Our review: An easily stashable and warm down jacket with a classy feel
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First impressions
That 850 fill power leads to a jacket that is reassuringly cosy and ‘pouffy’, only second to the RAB Neutrino Pro Down Jacket in testing for volume when worn. We had issues with the fit here though and there are a few elements that could be better, such as the flimsy-feeling zip and lack of storm flap. We loved the big stuff sack included attached inside one of the pockets and overall, it felt good quality.
How was the fit?
This UK14 tried a size large based on the size chart but it was too snug on the hips and with a fleece underneath it also felt a little tight on the width across the shoulders and reach. We’d be keen to try a XL but would like to see Arc’Teryx offer a more female-friendly fit and wider range of sizing, though they do state online that this is a jacket which is designed to be close-fitting.
The sleeves were a good length though and the hood sat nicely on the surround of our face – there’s no peak here, but as the coat isn’t designed for use in heavy/sustained rain that makes it handy for under a top layer or helmet. There is a toggle cord in the hem and on the back of the hood if you need to adjust the fit, but no way of adjusting the cuffs which have a little elastication.
How does it feel?
Warm and cosy, though the lightweight facing fabric wasn’t as soft and supple as some of the others we tested. There’s no storm flap over the zip though and no zip garage or fleece lining at the top of the zip, surprising as the jacket is billed as being wind-resistant. It does feature an offset construction though, which stops windchill through the lines of stitching.
Does it have a hood and is it any good?
Yes, it has an insulated hood with slight elastication around the edge. The hood didn’t include a peak which meant it sat very well on the outside of our face, quite snugly. There is elastication and a toggle on the back of the head if you want to adjust it.
What’s it made of?
The outer is made from recycled 15D Arato nylon with dope-dyed yarns and finished with a FC0-DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish which repels moisture in light showers.
What’s it filled with?
The insulation is 850 fill European white goose down which is RDS certified. The Cerium also includes synthetic insulation too in areas prone to being exposed to moisture. This is Coreloft™ 100 (100 g/m²) and 80 (80 g/m²) made from 80% recycled polyester.
How durable is it?
We didn’t experience any problems, though we would have liked a sturdier zip to give a bit more confidence when doing it up quickly with chilly hands! As with all the jackets in test, we tried to keep the delicate fabric away from rough/rocky surfaces. The generous stuff bag was appreciated.
How sustainable is it?
Arc’Teryx list a range of sustainable initiatives which relate to this product including the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) down and feathers used. It also contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria and the dope dying used in the facing fabric uses significantly less water and energy in the dyeing process than traditional methods. It contains bio-derived material from 60% castor bean oil, yielding the same benefits as synthetic nylon while reducing the brand’s reliance on fossil fuel. It contains raw materials made with at least 30% portion of recycled content.
Is it good value?
There’s no doubt this is a very warm, classy-feeling jacket that would make a superb addition to a winter layering system. It is expensive though and for this tester, pipped by the RAB Neutrino Pro Down Jacket which was cosier and fitted much better.
Best used for:
Warmth on chillier winter adventures – this is one of the warmer/bulkier jackets on test. Great for stashing for mountain hikes.
Facts at a glance: Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody
Sizes: W XXS-XXL, M XS-XXXL
Weight: 290g
Fill power: 850
Down type: Goose down as well as synthetic down
Face fabric: Recycled 15D Arato™ nylon
Type of zip: 1-way zipper
Pockets: 3, all zipped
Packable: Stuff bag included inside inner pocket, attached via cord
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