The name of Thorium AR has been changed to Thorium for winter 2023. There has also been some design updates:
- A two way zipper is added, which to me is the main (and the strangest) highlight,
- An external chest pocket is added,
- Fit is now a little bit baggier,
- Baffles are a bit larger (see image below),
- Hood is now helmet compatible,
- Amount of 750 FP down is increased from 130 grams to 140 grams,
- Made more eco-friendly.
There has also been subtle changes in the weight (slight increase) and center back length (slight decrease). Check out the jackets database table below for more details about them.
Thorium Parka is also just in! Here's the Thorium vs Thorium Parka vs Thorium AR side-by-side comparison page on arcteryx.com: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000006585-bitters/X000006919-black/X000006972-figment
Arc'teryx Thorium vs Thorium AR. I loved the 24k black color of Thorium AR a lot. Click on image to visit the new Thorium Hoody page on arcteryx.com.
Even if Arc'teryx decides to discontinue the Thorium AR in the future, its second hand will live pretty long because of its popularity and durability.
Summary
Arc'teryx Thorium is a fantastic, warm down jacket for casual use in dry areas. It's comfortable, light, stuffs into itself and is even equipped with a two way zipper.
I wouldn't recommend it for damp areas at all though. Because it soaks water like a sponge (as all down jackets do). Don't think about it for high output activities either (fragile face fabric and poor breathability).
FYI, Thorium isn't the only down jacket line Arc'teryx offers. There's the Cerium line, too - which is a lighter and less warm alternative to it.
Links:
- https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/thorium-hoody
- https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/thorium-hoody
- Thorium vs Cerium side by side comparison page on arcteryx.com: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000006972-figment/X000006919-black
Warmth
Thorium is pretty warm, especially for its weight. This isn't surprising news for any down jacket as they offer incredible warmth to weight ratio.
Check out its temperature rating below:
Name Est. Temp (F/C) Review Pit venting? Stuffs into itself? Two way zipper? Type Fill Power Fill Weight (grams) Fill Volume (FP x FW) Synthetic Insulator (SI) SI Amount Face Fabric Activity Fit Weight Length (CB) Arc'teryx Alpha (Men's - Women's) -18/-28 Review No Yes Yes Down 850 296 251,600 Coreloft 90 g/m² N30r 2L GoreTex Infinium Climbing Regular 805 g / 1 lb 12.4 oz 86 cm / 34 in Feathered Friends Khumbu -17/-27 No Yes No Down 900 378 340,200 Primaloft Gold 200 g Pretex Shield XT All Round Regular 960 g / 2 lb 2 oz ? Arc'teryx Ceres SV (Men's - Women's) -15/-26 Review No Yes Yes Down 850 240 204,000 Coreloft ? Arato 30 All Round Regular 880 g / 1 lb 15 oz 86 cm / 34 in Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's) -13/-25 No Yes Yes Down 800 300 240,000 N/A N/A 30D Drilite All Round Regular 820 g / 1 lb 13 oz 76 cm / 30 in Rab Positron Pro (Men's) -13/-25 No Yes Yes Down 800 300 240,000 N/A N/A 40D Pertex Quantum Pro All Round Regular 740 g / 1 lb 10 oz 85 cm / 33.5 in Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's) -11/-24 Review No No Yes Parka 750 211 158,250 Coreloft 60 g/m² 2L Gore-Tex Around Town Regular 1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 oz 96 cm / 37.75 in Patagonia Grade VII (Men's) -11/-24 No No Yes Down 800 335 268,000 N/A N/A 1.2 oz 15 & 20D Perfex Quantum Around Town Regular 743 g / 1 lb 10.1 oz 83 cm / 32.5 in Arc'teryx Firebee AR (Men's - Women's) -10/-23 Review No Yes Yes Down 800 225 180,000 N/A N/A Arato 7 & 10 All Round Regular 680 g / 1 lb 8 oz 79 cm / 31 in Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's) -10/-23 No Yes Yes Down 800 265 212,000 N/A N/A Nylon All Round Regular 770 g / 1 lb 11.2 oz 79 cm / 31 in Arc'teryx Thorsen (Men's) -7/-22 Review No No Yes Parka 750 192 144,000 Coreloft 60 g/m² 90D 2L Gore-Tex Around Town Regular 1.1 kg / 2 lb 5.4 oz 91 cm / 36 in Patagonia Frozen Range (Men's - Women's) -6/-21 Review No No No Parka 700 268 187,600 N/A N/A 4 oz 75-denier polyester Around Town Regular 1.253 kg / 2 lb 12.2 oz 84 cm / 33 in Mountain Equipment Li. Ec. (Men's - Women's) -5/-20 No No Yes Down 700 295 206,500 N/A N/A 50D Drilite All Round Regular 822 g / 1 lb 13 oz 72 cm / 28 in Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's) -2/-19 No No Yes Parka 750 74 55,500 Coreloft 60 + 80 g/m² 2L Gore-Tex Around Town Regular 1.1 kg / 2 lb 6.8 oz 117.5 cm / 46.25 in Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's) -2/-19 No Yes Yes Down 800 212 169,600 N/A N/A 20D Pertex Quantum Pro All Round Regular 585 g / 1 lb 8.6 oz 77 cm / 30.3 in Arc'teryx Dually Belay (Men's) 0/-18 Review No Yes Yes Synthetic N/A N/A N/A ThermaTek 92 g/m² 30D Nylon Around Town Regular 705 g / 1 lb 9 oz 84 cm / 33 in Arc'teryx Centrale (Women's) 0/-18 Review No No Yes Parka 750 157 117,750 Coreloft 60 g/m² N90p Nylon Around Town Regular 885 g / 1 lb 15.2 oz 95 cm / 37.5 in Arc'teryx Camosun (Men's) 0/-18 Review No No No Parka 750 105 78,750 Coreloft 140 g/m² N150p-X Gore-Tex Around Town Trim 960 g / 2 lb 1.9 oz 80 cm / 31.5 in Arc'teryx Cerium SV (Men's) 0/-18 Review No Yes No Down 850 162 137,700 Coreloft 80 + 140 g/m² Arato 7 & 10 All Round Regular 415 g / 14.6 oz 69.5 cm / 27.4 in Arc'teryx Revet (Men's) 2/-17 No No Yes Parka 750 ? N/A N/A 20d nylon/spandex double weave Around Town Regular 755 g / 1 lb 10.6 oz 91 cm / 36 in Arc'teryx Piedmont (Men's) 3/-16 No Yes Yes Parka 750 218 163,500 N/A N/A Arato 10 Around Town Regular 515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz 82 cm / 32.25 in Arc'teryx Fission SV (Men's - Women's) 3/-16 Review No No Yes Synthetic N/A N/A N/A Coreloft Continuous 90 + 65 g/m² N80p-X Gore-Tex 2L All Round Regular 890 g / 1 lb 15.4 oz 81 cm / 31.8 in Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's) 3/-16 No Yes Yes Down 850 117 99,450 Coreloft Compact 40 g/m² Hadron 2L Gore-Tex Infinium Climbing Regular 540 g / 1 lb 3 oz ? Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's) 3/-16 No No Yes Down 800 182 145,600 N/A N/A 30D Pertex Quantum Pro All Round Regular 825 g / 1 lb 13.1 oz 85 cm / 33.5 in Arc'teryx Alessa Long (Women's) 3/-16 No No No Parka N/A N/A N/A Coreloft 80 + 120 g/m² N90p 2L Gore-Tex Around Town Regular 1.015 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz 123 cm / 48.5 in Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's) 3/-16 Review No No No Parka 700 118 82,600 N/A N/A 5.5 oz polyester Around Town Regular 1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 oz 85 cm / 33.5 in Arc'teryx Radsten Parka (Men's) 3/-16 No No No Parka N/A N/A N/A Coreloft Compact 120 g/m² NP100d Gore-Tex 2L Around Town Regular 745 g / 1 lb 10.3 oz 82 cm / 32.25 in Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's) 5/-15 No Yes Yes Down 800 180 144,000 N/A N/A 20D Pertex Quantum Pro All Round Regular 525 g / 1 lb 2.5 oz 74 cm / 29 in Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's) 5/-15 Review No No Yes Parka 750 120 90,000 Coreloft 60 + 80 g/m² P75d Polyester Around Town Regular 991 g / 2 lb 3 oz 85 cm / 33.5 in Arc'teryx Macai (Men's) 5/-15 Review Yes, zips No No Down 750 69 51,750 Coreloft Compact 60 + 100 g/m² N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex Ski/Snowboard Regular 1 kg / 2 lb 4 oz 76 cm / 30 in Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Men's) 5/-15 Review No Yes Yes Synthetic N/A N/A N/A Coreloft Continuous 180 g/m2 + 90 g/m2 Arato 15 Climbing Regular 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz 81 cm / 31.8 in Patagonia DAS Parka (Men's) 5/-15 No Yes Yes Parka N/A N/A N/A PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco 133 + 40 g Pertex Quantum Pro Around Town Regular 555 g / 1lb 3.6 oz 84 cm / 33 in Arc'teryx Patera (Women's) 5/-15 Review No No Yes Parka 750 58 43,500 Coreloft 60 + 80 g/m² 2L Gore-Tex Around Town Trim 867 g / 1 lb 14.6 oz 93 cm / 37 in Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's) 7/-14 No Yes Yes Down 700 155 108,500 N/A N/A 30D ripstop nylon All Round Regular 442 g / 15.6 oz 76 cm / 29.75 in Arc'teryx Kappa (Men's) 7/-14 Review No No Yes Synthetic N/A N/A N/A Coreloft Continuous 140 g/m² N70p Gore Thermium All Round Regular 755 g / 1 lb 10.6 oz 80 cm / 31.5 in Arc'teryx Prema Down Coat (Women's) 7/-14 No No Yes Parka 750 92 69,000 N/A N/A Nylon Around Town Regular 794 g / 1 lb 12 oz 117 cm / 46.1 in Arc'teryx Radsten Insulated (Men's) 7/-14 No No No Parka N/A N/A N/A Coreloft Compact 120 g/m² NP100d Gore-Tex 2L Around Town Regular 715 g / 1 lb 9.2 oz 73 cm / 28.75 in Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's) 7/-14 No Yes No Down 700 153 107,100 N/A N/A 30D Pertex Quantum All Round Regular 466 g / 1 lb 0.5 oz 72 cm / 28.5 in Arc'teryx Thorium (Men's - Women's) 7/-14 Review No Yes Yes Down 750 140 105,000 Coreloft 80 + 140 g/m² Arato 30 All Round Regular 517 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz 71.5 cm / 28.1 in Feathered Friends Eos 8/-13 No Yes No Down 900 105 94,500 N/A N/A Pertex Quantum All Round Regular 306 g / 10.8 oz ? Arc'teryx Thorium AR (Men's - Women's) 8/-13 Review No Yes No Down 750 130 97,500 Coreloft 80 + 140 g/m² Arato 30 All Round Regular 490 g / 1 lb 1.3 oz 72 cm / 28.3 in Patagonia Macro Puff (Men's - Women's) 8/-13 Review No No No Synthetic N/A N/A N/A PlumaFill 135 + 90 g 10D Recycled nylon ripstop All Round Regular 435 g / 15.3 oz 79 cm / 31 in Arc'teryx Macai LT (Men's) 8/-13 Yes, zips No No Down 750 49 36,750 Coreloft Compact 60 g/m² N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex Ski/Snowboard Regular 855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz 74 cm / 29.1 in Arc'teryx Seyla (Women's) 8/-13 No No Yes Parka 750 92 69,000 N/A N/A Arato 10 Around Town Regular 507 g / 1 lb. 1.9 oz. 87 cm / 34.4 in Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's) 8/-13 No Yes No Down 800 128 102,400 N/A N/A 20D Nylon All Round Regular 632 g / 1lb 6.3 oz 74 cm / 29 in Arc'teryx Koda (Men's) 8/-13 No No No Parka N/A N/A N/A Coreloft 80 + 140 g/m² N80p-X Gore-Tex Around Town Regular 720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz 75 cm / 29.5 in Patagonia Vosque 3-in-1 (Women's) 10/-12 Review No No No Parka N/A N/A N/A ThermoLite 100 g 65% nylon, 35% polyester Around Town Regular 1.360 kg / 3 lb 90 cm / 35.5 in Patagonia City Storm Down (Men's - Women's) 12/-11 No Yes No Parka 700 191 133,700 N/A N/A 4.2 oz polyester All Round Regular 468 g / 16.5 oz 91 cm / 36 in Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's) 12/-11 Review No No Yes Parka 700 141 98,700 N/A N/A 3.6 oz 50D polyester Around Town Regular 880 g / 1 lb 15 oz 79 cm / 31 in Arc'teryx Sensa (Women's) 14/-10 No No Yes Parka N/A N/A N/A Coreloft Compact 120 g/m² NP100d Gore-Tex 2L Around Town Relaxed 785 g / 1 lb 11.7 oz 86 cm / 34 in Patagonia Hi Loft Down (Men's - Women's) 14/-10 Review No Yes No Down 600 177 106,200 N/A N/A 1.4 oz 30D polyester All Round Regular 540 g / 1 lb 3 oz 76 cm / 30 in REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's) 14/-10 No Yes No Down 850 120 102,000 N/A N/A Pertex mini ripstop nylon All Round Regular 340 g / 13.75 oz 74 cm / 29.25 in Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's) 16/-9 Review No No Yes Synthetic N/A N/A N/A Coreloft 80 g/m² + 120 g/m² 2L 40D Gore-Tex Around Town Regular 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz ? Arc'teryx Atom AR (Men's - Women's) 18/-8 Review Yes, mesh No No Synthetic N/A N/A N/A Coreloft Continuous 120 g/m2 + 80 g/m2 + 60 g/m2 30D Tyono All Round Regular 475 g / 1 lb 74 cm / 29.1 in Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's) 18/-8 No No No Down 600 279 167,400 N/A N/A 4.2 oz polyester Around Town Regular 1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz ? Arc'teryx Magnus (Men's) 19/-7 No No No Parka N/A N/A N/A Coreloft 80 g N60p Gore-Tex 2L Around Town Regular 690 g / 1 lb 8.3 oz 83 cm / 32.5 in Arc'teryx Agrium (Men's - Women's) 21/-6 No Yes No Down 850 117 99,450 N/A N/A Arato All Round Regular 365 g / 12.9 oz 75 cm / 29.5 in Patagonia AlpLight Down (Men's - Women's) 21/-6 No Yes No Down 800 100 80,000 N/A N/A 0.8 oz 10D polyester All Round Slim 270 g / 9.5 oz 74 cm / 29 in Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's) 21/-6 Review Yes, zips No Yes Synthetic N/A N/A N/A Coreloft Continuous 80 g/m² 2L 40D Gore-Tex All Round Regular 680 g / 1 lb 8 oz 78.5 cm / 31 in Patagonia Topley (Men's) 23/-5 No No Yes Down 700 172 120,400 N/A N/A 6 oz polyester All Round Regular 1.133 kg / 2 lb 8 oz 77 cm / 30.5 in Arc'teryx Alpha IS (Men's) 23/-5 No Yes Yes Synthetic N/A N/A N/A Coreloft Continuous 65 g/m² N40p-X 2L Gore-Tex Climbing Regular 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz 78 cm / 30.75 in Rab Xenon 2.0 (Men's - Women's) 23/-5 No Yes Yes Synthetic N/A N/A N/A PrimaLoft Silver 60 g 30D Pertex Quantum All Round Regular 385 g / 13.6 oz 71.5 cm / 28.1 in Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's) 23/-5 Review No Yes No Down 800 150 120,000 N/A N/A 1.4 oz 20x30D polyester All Round Regular 428 g / 15.1 oz 67 cm / 26.25 in Arc'teryx Ralle Parka (Men's) 25/-4 No No Yes Parka N/A N/A N/A Coreloft 80 g/m² 2L 40D Gore-Tex Around Town Regular 735 g / 1 lb 9.9 oz ? Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's) 26/-3 Review No No No Down 700 109 76,300 N/A N/A 2.2 oz polyester Around Town Regular 585 g / 1 lb 4.7 oz 74 cm / 29 in Arc'teryx Therme Insulated (Men's) 26/-3 Review No No No Synthetic N/A N/A N/A Coreloft Compact 40 g/m² 2L Gore-Tex Around Town Regular 960 g / 2 lb 1.9 oz 73 cm / 28.75 in Arc'teryx Cerium (Men's - Women's) 26/-3 No Yes No Down 850 113 96,050 Coreloft 80 + 100 g/m² Arato 15 All Round Trim 335 g / 11.8 oz ? Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's) 28/-2 No Yes No Down 800 85 68,000 N/A N/A 10D Ripstop Nylon All Round Trim 250 g / 8.8 oz 70 cm / 27.5 in Arc'teryx Cerium LT (Men's - Women's) 28/-2 Review No Yes No Down 850 102 86,700 Coreloft 80 + 100 g/m² Arato 10 All Round Trim 305 g / 10.8 oz 72 cm / 28.3 in Arc'teryx Nuclei FL (Men's - Women's) 32/0 Review No Yes No Synthetic N/A N/A N/A Coreloft Continuous 65 g/m² Arato 10r Climbing Trim 325 g / 11.5 oz 75 cm / 29.5 in Patagonia DAS Light (Men's - Women's) 34/1 No Yes Yes Synthetic N/A N/A N/A PlumaFill 65 g 0.8-oz 10-denier Pertex Quantum Pro Climbing Regular 320 g / 11.3 oz 77 cm / 30.5 in Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's) 36/2 Review No Yes No Synthetic N/A N/A N/A PlumaFill 65 g Pertex Quantum All Round Trim 298 g / 10.5 oz 75 cm / 29.5 in Patagonia Isthmus (Men's) 36/2 No No No Parka N/A N/A N/A ThermoGreen 60 g 4.2 oz polyester Around Town Regular 895 g / 1 lb 15.6 oz 70 cm / 27.5 in Arc'teryx Proton LT (Men's - Women's) 37/3 Review No No No Synthetic N/A N/A N/A Coreloft Compact 80 g/m2 + 60 g/m2 Fortius Air 20 Climbing Trim 375 g / 13.2 oz 75 cm / 29.4 in Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's) 37/3 Review No Yes No Synthetic N/A N/A N/A PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco 60 g 22D Polyester All Round Regular 363 g / 12.8 oz 71.5 cm / 28 in Arc'teryx Norvan SL Ins. (Men's - Women's) 39/4 No Yes No Synthetic N/A N/A N/A Coreloft Compact 40 g/m² Gore-Tex ShakeDry Running Trim 270 g / 9.5 oz 71.5 cm / 28.1 in Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's) 41/5 Review No No No Synthetic N/A N/A N/A FullRange 60 g 33D Nylon ripstop All Round Trim 318 g / 11.2 oz ? Arc'teryx Atom LT (Men's - Women's) 43/6 Review Yes, mesh No No Synthetic N/A N/A N/A Coreloft Continuous 60 g/m² 20D Tyono All Round Trim 375 g / 13.2 oz 74 cm / 29.1 in Arc'teryx Cerium SL (Men's - Women's) 43/6 Review No Yes No Down 850 58 49,300 Coreloft 40 + 100 g/m² Arato 7 All Round Trim 215 g / 7.6 oz 69 cm / 27.2 in Arc'teryx Proton Hybrid (Men's - Women's) 46/8 Review No No No Synthetic N/A N/A N/A Coreloft Compact 40 g/m² Fortius™ Air 50 All Round Trim 365 g / 12.9 oz ? Arc'teryx Proton FL (Men's) 48/9 Review No No No Synthetic N/A N/A N/A Octa Loft 94 g/m² Fortius Air 20 Climbing Trim 323 g / 11.4 oz 77 cm / 30.4 in Arc'teryx Atom SL (Men's - Women's) 52/11 Review Yes, mesh No No Synthetic N/A N/A N/A Coreloft Compact 40 g/m² 20D Tyono All Round Trim 245 g / 8.6 oz 72 cm / 28.3 in REI Stormhenge Hybrid (Men's - Women's) Testing Yes, zips No No Down 850 ? N/A N/A 40D + 80D All Round Regular 900 g / 1 lb 15.75 oz 80 cm / 31.5 in Arc'teryx Monitor Insulated (Women's) Testing No No Yes Parka N/A N/A N/A Coreloft 80 + 100 g/m² 40D 3L Gore-Tex Around Town Oversized 645 g / 1 lb 6.8 oz 93 cm / 37 in Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's) Testing No No Yes Parka N/A N/A N/A Coreloft 80 + 140 g/m² 40D 2L Gore-Tex Around Town Regular 460 g / 1 lb 0.2 oz 93 cm / 37 in
View full table at https://outdoorcrunch.com/best-arcteryx-jacket/.
If you're confused now and don't know which jacket best corresponds to your own needs, then follow the advice given in https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/jacket-finder/.
The temperature ratings in this list are intended to represent the lowest temperatures you can wear each jacket without feeling uncomfortably cold.
Keep in mind that these are only approximate values, assuming:
- worn over a shirt only and no shell over,
- during daily use (strolls, power walks etc at most - no high output activities),
- with light wind,
- and when it's dry out.
These values applicable to your torso only. Your hands, legs and feet are still subject to their own additional insulation.
The best practice is usually to use this table for comparing each jacket to one another, rather than pinpointing their ratings.
Also, ratings will best respond to males. As most women tend to run colder than men, for women, shifting these ratings a bit is recommended.
Always opt for the warmer option when in doubt. For jackets with Atom AR level warmth and beyond, recommended is almost always the hooded models.
- Also see: Arc'teryx Shells
| Name | Bottom line | Activity | Review | Breathability | Weather Res. | Durability | Packability | Temp (F/C) | Pit zips? | Two way zipper? | Stuffs into itself? | Hood? | Face Fabric | Fit | Weight | Length | Measurements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpha FL (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | 4/10 | 5/10 | 6/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | StormHood | Hadron 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 209 g / 7.4 oz | 76.5 cm / 30 in | [Men's / Women's] | ||
| Alpha SL (Men's - Women's) | Climbing | 3/10 | 4/10 | 6/10 | 9/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | StormHood | N40p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 326 g / 11.5 oz | 77.5 cm / 30.5 in | [Men's / Women's] | ||
| Alpha AR (Men's - Women's) | Go-to climbing harshell. | Climbing | Review | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 4/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 430 g / 15.2 oz | 79.5 cm / 31.25 in | [Men's] |
| Alpha SV (Men's - Women's) | Strongest climbing hardshell. | Climbing | Review | 8/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 510 g / 1 lb 2 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | [Men's] |
| Alpha IS (Men's) | Climbing | 7/10 | 5/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 23/-5 | No | Yes | Yes | StormHood | N40p-X 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | |||
| Beta (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 5/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | N30p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 300 g / 10.6 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | |||
| Beta Long (Men's) | All Round | Review | 5/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 441 g / 15.6 oz | 85 cm / 33.5 in | ||
| Beta Coat (Women's) | All Round | 7/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | Yes | No | StormHood | 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 320 g / 11.3 oz | ? | [Men's / Women's] | ||
| Beta LT Hadron (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 5/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | Hadron 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 255g / 9 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | |||
| Beta LT (Men's - Women's) | Beta AR alternative. | All Round | Review | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N40d 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 395 g / 13.9 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | |
| Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's) | Best insulated shell. | All Round | 10/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 2/10 | 21/-6 | Yes | Yes | No | StormHood | N40d 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 680 g / 1 lb 8 oz | 78.5 cm / 31 in | [Men's / Women's] | |
| Beta Insulated Coat (Women's) | Beta Insulated alternative. | All Round | 7/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 2/10 | 16/-9 | No | Yes | No | StormHood | N40d 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | ? | [Men's / Women's] | |
| Beta AR (Men's - Women's) | Go-to all-round harshell. | All Round | Review | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 4/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N40r-X & N80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 460 g / 1 lb | 76 cm / 30 in | |
| Beta SV (Men's - Women's) | Strongest all-round harshell. | All Round | Review | 8/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 495 g / 1 lb 1.5 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | [Men's / Women's] |
| Alpine Guide (Men's - Women's) | All Round | 8/10 | 10/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80d-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 480g / 1 lb 0.9 oz | ? | [Men's] | ||
| Gamma SL (Men's - Women's) | A trimmer Gamma LT. | All Round | Review | 7/10 | 2/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | Fortius 1.0 | Trim | 310 g / 10.9 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | [Men's / Women's] |
| Gamma LT (Men's) | A fleeceless, trimmer Gamma MX. | All Round | Review | 7/10 | 3/10 | 7/10 | 3/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | Wee Burly | Regular | 545 g / 1 lb 3.2 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | [Men's / Women's] |
| Gamma MX (Men's - Women's) | A softshell with a fleece. | All Round | Review | 6/10 | 4/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | Fortius 2.0 | Regular | 555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | [Men's / Women's] |
| Rush (Men's - Women's) | Go-to ski jacket. | Skiing | Review | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p-X & N100p-X 3L Most Rugged Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz | 79.5 cm / 31.25 in | [Men's] |
| Sabre (Men's) | Alternative to Rush. | Skiing | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 2/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 705 g / 1 lb 8.9 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | ||
| Sentinel (Women's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | 2/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 370 g / 13.1 oz | ? | |||
| Macai (Men's) | Go-to insulated ski jacket. | Skiing | Review | 10/10 | 8/10 | 9/10 | 1/10 | 5/-15 | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 1 kg / 2 lb 3.3 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | |
| Macai LT (Men's) | A lighter Macai with StormHood. | Skiing | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 1/10 | 8/-13 | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz | ? | [Men's] | |
| Andessa (Women's) | Go-to insulated ski jacket. | Skiing | 10/10 | Testing | Testing | 1/10 | 8/-13 | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N40d 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 869 g / 1 lb 14.7 oz | ? | ||
| Andessa Shell (Women's) | Non-insulated Andessa. | Skiing | 5/10 | Testing | Testing | 3/10 | N/A | No | No | No | DropHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 560 g / 1 lb 3.8 oz | ? | ||
| Theriss Down (Women's) | Skiing | 8/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 | 2/10 | Testing | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 709 g / 1 lb 9 oz | ? | |||
| Rush IS (Women's) | An insulated Rush. | Skiing | 5/10 | Testing | Testing | 9/10 | 16/-9 | No | No | Yes | StormHood | Gore-Tex Infinium | Regular | 515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz | ? | ||
| Sentinel IS (Women's) | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | 21/-6 | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz | ? | [Women's] | ||
| Ski Guide (Men's - Women's) | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro | Regular | 570 g / 1 lb 4.1 oz | ? | |||
| Micon Heather | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | NP100-d 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | [Men's] | ||
| Micon (Men's) | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | [Men's] | ||
| Cassiar (Men's) | Skiing | Review | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 820 g / 1 lb 12.9 oz | 74.5 cm / 29.3 in | [Women's] | |
| Cassiar LT (Men's) | Skiing | Review | 6/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 605 g / 1 lb 5.3 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | [Women's] | |
| Ravenna (Women's) | Skiing | Review | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N70s-4 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 725 g / 1 lb 9.6 oz | 69.5 cm / 27.4 in | [Men's] | |
| Ravenna LT (Women's) | Skiing | Review | 6/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 5/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | DropHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 540 g / 1 lb 3 oz | 69 cm / 27.2 in | [Men's] | |
| Procline (Men's) | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N70p Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | [Women's] | ||
| Shashka Stretch (Women's) | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N70p Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 670 g / 1 lb 7.6 oz | 71 cm / 28 in | [Women's] | ||
| Sabre AR (Men's) | Skiing | Review | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 700 g / 1 lb 8.7 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | [Men's] | |
| Sentinel AR (Women's) | Skiing | Review | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N70p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz | 72.5 cm / 28.5 in | [Women's] | |
| Sabre LT (Men's) | Skiing | Review | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 660 g / 1 lb 7.3 oz | 83 cm / 32.5 in | ||
| Sentinel LT (Women's) | Skiing | Review | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 565 g / 1 lb 3.9 oz | 73.5 cm / 29 in | ||
| Incendia (Women's) | Skiing | Review | 8/10 | 9/10 | 9/10 | 3/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | NP100d 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz | 79 cm / 31 in | [Women's] | |
| Indencia IS | Skiing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | Yes | No | No | StormHood | N80p 2L Gore-Tex | Regular | ? | 78 cm / 30.75 in | [Men's / Women's] | ||
| Norvan LT (Men's - Women's) | Go-to running jacket. | Running | 5/10 | 5/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | N/A | No | No | No | Standard | N13p 3L Gore-Tex | Fitted | 190 g / 6.7 oz | ? | [Women's] | |
| Squamish (Men's - Women's) | Trimmer, lighter, packable running jacket. | Running | Review | 5/10 | 4/10 | 7/10 | 9/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | StormHood | 30D Tyono | Trim | 140 g / 4.9 oz | 77.5 cm / 30.5 in | [Women's] |
| Norvan SL Ins. (Women's) | Running | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | 39/4 | No | No | Yes | Standard | Gore-Tex ShakeDry | Trim | 270 g / 9.5 oz | 71.5 cm / 28.1 in | [Women's] | ||
| Cita (Women's) | Running | Review | 7/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | Lumin | Trim | 120 g / 4.2 oz | 67.5 cm / 26.5 in | [Men's] | |
| Cita SL (Women's) | Running | Review | 7/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 10/10 | N/A | Yes | No | Yes | Standard | Permeair 20 | Trim | 65 g / 2.3 oz | 61.5 cm / 24.2 in | [Men's] | |
| Incendo (Men's) | Running | Review | 7/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | Lumin | Trim | 125 g / 4.4 oz | ? | ||
| Incendo SL (Men's) | Running | Review | 7/10 | 4/10 | 4/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | Permair 20 & Canim | Trim | 80 g / 2.8 oz | 73 cm / 28.75 in | [Men's / Women's] | |
| Incendo Airshell | Running | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | ? | ? | ? | ? | [Men's] | ||
| Norvan SL (Men's - Women's) | Running | Review | 7/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 | 8/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 120 g / 4.2 oz | 77 cm / 30.4 in | [Women's] | |
| Trino SL (Men's) | Running | Review | 8/10 | 5/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | N/A | No | No | No | Standard | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 340 g / 12 oz | 74 cm / 29.1 in | [Men's / Women's] | |
| Trino SL Anorak (Women's) | Running | Review | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | N/A | No | No | No | Standard | Gore-Tex Infinium | Trim | 290 g / 10.2 oz | 65 cm / 25.5 in | [Men's / Women's] | |
| Nodin (Men's - Women's) | Running | 8/10 | 5/10 | 5/10 | 10/10 | N/A | No | No | Yes | Standard | 20D Tyono | Trim | 155 g / 5.5 oz | 75 cm / 29.5 in | [Men's / Women's] | ||
| Solano (Men's - Women's) | Around Town | Review | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | No | No | No | Standard | Gore-Tex Infinium | Relaxed | 355 g / 12.5 oz | 72 cm / 28.3 in | ||
| Venda Anorak (Women's) | Around Town | Testing | Testing | Testing | Testing | N/A | No | No | No | Standard | Gore-Tex | Relaxed | 255 g / 9 oz | 75.5 cm / 29.7 in | |||
| Zeta FL (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | 4/10 | 6/10 | 4/10 | 6/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | N20r 2L Gore-Tex | Trim | 221 g / 7.8 oz | 76 cm / 30 in | [Men's / Women's] | ||
| Zeta SL (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | Review | 3/10 | 5/10 | 4/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | 2L Gore-Tex | Trim | 310 g / 10.9 oz | 77.8 cm / 30.6 in | [Men's] | |
| Zeta LT (Men's - Women's) | Hiking | 5/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 5/10 | N/A | No | No | No | StormHood | N40P-X 3L Gore-Tex | Trim | 335 g / 11.8 oz | 78 cm / 30.75 in | [Men's] | ||
| Zeta AR (Men's) | Hiking | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 4/10 | N/A | Yes | No | No | StormHood | 3L Gore-Tex | Regular | 425 g / 15 oz | 80 cm / 31.5 in |
When it gets soaked in water (e.g use under precipitation), not only it lets the water in, but it also loses insulating power. That's because down provides warmth by trapping air in its vacant spots, and water, as you can guess, interferes with that mechanism.
If you'd like to read more about the working principles of down insulated jackets (or synthetic insulated jackets for that matter) check out this article: https://outdoorcrunch.com/jackets/
In addition to down, Thorium is also insulated with Coreloft, a synthetic insulator made by Arc'teryx. Just like all synthetic insulators, Coreloft too is much more weather resistant compared to down, and doesn't lose insulating capability under wet conditions.
If you'd like to read more about Coreloft and other synthetic insulators as well as their working principles, check out the article https://outdoorcrunch.com/clo-values/ in addition to the article I've shared above.
- 13 Mar 2023: I've been to Pfander and floodplain forests with my Nuclei SV
- 13 Dec 2022: Arc'teryx Alpha Parka Review: The most impressive jacket of all time
- 8 Dec 2022: Arc'teryx ReGEAR: OutdoorCrunch exclusive promo code!
- 7 Nov 2022: 2023 Thorium Hoody is in - as well as the new Thorium Parka (yes, parka)
- 2 Nov 2022: Beta Insulated Jacket: Pit zips AND two way zipper!
- 7 October 2022: Proton Hybrid Hoody is live! The ultimate do it all?
- 5 October 2022: DropHood vs StormHood: Pros/cons and best uses
- 5 September 2022: Reviewing Arc'teryx Fall Winter 22/23 Gear
- 5 August 2022: 5 things all Arc'teryx newbies should know
- #A sidenote here: Arc'teryx's PDF guide to jackets is GOOOLLLLDDDDD. Absolutely check that out too if you're interested in buying one.
This brings me to the next point.
Weather & abrasion resistance
The point of reinforcing a down jacket with synthetic insulators is to provide it at least a little bit of a weather resistance. Because no matter where you live, you don't want to be completely vulnerable to unexpected weather changes. ZERO protection against precipitation is usually unacceptable.
Reinforcements made in Thorium accomplishes this pretty well.
My girlfriend wearing my Thorium AR (which, as explained earlier, is NOT the most recent model) in Jokulsarlon, Iceland during late March (2022). On a side note, here's the article on our trip to Iceland.
We experienced all sorts of snow, rain and drizzle (welcome to Iceland in March) and Thorium did a pretty good job in terms of withstanding it for, say, up to half an hour on average.
If you need a much more weather resistant jacket with at least the same amount of warmth, then you must forget about down jackets. I'd recommend you to check out Nuclei SV (Men's) and Atom AR (Men's - Women's - read my review) in that case.
In terms of wind resistance, it's solid and won't cause you any problems, although it's not as solid as wind-proofing focused jackets such as the Nuclei FL (Men's - Women's - read my review).
Breathability
Thorium is the first of its kind in this regard.
It's the first light-Arc'teryx-down-jacket that is EVER offered with a two way zipper.
I've long been mad about Arc'teryx's approach on two way zippers, especially for men's counterparts (almost all of women's parkas offer one but this isn't the case for men's parkas, for example).
I didn't expect a move like this. Thank you Arc'teryx!
Now there is a downside to having a two way zipper. It tends to break more often and easily. But I don't see this being a problem unless you're planning to use the jacket for 5+ years.
It also takes a bit more time to zip it up compared to the ordinary one way zippers. Especially if you have gloves. Two way zippers sometimes do feel annoying to me, but the breathability and comfort advantages also cannot be overlooked.
I also say comfort in addition to breathability in here because being able to keep the only upper half of the jacket zipper and the lower half unzipped, it's so much more comfortable when sitting down.
The comfort difference in this regard is much more apparent with the longer jackets (mainly parkas), so don't expect day and night kind of difference with the Thorium in this regard since it's a rather shorter jacket.
Packability
I'm a big fan of jackets that stuff into themselves.
See the size of my packed Thorium AR (far left - 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.
One thing to keep in mind in here though is that stuffing and unstuffing a jacket tens of thousands of times can take a toll on its insulating power over time. The ideal way to store a jacket is to hang it.
Links:
- https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/thorium-hoody
- https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/womens/thorium-hoody
- Thorium vs Cerium side by side comparison page on arcteryx.com: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000006972-figment/X000006919-black
