Arc'teryx  Alpha SV Jacket - Men's

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The Alpha SV, an iconic jacket proven in severe alpine environments, is strong, light and fully featured, with a helmet-compatible hood and articulated construction for full mobility.

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Features

  • Exceptionally durable, wind- and waterproof, breathable 3-layer N100p-X GORE-TEX Pro fabric significantly increases abrasion resistance
  • Strategically placed narrow Gore seam tape (8mm width) seals out water
  • Arc'teryx Nu water repellent treatment for additional weather protection
  • Helmet-compatible StormHood with laminated brim and Cohaesive hood adjustments for ease of use with mittens or gloves
  • Micro-seam allowance (1.6 mm) reduces bulk and weight
  • Laminated high-strength hanger loop
  • Generous cut for easy layering and anatomical shaping for fit and comfort
  • No-lift gusseted underarms and articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility
  • Laminated chin guard
  • WaterTight external zippers with micro-corded zipper pulls
  • Pit zippers for easy venting
  • Laminated die-cut Velcro® cuff adjusters with elastic keep out the elements
  • Laminated drop-back hem with adjustable drawcord keeps in warmth
  • Cohaesive hem adjusters function as HemLock to prevent jacket from slipping out from under a climbing harness
  • Two crossover hand pockets with WaterTight zips; internal chest zip pocket; two internal laminated pockets; left bicep pocket with WaterTight zip; internal dump pocket
  • Note: WaterTight zippers are highly water resistant, but not waterproof
View the Arc'teryx Alpha Product LineView all Arc'teryx Men's Multi-Sport Rain Jackets

Technical Specs

Best Use

Mountaineering

Backcountry Skiing

Hiking

Climbing

Fabric

Nylon

Windproof

Yes

Waterproof

Yes

Type of Waterproofing

3-layer N100p-X GORE-TEX Pro waterproof breathable laminate

Hood

Yes

Ventilation

Pit Zips

Back Length

Hip-length

Gender

Men's

Size Chart

Arc'teryx Clothing - Men's
XXSXSSMLXLXXLXXXLXS ShortS ShortM ShortL ShortXL ShortXXL ShortS TallM TallL TallXL TallXXL Tall28303233343638
Chest3335374043475154.53537404347513740434751
Sleeve Length3031.532.534353637383233343536373334353637
Waist272931343740.544.548.52931343740.544.531343740.544.530323435363840
Hip32.534.536.539.542.546.5505434.536.539.542.546.55036.539.542.546.55035.537.539.540.541.543.545.5
Inseam313131.53232.533332929.53030.5313134.53535.5363631.531.532323232.533

Sizing Notes

Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.

Reviews
272 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars

Ratings Snapshot

Product Rating

221 out of 239 (92%) reviewers recommend this product

Review this Product

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Most Helpful Favorable Review

5 reviews with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars
Legitimately Awesome!
Eric E
8 years ago
This is my 4th Arc'teryx jacket and proudly joins my others consisting of the Arc'teryx Macai, Beta AR, and Atom LT. I purchased the Alpha SV to compliment my aging Beta AR which is now 5 years old. The Beta AR has been my most versatile workhorse. As a professional photographer I've put it through it's paces in Alaska, the Canadian Rockies, and other locations, but as it was requiring repeated DWR treatments I decided it was time to upgrade. After much research the jacket I ultimately decided on was the Alpha SV for several reasons. Since I already had the Macai insulated I wanted a shell because they are so versatile and not limited to winter use only. However, I wanted the most durable shell and went with the Alpha SV for that reason. Compared to the Beta AR, the SV is slightly thicker and more durable, but the trade-off is that the material is noisier than the thinner Beta AR. With that said, I love the thickness of it and I'm pretty sure this thing is indestructible. I will be taking this along with my Macai and Atom to the High Arctic next summer and will really test it. The fit is great, same as the beta AR, but perhaps an inch longer maybe. I'm 6'4" so I need the 2XL and I really like the fit as it's not too baggy around the mid-section which is a huge sticking point for me. I need the 2XL for the length, not the girth. It took me a few minutes to figure out the hood adjustments which were a bit different than the Beta AR. I love the way Arc'teryx builds their hoods, they simply do it better than anyone else. I have a thicker North Face shell as well, which is pretty good too, but the Arc'teryx just seem to fit me better, are more comfortable, and are what I'm always wearing.
Eric E
Ellicott City, Maryland
51 people found this review helpful

Most Helpful Critical Review

5 reviews with an average rating of 2.0 out of 5 stars
Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket, purchased november 2015
arte
5 years ago
ok, so after four years of use, it has been a huge failure. dilamination started in a few spots about a year into it, but i didn't pay much attention. i made sure to follow all cleaning and drying instructions. finally, in the last year and a half, it started to get quite bad. so, about two weeks ago i walked into the new york city soho store, and was told it was covered by the warranty, and to send it for repair. wel... after sending it, and the assessment, Arc'teryx claims that it is too old to be covered by warranty... i have an REI E1 elements jacket that is getting close to 15 years old... it is a bit worn, but it is fine... "Recently you sent us your Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket under RA : 697280 for a warranty evaluation. I can confirm that a full assessment has been completed by the warranty department. They have concluded that the damage on your item is not covered under the Arc´teryx warranty policy and due to the age of the garment repair is not possible. The product has deteriorated over time and the fabric is losing integrity in many areas at once. As a result a repair would not hold and we could not stand behind it. We build our products to last over extended periods of use, but nothing lasts indefinitely. Fabrics will deteriorate and fade over time and moving parts will wear out. Arc´teryx cover products under warranty until such a time that they have been deemed to be worn out and beyond reasonable repair. Nonetheless as you have a keen interest in Arc'teryx products we would like to offer you a 20% discount off your next purchase at www.arcteryx.com but please bear in mind that your old garment will be recycled."
arte
zurich
59 people found this review helpful

Customer Images

mikeAlps
French Alps
Rated 2.0 out of 5 stars

My 5 years old SV

4 years ago

When you see durable on the description I can say that it is not really the case. I have this alpha SV for 5 years as a second Shell jacket (I worn that jacket not even 20 times and just on rainning condition, not extremes) I cannot say it is a durable jacket after what I have found today (see pictures) I am very surprised to see that on my jacket, because for the price I paid I can say I'm not very happy. I have a 15 years old Millet shell jacket with nothing like this ( of course it's old and the goretex properties are not doing the job anymore but no issues like this SV jacket) I hope Arc'teryx customer service will reach me to find a way to arrange that. I put 2 stars because it is still a good jacket that can protect you well and keep you dry. But I'am very disapointed, I bought it because of the durable thing that in fact is not

No, I do not recommend this product
Originally posted on arcteryx.com
Response from arcteryx.com
Customer Support
4 years ago

Hello Mike, Thank you for reaching out to Arc'teryx and sharing your feedback on the Alpha SV. We're sorry to hear about the durability issues you are experiencing with your Alpha SV Jacket. We have made numerous updates over the years since your jacket was manufactured in direct response to comments such as yours, so they are appreciated. Be sure to fill out a Product Service Request Form, as our team would be happy to help where we can: https://arcteryx.com/ca/en/help/product-service/service-request/ If you have any additional comments or concerns, please feel free to contact our Customer Service Line or fill out a Contact Us Form. We'd be happy to chat. All the best

Easy
New York, New York
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

When only the best will do

2 years ago

I bought this jacket for tackling Longs Peak. I felt secure from the elements and could concentrate on my movements. Came back and after a quick wash, it looks just like new! Definitely my go to for anything above 12,000 ft.

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on arcteryx.com
Niket
Burnaby, BC
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

This Jacket Saved My Life

2 years ago

On the 7th of July 2022, I went to Iceland for an expedition we planned to explore some of the land's glaciers. First day, we walked up to 500 meters, everything went fine when we reached our camp. The next day, we climbed the next 1100 meters. During our trek, we experienced a huge sudden storm of rain and wind. We were about to cross glacier rivers, but the wind was so strong. It was blowing over people and things at a weight of 80 kg. There were other people who experienced hypothermia. 20 people got airlifted out from the area. It was an emergency status. I was wearing the Beta AR Pant and the Alpha SV Jacket. When we got back to the camp safely, I ended up being the only person in our group completely dry. Everyone was soaking wet. If it weren't for my Arc'teryx gear, I would of been wet and cold, and who knows -- possibly getting hypothermia too. This jacket was so expensive, but the quality is there. It is worth every penny when you are in a severe weather scenario, and it literally saved my life. To this day, I thank God and my Alpha SV for keeping me dry and safe there in the Icelandic mountains during that abrupt storm.

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on arcteryx.com
peakbaggerUT
Lehi, UT, USA
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Dag, yo

6 years ago

Took it out on a high mountain ridge during a blizzard. It was the wrong place at the wrong time, but things would have been much worse without this beast of a jacket. I stayed dry and lived to see another day. There was some off-trail route finding required to get back to civilization, and a few times I was worried about the thick brush and tight trees possibly doing damage to the jacket. My concerns were unwarranted. Jacket showed zero signs of the brutal stress test I put it through. I also couldn't believe how extremely breathable the jacket is. This shell is a true work of art and genius.

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on arcteryx.com
arte
zurich
Rated 2.0 out of 5 stars

Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket, purchased november 2015

5 years ago

ok, so after four years of use, it has been a huge failure. dilamination started in a few spots about a year into it, but i didn't pay much attention. i made sure to follow all cleaning and drying instructions. finally, in the last year and a half, it started to get quite bad. so, about two weeks ago i walked into the new york city soho store, and was told it was covered by the warranty, and to send it for repair. wel... after sending it, and the assessment, Arc'teryx claims that it is too old to be covered by warranty... i have an REI E1 elements jacket that is getting close to 15 years old... it is a bit worn, but it is fine... "Recently you sent us your Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket under RA : 697280 for a warranty evaluation. I can confirm that a full assessment has been completed by the warranty department. They have concluded that the damage on your item is not covered under the Arc´teryx warranty policy and due to the age of the garment repair is not possible. The product has deteriorated over time and the fabric is losing integrity in many areas at once. As a result a repair would not hold and we could not stand behind it. We build our products to last over extended periods of use, but nothing lasts indefinitely. Fabrics will deteriorate and fade over time and moving parts will wear out. Arc´teryx cover products under warranty until such a time that they have been deemed to be worn out and beyond reasonable repair. Nonetheless as you have a keen interest in Arc'teryx products we would like to offer you a 20% discount off your next purchase at www.arcteryx.com but please bear in mind that your old garment will be recycled."

No, I do not recommend this product
Helpful?
PPBUR
Brussels, Belgium
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Size comparison with Atom AR for future buyers

8 years ago

I had previously bought the Atom AR in size small and the jacket fits perfectly. According to Arc'Teryx's advice (not blaming anyone), I should buy the Alpha SV in size small too. After trying the Alpha SV over all layers (base, mid, and Atom AR), the general fit seemed correct but the sleeves are much longer, reaching the last phalanx of my ring finger. Now, it's possible to pull back the sleeve and attach it around my wrist and when I put gloves on, and it seems OK. There is still a little space between my insulation layer and the shell. So, I'm going to try the X-small but I hope it won't be too tight. I'll post follow-up pictures of the fit. For you info : I'm 172 cm tall (5 feet 8), Chest: 87 cm (34"), waist : 74cm (29"), back to wrist : 81 cm (32"). Thus, according to Arc'Teryx sizing charts, I should buy XS. I hope this helps y'all.

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on arcteryx.com
Trailgazelle
California / Florida
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

10 Years and Still Going Strong

2 years ago

Bought new in 2013 and it has exceeded my expectations. From Alpine climbing to less demanding activities it has never let me down. Warm, dry and sometimes overkill, I know I made the right choice especially when I see current retail prices! I did have one issue with the bottom hem starting to delaminate after 9 years of use but Customer Service came through and after sending it in to be repaired it's now like new. Turn around time was not unreasonable. I empathize with my brothers who have had issues with this jacket but I can only give a fair and honest review which for me has been all positive.

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on arcteryx.com
David
Buffalo, NY, USA
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Alpha SV Jacket is Spartan tough!

6 years ago

I bought the Alpha SV Jacket for both training and running in winter Obstacle courses. I was looking for a Shell that could withstand training in the winter, doing hill climbs on slippery conditions. I spent hours researching different brands and eventually found the SV. This jacket is my go to for winter training. The Gortex breathes very well, but more importantly this jacket is able to withstand severe abrasive forces. I have climbed over 8 foot wall obstacles, crawled under barbed wire in the snow, and have tumbled down slippery slopes on many occasions. This jacket has not shown any wear or nicks at all. I have washed the jacket in cold water with a mild soap and it comes out looking brand new every time. I have worn the jacket over a Arcteryx Proton for extreme cold along with Arcteryx Alpha AR pants and a base layer and have done Trail running and hill repeats in -9 below zero degree's Fahrenheit. Jacket is like a portable shelter. No wind or water gets through it. If you are looking for extreme durability this Jacket is it.

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on arcteryx.com
Tommy
Italy
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Perfect

8 years ago

The really best in the market now; durable, useful, strong, comfortable in a few words perfect. I will put the powder skirt to just to use easily to snowboard or ski in the day without a bag pack

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on arcteryx.com
Pitbull
Washington State
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Mount Rainier

6 years ago

This is the best jacket I have every owned. Everything said about this jacket has came true. I love the Arcteryx Products!!

Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on arcteryx.com
1 - 10 of 272 Reviews

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