Backside Line
The Arc’teryx Cerium down jacket (males’s / ladies’s) is a wonderful alternative for these looking for a heat, light-weight, and extremely packable puffy. With its 850-fill-power down insulation paired with artificial Coreloft panels in moisture-prone areas, it strikes an ideal stability between heat and climate resistance. The Cerium Hoody delivers spectacular heat for its weight, making it good for packing it for cool to cold-weather actions like mountain climbing, climbing, or snowboarding. We had been snug right down to ~20 levels with average winds whereas stationary.
Arc’teryx describes this jacket as an “alpine mid-layer,” designed to be worn with further layers on high. The athletic, trimmer match hugs the physique by way of the chest, waist, and hips, and the low-profile reduce minimizes bulk, strikes with you, and gives a snug match over base layers or underneath outer layers. Regardless of its technical design, the Cerium Hoody additionally seems nice and works nicely as a flexible jacket for on a regular basis use. Nonetheless, the slim match is probably not snug for all physique varieties.
Given the heat and safety it affords, the value is on the upper facet, which is typical for Arc’teryx. Nonetheless, we nonetheless discover worth within the jacket attributable to its high-quality supplies, design, and general efficiency. The Cerium Hoody punches above its weight in heat, packs down compactly, and is mild sufficient for all however probably the most hardcore ultralight fanatics. See the way it compares to our different favorites in our full information to the most effective down jackets.
How We Examined
We’ve been testing this jacket for years, utilizing it for every part from multi-day backpacking journeys within the Rockies to crisp fall climbing classes and on a regular basis put on. The newest model has joined us on high-altitude hikes in Colorado’s Indian Peaks, early-season ski excursions within the Gore Vary, and post-ski après in a few of our favourite resort parking heaps.
Fast Specs
Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody
Greatest Down / Sythetic Hybrid Jacket
CleverHiker Score:
4.9/5.0
Value:
$400
Weight:
11.9 oz. / 10.2 oz.(males’s / ladies’s)
Fill Energy:
850
Fill Weight:
4 oz. / 3.2 oz.
Execs
- Light-weight
- Heat
- Extremely compressible
- Glossy & fashionable
- Wind/Climate-resistant (DWR end)
- Layers simply
- Hood & hem drawcords
Cons
- Costly
- Much less sturdy than different jackets
- Lengthy arms with looser cuffs
Consolation
The Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody is snug, nevertheless it doesn’t stand out as probably the most snug choice in our lineup. The Arato Nylon used for the shell and internal lining is light-weight and sturdy however feels barely rougher in comparison with different jackets we examined, significantly these made with Pertex Quantum. Whereas we don’t thoughts the texture of those supplies, it’s price noting for comparability.
We discovered the general match to be good. The Cerium includes a slim, athletic reduce that hugs the physique whereas being straightforward to layer over. This match permits the jacket to maneuver with the physique fairly than limiting motion, which is particularly helpful when touring shortly or working in alpine environments. There’s sufficient room beneath for a base and mid-layer, supplied the mid-layer isn’t too thick. Arc’teryx markets the Cerium as an “Alpine Mid Layer,” that means it’s designed to suit as snugly as a mid-layer in order that it could actually simply be worn beneath outer layers. The match is tighter by way of the stomach, with further room within the chest and shoulders for added mobility. The mixture of the reduce and lofty down provides the jacket a cosy, cozy really feel, although in case you’re between sizes, choose up.
A sloppy hood design is a pet peeve for our analysts, however Cerium’s insulated storm hood is snug and simply adjustable. It suits nicely, doesn’t impede your view, and stays in place with out flopping round—a function we actually respect..
Heat
For the way mild it’s, the Cerium Hoody is surprisingly heat. It packs extra heat than you’d anticipate for its weight. The jacket options 3.5 oz. of 850-fill-power down, offering wonderful heat whereas remaining mild and compressible. We discovered this to be a pleasing shock whereas ski touring the Gore Vary. It saved us loads heat throughout sundown laps with out taking on an excessive amount of room in our packs through the day.
Arc’teryx makes use of their 850 down within the torso and sleeves, whereas artificial Coreloft insulation is in moisture-prone areas just like the shoulders and underarms. They do that to assist the jacket keep its insulating properties even when uncovered to moisture.
Due to its lack of bulk, it really works nicely as a part of a layering system. We discovered it good for layering in chilly circumstances or carrying as a standalone jacket in milder climate. The slim match, mixed with the lofty down fill, traps warmth effectively, retaining you heat throughout high-output actions like mountain climbing or climbing.
Our analysts even discovered it heat sufficient throughout low-output actions, like taking part in within the snow with their little one. We had been pleasantly stunned to remain heat within the low twenties, even with 20-30mph winter winds, when paired with an artificial mid-layer. For those who’re dealing with colder circumstances or spending lengthy hours in freezing temps, layering it with a shell or further insulation is a great transfer.
Our solely critique concerning heat is that the Cerium Hoody can really feel a bit too heat for high-output actions in milder, sunnier circumstances. We’d suggest carrying it in cooler to colder climate, or for extra low-key actions in hotter circumstances. Nonetheless, our testers are likely to run heat, so this is probably not the case for everybody.
Weight & Packability
The listed weight for the Cerium Hoody is 11.9 ounces, which is probably going for a measurement medium, although the dimensions isn’t specified on Arc’teryx’s web site. Our males’s giant weighs in at 12.6 ounces. Whereas it’s not ultralight, its heat makes the 12.6 ounces justifiable to hold on practically any journey.
The Cerium packs into an included stuff sack that attaches (pre-attached) to a loop contained in the zippered chest pocket. Whereas we’d favor the jacket to pack into its pocket with out the stuff sack, the truth that the stuff sack attaches contained in the pocket makes it more durable to lose, which is a pleasant contact.
Given its hybrid design, we had been interested by how nicely the jacket would pack down, combining extremely compressible 850-fill down with much less compressible Coreloft artificial insulation. Total, it requires a bit extra effort to compress into the stuff sack in comparison with another jackets, however this isn’t a significant situation. We’re happy with the Cerium’s packability.
Climate Resistance
Whereas it’s not absolutely waterproof, the jacket holds up nicely in mild rain and snow due to its sturdy water-repellent (DWR) end, which helps moisture bead off as a substitute of soaking in.
Arc’teryx makes use of artificial Coreloft insulation in moisture-prone areas just like the shoulders and underarms to keep up heat when uncovered to mild rain or snow, stopping the down from dropping its loft. That is used instead of handled hydrophobic down, that means that if moisture does penetrate the shell and attain the down, it could actually finally clump and lose loft. That stated, in our testing, the Coreloft insulation held up nicely, even in average snow. With this jacket, we’re on board with the hybrid insulation design.
For more durable climate, pairing the Cerium with a water-proof shell ensures full safety, making it a flexible layer for chilly, unpredictable environments.
Breathability
The Cerium Hoody isn’t probably the most breathable jacket on the market, particularly for one thing designed to be a mid-layer. It’s heat and packs down nice, however as soon as we began transferring at a quicker tempo—whether or not mountain climbing uphill or climbing—it felt stuffy quick.
The athletic match, whereas nice for layering and mobility, doesn’t permit a lot airflow, making it straightforward to overheat. We positively seen some sweat buildup, which took away from the general consolation. For those who’re planning on working onerous on this jacket, be ready to shed layers or unzip to dump warmth.
To be truthful, breathability is a problem for all down jackets, as their major focus is insulation fairly than air flow. Nonetheless, for a bit designed for alpine use, we had hoped for higher moisture administration. The artificial Coreloft insulation in moisture-prone areas just like the shoulders and underarms helps considerably, nevertheless it doesn’t absolutely mitigate the problem. For extra intense actions, a extra breathable softshell or artificial jacket may be a more sensible choice.
Ought to You Purchase the Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody?
The Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody is a strong choose in case you’re in search of a light-weight, heat, and tremendous packable down jacket for cool to chilly circumstances. It’s an ideal match for hikers, climbers, and skiers who need an athletic reduce that layers nicely and works as each a mid-layer or outer layer, relying on the climate. With high-quality 850-fill down and artificial Coreloft insulation in moisture-prone areas, it’s a dependable alternative when heat and packability are high priorities.
That stated, in case you are likely to run heat or want severe breathability for high-output actions, the Cerium won’t be your finest wager. Its slim match can also be one thing to contemplate, as it could not work for all physique varieties.
It’s positively on the dear facet, however with premium supplies, good insulation placement, and robust general efficiency, it’s a strong funding for individuals who desire a sturdy, versatile, and light-weight insulation piece.
What Different Down Jackets Ought to You Contemplate?
For extra choices, try our full down jacket gear information. Listed below are a number of alternate options to the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody that may higher fit your wants:
Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Evaluation: For those who’re in search of a extra relaxed match and higher on a regular basis versatility, the Down Sweater Hoody delivers wonderful heat and sturdiness with a barely much less technical design. It’s additionally extra reasonably priced and higher suited to informal outside actions.
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hoody Evaluation: Ultralight fanatics will love the Ghost Whisperer. Weighing simply 8.8 ounces, it’s lighter and extra packable than the Cerium, nevertheless it sacrifices some heat and sturdiness and lacks the hybrid insulation for moisture administration.
Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka Evaluation: For these prioritizing weight financial savings and heat, this parka is a standout choice. It’s noticeably lighter than the Cerium and options premium 1000-fill-power down. Nonetheless, this efficiency comes with the next price ticket and lowered sturdiness.
Extra Images
The adjustable hem on the Cerium Hoody allows you to cinch the match to seal in heat and block out chilly drafts, good for cold circumstances.
The adjustable hood on the Cerium Hoody cinches securely, offering a cosy match that retains heat in and stays put throughout windy circumstances. – Photograph Credit score: Ben Dawson (cleverhiker.com)
The Cerium Hoody’s zippers are light-weight and minimal, which saves weight however may be tough to grip, particularly with gloves. – Photograph Credit score: Ben Dawson (cleverhiker.com)
The Cerium conveniently packs into an connected stuff sack situated contained in the zippered inner chest pocket for simple storage and portability. – Photograph Credit score: Ben Dawson (cleverhiker.com)
