Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket Review
The Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket is a high-caliber hardshell jacket for heavy weather conditions.
Overview
The Alpha SV (Severe Weather) is a bombproof jacket and highly protective against the elements. The 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro fabric construction, promises the best waterproofing while remaining very breathable. This has been designed for alpine climbing and skiing at high altitudes where the weather could get out of hand.
Performance
Alpha SV is a beast in the most inhospitable conditions, with bombproof protection against wind, rain, and snow. The 100-denier nylon face fabric is super tough; this makes the Alpha SV one of the most durable hardshell jackets out there. The jacket’s waterproofing is top-notch, courtesy of the DWR finish that ensures moisture beads up and rolls off2.
Design and Features
Material: The jacket is made from N100p-X 3L Gore-Tex Pro, which offers excellent durability and weather resistance. Hood: The helmet-compatible StormHood is highly adjustable and provides excellent coverage without restricting your field of view. Pockets: It includes two large hand pockets and an internal chest pocket, all with WaterTight zippers to keep your belongings dry.
Fit: The jacket is regular fitting. It’s hip length, easy to layer in and features a drawcord hem as well as adjust cuffs that seal out the elements.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely tough and resistant to weather
- Great construction and materials used
- Helmet-compatible hood with great coverage
- Effective at waterproofing, breathabilit
Cons:
- Quite expensive
- Heavy and a bit too bulky for an hardshell
- Noisy fabric
Conclusion
The Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket is for those who are seriously in need of the best protection possible at all costs. Its blend of fabrics, innovative design, and outstanding durability creates an industry-leading alpine piece for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Sure enough, it carries quite the price tag; but this is well worth it in features and performance, particularly when one considers just how often the garment is likely to last.
