And a smaller gripe is that I wish the main zipper were two-way rather than one-way, which would allow easier access to a harness and prevent the shell from bunching and tightening when I sit down. My only notable complaint is that Gore-Tex Pro isn’t the quietest or most comfortable fabric, especially when I work up a sweat, but the interior of the shell does slide nicely over most of my midlayers. This has been especially apparent during movement-dependent activities like transitioning, crouching down awkwardly while photographing, or loading gear in and out of my van. With gusseted underarms and articulated patterning, the Alpha SV offers nearly unrestricted mobility. And I should note that I do prefer the larger pit zips found on my Norrøna shells, including the Trollveggen and Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro jackets, but the Alpha SV’s are perfectly adequate for most uses. In fact, with the zippers open, I’ve even been able to climb steeper, more technical slopes while adventuring in the alpine (although I wasn’t carrying my heavy ski gear, which helped). And the pit zips (which are around 16 in.) are a lifesaver in such situations and work effectively, especially when also lowering the main zipper a bit for fresh air. That said, when temperatures dip below around 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit, I’m able to comfortably wear the jacket during shorter bouts of activity without breaking into a sweat. When backcountry skiing or hiking in the alpine, for instance, I reserve the shell exclusively for transitioning and descending. Finally, the center back length (listed at 30.75 in.) provides ample coverage and prevents snow and drafts from creeping in while skiing or bending down.Īs with all Gore-Tex shells, I try not to wear the Alpha SV when exerting as I tend to heat up quickly. In fact, I trust them enough to keep my cellphone, map, and even camera lenses dry and protected. And although not technically waterproof, the jacket’s WaterTight zippers have not allowed moisture to penetrate the shell. Further, I’m a big fan of the Velcro cuff adjustments, which easily secure either over my undercuff gloves (the Black Diamond Dirt Bag) or under my gauntlet-style mittens (Arc’teryx’s own Alpha SV mitts). Combined with the tall collar, the aperture leaves only my nose and goggles exposed to the elements. The helmet-compatible StormHood is easily adjustable, highly protective, and offers excellent coverage without impacting field of view (more on this below). After numerous backcountry days in harsh alpine conditions, I have yet to have any moisture penetrate the fortress-like shell.Īs far as other protective features go, the Alpha SV makes no concessions. In practice, the jacket has deftly fended off everything from freezing spring drizzle and wet, heavy snow to dry, bitterly cold winds and rain typical of the Pacific Northwest. For added assurance, you also get a durable water repellent (DWR) finish on the exterior to bead up moisture, as well as top-quality taped seams and WaterTight zippers to seal out precipitation. First and foremost, the 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro with Most Rugged build is essentially bombproof-the material is a substantial 100-denier, and Gore’s Pro membrane and fabric is known for its standout weatherproofing. The prior-generation Arc’teryx Alpha SV was a stalwart in rough and rowdy conditions, and the latest version of the jacket carries the torch. To see how it stacks up to the competition, check out our article on the best hardshell jackets. Below are our experiences with the Alpha SV. If you can swallow the high price tag, it’s an ideal jacket for multi-day ski tours, mountaineering objectives, and alpine expeditions where extreme weather is a concern. Arc’teryx updated the shell recently with a more durable Gore-Tex Pro construction, RECCO reflector, and revised zipper pulls, but the winning recipe remains. At the very top of their lineup is the Alpha SV ("severe weather"), which is designed for use in the most serious of conditions. Arc’teryx is no stranger to hardshell jackets and long has been a go-to option for protection in harsh mountain environments.
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