Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket - Men's

I have a 5 year old red SV that i bought when i graduated HS. Now that I've graduated college and gotten a "real" job, it's out with the old and in with the new! BUT, this is one item that will not be getting replaced. I've used this thing for everything from campus life in the Northern cold to backpacking the AT to snowboarding in CO. It's the most durable and versatile shell I have ever owned. The small details truly are what make this thing shine. The placement of the pockets, as another reviewer noted, are perfect for a pack. The pitzips too! The inner waist drawstring is brilliant when not bulked up with a million layers. The contoured elbows are very inviting and make all movements restriction free. Also, the material breathes very well and is tough. I've been through thorny brush and feet of snow with this thing and it's practically bulletproof. Also, i'm not sure if someone mentioned this, but the thing can roll/pack to a very small size for such a full featured shell, which is good for keeping your load compact! Think the thickness of a 1L nalgene and a little bit longer. The only cons i have are #1 the price, I splurged with my HS graduation money, and B, the zippered pocket on the left upper sleeve that is useless. Since the zippers are waterproof, they are stiff and especially the one on that pocket. Just not as quickly accessed as i'd like i guess. If you're looking for a great shell and can take the plunge and fork the money over, DO IT! It's well worth the investment.

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.

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!!!!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.