Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody Overview

Backside Line

The Arc’teryx Cerium down jacket (males’s / girls’s) is a superb 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 awesome steadiness between heat and climate resistance. The Cerium Hoody delivers spectacular heat for its weight, making it excellent for packing it for cool to cold-weather actions like climbing, climbing, or snowboarding. We had been snug right down to ~20 levels with reasonable winds whereas stationary. 

Arc’teryx describes this jacket as an “alpine mid-layer,” designed to be worn with extra layers on prime. The athletic, trimmer match hugs the physique by means of the chest, waist, and hips, and the low-profile minimize minimizes bulk, strikes with you, and supplies a snug match over base layers or below outer layers. Regardless of its technical design, the Cerium Hoody additionally appears to be like nice and works effectively as a flexible jacket for on a regular basis use. Nonetheless, the slim match is probably not snug for all physique sorts.

Given the heat and safety it affords, the worth is on the upper aspect, which is typical for Arc’teryx. Nonetheless, we nonetheless discover worth within the jacket resulting from 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 fans. See the way it compares to our different favorites in our full information to the very best down jackets.

How We Examined

We’ve been testing this jacket for years, utilizing it for every thing from multi-day backpacking journeys within the Rockies to crisp fall climbing periods 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 tons. 

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 interior lining is light-weight and sturdy however feels barely rougher in comparison with different jackets we examined, notably 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 encompasses a slim, athletic minimize that hugs the physique whereas being straightforward to layer over. This match permits the jacket to maneuver with the physique somewhat than limiting motion, which is particularly useful when touring rapidly or working in alpine environments. There’s sufficient room beneath for a base and mid-layer, offered the mid-layer isn’t too thick. Arc’teryx markets the Cerium as an “Alpine Mid Layer,” which means it’s designed to suit as snugly as a mid-layer in order that it could simply be worn beneath outer layers. The match is tighter by means of the stomach, with additional room within the chest and shoulders for added mobility. The mix of the minimize and lofty down provides the jacket a cosy, cozy really feel, although in the event 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 effectively, 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 nice shock whereas ski touring the Gore Vary. It stored us loads heat throughout sundown laps with out taking over an excessive amount of room in our packs throughout 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.

Because of its lack of bulk, it really works effectively as a part of a layering system. We discovered it excellent for layering in chilly circumstances or sporting as a standalone jacket in milder climate. The slim match, mixed with the lofty down fill, traps warmth effectively, preserving you heat throughout high-output actions like 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 shocked 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 additional 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 advocate sporting it in cooler to colder climate, or for extra low-key actions in hotter circumstances. Nonetheless, our testers are inclined 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 scale isn’t specified on Arc’teryx’s web site. Our males’s massive 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 desire 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 effectively the jacket would pack down, combining extremely compressible 850-fill down with much less compressible Coreloft artificial insulation. General, it requires a bit extra effort to compress into the stuff sack in comparison with another jackets, however this isn’t a significant difficulty. We’re happy with the Cerium’s packability.

Climate Resistance

Whereas it’s not absolutely waterproof, the jacket holds up effectively 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 take care of heat when uncovered to mild rain or snow, stopping the down from dropping its loft. That is used rather than handled hydrophobic down, which means that if moisture does penetrate the shell and attain the down, it could finally clump and lose loft. That stated, in our testing, the Coreloft insulation held up effectively, even in reasonable snow. With this jacket, we’re on board with the hybrid insulation design.

For more durable climate, pairing the Cerium with a water-resistant 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 sooner tempo—whether or not climbing uphill or climbing—it felt stuffy quick. 

The athletic match, whereas nice for layering and mobility, doesn’t enable a lot airflow, making it straightforward to overheat. We positively observed some sweat buildup, which took away from the general consolation. For those who’re planning on working laborious on this jacket, be ready to shed layers or unzip to dump warmth.

To be honest, breathability is a problem for all down jackets, as their major focus is insulation somewhat 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 could be a better option.

Ought to You Purchase the Arc’teryx Cerium Down Hoody?

The Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody is a stable choose in the event you’re in search of a light-weight, heat, and tremendous packable down jacket for cool to chilly circumstances. It’s an awesome match for hikers, climbers, and skiers who need an athletic minimize that layers effectively 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 prime priorities.

That stated, in the event you are inclined to run heat or want severe breathability for high-output actions, the Cerium may not be your greatest wager. Its slim match can also be one thing to contemplate, as it might not work for all physique sorts.

It’s positively on the dear aspect, however with premium supplies, sensible insulation placement, and robust general efficiency, it’s a stable funding for many who desire a sturdy, versatile, and light-weight insulation piece.

What Different Down Jackets Ought to You Contemplate?

For extra choices, take a look at our full down jacket gear information. Listed below are a couple of alternate options to the Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody which may higher fit your wants:

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody Overview: For those who’re in search of a extra relaxed match and better 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 inexpensive and higher fitted to informal outside actions.

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hoody Overview: Ultralight fans 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 Overview: 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 diminished sturdiness.