Arc'teryx has earned a reputation in the outdoor industry for making some of the toughest gear available. Arc'teryx doesn't pull any punches when it designs its gear. Nowhere is this more evident than its SV line of clothing—the burliest clothing that Arc'teryx makes. For 2013, Arc'teryx redesigned its venerable Alpha SV Jacket around a high-density nylon face fabric with a Gore-Tex Pro 3L laminate to make it just as tough as before, but now quieter and more supple.
To earn the Arc'teryx SV (severe weather) moniker, the Alpha SV jacket had to be tough. And, of course, this is Arc'teryx, so when we say tough, we mean bulletproof. The jacket's main body fabric is N80p-Gore-Tex Pro 3-layer. N80p is a high-density nylon weave. The high-density construction minimizes the yarns' exposure to abrasion, which reduces damage to filaments to maintain surface integrity. A durable micro-grid woven backer reduces weight and further resists abrasion. What all that means is years of guaranteed waterproof breathable service, even in the harshest conditions.
The Alpha SV is more than tough fabric, however. It's designed to work in perfect harmony with climbing harnesses and backpacks. This means the chest vent pockets and underarm zipper vents are designed out of the way of waist belts and shoulder straps, and the removable HemLock inserts keep the jacket in position when worn underneath a climbing harness. The hood and underarm zippers are designed for one-hand use for easy operation in tight spots. Of course, the Alpha SV is equipped with stormproof zippers throughout.
The Arcteryx Men’s Alpha SV Jacket is equipped to keep you safe and dry in nasty conditions. Featuring a Water Tight center front zipper and a helmet compatible hood, this Arcterynx jacket won’t leave you hangin’ in a storm. With E3D patterning, it won’t leave you hangin’ in the winter either. Oh what a great relationship this could be.
The Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket is a classic piece recreated using exceptionally durable, N80p-X GORE-TEX Pro fabric that is extremely waterproof and abrasion resistant. E3D patterning creates an ergonomic fit for extra ease of movement paired with an expedition fit leaves room for maximum winter layering. Traditional bellowed, crossover pockets remain accessible while wearing a pack. The helmet compatible Storm Hood, drawcords and pit zippers all adjust with one hand and the removable HemLock inserts keep the jacket in position when worn underneath a climbing harness.
Ideal for climbing and mountaineering, the Arc'teryx Alpha SV jacket features rugged GORE-TEX® Pro fabric that is extremely waterproof and abrasion resistant for extreme mountain conditions.
Imported.
Activity: | Climbing |
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Back length: | Thigh-length |
Back length (in.): | 31.75 inches |
Closure: | Full Zip |
Clothing Fit: | Regular Fit |
Fabric: | Nylon / nylon blend |
Fabrics/Materials: | N80p-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L fabric |
Fit: | Athletic Fit with e3D, hip length |
Hem: | Hem cinch cord and Hemlock removable inserts |
Hood: | Helmet compatible Storm Hood provides excellent uncontested peripheral vision |
Insulated: | No |
Material: | N40p-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L |
Material Technology: | GORE-TEX |
Packable: | No |
Pit Zips: | Yes |
Pockets: | 2 Internal Chest Pocketz with Laminated Zip, Two High Crossover Hand Pockets with Laminated Zippers, Sleeve Pocket with WaterTight Zip |
Seam Taped: | Yes |
Shell fabric: | Nylon |
Shell lining fabric: | Polyester tricot |
Style: | Jackets |
Suggested use: | Alpine climbing, mountaineering |
Type: | Shell |
Type of waterproofing: | Gore-Tex Pro 3-layer waterproof breathable laminate |
Vent: | Pit-zip vents |
Waterproof: | Yes |
Weatherproof Material: | GORE-TEX |
Weight: | 1 lb 3 oz / 545 g |
Windproof: | Yes |
Zipper: | WaterTight zippers |
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.
I have owned several Arcteryx Alpha Svs over the years. Love everything from the wrist closures to the drop tail hem, the Napoleon pockets and especially the storm hood. I do most of my winter hiking in the southern Cascades, usually at 20 to 30 degrees (without factoring in the enormous windchill) in very rainy and very windy conditions. I do a double traverse up 1500' across five miles five days a week. I usually wear the SV with a # 2 Patagonia baselayer and Atom LT Hoody through November. This year I wanted some warmer insulation for down time between hikes and just for general use on fall-to-spring days. I purchased the Atom SV Hoody and liked it right off, however when I tried it with the Alpha SV shell, I found that the front hem of the Atom Hoody was two inches longer than the SV shell, so it hung out below it. They are the same size jackets, so that wasn't the problem. The rear hem of the SV Hoody fit under the hem of the shell jacket as it should.
Called Arcteryx and they said yup, the front hem is longer than the shell. I mentioned that the Atom LT Hoody fits perfectly but the rep just said unh hunh. I said to the rep that I was still looking for a synthetic jacket that's warmer than the LT--one that would fit under the Alpha SV shell . He said they had down options, but no synthetic options. As I live in the Pacific Northwest where it's more often wet than snowy, this doesn't work for me. Because of this I dropped my rating of the Arcteryx Alpha SV to 3 stars. The Atom LT Hoody fits perfectly but there's no heavier synthetic mid-layer jacket, except in down? Backcountry mentioned I might try an Arcteryx Nuclei and it works great, fits just as well as the Atom LT light. Thanks Backcountry! I've since upped my rating of the Alpha SV to four stars (it is the best shell jacket ever made hands down) but a 4 star rating is the best I can give it because the poor fit Atom SV Hoody reduces the jacket's versatility.