Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Cerium SL Jacket

Great jacket which is ideal for cool dry weather conditions. A trim fit which means it retains body heat and can accommodate a water repellent outer jacket if required. The zip is very small and I'm hoping it will be durable. I had a similar jacket from a different supplier a few years ago and the zip and inner neck area wore out very quickly. Hoping the extra money I spent on this Arc'teryx Cerium will mean it will last much longer.

I guess some people can find something wrong with everything, but this jacket is great for every day wear. Admittedly I live in Kentucky so it very seldom gets severely cold but this jacket wasn't designed for that. I wear this jacket anytime it's cold out because it not only keeps me warm but when I go inside to a store or restaurant I just unzip it and I don't get uncomfortable. Purchased over 3 yrs ago and looks as good as the day I got it.

This is the warmest, lightest jacket I have ever owned.

I love this Jacket. My Favorite to knock out the chill and protect me from the wind. Lightweight and Packable. Great to use as a Mid-Layer on really cold days.

Cerium is an absolute essential. Even though it often is just stowed away in the pack, it is always available as an extra layer.

This has become my favorite take along for every hike. Because it is very light and packable it fits even in my smaller day hike pack. Great warmth when needed. Best to have a wind shell or goretex shell if you may get rain. Very satisfied with this jacket and highly recommend .

I own several of the LT version and I picked up the SL for my kit to compete in the 2017 Marathon Des Sables. I researched every type and kind of ultralight down jacket as I needed minimum weight but an assurance of warmth if the temperature fell overnight. I decided to go back to my favorite brand - Arcteryx - and the SL worked perfectly. While daytime highs were 54c, the overnight lows were in the high single digits and low teens. This jacket served me well across 250k of desert - Apr 2017.

Recently new to Arc'teryx, so I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of weight. It does pack down to such a neat little parcel to carry around. As I do a lot of photography, I need to keep the weight and bulk down when having to trek a distance before a shoot. Great .

This is a superb ultralight down jacket that I have used on its own in cold, clear conditions, and under various shells in more inclement weather. It is so light that I have no excuse not to carry it anytime the temp could drop below, say, 50F, which where I spend my time, even here in southern California, is almost every day. The quid pro quo for being so light is that this is not a super-durable piece. It is not going to survive serious brushes with granite or montane vegetation. But I've still found it has dozens of applications in almost daily use in serious hiking and mountaineering. Inevitably this jacket invites comparison with the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer (hereafter GW) which comes in at the same price point as the Cerium SL and which had been heavily marketed as the lightest down jacket out there. I've had a couple of GWs for years, so I am comfortable in my conclusion that the Cerium SL beats them in almost every aspect. Most importantly for someone contemplating a jacket like this, the Cerium is lighter (nearly an ounce in my Men's Large in both brands) and packs down more efficiently due to the integrated stuff sack of the Cerium (versus the never-quite-ideal process of stuffing the GW into its own pocket). The Cerium manages to be lighter despite having Coreloft synthetic insulation in the shoulders, pits, and sleeve ends. This, combined with a slightly thicker and more DWR face fabric, and I've found that the Cerium performs better in damp weather (mist, drizzle, light snow) than the GW, which just cannot cope with any kind of dampness for even a few minutes. I had thought that the weight of the Corefloft and the face fabric would mean that some sacrifices were made somewhere, yet I have found that the Cerium is at least as warm as the GW, probably a little warmer on average. This must be because of the trimmer fit, and more snug neck and collar, all of which work great for my tall, long-limbed, frame. The GW is just too baggy in the main body, resulting in thermal inefficiency. Although the Cerium lacks the drawcord at the waist of the GW, I find that unnecessary on the Cerium because the fit is much better at the hips anyway (a drawcord is crucial on the GW because of a poorer fit). Incidentally, Arc'teryx don't mention this anywhere but the drop back hem of the Cerium is slightly elasticated, helping to cinch a great fit. With plenty of field experience of both brands, I feel that the Cerium SL is clearly the superior option for an ultralight down jacket for my uses. Regarding sizing, as usual a Large fits me best in Arc'teryx trim fit pieces, at 6'4" and 175lb.

This feather-weight simply makes any outer layer warmer without bulk. The supremely trim fit can still go over my Delta LT jacket without being restrictive yet also easily fits under any outer layer: Coreloft Windstopper parka, hard shells, Gamma soft shells, Atom LT hoodie and even under trim tops like the Epsilon SV hoodie if you want to add a quick +10C. It's so light and packable it can go everywhere 3 seasons.

Though I haven't used this jacket yet, I already love it! It fits well and looks good, is super compactable and soft, and feels weightless. I bought it for travelling, but I'm sure I'll be wearing it in Vancouver too. I've looked at a lot of jackets and this one wins in every way, from the materials used, to the design. Also I approve of this company's concern for the well being of our planet.

I've been using this jacket for 9 months now and it's become my favourite piece of gear because it's so versatile. I've used it trekking in Nepal, skiing in mild conditions out west (-5 -10C) and extreme cold in the east (-25C), and travelling in a cool European spring (10-12C). I even wear it to run errands and around the house as sweater in the winter! I've also carried it on flights for occasions when I have to go outside to catch a shuttle transfer in the winter or as back up when I arrive at my destination in case my checked bag is lost. What makes this jacket so versatile is that it's extremely light; very compressible; warm, but not too warm; and has a very low profile or silhouette so it doesn't fit like a puffy. The longer fit of the back also ensures the jacket never rides up too high. I've worn it as a mid layer under trim fit and athletic fit shells. I've also worn it as a top layer in cool dry conditions while hiking. While hiking I've pulled this out of my pack during short rest stops, thrown a shell over it in windier locations, or worn it as mid layer under a shell in the morning when it's been colder (-10C). I usually wear it all day under a shell when skiing and vary my base layer depending upon the temperature or add a vest if it's extremely cold. While it's intended as a mid layer, I've used it as a top layer for hiking and haven't had any problems. The outer material has held up under a backpack and I've never gotten a tear or any sign of wear in the shoulders, waist or back. If it's windy, the wind will go through this jacket. It's not designed to be a wind stopper. The exterior layer is thin and the down baffles are very narrow requiring a lot of stitching where the wind will penetrate. Keeping this in mind, if you're on a multi day hike, you'll have a shell with you any way. It's of course not water proof, but I've found the DWR finish kept me dry in misty weather or light precipitation, but I wouldn't rely on it for anything more. With down jackets, people are always concerned about how much down leaks out. Even though the exterior of this jacket is very thin and there is a lot of stitching for the baffles, I can count on one hand the number of feathers that have poked through in 9 months of almost daily use. I've just worked them back in without any problem. I usually use jackets with synthetic insulation as my mid layer or light outer layer. I bought this jacket because I was looking for something which was lighter and more compressible than synthetics. Plus I didn't need a thicker down jacket that was designed for colder conditions. This jacket has met my needs perfectly.

I've been looking for a down jacket the Cerium SL is perfect. So light weight, warm and looks great.

For what it is, I think the jacket is well done. stuffs into a ball your can throw into any sized bag. In the end, it is what they say it is...a down jacket that packs down and weighs very little. But you can't cheat physics...so the lighter the jacket, the less durable it becomes and the less insulating. So if you want something you can carry around and throw on, almost like a sweater, this will do that. But you definitely want another shell ontop if you plan on going into cold areas. The fit is also a very slim cut. It basically is form fitting on me in medium...but I wear a Beta AR sized small (and can wear a bunch underneath). I would buy this for backup layering more than a primary insulator

For what it is, I think the jacket is well done. stuffs into a ball your can throw into any sized bag. In the end, it is what they say it is...a down jacket that packs down and weighs very little. But you can't cheat physics...so the lighter the jacket, the less durable it becomes and the less insulating. So if you want something you can carry around and throw on, almost like a sweater, this will do that. But you definitely want another shell ontop if you plan on going into cold areas. The fit is also a very slim cut. It basically is form fitting on me in medium...but I wear a Beta AR sized small (and can wear a bunch underneath). I would buy this for backup layering more than a primary insulator

This jacket has it all, EXCEPT, a hood and inside drop pocket. It is super light weight and excellent as a standalone piece for those times when I need a little extra warmth. It layers under a shell easily and on days when I need even more warmth I wear it as an extra layer between my base layers and thicker down jackets. Highly compressible, light weight, and tiny when in it's stuff sack it is barely noticeable in a bag, and so easy to take it along. I have a couple of these jackets in two sizes to be worn in different situations depending on how many layers I am planning for. Except for cold weather travel this is likely to be piece I will pack for that extra layer as it takes up so little space. Just wish it had a hood so I could leave to toque behind and have that extra warmth when I need to cover my head. Also wish there was an inside drop pocket to stow the stuff sack (I always misplace the stuff sack as I hate having it in the hand warmer pocket). An inside drop pocket would also provide a great place to stash my glasses, a few bills or ...

This jacket has it all, EXCEPT, a hood and inside drop pocket. It is super light weight and excellent as a standalone piece for those times when I need a little extra warmth. It layers under a shell easily and on days when I need even more warmth I wear it as an extra layer between my base layers and thicker down jackets. Highly compressible, light weight, and tiny when in it's stuff sack it is barely noticeable in a bag, and so easy to take it along. I have a couple of these jackets in two sizes to be worn in different situations depending on how many layers I am planning for. Except for cold weather travel this is likely to be piece I will pack for that extra layer as it takes up so little space. Just wish it had a hood so I could leave to toque behind and have that extra warmth when I need to cover my head. Also wish there was an inside drop pocket to stow the stuff sack (I always misplace the stuff sack as I hate having it in the hand warmer pocket). An inside drop pocket would also provide a great place to stash my glasses, a few bills or ...

bought this in large - I'm 6'4" and 172 lbs, and used another reviewer's description to choose the size. For most other makes Large is too big, and Medium too short and tight in the chest, but this is a great fit, especially with the longer back - handy if you're taller than average. Unfortunately .... not sure who designed the sleeves but they're really bulky in the upper arms which is at odds with the rest of the jacket, and doesn't create a good look unless you have the biceps of a rugby player.

J'ai achet cette veste pour pratiquer l'alpinisme sur plusieurs jours et donc en raison de son trs faible poids. C'est la veste en duvet la plus lgre que j'avais trouv sur le march. Une fois comprime elle prend vraiment trs peu de place dans un sac dos en itinrance. J'aurais souhait un col un peu plus montant et resserr, plus protecteur. J'ai apprci les dlais de livraison, trs raisonnables.

This down jacket has a couple of points that really separate it from other down pieces: 1. It's one of the tighter weaves so down loss is minimized. Having said that I still see minor down loss to the piece with use as my other jacket I see bits of down after wearing with it as a kid layer 2. Compressibility- I can fold this jacket into a tiny pouch the size of my fist and fit it in my pack for touring, or even camping when it gets cold. 3. Warmth - for its size nothing can beat the warmth. I literally can wear just this and a base layer and I'll be quite warm in close to freezing weather. In -10 up on the top of whistler I'd say I'll be fine with a hardshell to block the wind and rain with high energy output 4. Elastic cuffs - some of the best designs I've seen. It wraps around my waist and wrists tight enough but not too tight. I hope they will last with use. Having said all that the one downside with down is moisture really destroys it's warmth, so I always wear a base layer of synthetic and merino wool to try not wet the down with my sweat. High energy output activities on a wet day I think the atom lt would be a better choice.

This is my second down jacket, my first was a Rab microlight. The Arcteryx Cerium SL is a great piece of kit, at less than half the weight of the Rab it seems to provide the same levels of warmth. People have criticised the shell material for lack of breathability but I have not really encountered this issue as of yet. The shell material is paper thin as you'd expect so if you are at all heavy handed with your gear I'd probably recommend you look at a more durable option. I'm quite careful so havn't had any problems yet. I have, to date on the hill used the jacket mostly as Arcteryx intended which is as a thermal layer to be carried in your pack and donned during rest periods or around camp. For this it is outstanding as it is effectively a weight penalty free method of carrying an insulative layer. I have also worn it on its own and under a Neo shell jacket out and about where it has performed well for casual use. Fit is mostly great other than the fact it does seem to bulge outwards around the mid-rif some times (I don't have a gut ;-) So, overall a great piece, a weight penalty free insulative layer that compresses down to the size of a large beer can!

Good product overall, very warm and packable for its weight. Disappointed with the fabric performance for an Arc'teryx product, down pokes through the fabric fairly easily and it snags/ tears easily which is unfortunate.

Good product overall, very warm and packable for its weight. Disappointed with the fabric performance for an Arc'teryx product, down pokes through the fabric fairly easily and it snags/ tears easily which is unfortunate.

I have 4 other Arcteryx jackets from an Atom sl to a Thorium winer jacket but I'm throughly disappointed with the cerium sl. It is extremely bright almost to the point where I would of been embarrassing to wear it in public. The fit was awful very baggy in the sleeves and not what I'd expect from Arcteryx. I have returned it very poor quality.

Used it in France, packable in my backpack yes. But not usefull, when you put it on you get wet, no moist is removed from the inside of the jacket. When it gets a little bit colder you do not stay warm in it. Not versatile.