![]() 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. Trimmer, lighter, packable running jacket.Arc’teryx is no stranger to hardshell jackets and long has been a go-to option for protection in harsh mountain environments. N80p-X & N100p-X 3L Most Rugged Gore-Tex Pro N40r-X & N80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro Hoods aside, though, Beta SV is without a doubt the slightly better product when it comes to Beta AR vs SV, unless packability is an issue (which shouldn't be so anyway because otherwise you shouldn't have been looking at these jackets in the first place). You can read more about StormHood vs DropHood in. This is why it's treasured by climbers and mountain bikers.īeta AR is the only hardshell in Arc'teryx line-up offered with the DropHood, by the way. ![]() Since the hood is mostly down during high output activities when it's not that inclement, Beta AR is more likely to be the better option for it. ![]() In the end, this mostly boils down to the intended use. If it'll be down most of the time, then a Beta AR will probably be more comfortable and convenient. If the hood will mostly be up, then the StormHood of Beta SV is very likely to be more pleasing than the DropHood of Beta AR. In short, base your decision on the type of the hood you like before anything else. ![]() Although Beta AR and SV have their differences in face fabrics, their differences in the hoods (StormHood of Beta SV vs DropHood of Beta AR) will play a much larger role in your satisfaction with these jackets. ![]()
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