Like most people, I love this jacket. The medium fits me perfectly, with room to layer and excellent freedom of movement (6', 170lbs, 40 chest). The harness thingies actually work. It is definitely tough and waterproof... mine stood up to a 7 day trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro and many high sierra climbing trips and still looks new. Mine is made in Canada and its a new Candy Apple Red model. The craftsmanship and quality of materials on this piece makes everything else look sad. I use the Alpha LT when backing up a softshell and this one as a primary when the weather means business.

Arcteryx has a slavishly devoted flock that allows them to charge ridiculous prices for some of their pieces... and I myself am vulnerable. I bought a used one and am happy with the deal, but no way for list price. I have other jackets by Mountain Hardware, Montbell, and Marmot, and there is no way that this is 2-3 times better than those (whereas the price is 2-3x more).

I have the XCR model (made in Canada). The differences with the new pro-shells are: laminated rather than stitched seams, slightly more vertical front pockets, got rid of the bulky plastic tabs attached to zipper cords to save weight. The whole breathability of Gore-Tex like fabrics is overrated. Yes they do breath more, but if you really want to have a big effect on breathability, partially unzip the jacket and open the pit zips! The thickness of the fabric is a little more durable than other Arcteryx models for durability.

Arcterxy looks fashionable for gear, which is nice. The front pockets are nice and tend to work better when wearing a pack than side pockets. But for the cost of replacing this, I have to think twice about glissading in it. Also, sincle late 2007, Arcteryx has moved most of their production to China. The MBAs have figured a way to increase profits without dropping the price. Don't even try to explain it as offsetting the high price of gas!

I have only used my Alpha SV for a couple of week, but am already falling in love with the jacket. A first glance might have you think that that there are few differences, if any, with the cheaper Arc'teryx models, or other comparable brands.
The problem when buying hard shells is that it's not the bells and whistles that separate good ones from bad- all have 3-layer GoreTex fabric, a hood, similar zippers, etc. No the big difference is in details and trade-offs. How well does the hood work in high winds and sleet? Does the pockets make any sense with a backpack? with a harness? Can you reach and adjust the pit zippers? Such details are very hard to assess in the store but makes a significant difference on the mountain.
With Alpha SV, it feels like Arc'teryx have found a great tradeoff between simplicity and functionality. The hood is work great in high winds. The cut fits really well, both with a thick fleece under, and with only base layer. The pockets could be a bit bigger perhaps- you can put shell gloves there but not big mittens. This jacket should also mainly be used with Bib's if you are going for the winter mountain, while it's a bit on the short side.
Most details that makes a shell a great shell are hard to describe. It's more like you put it on and you feel like you have come home. That's how the Alpha is.

Alright, I don't own a brand new model; in fact, I have had my Alpha SV since 1999. It has been up peaks in Nepal three times, shipwrecked on an island in the Strait of Magellen in Patagonia, to Yosemite, Zion, Rainer, Hood, and all over the United States, climbing and hiking and getting abused. It has at least 400 ski days on it and has been stuffed and un-stuffed an incalculable number of times. The zippers are still fine and functional. All of the moving parts are fine and functional. The DWR finish has been touched up about once a year with that washing machine stuff that is so expensive, but it is still super waterproof. I have never owned a piece of clothing that was so tightly constructed - it is what converted me to Arcteryx, and what keeps me coming back. It is pricey, but I bought it nine years ago! If I had gone with a lesser brand I might have had to replace it twice by now. Do yourself a favor...work an extra shift or two, sell some plasma, forgo buying that boxed set of Madonna CDs -- buy this jacket!

I have an older model of this jacket that has Gore-Tex XCR. I put through the paces over the past year, including 40 days of snowboarding, hiking, biking, camping, just chilling, and much more. It has seen temps way below zero and winds up past 60mph and just keeps on rockin'. This is the best jacket ever! The tough fabric has taken a ton of abuse, yet barely shows any sign of wear at all. The hood is freaking awesome. It covers any helmet, is easily adjustable, and keeps your head very warm on those cold winter days hiking gusty ridges in the Colorado Rockies. The water-tight zips are holding up really well, still almost new looking. I love the way Arc'teryx jackets fit and their construction and attention to detail is unrivaled by other US brand. I plan on having this jacket for at least a decade or more!

I received this shell as a birthday gift and love it! Extremely waterproof and just as windproof as my MH windstopper soft shell. I have warn this in the heaviest rain fishing and not a drip got in. The Blue is very blue, but not a baby blue color. Would recommend this shell to anyone who wants a jacket that you wont have to worry about replacing for a very long time!

I bought one of these last year, and it is hands down the best technical shell I have ever owned. It is totally wind-proof, and I have never had the inside of the jacket get damp or clammy, even on the shoulders under pack straps where all my other shells have failed. After two seasons it still is totally water-proof without any treatment. In foul weather having one of these is liking being in my own tent, and with a good baselayer and insulating layer I have not been cold even in some really bad weather. And, unlike several other jackets it has not torn or marred despite several run ins with branches and rocks. A bit expensive, but worth the money.

This jacket will be overkill for most, and was made for the most demanding of athletes and conditions. That does mean that it will easily deflect rain and almost anything nature or you can throw at it. It is heavier than the Alpha LT and Beta LT, so question how much you will abuse it. The new LT fabric will be fine for 99.9% of people. Rest assured, this jacket will look new for nigh upon a decade of use, due to the quality of the fabric and construction. When looking to buy, ask yourself if you want to be able to stow the hood, if you use your pockets for your hands (then don't get this), and if you want the low back (for coverage) and high front (for a climbing harness). The Theta and Beta are decidedly more practical for most. But this jacket is like a WRX STi...not practical for most, but still decidedly badass.

I do a lot of backcountry skiing in Whistler and interior BC and i can't think of a better jacket to use. The jacket keeps you completely comfortable and shielded from the environemnt even when the conditions are deteriorating . Breathes exceptionally well and has a hood that you can ski with while having it up.

There is no question that this jacket is the best of the best: fit, design details, materials, performance, and aesthetic are all of the highest caliber. In my opinion, it is literally perfect -- I can't think of a way to improve it. However, I think paying this much for a shell is not worth it for most people; while I love my SV, I am still unsure of whether or not it was worth the heavy dough. This thing sure is nice though... got the bibs too and they're just as perfect as this jacket.

This jacket costs a friggin' ton of bill, but when all my bodies are soaking wet and whining I'm comfy and good to go. Every aspect of this jacket is performance oriented. This jacket will take a pounding and not let a drop of water in. Build quality is second to none and it looks amazing. The articulated shoulders and elbow move with my body perfectly and it never binds. They have perfectly balanced function, simplicity and toughness.

this is just an addition to the review i posted below - the pockets on this thing are PERFECT. they are huge, knife, camera, lighter, snacks, glove liners, sun screen all fit perfectly well. they are super easy to get into even with a pack. i've never used pockets as much as i do with this shell.

I decided to go for the xcr (last year's version) of the Alpha SV just because the price was $300 (yes, $300) less. Beautiful jacket. I know there's some small differences (0ther than the obvious difference between gore xcr and gore pro), but they just weren't worth the difference in price to me. I tried on both and if anyone is wondering, the older version of this jacket does fit slightly larger. I find that the cut is such that you could fit a down jacket/vest under no problem, but you wouldn't feel awkward when wearing one over top either. The cut comes in at the waist and leaves a bit more room across the chest, shoulders and arms. Great jacket - completely waterproof and warm under strong winds. I will be taking this to the Himalayas this fall and will write an updated review at that time. Love the look, love the features though.

I have had this jacket for three years and absolutely swear by it. This jacket has kept the wind, rain, snow, and ice off me at altitudes of up to 21k. It is bulletproof. The water proof sippers are tough as nails but easy to use. The hood goes over my helmet with no problem but does not interfere with my headlamp. There are pockets were they need to be and none that serve no purpose. I especially like the little shoulder pocket where I keep my lip gloss and map. Basically nothing gets that don't want in. This is a solid, tough, lightweight shell that, when used in conjunction with your other two layers, will do its part to keep you high and dry. Sure, its wicked expensive, but so aren't the medical bills when you use cheap stuff at extreme altitude and in extreme weather.

Unless you're being deployed to Afghanistan, this jacket is all the bomb proof you'll ever need. By far the burliest shell I have ever seen. Excellent breathability (and by mountaineer's standards I'm a fatty who sweats way too much). It's cut pretty big so you can definitely layer underneath it. I'm 6 foot, 215 pounds and wear the XL comfortably over all my layers.

The hood is excellent with a helmet, but a little awkward without one... the reality is that if you need this jacket, you generally need your brain bucket too, so it's not a big deal.

It would be nice if it packed down a little smaller, but it's not like it's overly bulky.

This thing has been to the top of a few 14ers in Colorado with me and it held up it's end of the bargain. An awesome feature for climbing is the foam in the hem to stop it from riding up under your harness.

This is honestly the best G-T jacket I have ever own. It is almost similar to the old model because of the hemlock. This keeps the jacket from lifting out of the harness while climbing.
(The old one is just as good) Bottom line I'm completely satisfied. I have own them all, name if I have it or had it. This is the BEST site for softgoods.

Just like I wrote to to the SV bib: I don't think it gets any better than this jacket. You can adjust the hood in three different ways so it stays in place in high winds. It is very strong and comfortable. I had no problem with the length, and it was easy to operate th underarm zippers with a backpack on.

9 years ago I was a climbing bum working in a retail shop. I needed a new shell. I scrimped and saved and finally was ale to shell out for the Alpha SV. I have spend no less than 300 - 600 days in it. I work outside and foul weather follows me. Today this jacket is just as tough as the day it arrived. The zippers are perfect, the gore-tex breaths great (the new model works even better as it has a newer type of gore-tex), the bungies that cinch the hood and waist are also perfect. Knowing all of the abuse I have put this coat through I can not beleive how good it looks and functions. I expect it will last another 9 years and then if it needs replacing I will gladly shell out for the new coat from the bird. It might be costly, but it will last you forever and the fit is amazing.

Got the old gore-tex XCR model. Simple design, no useless things. Very durable. Fits perfectly, allows freedom of movements. Great protection, hood is amazing and i like the point it makes one with the jacket. I enjoy wearing it in snow storms. The only down point is price.

i bought the alpha sv this year and skied in it for two weeks,nothing seems to get through this sucker,rain nor wind,the helmet compatible hood is so adjustable that you can hide every bit of your face with a pair of goggles on,i also have a pair of arcteryx bibs,to keep the snow out as there is no snow skirt,this is not a problem so long as you research compatible items to wear with this jacket.i have a spyder vail jacket and it doesn't come close,and there a lot more money. the only jacket i have that comes close is a 10year old phoenix. not made anymore though!

I have an older version of this jacket (from 2004) and it's fantastic... as it should be for the price. Holy shnikees this thing is expensive at retail! I got mine on eBay for less than half the original cost, but if you are rolling in the dough (or have a pro deal) this baby is one of the best jackets a lot of money can buy. Mine has been used in all sorts of conditions, the most memorable of which was a deluge in the Yosemite backcountry. It poured the entire day and this jacket kept my (at least upper) body dry. It has lost some of the outer layer water resistance (i.e., beading), but the Gore Tex is steadfast as ever. The only reason I'm giving this jacket 4 stars is because of the cost. Arc'teryx stuff is great, but you can get excellent, expedition-quality, fully-featured shells from other companies a lot less.

Incredible. There is no substitute for this jacket. None exists. Made in Canada by people who love to ski, are paid living wages and not a profit center for some greedy fat cats using sweatshop labor in China. For our society to survive we have to start giving our money to companies that provide jobs at home. This means never shopping at "Great" Wal Mart as everything there is made in China.

This jacket is the best. Be stoked in knowing you paid for someones kid to live in a decent home in Canada. Arcteryx have the best customer service in the business, better than Yvonne himself at Patagonia as they come a close second, however use sweat shop labor. Vote with your dollars. I did and I am stoked.

The Alpha SV is by far the best three layer shell ever made! I am on my second shell in 8 years only because my first one had a small zipper issue and when sent back to Arcteryx they were unable to repair it, however they were gracious enough to send a brand new jacket in its place. This jacket has acted as functional summer rain gear from the Bahamas to the South rim of the Grand Canyon. In the winter it has braved -30 temps with howling 40 mph winds without flinching. It slips through the trees on the slopes like an egg off a heavily greased Teflon pan, and functionally from day to day it has not failed, no matter what mother nature has tossed its way. If there is only two items of gear you can take with you in the end, the Alpha SV jacket and a pair of matching bibs.

I only have two ski days in this so far but both days it was dumping and windy as a mother. I was dry and because the jacket is so adjustable I didn't have any snow get under it even in Utah powder crashes. My favorite part about this jacket is the hood, it's adjustable in 4 different areas so I was able to get it exactly how I wanted it, even in gloves. It also has a mini powder skirt/waist cinch that I found helpful in keeping the powder out. And FYI it was made in Canada. I'm 5-10 165, got the medium and it fits like a glove with plenty of room for layering. I got the Titanium color and am very pleased with the look of this jacket as well.

As a winter mounaineering shell it holds up well to the high winds and blowing snow. However this is basically a no frills light 3 layer goretex shell. Key spots such as the elbows and skirt regions could be reinforced more for adding protection when vertical climbing/sliding or even sitting. It would be nice if there were internal fasteners at the end of each sleeve for your lining to attach to. I would also increase the width of the velcro on the wrist by 50% for added support and protection. A well built shell overall, could use a few enhancements.

Its a nice jacket except the hood was sized for a giant, I am still looking but I don't a jacket that is designed to be worn with a helmet.

The Alpha SV is a GREAT jacket but Arcteryx is adding to its line this fall 2008 a new Gamma SV softshell. This jacket has a hood built in on its Polartec body as well as Schoeller arm panels. Also look for the Venta SV, also a hoodie, this one is made with GoreTex Windstopper and is GoreTex waterproofed. This is Arcteryx's entry into the market. It feels like a softshell, functions like a hardshell. Arcteryx also has two more, the Kappa SV and the ultimate jacket- the $700 Fission SL. The Kappa is a windstopper with primaloft sport insulation while the Fission is a full GoreTex shell melded with Arcteryx's proprietary Thermatech monofilament insulation. Each fiber on the hollow Thermatech filament is coated with DWR to maximize life and loft from the product. I have great confidence in this site to obtain these items; therefore, I am going to put off Alpha SV and wait for the Fall 2008 line. The Alpha SV will remain a classic so if and when it goes on "sale" I will definitely grab one - In the meanwhile, GO FOR IT!!!!

On June 11, 2008, I wrote a blurb about this jacket and I just want to say that I have stopped procrastinating and "FINALLY" took the plunge! I have recently received TNF Vanqiush and Mammatus jackets. I also have the Arc't-s Scorpion, Theta AR, Beta AR, Beta SL. And I also have Van's Kento-(my favorite) and the Norrona's Narvik Comfortweld Shell. The Alpha SV has some pretty stiff, border-lined competiveness, competition, and some better products to adknowledge with, but, if you set the standards everyone else will bound to catch up with you sooner or later; and besides that,this was a desired, "got-to-have-one-for-myself" jacket. There is no need for my to explain the expectations, details, values, and it's ratings, because the rest of you gearheads, and backcountry, had said it all. This Jacket will be like the Grandfather of my collection!