Arc'teryx Men's Alpha SV Jacket

In my humble opinion, the best hardshell you can buy, period. I've had my saguaro green Alpha SV jacket for a few trips out in the Pacific NW (a couple overnighters). Really impressed with the breathability - I own and have owned other Gore Tex Pro Shell 3L products, but this has significantly better breathability for some reason.
The Alpha SV is a level above all other jackets, even those that Arcteryx makes - if you were designing your own hardshell, and were very knowledgeable about design and materials, the Alpha SV is pretty much the jacket that you'd end up designing. Given that level of quality and attention to detail, I wholeheartedly recommend this jacket if you can afford it. It's unfortunate that it's not more affordable, but it is truly a long-term investment, particularly if you are active outdoors.
I'm not an ice climber - I mainly go camping and backpacking in the Pacific Northwest, but I don't really miss my hand warmer pockets because when you're backpacking, you tend to have your pack around where your pockets would be anyway. I also plan on using this jacket for the occasional trip to the slopes this winter.
Don't get this as a raincoat; instead, get this jacket if you are in need of a bombproof shield from the elements - big difference.
As a mid layer, I would recommend the Atom LT, Atom SV, MH Ghost Whisperer, and any of the Rab down jackets. Dry/Cold = MH GW, Dry/Very Cold = Rab down jacket, Wet/Cold = Atom LT, Wet/Very Cold = Atom SV

First of all I'd like to give a BIG shout out to Backcountry.com. Their level of customer service is second to none, I should know as I have managed services units for blue chip corporations. Ok on to the Jacket, I have worn the Alpha SV for the past 6 years, climbing numerous times each winter. The "older" Alpha SV ended up failing at the tape seems on the inside wrist and waist. The tape actually separated from the shell fabric. Backcountry stepped up to the plate and replaced it for me and in turn won my devotion. For the most part the jacket is solid and will likely last a few years without any problems; it most likely will fail at some point as mine did simply because of the extensive use of tape in its construction. Arcteryx offers a lifetime warranty and for the price you pay for this jacket, you should take full advantage of it when and if it does fail on you. Let's just hope it doesn't fail when you're on a multiday expedition on some cold remote mountain top. All in all, I would recommend this jacket, its light, packs easy, keeps me dry and fits great with all my layering. I just wish they would find a way to eliminate all the tape.

I got both the Alpha Lt and SV, Sv new model.The LT is going back to Arc'teryx for replacement on warranty, after 5-6 years of heavy abuses it started to delaminnate and I'm really happy with their service, a true lifetime waranty. The Sv conception, it has a high collar and definetly gives more protection nice to know, it's easier for heavy layering then other jacket. I worn it in 100km wind (winter) it's a good protection, I felt more protected with the Sv. The jacket feels thicker, there are good adjustments everywhere inside. I'm 5'10'' 180 lbs and bought a medium, with the old sizing it would be a large. I found that it's breathing about the same as the LT. I think it's a bit overkill for a day to day jacket, for those who has no intentions for ice climbing, high summit exposure there's cheaper and lighter options with different design. It's just my opinion.... I personally love the jacket, it's expensive but with the lifetime warranty and the replacement of my LT with no problems. I recommend the product and certainly the brand, will buy other Arc'teryx products like a Nuclei or the Solo in near future.

This is the first true technical shoe I've owned. Most of my other jackets have been resort-oriented, heavier, insulated pieces, and so I suppose I'm lacking in overall experience with backcountry, mountaineering style pieces. But, I've been loving this jacket for backcountry touring and feel it's a great piece.
I went with the medium size, which goes in line with the sizing chart. I'm 5'11", 170lbs, and the jacket fits nicely while still allowing for an insulated layering piece on top of my base and mid-weight layers.
The Alpha SV is very light and is easily stowed away in my pack while skinning. It's long enough to give it a slightly more American feel, as opposed to a skinnier Euro look. I've worn the jacket in high winds, and the styling of the hood and the face is great. You do need to put the hood on before fully zipping up the jacket/cuff, or else you won't be able to pull the head over your head, especially if you're wearing a helmet.

This is a fantastic Jacket! It will keep you warm and dry in the wind and the rain. I've taken it out in a thunderstorm and wasn't the least bit concerned about getting wet. It's also very light for how bombproof it is. The gortex pro breathes really well for a waterproof shell and the harness hemlock is a nice touch. I also like how this is one of the few jackets still made in Canada by Arcteryx.
The only complaint I would have is the lack of handwarmer pockets, but it is designed specifically for climbing, so it's not really a valid complaint.
If you are looking for a standard jacket fit, order a size down, the expedition fit is quite roomy.

I received my Black SV today and was very impressed on the attention to detail in the craftsmanship. I love the liner that they put on the inside of the jacket, its nice and smooth so its very easy to slip on over your layers. Zippers work great, very smooth. I love all the adjustable hems and hood pulls to tighten up the jacket when adding layers or without layers to get a nice custom fit. I was amazed, with the hood on, that you can actually look around and the hood moves with you, instead of blocking your view. They say that this is a tough jacket, I will be testing it out !

Got this jacket to replace an old Patagonia shell, and it by far exceeds all my expectations. I'm 5'5" 185lbs(I carry it well) and got a medium, and it fits like a second skin. It's tough too, like a suit of armor, I charge through any bramble or down trees With confidence, this jacket won't be getting puncture holes in it. You get what you pay for, and this jacket is the best one out there. Buy it now!

5"10 175lbs broad shoulders and the Medium SV fits like a glove. This shell is just awesome, I already took it out 2 times with wind and snow coming down. With the hood on, I felt totally protected and nothing got in. I love the hood and the platinum color is really different. Overall the jacket is as others described, just awesome. Keeping this and the Theta as I will use them for different purposes.

The color Cayenne looks red on the website but is orange when you receive the jacket. Had to return it... I had another SV, I loved it.