Arc'teryx Alpha SV Bib

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.

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.

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.

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).

I have been looking for good gore tex pro shell pants that I can wear skiing and also to sporting events in foul conditions. I like bibs for a number of reasons that I won't go into.
My decision came down to the Theta and Alpha SV. I chose the Alpha because they seemed more geared towards all around sports where the Theta is more tailored to skiing and snow boarding.
I have worn the bibs now for a number of activities and they are easily the most versatile bibs I have ever imagined owning. They are super comfortable and absolutely weather proof. I can tailor under garmets for any type of cool/cold weather.
I simply can't describe how well these bibs are designed. Perfect.

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.