Review: Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody
Our Verdict
A well-built, toasty and supremely comfortable down hoody, the Arc’teryx Cerium is a smart choice as a mid or outer winter layer.
| RRP | £350 |
| Weight | 304g men’s M |
| Features | 850 fill-power goose down, light durable outer, water repellent finish |
Pros
- Ultra-lofty premium down provides top notch warmth for its weight
- The Recycled 15D Arato™ outer is light and impressively durable
- Helmet compatible storm hood
Cons
- Comparatively high price point
What I’m Looking For
For me, the colder months are pretty much spent entirely in down jackets. Almost all of the jackets I’ve ever owned are also hooded. They are great for keeping your neck and head warm, but they’re also ideal for wearing under a bike helmet on those chilly morning commutes. I also just like the look.
For me, something that packs away and takes up as little space as possible is key as is a versatile jacket that can work seamlessly with my layering systems. It needs to be light, flexible and with a fit to allow different layer types without getting restrictive when on foot or rolling on two wheels.
First Impressions
For me, it’s rare to be pumped when you see a cold forecast for the weekend of adventures planned. But these were the conditions I needed to justify donning the Cerium Hoody after it landed at my door late October. Like most Arc’teryx products, the jacket has a beautiful aesthetic and is clearly well-made and thoughtfully designed.
As a seasoned bike racer, 6’3″, and slimmer than most, it’s difficult for me to find the perfect fit for most jackets. But this size medium felt extremely comfortable, the cuffs sat exactly where I wanted them to, the shoulder seams followed suit, and the jacket’s back didn’t ride up when I was positioned on the bike.
The Test
A three-hour cold snap hike in the Mendip Hills was the first test. It didn’t take me long to break a sweat hiking uphill, with only a t-shirt underneath. My adventures haven’t stopped despite the shorter nights and onset of winter. Almost two months after receiving it, I have barely taken this jacket off, it is incredibly cosy, and it has joined me on short hikes, bike rides, and of course, pub garden pints.
Almost two months after receiving it, I have barely taken this jacket off
Who Is This Jacket For?
Looking at the customer reviews so far, it seems like winter hikers and backpackers, backcountry fishermen and ski-ers using it under their shells, all give this the thumbs up. I’ve found it excellent for hiking, winter commuting and riding. So in that respect this jacket, although at the ‘spenny’ end of the spectrum, will allow you to get your money’s worth.
What Stands Out
Warmth
The Arc’teryx Cerium and the 850 fill-power grey goose down is going to keep you warm across three-season conditions. It wouldn’t be my outermost layer for activities below freezing, but that’s not what it’s intended for. In the majority of conditions, the Cerium should be more than adequate.
Weight
Including the stuff sack in the internal chest pocket, my men’s medium weighed 304 grams on my own scales. There are of course lighter jackets available, but the Cerium is super portable and barely noticeable in my usual daypack.
Fit
Despite being pretty loose on my frame, this jacket does not cross the boundary into being baggy and gives me just the right amount of mobility. My favourite feature of this jacket was actually that it didn’t ride up when cycling or wearing a backpack.
Value For Money
As mentioned above, the Arc’teryx Cerium is one of the most expensive lightweight down jackets on the market (£350).
However, here you do get the quality in return for your pennies. It is now absolutely my go-to jacket, and I’m confident it will last me a long, long time. It looks sharp on the streets too.
BASE Bottom Line
Arc’teryx’s Cerium Hoody combines a superior fit, and incredible warmth to weight ratio. My ‘top five things I can’t live without’ now include this jacket so that speaks for itself.
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