Arc’teryx Firebee AR vs Ceres SV

Last updated: October 25, 2023

Ceres SV and Firebee AR once were Arc'teryx's first and second warmest pieces. 

They remain discontinued for FW24 too. 

For Ceres SV, which is a hybrid jacket (down & synthetic insulation), Arc'teryx brought its alternative, the Alpha Parka (Men's - Women's - read review). It's solid and probably one of the best freezing weather jackets of all time. 

For Firebee AR, however, it's another story. It's solely a down jacket. No synthetic insulation whatsoever. 

Arc'teryx has never really been known with their highest quality down jackets. Rather, they're popular for their synthetic insulated jackets and hardshell/softshell jackets. 

When it's cold, like really cold, precipitation isn't the thing that you worry about. Below 0 deg C, rain won't happen anyway. Which is where down jackets come to play and fill the need. 

By simply leaving synthetic insulation out of a jacket, you don't only ensure a much lower weight but you also provide a much smaller packed size.

When packed, Firebee AR had stuffed into half the size of Ceres SV. It was impressive and it was also cited on each related page on Arc'teryx's own site as well. 

In FW24 catalogue the closest you get to Firebee AR is not so close. It's the Thorium (Men's - Women's - read review).

I however also think that Arc'teryx will bring back Cerium SV in a few days. Which is much closer to Firebee AR.

They only have to deal with naming scheme changes, especially after changing Cerium SL to Cerium Lightweight and Cerium LT to Cerium. Cerium SV will probably be Cerium Heavyweight, just like other lines such as Atom and Proton. 

Firebee AR and Ceres SV can still worth getting even after years of use, when found at a lower price. This guide will help you decide. 

  • 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: 


First thing you should know about them is that they're NOT designed for high output activities (skiing, climbing, cycling, etc.) since you'd overheat very easily (unless you run unusually cold - which I'd highly doubt). 

They're designed for mostly stationary use out in extreme colds where you would not encounter wet conditions (ie. rain, snow) and where packability is a concern: Hiking, camping, traveling, ice fishing, etc. 

Think of Firebee as a lighter, shorter, more packable, more weather resistant, less warm and a more breathable version of the Ceres. 

In summary, if packability is almost as important as warmth for you, then the Firebee could be a better option. If packability is not that important, but still a must have, than the Ceres is more suitable.

Firebee (see image) is lighter, shorter, more packable, more weather resistant, less warm and more breathable than the Ceres.

If you'll be wearing your jacket only casually when it's freezing out in town and hence don't care about packability at all...

Then I'd surprise you and recommend the Therme SV (Men's - read review) or Patera (Women's - read review) instead.

Both Firebee and Ceres are equipped with 850-fill down (highest quality) insulation and also supported with synthetic insulation in addition (for extra wet weather performance).

But the amounts as to how much they're stuffed with them differ, which is an equally important factor that defines the warmth:

  • Ceres SV is equipped with 240 grams of down.
  • Firebee AR is equipped with 225 grams of down.

  • Temperature ratings of Arc'teryx jackets

NameEst. Temp (F/C)ReviewPit venting?Two way zipper?Stuffs into itself?TypeFill Power (in3/oz)Fill Weight (g)Fill Volume (in3)Synthetic FillSynth. Fill WeightFace FabricActivityFitWeightLength (CB)
Arc'teryx Alpha Parka (Men's - Women's)-18/-28ReviewNoYesYesDown8502968,875Coreloft90 g/m²N30r 2L GoreTex InfiniumClimbingRegular805 g / 1 lb 12.4 oz86 cm / 34 in
Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's - Women's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8501173,508Coreloft Compact40 g/m²Hadron 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumClimbingRegular540 g / 1 lb 3 oz79.5 cm / 31.25 in
Arc'teryx Atom (aka LT) ( Men's - Women's)43/6ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous60 g/m²20D TyonoAll RoundTrim375 g / 13.2 oz74 cm / 29.1 in
Arc'teryx Atom Heavyweight (aka AR) (Men's - Women's)18/-8ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous120 g/m2 + 80 g/m2 + 60 g/m230D TyonoAll RoundRegular475 g / 1 lb 74 cm / 29.1 in
Arc'teryx Atom Lightweight (aka SL) (Men's - Women's)52/11ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Compact40 g/m²20D TyonoAll RoundTrim270 g / 9.5 oz72 cm / 28.3 in
Arc'teryx Beta Down Insulated (Men's)0/-18YesYesNoParka8501263,778Coreloft80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz79 cm / 31 in
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's)21/-6ReviewYes, zipsYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz78.5 cm / 31 in
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)16/-9ReviewNoYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft 80 g/m² + 120 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAround TownRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz86 cm / 34 in
Arc'teryx Cerium (aka LT) (Men's - Women's)26/-3ReviewNoNoYesDown8501133,388Coreloft80 + 100 g/m²Arato 15All RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 oz72 cm / 28.3 in
Arc'teryx Cerium Hybrid (Women's)44/7NoNoYesDown850441,319Coreloft40 + 100 g/m²Arato 15 + Fortius Air 50All RoundTrim260 g / 9.2 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's)14/-10NoYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft98 g/m²40D 2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular435g / 15.3 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Arc'teryx Liatris (Women's)5/-15NoNoNoParka850932,788Climashield80 g/m2 + 60 g/m270D 3L Gore-TexAround TownRegular890 g / 1 lb 15.4 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Liatris Parka (Women's)2/-17NoNoNoParka8501364,078Climashield80 g/m2 + 60 g/m270D 3L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.093 kg / 2 lb 6.6 oz109 cm / 43 in
Arc'teryx Nuclei (aka FL) ( Men's - Women's)32/0ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous65 g/m²Arato 10rAll RoundRegular325 g / 11.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Women's)5/-15ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous190 g/m2 + 90 g/m2Arato 15All RoundRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz81 cm / 31.8 in
Arc'teryx Patera (Women's)21/-6ReviewNoYesNoParka750671,773Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownTrim867 g / 1 lb 14.6 oz99 cm / 39 in
Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's)0/-18NoYesNoParka7502045,397Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.1 kg / 2 lb 6.8 oz117.5 cm / 46.25 in
Arc'teryx Proton Lightweight (aka FL) (Men's - Women's)48/9ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/AOcta Loft94 g/m²Fortius Air 20ClimbingTrim343 g / 12.1 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's)5/-15ReviewNoYesNoParka7501203,175Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²P75d PolyesterAround TownRegular991 g / 2 lb 3 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's)-11/-24ReviewNoYesNoParka7502115,582Coreloft60 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 oz96 cm / 37.75 in
Arc'teryx Thorium ( Men's - Women's)12/-11ReviewNoYesYesDown7501403,704Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30All RoundRegular517 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz71.5 cm / 28.1 in
Arc'teryx Thorium Parka (Women's)-2/-19ReviewNoYesNoDown7502095,529Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 20Around TownRegular610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz115.8 cm / 45.6 in
Arc'teryx Thorium SV (Men's)3/-16NoYesYesDown7501694,471Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumAround TownRegular645 g / 1 lb 6.8 oz73 cm / 28.75 in
Arc'teryx Thorium SV Parka (Men's)0/-18NoYesNoDown7501955,159Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumAround TownRegular685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's)7/-14NoYesYesDown7001553,827N/AN/A30D ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular442 g / 15.6 oz76 cm / 29.75 in
Feathered Friends Eos(Men's - Women's)8/-13NoNoYesDown9001053,333N/AN/APertex QuantumAll RoundRegular306 g / 10.8 oz?
Feathered Friends Khumbu (Men's)-17/-27NoNoYesDown90037812,000Primaloft Gold200 gPretex Shield XTAll RoundRegular960 g / 2 lb 2 oz?
Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's)-10/-23NoYesYesDown8002657,478N/AN/ANylonAll RoundRegular770 g / 1 lb 11.2 oz79 cm / 31 in
Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's)-13/-25NoYesYesDown8003008,466N/AN/A30D DriliteAll RoundRegular820 g / 1 lb 13 oz76 cm / 30 in
Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's)28/-2NoNoYesDown800852,399N/AN/A10D Ripstop NylonAll RoundTrim250 g / 8.8 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's)3/-16NoYesNoDown8001825,136N/AN/A30D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular825 g / 1 lb 13.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Patagonia AlpLight (Men's - Women's)36/2NoNoYesDown8001002,822N/AN/A0.8 oz 10D polyesterAll RoundSlim270 g / 9.5 oz74 cm / 29 in
Patagonia AlpLoft (Men's)-10/-23NoYesYesDown8002958,325N/AN/APertex QuantomAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz81 cm / 31.8 in
Patagonia DAS (Men's - Women's)10/-12ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco133 + 40 gPertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz84 cm / 33 in
Patagonia DAS Light(Men's)34/1ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APlumaFill65 g10D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular320 g / 11.3 oz77 cm / 30.5 in
Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's)23/-5ReviewNoNoYesDown8001504,233N/AN/A1.4 oz 20x30D polyesterAll RoundRegular428 g / 15.1 oz67 cm / 26.25 in
Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's)18/-8NoNoNoDown6002795,905N/AN/A4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz?
Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's)14/-10NoNoYesDown8001283,612N/AN/A20D NylonAll RoundRegular632 g / 1lb 6.3 oz74 cm / 29 in
Patagonia Isthmus (Men's)36/2NoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/AThermoGreen60 g4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular895 g / 1 lb 15.6 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's)12/-11ReviewNoYesNoDown7001413,482N/AN/A3.6 oz 50D polyesterAround TownRegular880 g / 1 lb 15 oz79 cm / 31 in
Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parks ( Women's)7/-14NoNoNoParka7002185,383N/AN/A50D PolyesterAround TownRegular1.142 kg / 2 lb 8.3 oz?
Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's)37/3ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APlumaFill65 gPertex QuantumAll RoundRegular298 g / 10.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's)39/4ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/AFullRange60 g33D nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim401 g / 14.14 oz?
Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid (Men's - Women's)50/10NoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/AFullRange40 g20D nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 oz?
Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's)41/5ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco60 g22D PolyesterAll RoundRegular363 g / 12.8 oz71.5 cm / 28 in
Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's)26/-3ReviewNoNoNoDown7001092,691N/AN/A2.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular585 g / 1 lb 4.7 oz74 cm / 29 in
Patagonia Stormshadow (Men's)0/-18NoNoNoParka7002596,395N/AN/A75D PolyesterAround TownRegular1.182 kg / 2 lb 9.7 oz?
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's)8/-13ReviewNoNoNoParka7001182,914N/AN/A5.5 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Patagonia Vosque 3-in-1 (Women's)10/-12ReviewNoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/AThermoLite100 g65% nylon, 35% polyesterAround TownRegular1.360 kg / 3 lb90 cm / 35.5 in
Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8001805,079N/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular525 g / 1 lb 2.5 oz74 cm / 29 in
Rab Infinity Alpine (Men's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8001754,938N/AN/A30D & 13D Gore-Tex InfiniumAll RoundRegular551 g / 1 lb 3.4 oz76.5 cm / 30.1 in
Rab Infinity Microlight (Men's - Women's)19/-7NoNoYesDown7001463,605N/AN/A13D Gore-Tex InfiniumAll RoundRegular452 g / 15.9 oz74 cm / 29.1 in
Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's)7/-14NoNoYesDown7001533,778N/AN/A30D Pertex QuantumAll RoundRegular466 g / 1 lb 0.5 oz72 cm / 28.5 in
Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's)-2/-19NoYesYesDown8002125,982N/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular585 g / 1 lb 8.6 oz77 cm / 30.3 in
Rab Positron Pro (Men's)-13/-25NoYesYesDown8003008,466N/AN/A40D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular740 g / 1 lb 10 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's)14/-10NoNoYesDown8501203,598N/AN/APertex mini ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular340 g / 13.75 oz74 cm / 29.25 in
 

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)ReviewPit venting?Two way zipper?Stuffs into itself?TypeFill Power (in3/oz)Fill Weight (g)Fill Volume (in3)Synthetic FillSynth. Fill WeightFace FabricActivityFitWeightLength (CB)
Arc'teryx Alpha Parka (Men's - Women's)-18/-28ReviewNoYesYesDown8502968,875Coreloft90 g/m²N30r 2L GoreTex InfiniumClimbingRegular805 g / 1 lb 12.4 oz86 cm / 34 in
Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's - Women's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8501173,508Coreloft Compact40 g/m²Hadron 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumClimbingRegular540 g / 1 lb 3 oz79.5 cm / 31.25 in
Arc'teryx Atom (aka LT) ( Men's - Women's)43/6ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous60 g/m²20D TyonoAll RoundTrim375 g / 13.2 oz74 cm / 29.1 in
Arc'teryx Atom Heavyweight (aka AR) (Men's - Women's)18/-8ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous120 g/m2 + 80 g/m2 + 60 g/m230D TyonoAll RoundRegular475 g / 1 lb 74 cm / 29.1 in
Arc'teryx Atom Lightweight (aka SL) (Men's - Women's)52/11ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Compact40 g/m²20D TyonoAll RoundTrim270 g / 9.5 oz72 cm / 28.3 in
Arc'teryx Beta Down Insulated (Men's)0/-18YesYesNoParka8501263,778Coreloft80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz79 cm / 31 in
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's)21/-6ReviewYes, zipsYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous80 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz78.5 cm / 31 in
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)16/-9ReviewNoYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft 80 g/m² + 120 g/m²2L 40D Gore-TexAround TownRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz86 cm / 34 in
Arc'teryx Cerium (aka LT) (Men's - Women's)26/-3ReviewNoNoYesDown8501133,388Coreloft80 + 100 g/m²Arato 15All RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 oz72 cm / 28.3 in
Arc'teryx Cerium Hybrid (Women's)44/7NoNoYesDown850441,319Coreloft40 + 100 g/m²Arato 15 + Fortius Air 50All RoundTrim260 g / 9.2 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's)14/-10NoYesNoParkaN/AN/AN/ACoreloft98 g/m²40D 2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular435g / 15.3 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Arc'teryx Liatris (Women's)5/-15NoNoNoParka850932,788Climashield80 g/m2 + 60 g/m270D 3L Gore-TexAround TownRegular890 g / 1 lb 15.4 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Liatris Parka (Women's)2/-17NoNoNoParka8501364,078Climashield80 g/m2 + 60 g/m270D 3L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.093 kg / 2 lb 6.6 oz109 cm / 43 in
Arc'teryx Nuclei (aka FL) ( Men's - Women's)32/0ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous65 g/m²Arato 10rAll RoundRegular325 g / 11.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Women's)5/-15ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/ACoreloft Continuous190 g/m2 + 90 g/m2Arato 15All RoundRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz81 cm / 31.8 in
Arc'teryx Patera (Women's)21/-6ReviewNoYesNoParka750671,773Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownTrim867 g / 1 lb 14.6 oz99 cm / 39 in
Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's)0/-18NoYesNoParka7502045,397Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.1 kg / 2 lb 6.8 oz117.5 cm / 46.25 in
Arc'teryx Proton Lightweight (aka FL) (Men's - Women's)48/9ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/AOcta Loft94 g/m²Fortius Air 20ClimbingTrim343 g / 12.1 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's)5/-15ReviewNoYesNoParka7501203,175Coreloft60 + 80 g/m²P75d PolyesterAround TownRegular991 g / 2 lb 3 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's)-11/-24ReviewNoYesNoParka7502115,582Coreloft60 g/m²2L Gore-TexAround TownRegular1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 oz96 cm / 37.75 in
Arc'teryx Thorium ( Men's - Women's)12/-11ReviewNoYesYesDown7501403,704Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30All RoundRegular517 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz71.5 cm / 28.1 in
Arc'teryx Thorium Parka (Women's)-2/-19ReviewNoYesNoDown7502095,529Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 20Around TownRegular610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz115.8 cm / 45.6 in
Arc'teryx Thorium SV (Men's)3/-16NoYesYesDown7501694,471Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumAround TownRegular645 g / 1 lb 6.8 oz73 cm / 28.75 in
Arc'teryx Thorium SV Parka (Men's)0/-18NoYesNoDown7501955,159Coreloft80 + 140 g/m²Arato 30 & 2L Gore-Tex InfiniumAround TownRegular685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's)7/-14NoYesYesDown7001553,827N/AN/A30D ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular442 g / 15.6 oz76 cm / 29.75 in
Feathered Friends Eos(Men's - Women's)8/-13NoNoYesDown9001053,333N/AN/APertex QuantumAll RoundRegular306 g / 10.8 oz?
Feathered Friends Khumbu (Men's)-17/-27NoNoYesDown90037812,000Primaloft Gold200 gPretex Shield XTAll RoundRegular960 g / 2 lb 2 oz?
Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's)-10/-23NoYesYesDown8002657,478N/AN/ANylonAll RoundRegular770 g / 1 lb 11.2 oz79 cm / 31 in
Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's)-13/-25NoYesYesDown8003008,466N/AN/A30D DriliteAll RoundRegular820 g / 1 lb 13 oz76 cm / 30 in
Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's)28/-2NoNoYesDown800852,399N/AN/A10D Ripstop NylonAll RoundTrim250 g / 8.8 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's)3/-16NoYesNoDown8001825,136N/AN/A30D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular825 g / 1 lb 13.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Patagonia AlpLight (Men's - Women's)36/2NoNoYesDown8001002,822N/AN/A0.8 oz 10D polyesterAll RoundSlim270 g / 9.5 oz74 cm / 29 in
Patagonia AlpLoft (Men's)-10/-23NoYesYesDown8002958,325N/AN/APertex QuantomAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz81 cm / 31.8 in
Patagonia DAS (Men's - Women's)10/-12ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco133 + 40 gPertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz84 cm / 33 in
Patagonia DAS Light(Men's)34/1ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APlumaFill65 g10D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular320 g / 11.3 oz77 cm / 30.5 in
Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's)23/-5ReviewNoNoYesDown8001504,233N/AN/A1.4 oz 20x30D polyesterAll RoundRegular428 g / 15.1 oz67 cm / 26.25 in
Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's)18/-8NoNoNoDown6002795,905N/AN/A4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz?
Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's)14/-10NoNoYesDown8001283,612N/AN/A20D NylonAll RoundRegular632 g / 1lb 6.3 oz74 cm / 29 in
Patagonia Isthmus (Men's)36/2NoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/AThermoGreen60 g4.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular895 g / 1 lb 15.6 oz70 cm / 27.5 in
Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's)12/-11ReviewNoYesNoDown7001413,482N/AN/A3.6 oz 50D polyesterAround TownRegular880 g / 1 lb 15 oz79 cm / 31 in
Patagonia Jackson Glacier Parks ( Women's)7/-14NoNoNoParka7002185,383N/AN/A50D PolyesterAround TownRegular1.142 kg / 2 lb 8.3 oz?
Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's)37/3ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APlumaFill65 gPertex QuantumAll RoundRegular298 g / 10.5 oz75 cm / 29.5 in
Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's)39/4ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/AFullRange60 g33D nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim401 g / 14.14 oz?
Patagonia Nano Air Light Hybrid (Men's - Women's)50/10NoNoNoSyntheticN/AN/AN/AFullRange40 g20D nylon ripstopAll RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 oz?
Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's)41/5ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticN/AN/AN/APrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco60 g22D PolyesterAll RoundRegular363 g / 12.8 oz71.5 cm / 28 in
Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's)26/-3ReviewNoNoNoDown7001092,691N/AN/A2.2 oz polyesterAround TownRegular585 g / 1 lb 4.7 oz74 cm / 29 in
Patagonia Stormshadow (Men's)0/-18NoNoNoParka7002596,395N/AN/A75D PolyesterAround TownRegular1.182 kg / 2 lb 9.7 oz?
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's)8/-13ReviewNoNoNoParka7001182,914N/AN/A5.5 oz polyesterAround TownRegular1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
Patagonia Vosque 3-in-1 (Women's)10/-12ReviewNoNoNoParkaN/AN/AN/AThermoLite100 g65% nylon, 35% polyesterAround TownRegular1.360 kg / 3 lb90 cm / 35.5 in
Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8001805,079N/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular525 g / 1 lb 2.5 oz74 cm / 29 in
Rab Infinity Alpine (Men's)5/-15NoYesYesDown8001754,938N/AN/A30D & 13D Gore-Tex InfiniumAll RoundRegular551 g / 1 lb 3.4 oz76.5 cm / 30.1 in
Rab Infinity Microlight (Men's - Women's)19/-7NoNoYesDown7001463,605N/AN/A13D Gore-Tex InfiniumAll RoundRegular452 g / 15.9 oz74 cm / 29.1 in
Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's)7/-14NoNoYesDown7001533,778N/AN/A30D Pertex QuantumAll RoundRegular466 g / 1 lb 0.5 oz72 cm / 28.5 in
Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's)-2/-19NoYesYesDown8002125,982N/AN/A20D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular585 g / 1 lb 8.6 oz77 cm / 30.3 in
Rab Positron Pro (Men's)-13/-25NoYesYesDown8003008,466N/AN/A40D Pertex Quantum ProAll RoundRegular740 g / 1 lb 10 oz85 cm / 33.5 in
REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's)14/-10NoNoYesDown8501203,598N/AN/APertex mini ripstop nylonAll RoundRegular340 g / 13.75 oz74 cm / 29.25 in
 

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. 

Also...

  • Ceres offers a quite long hemline (34 inches). Falls almost to the knees.
  • Firebee is shorter at 31.25 inches - just a bit lower than waist.

Extra length in Ceres is one of the causes of its extra down, but even without the extra material, the amount of its down would still outnumber that of Firebee.

Warmth in practice

Generally speaking, with only a long sleeved shirt under and without a shell on top, during daily use (strolls, power walks, etc) and with enough wind to cause an umbrella to twist in your hand...

...the lowest temperature an average person could wear them without feeling uncomfortably cold would be as low as -15 deg F (-26 deg C) for Ceres SV and around -10 deg F (-23 deg C) for Firebee AR.

If you run colder or warmer than the average person, then shift these temperatures accordingly.

This level of warmth is exceptional, which is the reason for staggering price tags.

The single warmer product you can find out there would be something ridiculously high-tech like the Cold WX Parka SVX from Arc'teryx's LEAF Program.

Gore-Tex Thermium vs Windstopper

Gore Thermium of Firebee will perform quite similarly to the Gore Windstopper of Ceres (same Gore membrane technology) - the only difference being that the Thermium is fully seam sealed whereas some Windstopper pieces are sewn through seams.

In practice, this means that the Firebee will be more weather resistant and it'll let less moisture inside.

Then again neither of these Parkas are meant to be used under rain or snow anyway, so the difference isn't big to say the least.


Now back to warmth, realistically speaking, Ceres and Firebee is actually as good as jackets and parkas get in terms of warmth, as I explained a minute ago.

Bu there's one important caveat to note here.

Warmth distribution

Both the Firebee and Ceres come with their own stuff sacks. Manufacturing them "packable" like this requires sacrificing from distributing the warmth evenly throughout your body.

Firebee (on the right) is packed smaller than Ceres (on the left).

In addition to that, the Firebee is not only packable, but also a lot more packable than the Ceres. It's equivalent to the packed size of a summer sleeping bag - which is HALF the packed size of the Ceres!

Since this makes the problem even worse for Firebee, Arc'teryx incorporated "3D Down Contour Construction" in Firebee's design process.

...although it kind of backfired.

It was supposed to distribute the total amount of down more efficiently throughout the jacket rather than using a uniform distribution like that of Ceres.

BUT, as you might also already had understood from my language, this failed to side-track this problem in practice. In the end, lower arm region of the Firebee's in the market ended up providing a little bit less warmth than intended.

So, when you think about the staggering price tag of this parka, Arc'teryx might have crossed the "acceptable flaws" line with this mistake for some people.

It's still a fantastic parka and it's incredible how much of attention has been paid even to the really minimal details (pleasant collar, StormHood, mesh vents at very well-thought out strategic locations such as some portion of the hood and the arm pits).

It's just that it's mostly expected to be flawless at this price range.

If this is a deal-breaker for you, then layering Cerium SV (read review) and Atom AR (read review) together could work as a somewhat "equivalent" combo and be a good alternative to the Firebee.

Ceres SV is baggier than the Firebee (easier under layering) and is also puffier outwards.

It'd also provide more versatility since wearing Ceres, Firebee or Thorsen as standalone pieces would come too warm when it's anything warmer than 15 deg F (-10 deg C) out. Whereas you can wear your Atom AR alone when it's up to 30 deg F (0 deg C) without overheating.

The downside of layering, on the other hand, would be the hassle comes up with layering when you're changing from indoors to outdoors constantly and vice versa.

For Ceres SV, this uneven warmth distribution is experienced significantly less although still not completely non-existent like the Thorsen (more on Thorsen in a minute).

Face Fabric

Face fabric of Ceres (Arato 30) is heavier and more sturdy than that of the Firebee (Arato 7 & 10).

But, compared to the Firebee’s face properties, it doesn't feel as smooth in your hands, although is more durable and resists more strongly against abrasion.

Also, they're both DWR coated, which helps with beading water. 

  • 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

So, since some sacrifices are being made for making a parka "packable" in return...

If you aren't planning to pack your parka, I'd also check out Therme SV (Men's - read review) or Patera (Women's - read review). Unlike Ceres and Firebee, these aren't packable, and hence distributes warmth more evenly.

Another case where you'd better getting one of these and not a Firebee or Ceres would be wet conditions. Firebee and Ceres use Gore-Tex Windstopper Shell, which protects you from high winds perfectly.

But when it rains or snows, not only it let relatively more water and moisture in; but also the down gets soaked, which causes the parka to lose its insulating power. In the end, the warmth suffers - although less so than we'd typically experience with other down insulated clothing pieces such as the Thorium and Cerium.

The reason for this is strategically placed synthetic insulation in both Firebee's and Ceres's constructions.

About the Author Canberk K.


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