Arc'teryx Alpha SV jacket: Tested and Reviewed!

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[ejones]

Good video. But the review is missing a few finer details regarding the jacket.
The side-arm zipper pocket can be used for important documents (driver's license, etc.), but while in Jackson Hole last March for skiing, its purpose was for the RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) lift ticket/card used for their automated scanning turnstiles to enter the cues to the lifts. All entry points to the lifts had a turnstile with a scanner built into the left side at the exact height of that pocket (and ranging about 3-feet long for varying heights)

There are two interior pockets not mentioned in the video. One on the right-side; for large items like goggles. One one the left side for small items, documents or a polyester goggle bag. Both pockets are mesh and appear to be designed for wet items to air-out and dry if necessary.

There are velcro wrist adjustment straps for a more secure fit around the wrists to prevent the cold and wet from getting in.

Lastly, the hood, neck/face and lower-hip areas have adjustable synching cords for a personal fit of the jacket. Hope this helps.

[ShartedKegs]

There are no hip pockets because that’s where a harness will sit.

[ronaldgovin]

Given how you plan to use the jacket their beta series was probably a better fit. With the beta SV you would have gotten the same protection, but with pockets in a more natural location. The alpha series is really designed with the needs of a climber in mind, hence the awkward pocket placement

[superyamagucci]

Here's my quick review. Bought one each for my son and I a few weeks ago. Already worn in some tasty weather. We both MTB, climb, and I photo.
1. It's a no-frills GTX jacket - it'll keep the weather out. Hood fits over even a MTB helmet. All good there.
2. No hip pockets is a massive plus for use with a backpack harness and general comfort.
BUT
3. The pit zips are very short, so I can't undo the lower half of the zip and put my hands in the pockets of my insulating jacket.
4. There's no hip drawcord or a double zip pull! Seriously, WTF. The whole industry is going this way and I don't understand why. If you can't immediately see why this is a problem, it probably won't be an issue.
They're nicely made though. #3 #4 would have been dealbreakers for me, but I couldn't try one on within days travel of where I live, thought it would just be standard. I'd also expect an offset zip at the chin at this price.
But overall I'm happy - got a couple of generally capable jackets until their replacements arrive.
Value for money is non-existent though, I'd be returning them if I'd paid anything close to retail.
And if you want a jacket for photos, or just standing around in bad weather at a game, get something with pit zips that let you reach your insulating layer pockets.

[tprovosts]

Good review! What height are you and what size did you get?

Cheers!

[bdlwpzd]

I would say the Alpha Sv is only worth the money if you get it in a Black Friday sale.

[TommyRarivoson]

Do you think that an M would fit me if i am 5'11 132 lbs and my chest is 32'? What size did you get yourself?

[maticerne]

Dude glove pocket is inside on the right😉

[RichardsWorld]

Looks nice. But as some reviews on their site said, it's pretty noisy. Too noisy for recording video when walking anyways.

[louiss.w]

What is the name of the colour? Soulsonic?

[jankysnowboarding]

You have to pay extra for the no hand pockets feature

[Thestripper]

The jacket is so stiff and makes so much noise that I feel embarrassed when I wear it.