The Venta SV is No Longer Available
REASONS TO BUY
Windproof
Excellent features
Stylish
REASONS TO AVOID
Fleece insulation can be too warm for active use
Hood does not protect face well
Arc'teryx Venta SV Review
Arcteryx Venta SV in Blig Sky
Credit: Arcteryx
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
Windproof Softshells
As we describe in the Arc'teryx Venta MX, windproof softshells are best if you already have a favorite hardshell jacket and want something that's slightly more breathable and more comfortable. Windproof softshells are an expensive, wonderful luxury for use in windy conditions.
Performance Comparison
Weather Protection
This jacket scores very high here (10 out of 10) because its Windstopper membrane is highly water resistant and windproof. We wish this jacket were cut longer like the Arc'teryx Venta MX is because, as you can see in our photos and in the video, the jacket rides up easily, thereby exposing your belly and back. The Venta MX's longer cut and is better for activities that involve lots of upper body movement.
Fleece insulation makes jacket is warmer than the Arc'teryx Venta MX, thus it's best for high output activities in cold days.
Jeff Smith gets some air in the Venta SV, a windproof model best for downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Credit: Andrew Jackson
Breathability
This jacket scores relatively low (3 out of 10) in this category because of its windproof membrane. It's poorly suited to aerobic activities unless it's very cold out, though it does have pit zips. Arc'teryx incorporates this feature because the combination of the relatively limited breathability and the fleece insulation make it very easy to get hot in this jacket. The pit zips - along with the front zipper - help dump heat, but it is often not enough.
Mobility
Arc'teryx is well known for their fantastic work with patterning and the Venta SV is no exception. This jacket is super comfortable. However, our testers found that the Arc'teryx Venta MX was more comfortable for activities, like climbing, where you have your arms overhead.
Weight
The extra fleece insulation in this jacket make it relatively heavy. 23 oz!!
Features
Wowzer, Arc'teryx hits the nail on the head with this jacket's features, which are tailored to all-purpose use. The most notable design element is the handwarmer pockets, which are better for general use (read: around town) than the climbing specific cross-over chest pockets found on the Venta MX. Arc'teryx uses their Drop Hood, which is meant for snowsports and is not as protective as the hood on the Venta MX. Though large and helmet compatible, we much prefer hoods that protect your chin better than the Drop Hood. As usual, Arc'teryx aces it when it comes to the small details like zippers and drawcords. We give the jacket 8 out of 10 points in this category.
The Venta SV has a very comfortable Drop Hood that's ideal for skiing and snowboarding. More chin coverage on climbing shells, like the Venta MX and Alpha SV, increases weather protection and warmth.
Credit: Max Neale
Style
The Venta SV is very attractive. 9 out of 10.
Best Applications
This jacket is best suited to downhill skiing and snowboarding in warmer weather, and around town. It works very well for hiking in very cold weather, and moderately well for climbing.
Value
Softshells in general, and windproof softshells even more so, are a luxurious (poor value) type of apparel. Still, they're very comfortable and can be fantastic if you have the cash for them.
—Chris McNamara and Max Neale
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