This down jacket, available in men’s and women’s versions, received a Best Buy award when tested by our expert gear reviewer Judy Armstrong
Cerium LT features Arcteryx’s Down Composite Mapping, combining synthetic insulation with 850-fill down. Small patches of Coreloft are used on the shoulders (where down would get compressed by a rucksack), cuffs, hem and the collar in front of the mouth, and a lighter version under the arms, all places which get damp from sweat or moisture. A generous dollop of down in narrow chambers generates warmth on the torso and arms. It’s an ideal blend for an active-use jacket; in testing, Cerium proved its worth as a mid-layer in cold weather when it can be worn without fear of sweating into fragile down, and as an outer in cool conditions.
Weight has been saved through a slim cut (note: close fit at the bust exacerbated by location of zip housing on hand pockets: I’m 36A and size Medium was snug), very fine-toothed zips with tiny pullers, narrow elastane at cuffs and hood. The hood is a good shape, with plenty of room for a beanie plus shockcord volume adjustment, neatly out of the way at the back of the head. Length covers my hips and zips up to just cover my chin. Two zipped side pockets have ample room to shove gloved hands inside.
A stuffsack is included but the jacket also packs into one of the pockets. The DWR on the outer fabric has proven effective too, adding to this jacket’s genuine versatility. I love this jacket, it’s the best of all worlds.
Reviewed February 2016
