Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket

Purchased an Alpha SV from the Outlet Store. It is exceptionally well made and the fit is perfect. An added feature is that it's made in Canada. The only negative is that the color (Soulsonic) is actually much darker than what is depicted in the online picture.

Purchased about a month ago, I used this on an alpine climb in October that included a few pitches of off-width and a squeeze chimney on granite. Even though I got scraped up, the jacket doesn't have a single mark on it. And it protected against the cold October wind like a champ.

I bought this a month ago and it hasn't disappointed me absolutely first class and bulletproof

I purchased this just before moving to and living on a ski hill for a full season. The jacket performed extremely well, wind/sleet/snow basically a non-issue through heavy use, on the hill and on snowmobile. Comfortable with or without a down layer, so it was fully usable from the coldest days to the warmest. I did get a rip in the jacket over the season, and Arcteryx fully covered it through their warranty, replacing it with a brand new one. Terrific jacket and customer service overall, if you need a heavy duty shell you can't go wrong with this one!

Simply put: This is by far the best jacket I've ever had. Fully waterproof, fully wind proof and versatile to mixed Scottish Winter activities, from hiking to ice climbing and back country skiing.

I am on my second Alpha SV Jacket. They have been used for a number of seasons, mostly Ski Touring Guiding, and Winter Skills Courses in the unpredictable Scottish Highlands. It is a bomber jacket, robust fabric which just works. The features are well thought out without being too complicated of over engineered. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into making features simple and usable. Fit is good with enough space for extra layers but not too bulky without. Hood works with a big ski helmet and cinches down when using hood without a helmet. One small annoyance is the positioning of the velcro tabs on the wrist. With the cuffs fully open (or when wearing big gloves) the velcro tab barely reaches the other velcro fastener and as a result, easily comes loose. When the cuffs are fully tightened round the wrist, there is still lots of velcro which cannot be used. It seems that the velcro sewn onto the cuffs could be readjusted a few cm to more fully engage the tab. Other than that small tweak, the jacket is spot on.

I am on my second Alpha SV Jacket. They have been used for a number of seasons, mostly Ski Touring Guiding, and Winter Skills Courses in the unpredictable Scottish Highlands. It is a bomber jacket, robust fabric which just works. The features are well thought out without being too complicated of over engineered. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into making features simple and usable. Fit is good with enough space for extra layers but not too bulky without. Hood works with a big ski helmet and cinches down when using hood without a helmet. One small annoyance is the positioning of the velcro tabs on the wrist. With the cuffs fully open (or when wearing big gloves) the velcro tab barely reaches the other velcro fastener and as a result, easily comes loose. When the cuffs are fully tightened round the wrist, there is still lots of velcro which cannot be used. It seems that the velcro sewn onto the cuffs could be readjusted a few cm to more fully engage the tab. Other than that small tweak, the jacket is spot on.

Used one of these for several years, and it has taken a beating. Around 250 days climbing ice, rock and alpine ridges, as well as a working at heights, performing lift evacuaiton training in a ski resort and alpine touring. Asides from a few holes I inflicted due to ice tools this jacket is almost like new. Make sure to wash it and it'll stick with you.

I wish I bought this shell years ago. It breathes beautifully and it is super easy to regulate the temperature to suit the activity. I have warn the alpha sv in -20C and 15C in the rain. First class comfort.

I bought this jacket for one purpose, to protect me from whatever was thrown at me outdoors. And it does. I wanted a jacket that could keep the wind, rain, snow, cats and dogs out. It is tough and has no issues pushing through dense bush without tearing. The hood has loads of adjustments for just the right fit. I would have liked extra hand pockets and the zipper for arm vents to run all the way down. When you first buy the coat the zippers are super stiff and not easy to use. I would have liked bigger zippers but also know that comes at cost of extra weight. The jacket is not cheap. The jacket is amazing. It is the one thing I always pack be it hiking, camping etc.

I bought this jacket for one purpose, to protect me from whatever was thrown at me outdoors. And it does. I wanted a jacket that could keep the wind, rain, snow, cats and dogs out. It is tough and has no issues pushing through dense bush without tearing. The hood has loads of adjustments for just the right fit. I would have liked extra hand pockets and the zipper for arm vents to run all the way down. When you first buy the coat the zippers are super stiff and not easy to use. I would have liked bigger zippers but also know that comes at cost of extra weight. The jacket is not cheap. The jacket is amazing. It is the one thing I always pack be it hiking, camping etc.

I bought this jacket a little over a month ago.The few times i've used the jacket so far it seems absolutely bullet proof.Although the weather has not been to severe this jacket has get kept me dry and the wind out.

This is a really nice jacket which fits properly and is well constructed. Basically is a bombproof jacket. I have been using The North Face jackets, which are fine; however, this one exceeded my expectations. Clearly is better constructed compared with competitors

Gassed got this jacket while back with some money I saved up just wish I could afford another

I finally decided to upgrade from my older Arcteryx Hardshell and am not disappointed. My old shell was still in perfect condition, but was 20yrs old and this has been on my wish list for a long time. So far I've only used it for back-country skiing and it was amazing. Slightly large, but that's what I need as I wear over a down layer when I need the extra warmth and am not on the move.

I mesure 5'11 at 170 lbs and the medium Alpha SV fits perfectly on me when I wear it with my Arc'teryx Atom. The jacket is fully waterproof and breathable which is key when doing outdoor activities. This was my first time with a Jacket without side pockets and took me a few wears to get used to it. However having car keys in the chest pockets is not ideal, this is why when I drive in my car, i'll put the keys in the piece of clothing I'm wearing underneath. Other than that, great Jacket

I mesure 5'11 at 170 lbs and the medium Alpha SV fits perfectly on me when I wear it with my Arc'teryx Atom. The jacket is fully waterproof and breathable which is key when doing outdoor activities. This was my first time with a Jacket without side pockets and took me a few wears to get used to it. However having car keys in the chest pockets is not ideal, this is why when I drive in my car, i'll put the keys in the piece of clothing I'm wearing underneath. Other than that, great Jacket

I've always loved Arc'teryx clothing and have had a zeta ar shell for some time but always wanted to upgrade to the alpha sv and it was a pretty big investment but it really was worth every penny!! Perfect jacket for living on the west coast of BC!

I was skeptical until I put it in action. I had full range of motion for technical ice climbing and mixed. I was quiet sure the jacket was going to be wrecked when I got down from mixed climbing. Not a scratch on it! I would definitely recommend this Shell, worth every penny! ALPHA SV OWNER FOR LIFE!

This rain jacket will be the last jacket you'll buy. It's absolutely overkill and I love it.

This is a very confidence inspiring jacket. This newest version covers my butt better than the last one. I have to say it's like wearing a personal shelter.don't expect to be stealthy wearing this jacket. It's a bit "crunchy" while moving. Sleeve length is a bit long but it makes more sense when you are reaching for something and there is no restrictions of movement. Multiple hood adjustments allow for a custom fit. You simply have to try one of these jackets on to understand the engineering that went into it. I really like my jacket.

I live on the West Coast of the Scottish Highlands. The persistent horizontal rain can weaken the soul at times and the winter storms are no joke. The SV gives amazing protection against just about anything that Scottish winter can throw at you, both on the sea level and up in the mountains, or working outdoors in horrendous weather. Very solid and durable, and very versatile. Good for most activities when you live in the Highlands. The asking price is outrageous but I guess one is paying for a premium imported product and the warranty. And here it comes. After a few years of use, the thin material covering the inside of the handcuff area came off, so did the bottom and the middle drawstring. I've been instructed by the customer support to post it to their repair spot in Switzerland, where the jacket was repaired. Sawn, rather than glued, but I thought they did a cracking job. So here I am, getting another good few years use thanks to that. This is a review of the customer service rather than just the jacket - thank you for sorting it out for me.

I live on the West Coast of the Scottish Highlands. The persistent horizontal rain can weaken the soul at times and the winter storms are no joke. The SV gives amazing protection against just about anything that Scottish winter can throw at you, both on the sea level and up in the mountains, or working outdoors in horrendous weather. Very solid and durable, and very versatile. Good for most activities when you live in the Highlands. The asking price is outrageous but I guess one is paying for a premium imported product and the warranty. And here it comes. After a few years of use, the thin material covering the inside of the handcuff area came off, so did the bottom and the middle drawstring. I've been instructed by the customer support to post it to their repair spot in Switzerland, where the jacket was repaired. Sawn, rather than glued, but I thought they did a cracking job. So here I am, getting another good few years use thanks to that. This is a review of the customer service rather than just the jacket - thank you for sorting it out for me.

I own the Alpha SV pre-2016 version for many years - I worn it in many continents from wet tropical volcano exploration in Indonesia/Hawai'i, bone chilling Sahara at night, to the freezing mountain top in Rocky Mountains here in Alberta. I am not going to repeat what other reviewers have already commented. This jacket is simply quality without compromise. Simply put, this jacket has never gave up and can always be counted on. It is in my backpack everywhere I go. I updated my SV recently in late 2020 and look forward to wearing it in many adventures to come after Covid.

I own the Alpha SV pre-2016 version for many years - I worn it in many continents from wet tropical volcano exploration in Indonesia/Hawai'i, bone chilling Sahara at night, to the freezing mountain top in Rocky Mountains here in Alberta. I am not going to repeat what other reviewers have already commented. This jacket is simply quality without compromise. Simply put, this jacket has never gave up and can always be counted on. It is in my backpack everywhere I go. I updated my SV recently in late 2020 and look forward to wearing it in many adventures to come after Covid.