How to Choose Rainwear

Made for alpine missions and vertical ascents on ice, the men's Arc'teryx Alpha SV jacket offers durable weather protection made to withstand the harshest conditions that you'll find on the mountain.
Imported.
View the Arc'teryx Alpha Product LineView all Arc'teryx Men's Multi-Sport Rain JacketsBest Use | Climbing Mountaineering Hiking |
---|---|
Fabric | N100D Most Rugged 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro (recycled face) |
Windproof | Yes |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | 3-layer GORE-TEX PRO waterproof/breathable membrane |
Hood | Yes |
Ventilation | Pit Zips |
RECCO Reflector | Yes |
Back Length | Hip-length |
Back Length (in.) | Unavailable |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | 1 lb. 1.1 oz. |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria |
XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | XS Short | S Short | M Short | L Short | XL Short | XXL Short | S Tall | M Tall | L Tall | XL Tall | XXL Tall | 28 | 30 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 36 | 38 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chest | 33 | 35 | 37 | 40 | 43 | 47 | 51 | 54.5 | 35 | 37 | 40 | 43 | 47 | 51 | 37 | 40 | 43 | 47 | 51 | |||||||
Sleeve Length | 30 | 31.5 | 32.5 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | |||||||
Waist | 27 | 29 | 31 | 34 | 37 | 40.5 | 44.5 | 48.5 | 29 | 31 | 34 | 37 | 40.5 | 44.5 | 31 | 34 | 37 | 40.5 | 44.5 | 30 | 32 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 |
Hip | 32.5 | 34.5 | 36.5 | 39.5 | 42.5 | 46.5 | 50 | 54 | 34.5 | 36.5 | 39.5 | 42.5 | 46.5 | 50 | 36.5 | 39.5 | 42.5 | 46.5 | 50 | 35.5 | 37.5 | 39.5 | 40.5 | 41.5 | 43.5 | 45.5 |
Inseam | 31 | 31 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33 | 29 | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 31 | 34.5 | 35 | 35.5 | 36 | 36 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32.5 | 33 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Great jacket till it fails. You drop some coin for one of these jackets. They do perform from the slopes to the mountains you are in good hands in this shell. But when the glue Arc’teryx uses fails and the seams start to come unglued. Customer service will not do anything for you. Arc’teryx does not stand by their product.
I purchased the alpha SV in 2020.. I use it exclusively for backcountry skiing. Within a couple of years it started to delaminate in places. I held onto it for a couple more years as I don’t like things being wasted, but by 2024 it was no longer at all waterproof. I would consider the garment lightly used considering that it’s only been used in a clean environment And only for one activity. I use lighter jackets In summer. Also I don’t sweat in it, as I manage my temperature carefully in the Yukon winters. I washed the jacket as per instructions. When I returned it I was told that I had not washed it often enough and was told they would neither fix nor replace it. I am disappointed to see that Arcteryx no longer stands behind its products.
Hello Matt, thank you for your review of the Alpha SV Jacket. We’re sorry to hear that you’re disappointed with the outcome regarding your jacket's condition. GORE-TEX® delamination can sometimes result from factors like contamination (sweat, oils, etc.). Contamination buildup in areas of the jacket can contribute to the fabric failure, which can impact water repellency. This isn’t typically a result of manufacturing, and regular care, including more frequent washing for high-output activities, can help prevent such issues and extend the lifespan of your gear. We've included the link to our Product Care Page with detailed instructions for washing your gear. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out! https://arcteryx.com/ca/en/help/product-care
Talk about a beast! This jacket will keep you dry and warm in even the burliest of days. Have been wearing it for a few days, two of them with hard rain and blowing wind, and it is very efficient at keeping weather out. Has easy sliding zippers, lots of adjustments for fit over layers and whatever hat/helmet you wear. The armpit vents are super long so if you're sweating hard on the uphill you can basically open the jacket up all the way. The color is a super vibrant and fun blue, and looks great with my darker black pants I wear most. The fabric feels really nice, and in general the jacket is surprisingly light. The pockets are in great spots, with plenty of room for phone, mittens, snacks, extra bandana, etc. For sizing I'm 5'11" and 225lbs, and typically I am between a Large and X-Large for Arc'teryx and other brands outerwear. This jacket is pretty true to size, so it fit my abdomen well but was a little long/big in the shoulders and arms. Will definitely be excited to use it all winter touring and resort skiing!
As person whom spends a lot of time in the outdoors exploring along all four seasons, the Alpha SV is an essential part of my kit. I have found over the years that my Alpha SV has supported and built some of my strongest memories in the mountains! From through hikes, to airy scrambles and in wet conditions, the Alpha SV has been apart of each and every one of those adventures. The 100 denier Gore-Tex Pro is built to withstand most any activity within the mountains. Not to mention, the Alpha SV looks very signature to Arc'teryx and compliments any adventurers kit perfectly!
The Arc'teryx Alpha SV hardshell jacket is an exceptional piece of gear that delivers bombproof protection against the harshest conditions. I had the opportunity to put it through its paces during several day hikes and a weekend of backpacking in heavy rains and biting winds. I am going to delve into the jacket's standout features, its performance in various scenarios, and its overall suitability for different pursuits. Great Features: The Alpha SV boasts a plethora of features designed to enhance performance in challenging environments. The helmet-compatible Stormhood, with its adjustable back and collar, ensures a snug fit without compromising visibility. This proved invaluable during sudden downpours and gusty winds, providing exceptional coverage. The venting system, including easily accessible pit zips, proved highly effective in regulating body temperature. Whether on a strenuous ascent or during a brief rest, dumping excess heat is a breeze. Cuff adjustments are equally user-friendly, allowing for seamless adaptation, whether worn over or under gloves or mittens. Pockets are thoughtfully designed, with an internal dump pocket providing a cozy spot for items requiring body heat, such as a phone or water filter. Additionally, the pocket's generous size accommodates larger items like maps and goggles. The bicep pocket perfectly housed my iPhone 12 Pro and kept it readily accessible for taking photos and navigating. The two crossover hand pockets are useful and quite large, providing an easily accessible space to stash gloves and other items. However, I would rather have two conventional hand pockets that are harness compatible. Conventional hand pockets provide greater ease of use and comfort when placing your hands inside. Finally, the inclusion of a RECCO reflector is a reassuring touch for those venturing into potential avalanche terrain. If you’re not familiar with RECCO, it is essentially a tiny antenna integrated into the jacket. If you are buried in an avalanche or lost in the backcountry, rescue crews can emit a radar signal that bounces off your jacket’s RECCO reflector and enables them to pinpoint your location. A RECCO reflector requires no battery power to work, and you don’t notice it’s there, but it can make a huge difference in an emergency. Weight & Packability: Weighing in on my scale at 1 lb 2.67 oz (18.67 oz) for a size Large, the Alpha SV is not ultralight, but its features justify the slight weight penalty. When considering its robust construction, this jacket still holds an advantage over comparable models from other brands. Its packability is commendable, folding down to a reasonable size for easy storage in a backpack. Waterproofness: The 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro and DWR finish combine to create an impenetrable barrier against the elements. Despite hiking through heavy rains, not a drop breached the jacket's defenses. The WaterTight zippers provided an extra layer of security, ensuring the contents of my pockets remained dry. Durability: Constructed from a substantial 100-denier material, the Alpha SV exudes durability. It feels nearly indestructible, and despite miles of bushwhacking during my backpacking trip, it still looks brand new. Warmth: While notably warm, the Alpha SV may be too toasty for more temperate conditions. It's ideally suited for early spring, late fall mountaineering, and winter backpacking where temperatures plummet. Its insulation properties make it an invaluable asset in extreme cold. Fit & Style: True-to-size with a generous cut, the Alpha SV accommodates layering comfortably. I am 5’8” and 180 lbs, with extremely broad shoulders, and I usually fall somewhere between a medium and a large with most apparel. With the Alpha SV, I opted for a Large, which ensured ample room for movement, particularly in the chest and shoulders. The longer back length provides excellent protection against snow and drafts, and the gusseted underarms allow for unrestricted mobility. I only have one small gripe: the Blue Tetra color is not my favorite. While I appreciate the benefits of wearing light colors in alpine environments, I would prefer a darker blue or, ideally, a jacket that was fully teal. The Dark Magic color has teal-ish portions, but I wish the whole jacket was that same color; I don’t like how the teal changes to black around the upper arms, chest, and shoulders. Overall, the Arc'teryx Alpha SV hardshell jacket is a top-tier piece of equipment tailored for alpine enthusiasts facing the most extreme conditions. Its impressive array of features, impeccable waterproofing, and unwavering durability make it an investment worth every penny. I plan on using this jacket to backpack in snowy, sub-freezing temperatures, and I will be taking it on my upcoming ascent of Mt. Rainier via the Emmons route. This jacket embodies versatility and performance, firmly establishing itself as a do-it-all essential for mountaineers and alpinists alike.
Unphased by torrential severe thunderstorms, hail, and howling winds, this jacket performs as promised. No complaints, only compliments. The undoubted strengths of this jacket are its impenetrability to wind and precipitation, adjustability/function, and the hood design. As promised, the jacket is both windproof and waterproof yet somehow extremely lightweight and durable. I was caught out in severe thunderstorms with lots of hail, wind, and rain--multiple times--with this jacket, and it performed as expected. I especially like the hood and collar design of this jacket. The hood has the perfect design at, and over, the brim, where the combination of the hood and a hat or helmet keeps precipitation completely out of your face. The hood is extremely well thought out to every last detail: the cut, cinch pulls, size, and adjustability. And, the high collar covers your neck and face for additional, great protection. After surviving multiple thunderstorms on the trail, I wondered how waterproof this jacket really was. So, I put it to the test--a five minute shower. I can say it passed the shower test with flying colors. Only a very small amount of water penetrated the lower portion or the front zip but everything else was bone dry. Investigating further, Arc'teryx does state that the front zip is "WaterTight" ("highly water resistant, but not waterproof"), so I believe the front zip performs as claimed. However, the jacket was completely waterproof in the field, and I believe it would perform just as well under colder, more severe conditions (i.e., snow and ice). This is, quite simply, the best windproof/waterproof jacket I have ever donned---you cannot go wrong with this jacket, it is reliable, durable, and lightweight.
It seems like the jacket starts to rip at the seems after a few years I brought my jacket in 2018 and the zipper broke and it ripped under the armpit on the right side, above the left side of the hood, and the drawstring piece came out on the bottom right side of the jacket.
Whether on my back or in my backpack, the Alpha SV goes everywhere I do. Paired with the Proton Hoody, I don't need much more.
The color popped out of the box. Received size M which I prefer, since I layer under it. I am 5'7" and wear 38S jacket. Sleeve are long but work because of the Velcro. Length was perfect for me. Room for layer underneath and still freedom of movement. Chest Pockets and no side hip pockets will take some getting used to for me. The hood cinches down well and provides good coverage without a helmet. I spent 45 minutes outside in the storm Ophelia, experiencing winds of up to 40mph and everything from mist to down pour. I did the tissue test on each pocket. I and the tissues stayed 100% dry the entire time, including tissue on outer sleeve. I highly recommend this jacket for anyone looking for superior protection. It will be a piece of gear you don't worry about and give confidence to continue on.
I have the Alpha SV from 2013, made in Canada and it still looks new. Love this coat.