Amazing jacket - A specific use shell

By hidden Ranked #619 - Men's Technical Shells December 16, 2004

If you just want the info on the Alpha SV skip down, for a more full review read on.

Arc'teryx jackets are some of the best, if not The best. However, this is reflected in their price, so when looking at them I knew I had to be picky and get something that would last me twice as long as a jacket half the price.
I will admit up-front that a big part of my desicion was based on style/look and fit. So after looking awhile I narrowed my search to the Alpha SV and Theta AR. Both are very similar shells with differences in the color options and small differences in the cut/fit. They both use the heavier 2 fabrics, although the Theta uses more of it, and generally has more material in it. I tried on a Theta AR and really liked it overall. My only hesitation was that it was a little longer than I wanted. I looked around and could not find an Alpha anywhere, but really wanted to try one before deciding. I finally ordered one from backcountry figuring I could trade it for the Theta if it didn't work for me.

The Alpha SV:
is a great jacket, it functions great, it looks great, it fits great and it feels right. It's shorter than the Theta AR, which I like, the hood is a little bigger (for a helmet) but has more adjustments to compensate. When zipped up all the way it comes higher on my face, which I wasn't so sure about at first, but have grown to love as it keeps the wind out better. The new style water-proof main zipper it sports is nice, it zips easier which is great for gloved hands. I like the slightly tighter, more form-fitting, trim cut of the Alpha SV although it's minor. I liked the darker (eclipse) color the Theta offered, and it's small, but the no-elastic cuffs of the Theta are more slick. Which, however, is a good aspect to use to point out that the Alpha SV really is designed for technical use; the elastic cuffs don't look as nice, but are more practical. The elasticity of both shells is great for being non-restrictive and the water-proof zippers create less bulk; overall they are both awesome with slight variations depending on what you are looking for.

Have fun outside!

View Details: Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket - Men's

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