How to Choose Rainwear

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For absolute weather protection during full-on alpine expeditions, the Alpha SV jacket features Gore-Tex® Pro Shell fabric.
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View the Arc'teryx Alpha Product LineView all Arc'teryx Men's Multi-Sport Rain Jackets| Best Use | Multisport |
|---|---|
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Type of Waterproofing | Waterproof breathable laminate |
| Hood | Yes |
| Gender | Men's |
| Weight | 19 |
| 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.
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I use this jacket mostly for mountaineering in winter conditions in the Rocky Mountains. The Alpha SV does a great job of protecting me from 60mph winds and blowing snow on ridgelines, but is also a great outer layer for a casual day at a ski resort as well. The pockets are easy to reach and conveniently placed, and the jacket itself is very adjustable. The vents under the arms work well and are easy to open/close. My only complaint is that you can't unzip it from the bottom which would be nice for situations when I'm tied in to a rope, but other than that, it's a great product.
Waterproof? Check. Durable? Check. Functional? Check. Absolutely the best shell that I have ever seen. It is not the lightest, but it is the highest quality craftsmanship available for a GorTex rain jacket. The seams are practically invisible because they are stitched so tight and flush! Layer underneath it for warmth and this is becomes mountaineering armor. Summer time - just the shell alone breaths well and keeps you dry. Waterproof zippers, large hood, and high chest pockets (still usable with a backpack waist belt strapped on) are just the beginning of this well-considered design. It is quite expensive, but once you see it and use it, you'll see why. This is truly one of those "perfect" pieces of gear...
This was my first Arcteryx Product I've owned. I actually bought the Theta SV, because I needed the length, but the build and materials are the same. We took it to Alaska this September and it rained 12 out of 13 days. Some days just drizzle and other days windy wet and cold. I stayed perfectly dry all the time. I must admit that my one dislike was the stiffness and "crackle" of the material but its really what makes the material shed the weather like it does so I'll learn to l love it. I have a habit of wanting new outdoor gear very often but I'll have to change that with this product cause it will be with me for years. Want something for lighter conditions too so I'm gonna get a new Theta SL soon. Don't think you can go wrong with Arcteryx. Get one.
The price is high but you deffinitely get what you pay for! This jacket will be a part of your life and will accompany you on every adventure for a decade plus. The hood does not tuck into the collar. The pit zips open wide. The shoulders are oversized which makes wearing a pack less constrictive. The hood fits over a ski helmet perfectly and for off of the mt. adventures in the rain a baseball hat. This jacket can be rolled and packed away very efficiently. I would reccomend buying the alpha LT to use as a liner for cold resort riding. For ski touring I would reccomend buying the gamma mx soft shell to use as your mid weight layer.This product along with my theta sk bib pants have been my standard equipment for 6 years plus now and I have never wanted for more.
I use this jacket for skiing in the NW. It is very light weight and totally waterproof. (so far) It's the best jacket I've ever owned. The weight to protection ratio (ultra light) is like nothing I've ever worn. (North Face, Marmot, Mountain Hardware and Burton) The collar is quite high and great when it's really blowing but there isn't really a way to keep it out of the way when you don't want it zipped all the way up. I suspect that when the coat gets a bit more broken in the collar will relax. It's a minor thing and wouldn't keep me from buying another one, but good to note. The jacket is cut for an athletic build. I am 6"2" and 205 pounds. I wear a large and it fits me just the way I think it should. Snug but not too tight or constrictive. I wear a base and middle layer only with this jacket. Length (torso and arms) for me is perfect.
Very light but strong goretex fabric makes it packable. I use this jacket for heavy snow, rain and wind. There is a very high front collar, but understand that this jacket isn't just a normal jacket. When it gets below 20 degrees with wind and snow blowing, you'll be glad that high collar is there!
I have tried many waterproof jackets including the Stingray and Sidewinder but have fallen in love with the Alpha SV. This jacket is built tougher than the other two and has a two features that better fit my needs. The high collar really protects the lower face/neck area from wind burn or moisture. The hood snugs up to the back of your neck keeping moisture out even when the hood is down and the zipper is up. The front pockets were my other big selling feature, they are huge. I can fit way too much stuff in them. They are located well above the waist line making them completely functional when you carry a pack, unlike the sidewinder. As for me, most of my time outdoors is spent trout fishing in the rockies or steelheading in the pacific northwest. Thus I was in need of a great product that repels freezing rain and snow for days on end. Overall if you are looking for the last jacket you'll ever need for rough weather, this is it without question. I also own the Alpha SL which is exceptional for rain, but just doesn't have the durability of the SV.
This jacket is amazing. Although it was designed for serious adventurers, it is still worth its money even if you never plan to leave the city. The few minor gripes I have with this jacket is its somewhat stiff and loud, although not too much to deter you from wearing it, but it is noticeable. The hood also looks kinda goofy when you put it on. I feel obnoxious when I have the hoody on, but it will protect you 100% and it feel s super warm when you do have it on. I usually save it for rain/snowstorms when its absolutely necessary. Now for the Good stuff: I usually layer this jacket with a fleece underneath, and in Chicago weather, the only indicator that the 10-F wind is blowing 35mph is the howling noise the wind makes. Other than that, My body does not feel the temperature change that usually accompanies the freezing blowing wind. Waterproofness is worlds better than any other product out there. You see other companies promote their product to have just the same amount of protection as the Arcteryx jacket does, such as 60mph wind protection and absolute waterproofness. This is certainly true, but the difference between jackets such as the REI Taku and the Arcteryx Alpha SV is the longevity and durability of the protection. REI's Taku Jacket does deliver the same protection, but the jacket uses a coating that over time and wash cycle will fade, losing most of the promised protection. The Alpha SV and similar level products from Arcteryx does not use a coating, but instead relies on the actual fabric itself to repel wind and water. Which means the jacket does not lose its protection properties. I had a friend spray a water hose at me for a couple of minutes and the water just beads off like no ones business. Wind and water protection wise, this jacket is 100%. Besides for the aforementioned hoody, this jacket looks pretty stylish and could be worn in most casual settings. I actually like the Alpha SV cut more than the Theta AR, which is longer and seems more like a coat. The Alpha SV is as breathable as you can expect from a wind/water proof jacket. I'd say its about 65% breathable. On an overnight hike through GSM, I wore just the Alpha SV without any layer under and I could feel my sweat building up. There were definitely some moisture trapped in the jacket. However, I didn't buy this jacket to be worn in 40-f something degree weather, so I don't expect it to be that breathable. The armpit openings does help a good amount, especially when theres a breeze going, but if you're in stale air, its pretty much useless. The jacket seems like it would be able to handle some pretty tough scraps and falls. Roughing up on the sidewalk pavement left no rips or any residue on the jacket. The fabric itself is stiff and very scratch/abrasion resistant. spending full retail price on this jacket, I am left with no buyers remorse as I am completely happy with my purchase. Knowing that you have a jacket that can seriously handle any weather conditions you will ever experience, it gives you a peace of mind. Not an ounce of regret buying this jacket. But I must warn you, this jacket isn't for everyone and some will not like it. The jacket requires you to layer effectively in order to achieve the best performance. For those who want to just throw on a jacket and go, you're better off with an all in one kind of jacket.