Customer Reviews

Arcteryx Alpha SV Jacket - Men's Miro Blue Large

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have what may be the original Alpha-SV. I bought it in 2001 or 2002. It has GoreTex XCR which at that time was the best Gore available. We'll its still my only rain/snow shell nearly 10 years later; the best part is it looks exactly like the one in the picture, they've haven't changed the style a bit. I still get compliments every time I wear it about how nice of a jacket it appears to be.

It's light, its provides plenty of maneuverability, the left-shoulder pocket is great for RFID ski passes. The Hood has enough adjustments to fit over a helmet, roll up behind your neck, or fit nicely over a brimmed hat.

I live in Seattle and we had a 100 year rain stom for most of last week, several inches of rain per night. I went out for about 30min, came back in and turned it inside out in the light to see if there had been any moisture coming through - None.

Sure the DWR coating that they originally put on the shell for waterproofing has long since worn off, and I've reconditioned it once or twice. However since I haven't put any more coating on it in a while, whatever had been there had worn off when I went for the walk in the rain. So expectantly, the outer layer of fabric in the laminent got wet and absorbed a tiny bit of water (can't help that), but nothing got through the GoreTex laminent.

End conclusion: Yes, its ridiculously expensive but it'll be the best jacket you've ever owned and you'll own it longer than any car or computer. It will it never let you down or go out of style.

While other companies use Pro-Shell Gore-Tex, not many put together a jacket with the right amount of features and fit. I've owned this jacket for over 6 months now and it's been used in the rain, snow, ice and sun. This jacket, as the description says, is a shelter from the elements. I recently tested just how much of a shelter when I climbed Mt. Rainier on July 31 during 66mph wind gusts and a steady 40mph wind with ice. On the top, me and my gear were covered with a layer of rime. The high collar on the jacket kept my face out of the wind while the helmet compatible hood kept my head warm and dry. This jacket is as bomber as my climbing gear. I would definitely buy this jacket again despite the high price.

I have been an avid hiker for about 20 years. I first got a taste of the outdoors when i was a kid and joined the boy scouts. Well, i was instantly hooked. I started going on simple hikes in the Catskills and soon found myself hiking different parts of the world. The reason why i mention all of this is to assure you that i know a good hiking product when i see one.

I originally started with The north face which was a good to great company for many years until they decided to cash in on the fashion part of apparel making and the company started its down hill spiral from there on. IMO. From their i have tried and have just about every other brand of jacket yo could think of. From Marmot (one of my favorites) to Patagonia ( excellent) to many other brands not worth naming rite now.

When i first bought this jacket it actually happened on accident. I have heard great things from the company but thought all my needs where beeing met with Marmot. Besides, i thought they where a great company, but over charged for what they sold you. Boy was i wrong. I think i now have a new favorite. This jacket fits like a fourth layer of skin. It is extremely well thought out of. And everything on this shell seems to be here for a reason. The workmanship is top notch. The fit, comfort, and articulation is close to perfection. This is a shell which looks like i will be wearing for 7-10 years with no problem. I really put this shell through a great work out on my last outing to Adirondacks for a 7 night stay. It poured 2 nights straight and this shell did not let a single drop in. Winds atop of the mountain one day where about 60 MPH gusts, with light rain, and the design of this jacket did not let a single drop of water in. Amazing!

If you are even thinking about buying this jacket because you are on the market for a new shell, look no further. Hit the order button. You wont regret it!!!

Made in Canada.
First of all, this is my first shell that has been through both warm and cold seasons and I have to say the fit and features are top notch. Having dabbled with an Arc'teryx Alpha SL Pullover, I can say this shell feels truly durable while the SL is more akin to a thin bag over you. The SL on the other hand, is something I carry with me everywhere- including in the city, while this SV is saved for backcountry pursuits.

The cut on this shell (expedition fit), while roomier than the SL(athletic fit), still fits my skinny body well, even with one base layer.

Having a merino Arc'teryx Rho LTW base layer, Arc'teryx Atom SV and this shell on top, all in mens small size, I can feel that Arc'teryx truly sized each layer exactly right. A First Ascent Downlight Sweater in small also fits perfectly as insulating layer under this shell- the cut is wonderful with either piece- just enough room for the insulation to loft yet the whole system remains trim.

On a warm day with heavy downpour I wear a Arc'teryx Phase SV Crew LS baselayer underneath, I honestly couldn't experience much of the breathable aspect even with the pit zips wide open and a quarter of the top unzipped. I guess the humidity of the surrounding air has a lot to do with the performance- which makes sense.

On sub-zero climbs with moderate exertion however, I could feel the hot air leaving the shell, albeit pretty slowly. Can't tell if the moisture is leaving through the openings or if it's actually permeating through the membrane, but the system works and I never felt saturated with heat.

Adjustments are quite intuitive and the hood sizes correctly with either a helmet, big knit hat, or no hat. I didn't even notice that each front pocket has an adjustment drawcord on the inside.

Not a drop of rain or whiff of wind has ever reached my core. The thing looks new, even as I roll it up into its own hood or fold it down tight often and it gets wrinkles all over. Haven't even washed it yet but the DWR is still strong even where shoulder and hip straps are.

Overall I do not regret spending on such an expensive shell that frankly sees way less use than my softshells or any other piece of clothing for that matter. I know it's always there and think of it more as reliable live-saving protection than a mere garment- and for that, any price is worth it.

I bought one of these to replace a lost Alpha SV that I bought in 2005.. it came and I was excited to open it and wear it. However, upon looking at the tag inside and reading the words "Made in China" I imedatly contacted Amazon and arranged to return it. I could almost live with it being made in China like the rest of the crap you can buy at REI or Dicks if the price was $200.. but for $600 I expect much more, and Western made.

I subsequently ordered a Westcomb Mirage and find it to be even better, especially with the superior eVent material that keeps me cooler in warmer water or when I'm working hard physically.

This all-weather shell meets all expectations. Keeps me dry in the rain, and if I fully insulate with a few layers inside, is quite warm. I wish there were hand warming pockets. However there are plenty of pockets for stashing other things. This is one that will last for years.

this was my 1st Arc'teryx product, now my wife has the ladies version, and I just bought the insulated version for myself as well. Great to find superior quality still exists.