Gear Review: Arc'teryx Cerium LT

Verdict

There’s so much good down on the market—how could anyone build a better puffy? Arc’teryx did it by dialing the most efficient, movement-friendly fit I’ve worn, with super-articulated arms and shoulders, a sculpted torso that never gaps (read: no drafts), and a long cut that doesn’t cheat your wrists or hips. The Cerium LT features synthetic fill in zones exposed to weather and perspiration—pits, cuffs, shoulders, and collar—which extends the usage range. It doesn’t match the wet-snow protection of water-resistant down, but I did wear it longer than I would have a standard down jacket during a sweaty crampon up Mt. Whitney; the damp patches dried rapidly on the descent. Best for midlayer use in winter, or alone in summer. $299 (hooded version $350); 9.8 oz. (m’s XL); m’s S-XXL, w’s XS-XL; arcteryx.com

Best For
Weight-conscious climbers and backpackers

Tester Data
Jonathan Dorn (Other testers: Ben Fullerton, Crystal Sagan)
When March to June
Where CA, CO, MT; 10°F to 40°F; light, wet snow
“The never-lose stuffsack is attached inside one of the hand pockets.”