Venom

The definitive Arc'teryx shell in its most rugged form: the Alpha SV is extreme performance for extreme conditions. Released first in 1998 as the brand's flagship jacket, the Alpha SV is a weatherproof shell designed specifically for climbing and alpine environments. It's gone through multiple iterative changes in the 22 years since its birth, all in the pursuit of ever better performance, ease of use, and reduced weight. To this day it continues to be an industry defining garment.

The jacket's innovations when released in 1998 included reduced seam allowances and thinner seam tapes to reduce weight and bulk, ergonomic patterning allowing the wearer to move unobstructed and unrestricted (the gusseted armpits and highly articulated sleeves), and laminated waterproof zippers (an Arc'teryx invention). The garment is cut to interface seamlessly with other climbing gear--napoleon pockets at the chest are placed to remain accessible with a backpack on while the dropped back hem includes foam inserts to lock the jacket in underneath a climbing harness. The helmet-compatible hood with laminated brim cinches down with 4 adjustment points. The jacket is finished with two-way armpit zippers to vent heat, a zipped bicep pocket, composite elastic velcro strap cuff, two internal zip pockets, and a waist level shockcord cinch accessed through chest pockets.

Made in Canada
8.5/10 Condition, with no rips or tears. Some small marks here and there are mostly unnoticeable. Slight dirt in high wear areas like the chinguard. Gore-tex membrane is in pristine condition with no delamination. Freshly laundered with Arc'teryx technical detergent.