshell jacket with heavily sweat all over. I have used this jacket for 5-6 trips and it still look great after washing. On the con side, it can be a pricey. But the material is quite good. Another con would be the weight. It's quite heavy and bulky. I bought another Alpha FL for short trip trekking though.