Description
Count on the super-tough Arc'teryx Alpha SV Bibs to protect you through the worst storms you encounter in the mountains.
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Share your thoughts
What do you think of the
Arc'teryx Alpha SV Bib - Men's
? Share a...
Love em!
johnnysmiles
Member since
I've had these bibs for about 4 years now and couldn't be happier. Construction is solid, and I only have a few small tears from crampons and skiing into tree branches accidentially. I'm a big fan of the articulating knees and kneepads. No problem lifting my legs when I'm climbing, and the kneepads add some protection when ice climbing and keep the knees warm when kneeling on snow. The full length side zips are a must for me, great for ventalation, but mostly allows for a speedy approach in just base layers and a quick layering process without removing boots. I'm 5'10" 190 lbs and athletic and the L reg fits just fine.
As a product tester for Gore, I'm keen on the Gore-tex line of products and am a big fan of their pro shell material. I typically wear a single base layer under the bibs and have no issues with breathability or temperature regulation. As always, they keep me dry, even when snowmobiling. I alway end up repeatedly getting snow on the seat, and melting it with my bum. With other pants this results in a cold and wet bottomside, but problem solved here.
What would I change? The full zipper between the legs is a good thought, but really cumbersome to manage going #2 while wearing. I've done it plenty of times, but your other layerscan only be pulled down to the crotch of the bibs regardless of the zipper being open or not. Other than that, those sneaky little chest pockets must be zipped at all times if you don't want to lose the contents. I've managed to lose a camera in one instance, and ID, credit card, and 40 swiss francs in another.
I will definitely get another pair if mine ever die.
Super Hero Bibs!
Riffle
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
These bibs will make you feel like a super hero. They simply deliver. These are going on sale now because Dead'Bird is coming out with an updated version in Fall 2013, which makes the current version a steal at these prices. Everyone knows what Goretex Pro is all about so let me give you a review of the fit.
I'm 6'1" 185 and wear XL in all Arc'Teryx jackets--for the pants I go XL long. I have very broad shouders and a 45" chest. I wear 36" waist and 35"/36" leg pants. For these bibs I went XL Long and the fit is tailored to perfection. I was concerned there might be too much dead space in the chest/stomach area of the bibs, but with the athletic fit stying that wasn't a problem. With a single light base layer on top the fit is roomy but not baggy. If I add another light layer it feels very comfortable, not too tight and not too loose. If I add the Atom LT under the bibs and base layers (probably not going to use them like that most days out) the fit is still near perfect. The stretch material in the torso area of the bibs really allows for you to put a few layers on under the bib, but it doesn't mean the fit is too baggy, with just a light base layer on.
I have plenty of room in the crotch while wearing tights and fleece pants and the leg length is pretty good with my boots on--maybe an inch too long. My advice is if you are 6' and over go with the Long option, you will appreciate this when your pants are clipped into your boots and you have to make high step maneuvers--you won't have any pulling or tightness in the crotch, which is how they should fit. When in doubt always size up on the pant lengths.
You will need to adjust the suspenders some to find the sweet spot, but once you get dialed in these should fit like a finely tailored suit.
What is the inseam in the short version?
ubep410515
Member since
What is the inseam in the short version?
Pat Palmer
Member since
The Arc'eryx website doesn't specify, but typically, short is 30" reg is 32" and long is 34"
eve4476433
Member since
If you click on the size chart above (by the price), it tells you that short is 28.5".
Do I need to take off the pants to take a...
Ray
Member since
Do I need to take off the pants to take a dump? I suppose the zipper between 2 legs can be opened?
Janeclimber
Member since
It has the through-crouch zip goes all around. No need to peel off for taking a dump. You can take a dump with your harness on.
joh2486634
Member since
I usually have a base layer and a fleece pant on underneath for cold days. Just the base layer in the Spring and have the zippers open a bit. They are great.
eve4476433
Member since
Just leave them on. The Gore-Tex will do its job and keep you dry!
Adam
Member since
No way... Not possible, unless you are going commando under the bib. There is no way to pull down your mid-layer pants/boxers etc when wearing the bib. Not enough to do anything but a standing pee.
So I'm really interested in how these pants...
chris
Member since
So I'm really interested in how these pants do in the really cold temps and in the really warm temps. can anyone help tell me? im more interested in how these perform in warmer(spring) days
Adam
Member since
They're made from Gore-Tex Pro Shell.. You have a pro shell jacket, it'll be about that warm. I think for spring it's alright, but I find it strange that you'd want to wear a bib through spring. In the winter, you'll need a base and mid layer.
Hi,
I see these have no internal gaiter....
igkp212937
Member since
Hi,
I see these have no internal gaiter. How do they keep out the snow when I'm trudging up the untracked trails?
snowaydude
Member since
how come no one answered this question? I am wondering the same thing
way2ski125983
Member since
Pockets great! No gaiters bad! WTF anyway?
Cameron Costley
Member since
Arcteryx's Alpha line is designed for climbing and alpinism. I've never tried ice climbing but I have done a glaciated summit and I didn't need internal gaiters for that. The layout of this bib is designed to be used easily with a harness. I believe the reason Arcteryx left out the internal gaiter is because it isn't common in winter climbing or alpinism.
Janeclimber
Member since
I have the older model. It has two holes at the hem, you can thread a bungie cord through the holes. After you put on the bibs, you let the bungie cord go under the sole of your boot. It is sorta like the fastener on a gaiter. The leg openings are smaller than the ski pants because it is not really for fat ski boots. So when you secure the hem to the climbing boots using the bungie cord, the snow can hardly get in. I use them for BC ski and winter ice climbing and found no snow inside.
Amazing Pants!!!
Manville
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
These pants are amazing!! They are very heavy weight and durable. I use these pants for everything from AT to strait Alpine. You do have to layer since there is no insulation but my Arc'teryx pants and some wool long underwear make life beautiful. I am a gore mountain tech that believes that these are the best that Gore has to offer. An added perk is the pockets in the torso area. Great place for wallet. You will not be disappointed here.
I'm 5' 8" 155 lbs. Do I get a small or a...
marp44361
Member since
I'm 5' 8" 155 lbs. Do I get a small or a medium?
xprmntl1366362
Member since
If you need others to judge sizing for you, you need to quote waist size and inseam--this is how pants are sized. Probably a Medium, which is ~33" waist. Then you need to get the length for your inseam, S=30", M/R=32", L/T=34". Search for "size" on this page for Backcountry's fitting help.
Theta SV
ethp21179
Member since
I have used these pants extensively, from mountaineering trips to Mt. Olympus, to backcountry, multi-day snowshoeing trips in the Cascades. These pants are exceptionally well made. The fit is fitted without being tight, and not baggy. The ProShell holds up like a champ and the full length zippers are a great feature as well as the crotch zipper. Highly recommend. *note: I was given these pants as part of the MountainTechs program. However, even if I was not, I would have written the same review as I truly believe in Arcteryx products.
Hi guys,
Planning on getting these bibs...
alo4695499
Member since
Hi guys,
Planning on getting these bibs for winter alpine climbing, ice, and also ski tours where I will be waist deep in powder.
I am trying to chose between the Alpha SV, Theta SV, and a few others like the Patagonia Super Alpine.
How do the Alpha SV's go with trudging through the powder? Does anything get through the hems? I can't wear any external gaiters as this interferes with the touring boots I wear when I put them in walk mode.
Also, what makes these bibs more purpose built for climbing than the Thetas? If the Theta has everything that these pants have, plus the internal snow gaiters, I would just use the Thetas.
James Jenden
Member since
These are a bit burlier than the Thetas, which are more meant for Skiing. I have heard great things about the Super Alpine bibs, personally. They're made with the same fabric as the SV, and the fit is supposed to be fantastic. That said, the SV is a classic, so honestly, you could flip a coin, or just go with whichever color scheme you like better...
I'm 6' and 188 lbs
scott klossner
Member since
Bought the large, fit perfectly. I have an average inseam and length was perfect as well.
Tough as nails and very versatile
Greg Rasar
Member since
I bought a pair of these bibs in 2005 to be worn as a do-it-all outer layer for wear in the mountains while performing law enforcement duties,including crawling over rocks,through brush,over and under vehicles while winching people back up onto the roads after they had slid off in the snow. I bought them larger that needed to allow for wearing mid-layers as needed depending on how warm or cold it was,and still allow me to wear by body armor inside to keep it dry. The full length chest to lower back
waterproof zippers come in handy for when nature calls...I don't even have to remove my gun-belt from around my waist.The side zippers from hip to ankles make it easy to allow for built up heat to escape and to stay cool inside my patrol vehicle. The elastic cinch-cords afford a quick and easy means to snug the pant legs tight around the ankles of your boots when in deep snow or when on snowshoes,skis,or crampons.With the small grommets on both the inside and outside lower edges of the legs,attach a piece of elastic cord to go under the arch of your boots,and you are as close as you can get to a gaiter.They're going on seven years of full-time winter use,and they look almost new. Clean and waterproof them with Nikwax or similar products designed for gore-tex as needed, and they will as warranted,last a lifetime.
Nailed it
Hap Seliga
Member since
I think I tried on every bib BC sells, and these by far had the best cut/fit. In reality they've been super functional as well. An extra pocket or two might be handy, but that's splitting hairs in my book. Arc'teryx nailed it with these puppies.
I'm 5'7, 150, and the small is perfect. Shoulder straps are adjustable seemingly to any frame.
Noah Singer
Member since
I'm 5'11, 155lbs, do you think I could wear a small? I like a trim fit but want to be sure they would be long enough.
Hap Seliga
Member since
Order the "long" version, and you'll nail the fit.
What size? I'm 108 kg and 6'1 thanks
aq155342
Member since
What size? I'm 108 kg and 6'1 thanks
Mike Traslin
Member since
Large....
Great Bib, But The Zippers...
Isaac Rogers
Member since
I have had this bib for a few years now and have used it in many severe weather situations. I have found that it works perfectly as a ski pant, rain pant, sailing bib, and all around tough pant. The only beef i have with this particular design is the excessive use of zippers, I know that this is built for intense ice climbing, but this is also the only high enough arcteryx bib to work for ocean sailing. The zippers are far from waterproof, even though they are laminated they still leak quite a bit when in contact with driving water or rain. This is a big problem since zippers run all the way down both legs and down the crotch and up the butt(this zipper looks very funny and will get alot of awkward remarks).
Fernando Octavio Brendinberger
Member since
Have you tried using outerwear that's designed for open ocean sailing???
You give this bib a poor grade because you're using it for something that it was not designed for. All those zippers wouldn't be there if it were designed for open ocean sailing. It's designed to handle frozen water NOT liquid water.
It's like trying to use a four-sided cheese grader as a cup!
spuddude42065571
Member since
It's not a swimsuit
bad weather!
Dane Burns
Member since
Perfect place for a set of GTX bibs!
Tom Murphy
Member since
Looks like a good day.
The Bad weather bib...
Dane Burns
Member since
My go to piece when I need full weather protection. Well cut and easy to climb in.
fantastic, if you can afford them!
Joel Vermillion
Member since
These bibs are fantastic for anything mountain. I use them above my soft-shell pants for mountaineering, ski-mountaineering, telemark skiing & ice climbing when weather & conditions dictate. The double zipper on the side zips are perfect as you can open them up to get great ventilation and breathability when chugging up-hill, and quickly close them if heading down-hill in powder when you don't want a snow drift as one of your layer's. I did replace the cords on the zipper with some longer accessory cord I had so that I could more easily pull them with heavy gloves on. Also love the keprotec on the inside of the ankle's. Could use that on the seat as well. Mine have an inner snow collar, so not sure when the version changed for the fellow who commented on that below. The only reason I don't give these 5 stars is the price tag.
Buy the Theta for skiing
jge3528822
Member since
Well, while I'm still pleased with the quality of this bib, it is not geared for a skier. I own both the Theta and was given this bib recently for Christmas (schwing). I really really wanted this bib to replace an much older TNF Mountain Bib that has been a mainstay for far too long for me. I purchased the Theta couple years back and it continues to impress me each time I'm out and about or on the slopes.
The main thing, IMHO, that you should know is this bib does NOT have an inner ski cuff to keep snow out.
It is extremely light weight and I have put it to the test recently with a 12" snow. This is a mountain bib, but not a skiers bib. The Theta rocks plain and simple.
Oh yea...I'm 6'2" 185lbs (34" waste 35" inseam) and the the Large-Tall fits great.
Carl
Member since
Thanks for the helpful information. I was looking into buying the Alpha bib, because the front side seems to go over your chest more than the Theta. This would lead me to believe that the Alpha would be a warmer bib, but the lack of leg gaiters is a "deal-breaker" for me. I have a Cabela's Original Trans-Alaska Suit (you cannot buy this one anymore - discontinued in 2009, I bought it in 2007) and it also does not have leg gaiters. After an awesome ski trip in Big Sky Montana and getting tons of snow inside the bottom of the leg portion of the suit, I will not buy ski pants/bibs/suits without leg gaiters. Why? The snow and ice hardened on my insulating layers and I was very cold in that area. By the way, how are the Arc'teryx Theta bibs in terms of warmth and bulkiness? I'm looking for a bib with leg gaiters, of course, but is also lighter than my Yahama Value bibs (low end snowmobile bibs, very warm, but very bulky, also discontinued) and warm.
I'm 6', 152 lbs, and have a 30" waist....
jel3782937
Member since
I'm 6', 152 lbs, and have a 30" waist. Would a size small work or should I size up for more layering options? I'll be using these primarily for mountaineering/alpine climbing.
Thanks.
Brandon Carlile
Member since
Go for a Small/Tall, it will fit you better than any shell pant you've ever worn. These are built to layer, so you don't need to size up.
View all contributions... Be patient, it might take a while.

rian.mulli1928390
Member since