GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATION - Arcteryx Alpha SV Gloves
Made for dexterity in cold weather environments the Gore-Tex liner is bonded directly to the underside of the outer shell of the glove so there is no slip or slop. One handed tightening/loosening of the gauntlet collar is effective and easy. Wrist adjustment mechanism is a nice plus but maybe a little more than necessary. The leather is beautiful, hope it holds up.
Polartec Wind Pro liners slide in and out of the outer shell quickly and without a lot of fuss. Their thickness strikes a nice balance between warmth and dexterity though you might be wishing for a little more loft on those especially frigid morning lay ups.
I own a lot of gloves and the reason is simple, I buy just about everything I come across that even looks like it will work for one thing or the other because good ones are hard to find. Truth is that most of the time, I am disappointed with them due to fit, durability, warmth, breathability, waterproofness etc, etc.
If Kinco represents the bottom end of the price spectrum for good gloves/mitts at around $15 a pair the new Alpha SV Glove from Arcteryx has to mark the top end at $275 a pair. I don't talk much about price here on this site because we are looking for what we think is best in class gear regardless of cost and most of my readers care more about value than dollars but at that price point the question has to be asked. Are they worth it? Well, Arcteryx doesn't make any junk and so far I am pretty damned impressed with them but I am not ready to pass judgement yet. I want to spend some more time with them in the field to see how they stack up against models from Black Diamond, Outdoor Research and Hestra made for the same purpose. Regardless of what I ultimately decide, they deserve a look from discerning mountaineers that can't afford to have cold, wet hands.
Here is how REI describes them;
The high-performance Arc'teryx SV gloves ensure dry hands and are constructed for great dexterity to keep you happy while you climb alpine peaks and make turns on long backcountry ski tours.
- Nylon shells with Gore-Tex® Pro Shell 3L waterproof breathable laminate technology shed snow and keep moisture out so you can enjoy winter activities with dry hands
- Shell fabric is treated with a Durable Water Repellent finish to repel moisture
- Removable Polartec® Wind Pro liner gloves insulate hands; liners feature low-profile seams for a good fit inside the shell gloves
- Gloves are constructed with aggressive articulation for a fit that allows great dexterity
- Palms, thumbs and fingers are reinforced with supple leather for excellent abrasion resistance and good grip of mountain equipment
- Laminated cuffs remain open for easy donning during transitions on the ski slopes; drawcords at the cuffs adjust easily with 1 hand to keep snow out while you're carving turns
- Arc'teryx Alpha SV gloves include adjustable wrist cinches to keep the gloves on your hands
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
We can be educated and persuaded but not bought, bullied or bs'd. Hardcore Outdoor is dedicated to those who can't or won't turn back.
Posted by Wade Nelson at Friday, April 29. 2011 
Categories: Hands, GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
Tags: cold weather gloves mountaineering gloves snow gloves arcteryx gloves sar gloves alpha sv gloves MOUNTAINEERING GLOVES EXTREME COLD WEATHER GLOVES
Categories: Hands, GREAT GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
Tags: cold weather gloves mountaineering gloves snow gloves arcteryx gloves sar gloves alpha sv gloves MOUNTAINEERING GLOVES EXTREME COLD WEATHER GLOVES
Comments