Arc’teryx Thorium vs Cerium: Do you want warmer or lighter?

Last updated: January 18, 2025

Thorium vs Cerium: Overview 

Y'all know this is just my opinion... right?

I'm 5'11", 165 lbs athletic build. Size M Cerium (aka LT) fits me perfect. 

Names of Thorium and Cerium were previously Thorium AR and Cerium LT. 

When it comes to Cerium vs Thorium, first thing to note is that both are down jackets. 

Their warmth (particularly spectacular warmth-to-weight ratio) make them perfect for casual use and travel (they're packable, i.e they come with stuff sacks). 

But you can't use them in damp areas because they soak water like crazy. 

That's why I like them hoodless, but a survey I conducted here revealed that only 30% of people are on board with me on this. 

Lastly, active use isn't recommended with down jackets either because they're not breathable and resistant against abrasion at all. 

If literally any of these is a dealbreaker to you, then stop reading this post here and check out my Arc'teryx Proton vs Atom guide. 

The difference between Thorium vs Cerium is rather smaller. 

Here's how Arc'teryx compares the Cerium vs Thorium: 

https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000007250/X000007467

My girlfriend wearing my Thorium AR (pre-2022 Thorium) in Jokulsarlon, Iceland. 

Think of Cerium as an ultralight down jacket, and Thorium as a lofty down jacket. 

Thorium's 140 grams of 750 FP down makes it substantially warmer than Cerium's 113 grams of 850 FP down. 

Thorium also offers a burlier face fabric (Arato 30 vs 15), although it too is still a bit fragile, compared to synthetic insulated jackets. 

Cerium, on the other hand, is packed smaller. Also its higher FP down (i.e higher quality down) will last over a decade, unlike Thorium's 750 FP down which can experience a loss in insulation capability after, say, 3-5 years of repeated packing and unpacking. 

Again, weather resistance shouldn't be one of your expectations from these items. This is why I don't recommend these with the hoods. But if that were to happen unexpectedly, the Thorium would hold up better. 

I'd recommend you to check out their warmth ratings below and make your purchase accordingly: 

  • Temperature ratings of Arc'teryx jackets

NameEst. Temp (F/C)BreathabilityWind Res.Abrasion res.PackabilityReviewStuffs into itself?Face FabricActivityFitWeight
Arc'teryx Alpha Parka (Men's - Women's)-18/-28No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewYesN30r 2L GoreTex InfiniumClimbingRegular805 g / 1 lb 12.4 ozNo
Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's - Women's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesHadron 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumClimbingRegular540 g / 1 lb 3 ozNo
Arc'teryx Atom (aka LT) ( Men's - Women's)43/69/106/107/105/10ReviewNo20D TyonoAll RoundTrim375 g / 13.2 ozNo
Arc'teryx Atom Heavyweight (aka AR) (Men's - Women's)18/-84/108/108/103/10ReviewNo30D TyonoAll RoundRegular475 g / 1 lb No
Arc'teryx Atom Lightweight (aka SL) (Men's - Women's)52/1110/102/107/106/10ReviewNo20D TyonoAll RoundTrim270 g / 9.5 ozNo
Arc'teryx Beta Down Insulated (Men's)0/-18No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular760 g / 1 lb 10.8 ozNo
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's)21/-6No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNo2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 ozNo
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)16/-9No dataNo dataNo dataTestingReviewNo2L 40D Gore-TexAround TownRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 ozNo
Arc'teryx Cerium (aka LT) (Men's - Women's)26/-3No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewYesArato 15All RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 ozNo
Arc'teryx Cerium Hybrid (Women's)44/7No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesArato 15 + Fortius Air 50All RoundTrim260 g / 9.2 ozNo
Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's)14/-10No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo40D 2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular435g / 15.3 ozNo
Arc'teryx Liatris (Women's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo70D 3L Gore-TexAround TownRegular890 g / 1 lb 15.4 ozNo
Arc'teryx Liatris Parka (Women's)2/-17No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo70D 3L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.093 kg / 2 lb 6.6 ozNo
Arc'teryx Nuclei (aka FL) ( Men's - Women's)32/02/109/102/1010/10ReviewYesArato 10rAll RoundRegular325 g / 11.5 ozNo
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Women's)5/-151/1010/102/108/10ReviewYesArato 15All RoundRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 ozNo
Arc'teryx Patera (Women's)21/-6No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNo2L Gore-TexAround TownTrim867 g / 1 lb 14.6 ozNo
Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's)0/-18No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.1 kg / 2 lb 6.8 ozNo
Arc'teryx Proton Lightweight (aka FL) (Men's - Women's)48/98/104/107/106/10ReviewNoFortius Air 20ClimbingTrim343 g / 12.1 ozNo
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoP75d PolyesterAround TownRegular991 g / 2 lb 3 ozNo
Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's)-11/-24No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNo2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 ozNo
Arc'teryx Thorium ( Men's - Women's)12/-11No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewYesArato 30All RoundRegular517 g / 1 lb 2.2 ozNo
Arc'teryx Thorium Parka (Women's)-2/-19No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoArato 20Around TownRegular610 g / 1 lb 5.5 ozNo
Arc'teryx Thorium SV (Men's)3/-16No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesArato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumAround TownRegular645 g / 1 lb 6.8 ozNo
Arc'teryx Thorium SV Parka (Men's)0/-18No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNoArato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumAround TownRegular685 g / 1 lb 8.2 ozNo
Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's)7/-14No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes30D ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular442 g / 15.6 ozNo
Feathered Friends Eos(Men's - Women's)8/-13No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesPertex QuantumAll RoundRegular306 g / 10.8 ozNo
Feathered Friends Khumbu (Men's)-17/-27No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesPretex Shield XTAll RoundRegular960 g / 2 lb 2 ozNo
Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's)-10/-23No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesNylonAll RoundRegular770 g / 1 lb 11.2 ozNo
Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's)-13/-25No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes30D DriliteAll RoundRegular820 g / 1 lb 13 ozNo
Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's)28/-2No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes10D Ripstop NylonAll RoundTrim250 g / 8.8 ozNo
Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's)3/-16No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo30D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular825 g / 1 lb 13.1 ozNo
Patagonia AlpLight (Men's - Women's)36/2No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes0.8 oz 10D polyesterAll RoundSlim270 g / 9.5 ozNo
Patagonia AlpLoft (Men's)-10/-23No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesPertex QuantomAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 ozNo
Patagonia DAS (Men's - Women's)10/-121/109/103/106/10ReviewYesPertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular555 g / 1 lb 3.6 ozNo
Patagonia DAS Light(Men's)34/12/108/102/109/10ReviewYes10D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular320 g / 11.3 ozNo
Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's)23/-5No data4/106/107/10ReviewYes1.4 oz 20x30D polyesterAll RoundRegular428 g / 15.1 ozNo
Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's)18/-8No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 ozNo
Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's)14/-10No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes20D NylonAll RoundRegular632 g / 1lb 6.3 ozNo
Patagonia Isthmus (Men's)36/2No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular895 g / 1 lb 15.6 ozNo
Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's)12/-11No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNo3.6 oz 50D polyesterAround TownRegular880 g / 1 lb 15 ozNo
Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parks ( Women's)7/-14No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo50D PolyesterAround TownRegular1.142 kg / 2 lb 8.3 ozNo
Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's)37/35/106/105/108/10ReviewYesPertex QuantumAll RoundRegular298 g / 10.5 ozNo
Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's)39/47/105/105/108/10ReviewYes33D nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim401 g / 14.14 ozNo
Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid (Men's - Women's)50/10No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo20D nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 ozNo
Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's)41/54/106/106/108/10ReviewYes22D PolyesterAll RoundRegular363 g / 12.8 ozNo
Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's)26/-3No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNo2.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular585 g / 1 lb 4.7 ozNo
Patagonia Stormshadow (Men's)0/-18No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo75D PolyesterAround TownRegular1.182 kg / 2 lb 9.7 ozNo
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's)8/-13No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNo5.5 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 ozNo
Patagonia Vosque 3-in-1 (Women's)10/-12No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNo65% nylon, 35% polyesterAround TownRegular1.360 kg / 3 lbNo
Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular525 g / 1 lb 2.5 ozNo
Rab Infinity Alpine (Men's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes30D & 13D Gore-Tex InfiniumAll RoundRegular551 g / 1 lb 3.4 ozNo
Rab Infinity Microlight (Men's - Women's)19/-7No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes13D Gore-Tex InfiniumAll RoundRegular452 g / 15.9 ozNo
Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's)7/-14No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes30D Pertex QuantumAll RoundRegular466 g / 1 lb 0.5 ozNo
Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's)-2/-19No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular585 g / 1 lb 8.6 ozNo
Rab Positron Pro (Men's)-13/-25No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes40D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular740 g / 1 lb 10 ozNo
REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's)14/-10No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesPertex mini ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular340 g / 13.75 ozNo
 

Assumptions: Worn over a thin shirt, no output, no precipitation, light to no wind. Values are always for size M and for men's, except for women's-only items. 

Primary use of this spectrum is for comparison, rather than figuring out absolute temp ratings. 

  • Performance ratings of Arc'teryx synthetics

NameEst. Temp (F/C)BreathabilityWind Res.Abrasion res.PackabilityReviewStuffs into itself?Face FabricActivityFitWeight
Arc'teryx Alpha Parka (Men's - Women's)-18/-28No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewYesN30r 2L GoreTex InfiniumClimbingRegular805 g / 1 lb 12.4 ozNo
Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's - Women's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesHadron 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumClimbingRegular540 g / 1 lb 3 ozNo
Arc'teryx Atom (aka LT) ( Men's - Women's)43/69/106/107/105/10ReviewNo20D TyonoAll RoundTrim375 g / 13.2 ozNo
Arc'teryx Atom Heavyweight (aka AR) (Men's - Women's)18/-84/108/108/103/10ReviewNo30D TyonoAll RoundRegular475 g / 1 lb No
Arc'teryx Atom Lightweight (aka SL) (Men's - Women's)52/1110/102/107/106/10ReviewNo20D TyonoAll RoundTrim270 g / 9.5 ozNo
Arc'teryx Beta Down Insulated (Men's)0/-18No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular760 g / 1 lb 10.8 ozNo
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's)21/-6No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNo2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 ozNo
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)16/-9No dataNo dataNo dataTestingReviewNo2L 40D Gore-TexAround TownRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 ozNo
Arc'teryx Cerium (aka LT) (Men's - Women's)26/-3No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewYesArato 15All RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 ozNo
Arc'teryx Cerium Hybrid (Women's)44/7No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesArato 15 + Fortius Air 50All RoundTrim260 g / 9.2 ozNo
Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's)14/-10No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo40D 2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular435g / 15.3 ozNo
Arc'teryx Liatris (Women's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo70D 3L Gore-TexAround TownRegular890 g / 1 lb 15.4 ozNo
Arc'teryx Liatris Parka (Women's)2/-17No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo70D 3L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.093 kg / 2 lb 6.6 ozNo
Arc'teryx Nuclei (aka FL) ( Men's - Women's)32/02/109/102/1010/10ReviewYesArato 10rAll RoundRegular325 g / 11.5 ozNo
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Women's)5/-151/1010/102/108/10ReviewYesArato 15All RoundRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 ozNo
Arc'teryx Patera (Women's)21/-6No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNo2L Gore-TexAround TownTrim867 g / 1 lb 14.6 ozNo
Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's)0/-18No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.1 kg / 2 lb 6.8 ozNo
Arc'teryx Proton Lightweight (aka FL) (Men's - Women's)48/98/104/107/106/10ReviewNoFortius Air 20ClimbingTrim343 g / 12.1 ozNo
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoP75d PolyesterAround TownRegular991 g / 2 lb 3 ozNo
Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's)-11/-24No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNo2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 ozNo
Arc'teryx Thorium ( Men's - Women's)12/-11No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewYesArato 30All RoundRegular517 g / 1 lb 2.2 ozNo
Arc'teryx Thorium Parka (Women's)-2/-19No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoArato 20Around TownRegular610 g / 1 lb 5.5 ozNo
Arc'teryx Thorium SV (Men's)3/-16No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesArato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumAround TownRegular645 g / 1 lb 6.8 ozNo
Arc'teryx Thorium SV Parka (Men's)0/-18No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNoArato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumAround TownRegular685 g / 1 lb 8.2 ozNo
Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's)7/-14No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes30D ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular442 g / 15.6 ozNo
Feathered Friends Eos(Men's - Women's)8/-13No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesPertex QuantumAll RoundRegular306 g / 10.8 ozNo
Feathered Friends Khumbu (Men's)-17/-27No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesPretex Shield XTAll RoundRegular960 g / 2 lb 2 ozNo
Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's)-10/-23No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesNylonAll RoundRegular770 g / 1 lb 11.2 ozNo
Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's)-13/-25No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes30D DriliteAll RoundRegular820 g / 1 lb 13 ozNo
Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's)28/-2No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes10D Ripstop NylonAll RoundTrim250 g / 8.8 ozNo
Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's)3/-16No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo30D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular825 g / 1 lb 13.1 ozNo
Patagonia AlpLight (Men's - Women's)36/2No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes0.8 oz 10D polyesterAll RoundSlim270 g / 9.5 ozNo
Patagonia AlpLoft (Men's)-10/-23No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesPertex QuantomAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 ozNo
Patagonia DAS (Men's - Women's)10/-121/109/103/106/10ReviewYesPertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular555 g / 1 lb 3.6 ozNo
Patagonia DAS Light(Men's)34/12/108/102/109/10ReviewYes10D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular320 g / 11.3 ozNo
Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's)23/-5No data4/106/107/10ReviewYes1.4 oz 20x30D polyesterAll RoundRegular428 g / 15.1 ozNo
Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's)18/-8No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 ozNo
Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's)14/-10No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes20D NylonAll RoundRegular632 g / 1lb 6.3 ozNo
Patagonia Isthmus (Men's)36/2No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular895 g / 1 lb 15.6 ozNo
Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's)12/-11No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNo3.6 oz 50D polyesterAround TownRegular880 g / 1 lb 15 ozNo
Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parks ( Women's)7/-14No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo50D PolyesterAround TownRegular1.142 kg / 2 lb 8.3 ozNo
Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's)37/35/106/105/108/10ReviewYesPertex QuantumAll RoundRegular298 g / 10.5 ozNo
Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's)39/47/105/105/108/10ReviewYes33D nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim401 g / 14.14 ozNo
Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid (Men's - Women's)50/10No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo20D nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 ozNo
Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's)41/54/106/106/108/10ReviewYes22D PolyesterAll RoundRegular363 g / 12.8 ozNo
Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's)26/-3No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNo2.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular585 g / 1 lb 4.7 ozNo
Patagonia Stormshadow (Men's)0/-18No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNo75D PolyesterAround TownRegular1.182 kg / 2 lb 9.7 ozNo
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's)8/-13No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNo5.5 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 ozNo
Patagonia Vosque 3-in-1 (Women's)10/-12No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNo65% nylon, 35% polyesterAround TownRegular1.360 kg / 3 lbNo
Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular525 g / 1 lb 2.5 ozNo
Rab Infinity Alpine (Men's)5/-15No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes30D & 13D Gore-Tex InfiniumAll RoundRegular551 g / 1 lb 3.4 ozNo
Rab Infinity Microlight (Men's - Women's)19/-7No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes13D Gore-Tex InfiniumAll RoundRegular452 g / 15.9 ozNo
Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's)7/-14No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes30D Pertex QuantumAll RoundRegular466 g / 1 lb 0.5 ozNo
Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's)-2/-19No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular585 g / 1 lb 8.6 ozNo
Rab Positron Pro (Men's)-13/-25No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYes40D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular740 g / 1 lb 10 ozNo
REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's)14/-10No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesPertex mini ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular340 g / 13.75 ozNo
 

Performance data axis of synthetic jackets (this table) and shell jackets (table below) are different. Don't compare them. 

  • Performance ratings of Arc'teryx shells

NameActivityTemp (F/C)BreathabilityWeather Res.DurabilityBottom lineReviewPit zips?Two way zipper?Stuffs into itself?Face FabricFitWeightLength
Alpha (aka AR) (Men's - Women's)ClimbingN/A8/109/108/104/10Go-to climbing harshell. ReviewYesNoNoN40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular430 g / 15.2 oz79.5 cm / 31.25 inNo
Alpha SV (Men's - Women's)ClimbingN/A8/1010/1010/103/10Strongest climbing hardshell. ReviewYesNoNoN100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular510 g / 1 lb 2 oz78 cm / 30.75 inNo
Beta (Men's - Women's)All RoundN/A6/107/107/108/10Streamlined all-doer shell.ReviewNoNoNoN30p-X 3L Gore-TexTrim300 g / 10.6 oz76 cm / 30 inNo
Beta AR (Men's - Women's)All RoundN/A8/109/109/104/10Go-to all-round harshell. ReviewYesNoNoN40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular460 g / 1 lb 76 cm / 30 inNo
Beta AR StormHood (Men's - Women's)All RoundN/A8/109/109/104/10ReviewYesNoNoN40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular460 g / 1 lb 76 cm / 30 inNo
Beta Coat (Women's)All RoundN/A6/105/10No data5/10NoYesNo3L Gore-TexRegular320 g / 11.3 oz88 cm / 34.5 inNo
Beta Down Insulated (Men's)All Round0/-189/107/108/10No dataYesYesNo2L 40D Gore-TexRegular760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz79 cm / 31 inNo
Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's)All Round21/-69/107/108/10No dataGo-to hybrid jacket.ReviewYesYesNoN40d 2L Gore-TexRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz78.5 cm / 31 inNo
Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)All Round16/-97/10No dataNo dataNo dataNoYesNoN40d 2L Gore-TexRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz86 cm / 34 inNo
Beta Lightweight (Men's - Women's)All RoundN/A8/107/107/106/10ReviewYesNoNoN40p 3L Gore-TexFitted380 g / 13.4 oz75 cm / 29.5 inNo
Beta LT (Men's - Women's)All RoundN/A7/107/108/106/10ReviewYesNoNoN40d 3L Gore-TexFitted395 g / 13.9 oz76 cm / 30 inNo
Gamma (aka LT) (Men's - Women's)All RoundN/A7/103/107/103/10Go-to softshell.ReviewNoNoNoWee Burly Double WeaveRegular545 g / 1 lb 3.2 oz76 cm / 30 inNo
Gamma MX (Men's)All RoundN/A6/104/108/103/10Strongest softshell.ReviewNoNoNoFortius 2.0Regular555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz74 cm / 29.1 inNo
Norvan Shell (Men's)RunningN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNo13D 3L Gore-TexTrim190 g / 6.7 oz73 cm / 28.75 inNo
Rush (Women's)SkiingN/A8/109/109/103/10Go-to ski jacket. ReviewYesNoNoN80p-X & N100p-X 3L Most Rugged Gore-Tex ProRegular590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz79.5 cm / 31.25 inNo
Rush Insulated (Women's)Skiing16/-93/105/105/109/10ReviewNoNoYesHadron 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumRegular515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz79 cm / 31 inYes
Sabre (Men's)SkiingN/A8/108/107/102/10ReviewYesNoNoN80p-X 3L Gore-TexRegular705 g / 1 lb 8.9 oz79 cm / 31 inNo
Sentinel (Women's)SkiingN/A8/107/107/102/10Go-to ski jacket. ReviewYesNoNoN70p 3L Gore-TexRegular640 g / 1 lb 6.6 oz73.7 cm / 29 inNo
Sentinel Insulated (Women's)Skiing21/-68/10No dataNo dataNo dataReviewYesNoNoN80p 2L Gore-TexRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz79.8 cm / 31.5 inNo
Sentinel Relaxed (Women's)SkiingN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesNoNoN80p 3L Gore-TexRegular655 g / 1 lb 7.1 oz?No
Sidewinder (Women's)SkiingN/A8/108/107/102/10YesNoNoN80p 3L Gore-TexRegular570 g / 1 lb 4.1 oz?No
Solano (Men's - Women's)Around TownN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewNoNoNoGore-Tex InfiniumRelaxed355 g / 12.5 oz72 cm / 28.3 inNo
Squamish (Men's - Women's)RunningN/A5/104/107/109/10Go-to running jacket.ReviewNoNoYes30D TyonoTrim140 g / 4.9 oz77.5 cm / 30.5 inNo
Theriss Down (Women's)SkiingNo data7/106/107/102/10ReviewYesNoNoN80p 2L Gore-TexRegular709 g / 1 lb 9 oz63 cm / 24.8 inNo
Alpha FL (Men's - Women's)ClimbingN/A7/10No dataNo data10/10NoNoYesHadron 3L Gore-TexTrim209 g / 7.4 oz76.5 cm / 30 inYes
Alpha IS (Men's)Climbing23/-57/105/10No data8/10NoYesYesN40p-X 2L Gore-TexRegular610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz78 cm / 30.75 inYes
Alpha SL (Men's - Women's)ClimbingN/A5/107/10No data9/10NoNoYesN40p 3L Gore-TexTrim326 g / 11.5 oz77.5 cm / 30.5 inYes
Beta SV (Men's - Women's)All RoundN/A8/1010/1010/103/10Strongest all-round harshell. ReviewYesNoNoN80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular495 g / 1 lb 1.5 oz79 cm / 31 inYes
Gamma SL (aka lightweight) (Men's - Women's)All RoundN/A7/102/106/105/10ReviewNoNoNoFortius 1.0Trim310 g / 10.9 oz74 cm / 29.1 inYes
Incendia (Women's)SkiingN/A8/109/109/103/10ReviewYesNoNoNP100d 3L Gore-TexTrim610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz79 cm / 31 inYes
Incendo (Men's)RunningN/A7/104/105/1010/10ReviewNoNoYesLuminTrim125 g / 4.4 oz?Yes
Incendo Airshell (Men'sRunningN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYes?Trim105 g / 3.7 oz?Yes
Incendo SL (Men's)RunningN/A7/104/104/1010/10ReviewNoNoYesPermair 20 & CanimTrim80 g / 2.8 oz73 cm / 28.75 inYes
Macai (Men's)Skiing5/-157/107/106/101/10ReviewYesNoNoN40p-X 3L Gore-TexRegular990 g / 2 lb 2.9 oz75 cm / 29.5 inYes
Macai Lightweight (aka LT) (Men's)Skiing8/-137/107/106/102/10ReviewYesNoNoN40p-X 3L Gore-TexRegular855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz?Yes
Macai Shell (Men's)SkiingN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataReviewYesNoNoN80p-X 3L Gore-TexRegular775 g / 1 lb 11.3 oz?Yes
Micon (Men's)SkiingN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesNoNoN80p 3L Gore-TexRegular685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz83 cm / 32.5 inYes
Micon HeatherSkiingN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesNoNoNP100-d 3L Gore-TexRegular685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz83 cm / 32.5 inYes
Nodin (Men's - Women's)RunningN/A8/105/105/1010/10NoNoYes20D TyonoTrim130 g / 4.6 oz75 cm / 29.5 inYes
Norvan LT (Men's - Women's)RunningN/A5/105/108/106/10NoNoNoN13p 3L Gore-TexTrim190 g / 6.7 oz?Yes
Norvan SL (Men's - Women's)RunningN/A7/106/108/108/10ReviewNoNoYesGore-Tex InfiniumTrim120 g / 4.2 oz77 cm / 30.4 inYes
Norvan SL Ins. (Women's)Running39/4No dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesGore-Tex ShakeDryTrim270 g / 9.5 oz71.5 cm / 28.1 inYes
Norvan Windshell (Men'sRunningN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNoNoYesPermeair 20Trim90 g / 3.2 oz73 cm / 28.75 inYes
Procline (Men's)SkiingN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesNoNoN70p Gore-Tex InfiniumTrim720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz76 cm / 30 inYes
Ravenna (Women's)SkiingN/A8/107/108/103/10ReviewYesNoNoN70s-4 3L Gore-TexTrim725 g / 1 lb 9.6 oz69.5 cm / 27.4 inYes
Ravenna LT (Women's)SkiingN/A6/106/106/105/10ReviewYesNoNoN70p 3L Gore-TexTrim540 g / 1 lb 3 oz69 cm / 27.2 inYes
Sabre AR (Men's)SkiingN/A7/108/107/107/10ReviewYesNoNoN70p 3L Gore-TexRegular700 g / 1 lb 8.7 oz79 cm / 31 inYes
Sabre Insulated (See related products)SkiingNo data7/10No data6/10No dataReviewYesNoNoN80p 2L Gore-TexRegular815 g / 1 lb 12.7 oz76 cm / 30 inYes
Sabre LT (Men's)SkiingN/A7/108/107/108/10ReviewYesNoNoN80p 3L Gore-TexRegular660 g / 1 lb 7.3 oz83 cm / 32.5 inYes
Sabre SV (Men's)SkiingN/A10/1010/1010/101/10Strongest ski jacket.ReviewYesYesNoN100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex ProRegular595 g / 1 lb 5 oz85 cm / 33.5 inNo
Sentinel AR (Women's)SkiingN/A7/108/107/107/10ReviewYesNoNoN70p 3L Gore-TexRegular590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz72.5 cm / 28.5 inYes
Sentinel LT (Women's)SkiingN/A7/108/107/108/10ReviewYesNoNoN80p 3L Gore-TexRegular565 g / 1 lb 3.9 oz73.5 cm / 29 inYes
Shashka Stretch (Women's)SkiingN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataYesNoNoN70p Gore-Tex InfiniumTrim670 g / 1 lb 7.6 oz71 cm / 28 inYes
Trino SL (Men's)RunningN/A8/105/107/106/10ReviewNoNoNoGore-Tex InfiniumTrim340 g / 12 oz74 cm / 29.1 inYes
Trino SL Anorak (Women's)RunningN/A8/107/108/107/10ReviewNoNoNoGore-Tex InfiniumTrim290 g / 10.2 oz65 cm / 25.5 inYes
Venda Anorak (Women's)Around TownN/ANo dataNo dataNo dataNo dataNoNoNoGore-TexRelaxed255 g / 9 oz75.5 cm / 29.7 inYes
Zeta AR (Men's)HikingN/A7/108/107/104/10YesNoNo3L Gore-TexRegular425 g / 15 oz80 cm / 31.5 inYes
Zeta FL (Men's - Women's)HikingN/A4/106/104/106/10NoNoNoN20r 2L Gore-TexTrim221 g / 7.8 oz76 cm / 30 inYes
Zeta LT (Men's - Women's)HikingN/A5/107/108/105/10NoNoNoN40P-X 3L Gore-TexTrim335 g / 11.8 oz78 cm / 30.75 inYes
Zeta SL (Men's - Women's)HikingN/A3/105/104/105/10ReviewNoNoNo2L Gore-TexTrim310 g / 10.9 oz77.8 cm / 30.6 inYes
 

Performance data axis of synthetic jackets (table above) and shell jackets (this table) are different. Don't compare them. 

Try out the jacket finder tool at arcteryx.com too. 

Both jackets offer the ability to get stuffed into a sack attached to the inside of an internal pocket. See the size of my packed Thorium AR (see image). A packed Nuclei FL, a Beats Studio 3 and an Osprey Farpoint 40 for scale. Cerium LT packed size would be close to Nuclei FL. 

Before we begin, let me clear this out of our way. I wouldn't recommend either of these jackets if: 

  • You'll be wearing them as a stand alone piece when there's either heavy rain, snow or wind a fair amount of days; 
  • You won't be treating them very kindly and/or its outer shell will be in contact with rough surfaces. 

This is all because both jackets have quite fragile face fabric with Thorium being a little superior to the Cerium (more on this later). 

You can see this in Arc'teryx's Naming Scheme Page here as well - for both "Cerium" and "Thorium". 

That said, although they make quite vulnerable outer layers out against these harsh conditions, they are perfect midlayers. If the above two bullets don't apply to your situation, they'd make perfect stand-alone pieces as well. 

  • Fit

Canberk is 5'11" and 165 pounds, with an athletic build. Size Medium fits him perfectly across almost all brands and product lines. 

  • Arc'teryx's 2024 men's fit revision

Here's what Arc'teryx says about its most recent fit revision

Not all jackets come with the revised fit - only the ones with following statement: 

Warmth

Cerium uses a 850 fill power European grey goose down, whereas Thorium uses 750.

This value is in cubic inches, and represents the end volume the down eventually fully expands to when it's at rest. 

The more the volume, the more air will be > trapped inside the down >  heated by your body > and ultimately work as an insulation. 

That's why the higher the fill power, the warmer you'll feel inside the jacket provided that both jackets are filled with the same amount down. 

What does that mean?

It means that a down jacket with a 750 FP (fill power) down can provide more warmth than a 850 FP down by using more of 750 FP down.

And this is exactly what's happening in our case. Thorium provides more warmth than Cerium by using this strategy. 

  • Thorium: Equipped with 140 grams (≈5 ounces) of 750 down fill
  • Cerium: Equipped with 102 grams (≈4 ounces) of 850 down fill

The downside of this (you guessed that right) is the added weight.

850 FP down of Cerium also makes it extremely compressible. Its stuff sack size is hence smaller compared to that of Thorium (plus point for traveler folks).

That's why, in the end, this trade-off makes the Thorium nearly 200 grams heavier than Cerium {(517 grams (1 lb 2.2 oz) vs 335 grams (11.8 oz)} in return. 

But I'd give relatively less importance to this weight difference, because as you can see here on Arc'teryx's own Naming Scheme Page, both Cerium and Thorium lines are on the lighter side

One more thing to consider for warmth: Fit

Thorium fits baggier. 

This doesn't only make under layering easy and sweet, but it also increases warmth even when you wear the same under layer beneath these jackets.

How?

Baggier cut of Thorium makes under layering easier.

Due to the baggier cut, there's more air trapped between your body and the jacket, which works as a perfect extra insulation.

Baggier cut doesn't always equal more warmth. There's a fine balance and you can often go too baggy and eventually and let too much air circulate & end up providing even less warmth than with the trimmer case to begin with.

But Thorium is at the warmer side of this line and hence provides extra warmth leveraging its baggier cut.

Lastly, both offer the same hem length at 72 cm (28.3 inches).

Weather resistance

Cerium uses a thinner, lighter fabric on the outer shell (Arato 15) compared to Thorium AR (Arato 30). 

Cerium's previous model, Cerium LT, had equipped only Arato 10. It was insanely fragile so Arc'teryx must have decided an upgrade in this regard. 

Thorium's Arato 30 is absolutely more wind resistant, water resistant and durable, although still not nearly as much as synthetic insulated jackets like Atom Heavyweight (Men's - Women's - read review). 

In dry conditions, Atom Heavyweight (aka AR) would be less warm than Thorium. 

But in wet conditions, being equipped with synthetic insulation rather than down, (also having a super robust outer shell) Atom Hw would be warmer. 

Thorium isn't windproof by any means either. It's only lightly wind-resistant. 

That said, both Thorium and Cerium are DWR coated. 

  • What is DWR by the way?

DWR is a coating. 

It's basically sprayed on to the surface of these jackets as a finish. 

It stands for Durable Water Repellent - which means that water will be repelled under wet conditions instead of soaking into the fabric. 

DWR also decreases dry time. 

It's a good thing these jackets are coated in DWR.

But pay attention to the fact that DWR is a coating - meaning that it will wear off over time. 

Which is why you might want to invest in a DWR spray such as this one at arcteryx.com for after treatment. 

As you see, there's a strong correlation between FP x FW and temperature ratings, but not more than, say, 80%. I explained why this happens here in this post of mine

DWR will be enough to repel some moisture and light rain. But after, say, 15-30 mins, they both will start soaking. 


Check out our other content on jackets:

Guide: Insulated & Shell Jackets

Start here:

Also see:

About the Author Canberk K.


Hey, what's up? Canberk here. Arc'teryx addict, gym rat, and Tame Impala fan.