Arcteryx Thorium vs Cerium – Similar, But Different
PRODUCT COMPARISON
Arcteryx Thorium
The Thorium AR is one of the best down jackets and/or mid-layers on the market. Made with a druable outer shell and premium down insulation, this jacket is warm, durable, and great for use as a mid-layer or outer layer in dry conditions. It's lightweight, packable, and is exceptionally well made with extra design features that make life inside it a dream.- Weight: 15.3 oz
- Outer Shell: Arato 30 Nylon with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish
- Insulation: 750 Down & Coreloft insulation
- Hooded Version: Yes
- Average Temperature Rating: -12°C
Arcteryx Cerium
The Cerium LT is made to be extremely lightweight while still being exceptionally warm. It's protective outer-shell and Coreloft insulation make it a great outer layer during dry conditions and it's incredible down insulation and low weight make it a great mid-layer too. It's incredibly warm, durable and packs down super small to squeeze into any backpack.- Weight: 9.9 oz
- Outer Shell: Arato 10 Nylon with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish
- Insulation: 850 Down & Coreloft insulation
- Hooded Version: Yes
- Average Temperature Rating: - 8°C
Arc’teryx is known as one of the best manufacturers of performance outdoor clothing the world over. Their focus has always been to design the highest quality garments that are the best at what they’re made for; hiking, snowboarding, and anything else you might do on a chilly mountain. Not only are their products made to be the best under tough conditions, but they also have a casual look to them, so you’ll be happy to wear them around town too.
In this review, we are going to compare two of Arc’teryx’s favorite down jackets, the Thorium AR (all round) and the Cerium LT (lightweight). Both of these are premium down jackets that are made to be a mid-layer or an outer layer in dry conditions. They are made with some of the best materials, are extremely warm, and very comfortable.
Deciding which of the two jackets is right for you is a tough task. They are pretty similar with only some rather minor but in fact key differences that might be hard to spot. Here we’ll take you into a deep dive around each jacket’s specifications and from there compare how they differ in key areas such as warmth, durability, and more.
Warmth
Being one of the main insulating layers you’ll need on any alpine experience, warmth is what all down jackets are about. Oddly enough, warmth is where these two jackets differ the most, and quite sneakily at that.
The Thorium AR is insulated with 750 European goose down, and the