First impression
The jacket is extremely light. In the LT series, Arc'teryx dispenses with frilly details in favor of weight savings, and in fact the jacket has none. It is a simple jacket with two slit pockets (with zippers) and an elasticated hood. The jacket is elaborately finished and cut close to the body. Arc'teryx works with various cuts and fits - the Cerium jacket has the so-called "Trim Fit" cut. This is similar to the "Athletic Fit", but designed for a smaller pack size. The Cerium jacket has a small pouch sewn into one of the pockets, in which the jacket can be packed away. I am just over 180 cm tall and wear the jacket in L, which fits me well. It shouldn't be any smaller for me, especially because of the sleeve length.
Practical use
I wore the jacket on various ski tours and on ski resort days in different temperature and weather conditions. When skiing in the ski area, I wore it under my hardshell all the time on cold days, and when touring only during breaks and when skiing downhill. It is rather too warm for the ascent in our latitudes, unless you are extremely cold. The jacket is hardly bulky and fits easily under the outermost layer of clothing, making it a really good mid-layer. The weight-to-heat ratio is very good, helped by the close cut, which keeps the warmth close to the body.
The cuffs, hem, collar and underarm area are lined with Arc'teryx's own synthetic insulation (Coreloft) instead of down, firstly to guarantee warmth in these areas, which are particularly susceptible to moisture, and secondly to protect the down from getting wet. The outer material of the jacket is water-repellent and can easily withstand a little drizzle, but it is not suitable for extended hikes in downpours - although it has not been developed for this purpose. Like the rest of the jacket, the hood fits snugly and reliably keeps the wind away from your ears and the rest of your head nice and warm. The Cerium LT also closes very well at the sleeves and hem, which also improves the thermal performance. Occasionally the jacket loses individual feathers; it feels like this is more often the case with the Cerium than with other down pieces I own.
Arc'teryx emphasizes that they only use certified European down in their down garments, which does not come from live-plucked or force-fed animals. The origin of down remains a difficult topic, but at least you can ease your conscience a little and possibly justify the high price of the jacket.
The Cerium LT Hoody is of course also available for men as well as in a version without a hood (Cerium LT Jacket) and also as a vest (Cerium LT Vest).
