Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket

This shell is the pinnacle of bombproof climing shells. The wicking capabilities are fantastic and nothing keeps the weather out better. I typically use this for winters on Mt Washington and I will layer with a base, fleece and this. Perfect with a pack on arms articulate very well. I have used this shell for 4 years now. I got this in black and I feel like batman everytime I put it on.

This Jacket has endured 4 months of Alpine Climbing in the southern Patagonian Ice Field, over a dozen ice climbing and ski touring forays into the northern Cascades and has been to the top of Mt. Mckinley. It doesn't sag or wilt after extended exposure to humidity or moisture and the fit accommodates virtually any layering system and it still looks and smells new!

Used on numerous foul weather excursions here at home in the Lakes,in Scotland and the European Alps this Jacket has seen some action! The fit is great, the Storm hood is the best out there and the choice of face fabric spot-on. If you like going out in the Elements and live for the Mountains wether Hiking,Climbing or Ski-ing this Jacket does it all. A trusty fortress for the Alpine!

I recently bought this jacket and I couldn't have asked for a better jacket. I have owned various other brands but I would have to say Arc'teryx has really outdone themselves on this one! It is very comfortable, keeps you dry and is thick enough to keep you warm during the cold days that we have here up in Alaska. It is a must have!

Bought this a few weeks ago as a replacement goretex jacket-been great especially with the option for layering.

The only reason I give it a 4 and not a 5 is the lack of the belay (2 way zipper). I'm 5'9", 175 and the medium is a little long but that's what I wanted for layering and skiing. Ive been out in sideways rain and drizzle and it's doing a great job of keeping my dry.

I got this jacket for the harshest of winter commutes. As a paraplegic if my equipment (my awesome Bowhead bike) fails then I better be prepared to stay out in the cold till help arrives. The flip side is that I also want equipment that will allow me full range of motion and the ability to shed or retain heat in the coldest of rides. Whether you're in the city or on a mountain -35c is darn cold. This jacket is my first line of defence.

A High quality jacket! I am going to keep it and am looking forward to using it on an upcoming mountaineering trip... But the pull cords for the hood on the front aren't locking when pulled. The cord is pulled to tighten up the hood around your head or helmet but when you let go it just loosens up. I am going to try to add a cord lock to it.

I was using Alpha SV since 2005 for mountaineering and backcountry skiing in Canada, AB. Great product, I love it. Owned two Alpha's , and going to buy the third one. But glued stiches are not going to last. My first Alpha lasted 5 years before it fell apart. My second Alpha endured 7 years before serious problems with stiches started to show up.

I was using Alpha SV since 2005 for mountaineering and backcountry skiing in Canada, AB. Great product, I love it. Owned two Alpha's , and going to buy the third one. But glued stiches are not going to last. My first Alpha lasted 5 years before it fell apart. My second Alpha endured 7 years before serious problems with stiches started to show up.

Wow, this is a real shell of a jacket. It is super solid. Have not put it through its paces yet, but cannot immagin what it cannot handle. The only issues I found are, well besides the price (but that's no secret) is that the jacket does seem a little big in the sizing and its a bit noisy, but what do you expect from a tank.

Finally got myself the Alpha SV after buying other Arc'teryx jackets like the Beta AR. You can feel the quality, and the fit is great. I'm not a climber or avid outdoorsman, but it's my daily jacket in the Lower Mainland, where rain is something we get used to. The only one thing I would change with this jacket is the pocket placement. Maybe it's designed for access while wearing climbing gear or whatever (I wouldn't know), but it's awkward getting into the pockets as the zippers are near the center of the jacket, and the pocket liner is towards the sides (pockets are usually accessed from the sides with the hand sliding in towards the center...this is like a "cross draw" pocket, with the hand of the opposite side opening and sliding into the pocket).

Finally got myself the Alpha SV after buying other Arc'teryx jackets like the Beta AR. You can feel the quality, and the fit is great. I'm not a climber or avid outdoorsman, but it's my daily jacket in the Lower Mainland, where rain is something we get used to. The only one thing I would change with this jacket is the pocket placement. Maybe it's designed for access while wearing climbing gear or whatever (I wouldn't know), but it's awkward getting into the pockets as the zippers are near the center of the jacket, and the pocket liner is towards the sides (pockets are usually accessed from the sides with the hand sliding in towards the center...this is like a "cross draw" pocket, with the hand of the opposite side opening and sliding into the pocket).

This jacket has been holding up great. Its my go to for both city and outdoor activities (snow sports) I was debating between this jacket and beta AR but the build quality on the Alpha SV was better so I went with this one. Because this is a jack of all trades, it wont beat out any activity specific jackets but if you need the one to do it all, i recommend this jacket.

This jacket has been holding up great. Its my go to for both city and outdoor activities (snow sports) I was debating between this jacket and beta AR but the build quality on the Alpha SV was better so I went with this one. Because this is a jack of all trades, it wont beat out any activity specific jackets but if you need the one to do it all, i recommend this jacket.

Love this jacket. Purchased 17 years ago and only now has it started to show its wear (but only a bit). It's been excellent for skiing and hiking in wet Cascadia and beyond. I would highly recommend this jacket. It's tough, it's high quality, and it's my first choice off the hook when headed out in the snow or rain.

I am 5'11", 179, very fit athletic build, slightly broad shoulders, thin waist, own probably 10 ArcT. jackets, 5 ski/bc pants, and spend at least 4 days a week in winter in the mountains of WY, etc... so I have pretty good appreciation for the gear and sizing. Like all other ArcT I got a M sized Alpha SV and it is superb but seems to me it has a oddly limited fit through the shoulder. Medium is remarkably snug between underarm and shoulder and that is with a t-shirt below. A Large I fear would be giant on me everywhere else in the fit, particularly the arm length which starts off generous (which is good), otherwise I would trade up in size (not available at the moment as well). I might keep it but if so, only bc I want the Pro 100D material for the roughest winter days in the back country and the nastiest rainy days in my drift boat in the rain.

I bought this a month ago for northern bc cold climate. So far it is worth its weight in gold. Combine with the atom ar you'd be able to last overnight in an emergency situation. Highly recommended

Good jact but with some slight sizing tweaks it could be even better. Have used it for mountaineering as well as ice climbing and it works flawlessly. It would be nice if they could do a similar jacket with a different pocket design. For when you not climbing.

This a top notch jacket that I have used across the spectrum activities. From Snow/rain walking around the city, hiking in torrential down pours, white water rafting, to skiing in the back country. My only notch against it is the lack of hand pockets which only comes into play during casual wear.

Great shell, but consider all of your options and be realistic about your intended use. Mountaineering and climbing the Andes then this shell is perfect. Anything else and consider the many other shells Arcteryx makes available.

I own 3 alpha sv 2013,2016 and now a 2018 model. The first 2 are still as new!! The only disappointing thing, is you the removed til supporting insert around the hip, to afford a 3rd inner pocket? Thats low!! The 2018 is NOT comfy around the hip as the previous models. But still an Arceryx fan

I own 3 alpha sv 2013,2016 and now a 2018 model. The first 2 are still as new!! The only disappointing thing, is you the removed til supporting insert around the hip, to afford a 3rd inner pocket? Thats low!! The 2018 is NOT comfy around the hip as the previous models. But still an Arceryx fan

I've had this Jacket since 2012 and I've primarily used it for winter sports. I started using it more as my go to rain jacket within the last year or two and have not been that impressed with its ability to hold up in a rain storm. I teach skiing and snowboarding in Vail and Steamboat Springs Colorado in the winter and I have been spending my summers hiking, camping, climbing, and traveling while not driving my ride share. I am outdoors more time than not and have tested this jacket in environments around the world. I would give this piece of equipment 5 stars if it were better at holding up in the rain. It is still one of my favorite pieces of gear. The fit is amazing and as far as wind and snow are concerned it is amazing that something this thin can be so protective. From all over the US to Canada, Mexico, Peru, Nepal, New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh I have tested Arc'teryx products and they are always impressive with the comfort and versatility of everything they make. However for the price I am disappointed in this particular product. I have tried reapplying a DWR but it doesn't seem to make much of a lasting difference. This jacket soaks through within 10 minutes of moderate rain. In heavy rain it soaks through in less than five minutes.

I've had this Jacket since 2012 and I've primarily used it for winter sports. I started using it more as my go to rain jacket within the last year or two and have not been that impressed with its ability to hold up in a rain storm. I teach skiing and snowboarding in Vail and Steamboat Springs Colorado in the winter and I have been spending my summers hiking, camping, climbing, and traveling while not driving my ride share. I am outdoors more time than not and have tested this jacket in environments around the world. I would give this piece of equipment 5 stars if it were better at holding up in the rain. It is still one of my favorite pieces of gear. The fit is amazing and as far as wind and snow are concerned it is amazing that something this thin can be so protective. From all over the US to Canada, Mexico, Peru, Nepal, New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh I have tested Arc'teryx products and they are always impressive with the comfort and versatility of everything they make. However for the price I am disappointed in this particular product. I have tried reapplying a DWR but it doesn't seem to make much of a lasting difference. This jacket soaks through within 10 minutes of moderate rain. In heavy rain it soaks through in less than five minutes.