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As the burliest mountain pants in the Arc'teryx lineup, the Men's Alpha SV Bibs keep you bone dry in the worst mountain storms thanks to three-layer Gore-Tex Pro material. Not only do these waterproof breathable pants fight off horrendous snowstorms with ease, they also keep you from overheating with an ultra-breathable Schoeller Dynamic softshell upper. Waist-to-ankle side zippers provide ventilation and allow you to put on these pants even when you're wearing mountaineering boots. Arc'teryx added a through-the-crotch zipper to the Alpha SV Bibs to make answering natures call a little easier.
Bottom Line:
Count on the super-tough Arc'teryx Alpha SV Bibs to protect you through the worst storms you encounter in the mountains.
Hi guys,
Planning on getting these bibs for winter alpine climbing,
Hi guys,
Planning on getting these bibs for winter alpine climbing, ice, and also ski tours where I will be waist deep in powder. I am trying to chose between the Alpha SV, Theta SV, and a few others like the Patagonia Super Alpine.
How do the Alpha SV's go with trudging through the powder? Does anything get through the hems? I can't wear any external gaiters as this interferes with the touring boots I wear when I put them in walk mode.
Also, what makes these bibs more purpose built for climbing than the Thetas? If the Theta has everything that these pants have, plus the internal snow gaiters, I would just use the Thetas.
These are a bit burlier than the Thetas, which are more meant for Skiing. I have heard great things about the Super Alpine bibs, personally. They're made with the same fabric as the SV, and the fit is supposed to be fantastic. That said, the SV is a classic, so honestly, you could flip a coin, or just go with whichever color scheme you like better...
I don't think it gets any better than this bib. Very well designed. Maybe the elastic cords could be more durable, but even those work perfect. Very easy to get in and out. And it will keep you dry.
These bibs rule. Like the jacket, they are perfectly designed. I am 5'10", 155lb., and small fits perfectly for jacket and bibs. The articulation is phenomenal, with no bunched up fabric whatsoever, but still plenty of room for layers underneath. For above-treeline winter trips such as the Presidentials I usually use two long underwear layers under these, but one is plenty for most other applications. There is definitely room for heavier insulating layers under here too.
There is a downside to the bib design (as opposed to regular pants): in order to fully take advantage of the bibs, if you stop to change upper layers, you have to remove the suspenders as well as your jacket to do so. However I don't consider this a drawback, because it is the only way that one might achieve such a high level of warmth and protection from elements. The alternative is to just layer over the bibs, but this sort of defeats the purpose. Picture yourself wearing a baselayer and thick fleece top with these bibs zipped up and over these layers. The bib top (when zipped over your upper layers) keeps all of your heat in while effectively blocking updrafts and snow that might make it past the hem-cinch of your jacket. Also, since the Schoeller softshell material has been chosen for this section, the breathe-through characteristics are as good as it gets.
I'm 6', 152 lbs, and have a 30" waist. Would a size
I'm 6', 152 lbs, and have a 30" waist. Would a size small work or should I size up for more layering options? I'll be using these primarily for mountaineering/alpine climbing.
So yeah, these bibs cost more than my playstation 3 but ... if you need bomb proof protection and stellar performance across variable weather conditions then look no further. Construction is awesome! The crotch zipper and knee pads are just off the hook convenient!! These bibs are 100% waterproof. I'v had these bad boys out in freezing rain for +5 hours and stayed totally dry. The fit is typical Arcteryx, no extra or loose material anywhere. Im 6'1 ~175 lbs and I M/Tall fit perfect. The ultra-breathable Schoeller softshell upper is perfect with my Alpha LT in colder conditions. Iv tried other bibs like the Cloudveil Koven but the fit, weight, nor construction were anything like these. At any rate, these bibs are flat out great ... just look away when you pay the bill.
The through-the-crotch zipper on these pants will be useless
The through-the-crotch zipper on these pants will be useless without base layer pants with the same zipper. I've had my Alpha SV bibs for about 4 years now and love them. I also have one pair of Rho AR boot cut base layer pants with a crotch zip that I bought in about 2008. I want another pair, but Arcteryx doesn't appear to have this zipper in any of their 2010 base layer pants. Anybody know where I can find some?
[Quote: The through-the-crotch zipper on these pants will be useless without base layer pants with the same zipper.]
I would beg to differ.
When I have a BM while wearing my Alpha SV bib I just unzip the crutch and pull my long-johns bottom down and then just lay cable. It's as simple as that.
I bought these about 15 months ago and have used them many times. I do backcountry snow camping and snowshoeing. The bib has kept me warm and dry every time. It has several pockets; one where I keep spare batteries exclusively. I use this bib as an outer as well as an inner layer. During the day when I'm on the trail I wear the bib as the outer layer (Only layer besides underwear). After I set up camp and am ready to lounge around, I just put on an over-pant and wear the Arc'Teryx bib as the base layer because Gore-Tex does a great job at keeping heat in. The hem has a draw cord to create a gaiter set up and also has holes to attach cord to wrap under the boot like gaiters as well!
Trying to decide between the Alpha SV and Theta SV bibs. Will
Trying to decide between the Alpha SV and Theta SV bibs. Will be used primarily for skiing, snowshoeing and winter camping. What is the difference in construction?
It seems to me that the big difference between the Alpha SV bibs and the Theta SV bibs is going to be the lack of internal powder gaiters on the Alpha SV. This means that you might have to wear some sort of a separate gaiter over top of the shell in deeper snow to keep the snow out. I used the Theta SV pants all of last season for skiing and they were great. I'd have no issue using them for snowshoeing or winter camping since they are very comfortable to wear and they have good zippers for providing ventilation where necessary. Obviously the Alpha SV pants could be used for skiing, but if this is one of your main uses for the pants then Id' stick with the Theta SV.
I'd recommend the Arc'teryx Theta SV as a ski pant. Both use the same fabric in the legs, but the Theta SV uses a highly breathable back panel, lower front (just above belly button), and is built with more ski-specific articulation in the knees, and internal powder gaiters. The Alpha SV has removable foam pads in the knees, and a much taller torso.
I have been looking for good gore tex pro shell pants that I can wear skiing and also to sporting events in foul conditions. I like bibs for a number of reasons that I won't go into.
My decision came down to the Theta and Alpha SV. I chose the Alpha because they seemed more geared towards all around sports where the Theta is more tailored to skiing and snow boarding.
I have worn the bibs now for a number of activities and they are easily the most versatile bibs I have ever imagined owning. They are super comfortable and absolutely weather proof. I can tailor under garmets for any type of cool/cold weather.
I simply can't describe how well these bibs are designed. Perfect.
The Arc'teryx Alpha SV bib isn't "lined" per se. These bibs are made with Gore-Tex Pro-Shell, which is 3 layers laminated together (face fabric,Gore Membrane, and a woven backer) the backer on these is a wicking polyester, but you'll need to wear a layer or two under these for insulation. The Pro-Shell is nice because it's really durable, but still light, and moves nicely.
I have had these 7 seasons - they just will not quit, and that is a good thing. I sent them back to Arcteryx and they fixed the gators for free when they got beat up. Great for touring with the full side zip and the 2 way fly makes cold weather peeing a breeze!
The Arc'teryx Alpha SV can be a great ski pant. they have foam knee pads (removable), articulated knees, and use a tough face fabric. If you're primarily looking for ski pants, you could also look at the Theta SV bib.
i climb towers for a living and everyone that i work with wears carthartt winter gear. temps can get down to 0 with windchill of minus 30 up there. if they aren't freezing to death they look like the kid from a christmas story.i love the shoulder straps, elastic and very easy to get on. small inside pocket and two larger pockets on the chest that are perfect for gloves when you need to stow for technical work. a frozen tower will usually tear my clothes to pieces. these bibs allow for a phenomenal range of motion, 150% wind/water protection, and weigh in at only 22oz. oh, and i usually tear other bibs up in one winter on the razor-like frozen towers... one winter and counting without a single leak. it truly blows my mind.SECOND TO NONE.
I'm sure the Arc'teryx Alpha SV work great. Just wash them alot if you'll be in salt water, as the salt will kill the breathability and DWR if it builds up. They don't have any insulation by themselves, so some fleece pants underneath would be necessary, or better yet, check out the Kappa insulated pants from Arc'teryx. Primaloft under windstopper. Serious protection!
These are great. I have owned my pair for almost 10 years. They still breath great, fit great and work like new. I wash and treat them a couple times a year with nikwax. I have no doubt they will last another 10 years.
I have climbed many alpine routes with these bibs. I also use a pair of OR gators. The gators keep snow out of boots when high stepping and the help to keep you from cutting the bibs with your crampons. The bibs have a small kevlar patch designed to prevent this, but I have found that you will kick every spot except that spot. Hope this helps.
That's exactly what the Arc'teryx Alpha SV is designed for, alpine climbing. Yes, you can put gaiters over the cuffs if you like, seems like most folks don't because the cuffs can cinch down over your boots well enough to do away with a gaiter.
I have study the Arc'teryx sizing chart. But I still can't
I have study the Arc'teryx sizing chart. But I still can't figure out what size I need.I know I need medium. But which length should I choose?My "inseam" are approximately 82-83cm. The Medium Regular says 77cm and the Medium Tall 85cm.Any suggestions?Thanks
Well if you go for the Regular, it'll be 3 inches too short versus an inch too long with the Tall. I personally would go with the Tall, since they're ski pants and it doesn't matter if they're a little long.
I bought these and was really happy with their quality and waterproofness.
However, I snowboard and only after 20 days up this season, the back parts of my legs where the legs meet my high backs of my binding have worn away to the point of a hole developing. I have since had to slide the legs around 90 degrees in order to have the kevlar part reside where it meets my high back. So for future snowboard users, please move your legs around 90 degrees so they won't ware away. A trick I use is to clip the bottom of the legs (there's holes for gators) to my boot lace so it sits there nicely and won't slide back to normal. The kevlar should last much longer. Wished I thought of that first. Otherwise bomber pants!!!
I have been looking for good gore tex pro shell pants that I can wear skiing and also to sporting events in foul conditions. I like bibs for a number of reasons that I won't go into.
My decision came down to the Theta and Alpha SV. I chose the Alpha because they seemed more geared towards all around sports where the Theta is more tailored to skiing and snow boarding.
I have worn the bibs now for a number of activities and they are easily the most versatile bibs I have ever imagined owning. They are super comfortable and absolutely weather proof. I can tailor under garmets for any type of cool/cold weather.
I simply can't describe how well these bibs are designed. Perfect.
Any problems with snow in the boots since they don't have
Any problems with snow in the boots since they don't have gaiters? I would use them mainly for backcountry skiing, so they would be going over a tele boot.
No problem, I use them with Garmont Excursions and have snow climbed in deep snow with no problem, cinch the drawcord down. I also sometimes use a velcro strap around outside at the bottom at .2 ounce each, the ultimate ultralight gaiter. The bibs have grommets on the bottom for a strap under the instep but I haven't used that.If they are mainly for day skiing you might consider the heavier duty Arcteryx bibs.
I bought a pair of these bibs in 2005 to be worn as a do-it-all outer layer for wear in the mountains while performing law enforcement duties,including crawling over rocks,through brush,over and under vehicles while winching people back up onto the roads after they had slid off in the snow. I bought them larger that needed to allow for wearing mid-layers as needed depending on how warm or cold it was,and still allow me to wear by body armor inside to keep it dry. The full length chest to lower back waterproof zippers come in handy for when nature calls...I don't even have to remove my gun-belt from around my waist.The side zippers from hip to ankles make it easy to allow for built up heat to escape and to stay cool inside my patrol vehicle. The elastic cinch-cords afford a quick and easy means to snug the pant legs tight around the ankles of your boots when in deep snow or when on snowshoes,skis,or crampons.With the small grommets on both the inside and outside lower edges of the legs,attach a piece of elastic cord to go under the arch of your boots,and you are as close as you can get to a gaiter.They're going on seven years of full-time winter use,and they look almost new. Clean and waterproof them with Nikwax or similar products designed for gore-tex as needed, and they will as warranted,last a lifetime.
I think I tried on every bib BC sells, and these by far had the best cut/fit. In reality they've been super functional as well. An extra pocket or two might be handy, but that's splitting hairs in my book. Arc'teryx nailed it with these puppies.
I'm 5'7, 150, and the small is perfect. Shoulder straps are adjustable seemingly to any frame.
I have had this bib for a few years now and have used it in many severe weather situations. I have found that it works perfectly as a ski pant, rain pant, sailing bib, and all around tough pant. The only beef i have with this particular design is the excessive use of zippers, I know that this is built for intense ice climbing, but this is also the only high enough arcteryx bib to work for ocean sailing. The zippers are far from waterproof, even though they are laminated they still leak quite a bit when in contact with driving water or rain. This is a big problem since zippers run all the way down both legs and down the crotch and up the butt(this zipper looks very funny and will get alot of awkward remarks).
Have you tried using outerwear that's designed for open ocean sailing???
You give this bib a poor grade because you're using it for something that it was not designed for. All those zippers wouldn't be there if it were designed for open ocean sailing. It's designed to handle frozen water NOT liquid water.
It's like trying to use a four-sided cheese grader as a cup!
These bibs are fantastic for anything mountain. I use them above my soft-shell pants for mountaineering, ski-mountaineering, telemark skiing & ice climbing when weather & conditions dictate. The double zipper on the side zips are perfect as you can open them up to get great ventilation and breathability when chugging up-hill, and quickly close them if heading down-hill in powder when you don't want a snow drift as one of your layer's. I did replace the cords on the zipper with some longer accessory cord I had so that I could more easily pull them with heavy gloves on. Also love the keprotec on the inside of the ankle's. Could use that on the seat as well. Mine have an inner snow collar, so not sure when the version changed for the fellow who commented on that below. The only reason I don't give these 5 stars is the price tag.
Well, while I'm still pleased with the quality of this bib, it is not geared for a skier. I own both the Theta and was given this bib recently for Christmas (schwing). I really really wanted this bib to replace an much older TNF Mountain Bib that has been a mainstay for far too long for me. I purchased the Theta couple years back and it continues to impress me each time I'm out and about or on the slopes.
The main thing, IMHO, that you should know is this bib does NOT have an inner ski cuff to keep snow out.
It is extremely light weight and I have put it to the test recently with a 12" snow. This is a mountain bib, but not a skiers bib. The Theta rocks plain and simple.
Oh yea...I'm 6'2" 185lbs (34" waste 35" inseam) and the the Large-Tall fits great.
Thanks for the helpful information. I was looking into buying the Alpha bib, because the front side seems to go over your chest more than the Theta. This would lead me to believe that the Alpha would be a warmer bib, but the lack of leg gaiters is a "deal-breaker" for me. I have a Cabela's Original Trans-Alaska Suit (you cannot buy this one anymore - discontinued in 2009, I bought it in 2007) and it also does not have leg gaiters. After an awesome ski trip in Big Sky Montana and getting tons of snow inside the bottom of the leg portion of the suit, I will not buy ski pants/bibs/suits without leg gaiters. Why? The snow and ice hardened on my insulating layers and I was very cold in that area. By the way, how are the Arc'teryx Theta bibs in terms of warmth and bulkiness? I'm looking for a bib with leg gaiters, of course, but is also lighter than my Yahama Value bibs (low end snowmobile bibs, very warm, but very bulky, also discontinued) and warm.
I'll give my in-the-field opinion for later, but straight out of the box, I carefully pull one of the strings (which right away looks worn out) to adjust the waist and it breaks (or rather gets pulled out of some section which is supposed to hold it in). So I have to tie a double overhand on the elastic string so that it does not get pulled in through the plastic clip which is used to pinch it. Given the price of the gear, I am gutted. Pay 500 bux to get something that starts to rip straight out of the box is rather disapointing. It is doubly so given the reputation that this brand has and which is the reason why people are willing to pay more than other makers. I know there can be lemons once in a while, but c'mon guys! It does not stop me from using it but not the start I was hoping for...
It's the best bib i've ever had ! it's awesome everywhere ! I've used it in -35C with only a RHO AR BOTTOM under, and it kept me good and worm ! and the knee pads are awesome, u can sit down where ever u want without gettin' wet or cold ! and in the summer, just open the zipers on the side and it's perfect to the heet out !
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