Arc’teryx Venta SV Jacket

Pockets & Cuffs

The Venta SV features one interior pocket and two prodigiously sized exterior pockets. The outer pockets can accommodate a wide variety of necessary objects: a phone, a small camera, some gummy bears, a ProBar, a Voile Strap, and a bandana will all fit comfortably within these two compartments. The exterior pockets are lined with microfleece, and the positioning of the pockets is very practical. They reside high enough on the front panels to avoid any interference with the waist straps on either backpacks or climbing harnesses. This thoughtful positioning increases the versatility of the SV in that its functionality benefits climbers, backpackers, and skiers who wear a daypack. The zippers nestle compactly inside zipper garages to provide a seal against wind. This feature also helps prevent any water from entering the pocket chambers.

There is one inner left pocket that is smaller in size (about 6.5 by 5 inches). It is lined with soft fleece on one side and smooth nylon on the panel closest to the body.  The pocket is laminated to the interior of the jacket, which increases comfort, as there are no bulky seams. An iPhone can comfortably fit inside this pocket, though it is significantly smaller than the exterior pockets. This inner pocket is not particularly media friendly, in my opinion, as it utilizes a vertical zipper instead of a horizontal one. This means objects could potentially slip out if the zipper is not zipped, and routing headphone wires isn’t quite as easy.

The cuffs on the Venta SV feature a Velcro closure that is adequate and helps seal out snow or cold air. The diameter of the cuffs is somewhat narrow (about 4.5 inches) and because I prefer to tuck my gloves (Gordini Elevation II Mittens) into the cuffs of my jacket, the Venta SV cuffs were a bit narrow for my liking. It’s a little harder to tuck the gauntlet of the bulky Elevation mittens into the sleeve of the Venta than my other hard shell, the Norrona Lofoten, which has a much larger cuff. So while I’d prefer to see a larger diameter cuff on the Venta, it likely won’t be an issue if you have gloves without gauntlets or prefer to tuck your jacket cuff into your gloves.

Packability

This is a fairly packable jacket; it compresses to about the size of a standard 32 oz. Nalgene bottle. This makes the Venta SV a great option for both travel and backcountry use.

Durability

I was pleased to discover that the Venta SV emerged from my Pfeifferhorn trip completely unscathed. The guidebook designates sections of the hike “Class III scrambling” to traverse the sharp granite knife-edges that divide up the various drainages. I was frequently rubbing up against huge granite boulders as we navigated this somewhat treacherous ridgeline. The fabric of the SV is admirably abrasion resistant, and the Little Cottonwood Granite was unable to leave any visible damage on the fabric. I’m also a notorious smasher of tree limbs, but no damage has occurred to the softshell from my various encounters with conifers.

After 18 days of use, the only issue I can complain about is that the Velcro on one of the sleeve cuffs has been rubbing and created some slight pilling of the fabric on the cuff. This is only a very minor issue, and it’s only surfacing on one cuff.

Bottom Line

While this jacket certainly resides within the spendy realm of the softshell category, I think the investment is a worthy one. This jacket is clearly built to handle years of abuse in tough mountain climes, and its classic, clean cut makes me believe it will be stylish for years to come.

The Venta SV is an excellent choice for individuals exposed to biting winds and frigid temps, and it can handle all but the wettest of storms. Its elegant lines (both inside and out) only complement the practical functionality of the jacket’s features. I would highly recommend this jacket to a buddy thanks to its versatility in a wide variety of disciplines. From skiing, to touring, to backpacking and hiking, to climbing or running, the Venta SV is an excellent choice that will have you looking quite fetching all the while.