Spring may be a few weeks away, but in the Colorado ski country where I live, March and April bring some of the heaviest snow storms.

Arc’teryx Cerium Mid Coat Review

Kate Agathon

The Arc’teryx Cerium Mid Coat is my go-to outerwear for the harshest of conditions. When the wind is gusting and the snow is flying, this 850-fill power goose down coat feels like a warm hug.

 

Snowstorms in the high county can be brutal. The Arc’teryx Cerium Mid Coat is exactly what I needed for those days when a shorter jacket doesn’t provide adequate coverage.

I wear the Arc’teryx Cerium Mid Coat for its head-to-knee coverage when I know I will be spending extended periods of time outdoors, such as shoveling snow, walking the dogs, or going to winter festivals like Ullr Fest in Breckenridge.

 

Frankly, I can’t believe I went so long without having a longer coat to keep the cold out and the warmth in!

Look

I was initially hesitant to get a longer coat because I was self-conscious about it making me appear even shorter. But, when it is freezing cold outside and the blizzard-conditions snow is ferociously flying straight at you, comfort is essential.

 

While the coat didn’t look as unflattering as I feared (my fiance remarked that he thought it looked nice), it isn’t something I would wear to feel glamorous. But really, how many insulated long coats and parkas make anyone feel glamorous?

 

The main reason I wanted this coat was to keep warm in extreme weather conditions when I would be outside for prolonged periods of time. And it did exactly that.

 

Fit

The Arc’teryx Cerium Mid Coat is fitted so that it can be used as a midlayer underneath one of Arc’teryx’s longer shells, such as the Arc’teryx Beta Long Jacket.

 

I did, however, find the “fitted” designation to be slightly problematic, because while it feels fitted, I don’t think it looks fitted.

Let me elaborate.

 

How does it “feel” fitted?

 

When I tried on a Cerium in my normal size (in this case, I normally wear a size small), it felt a bit tight around the chest.

 

I reasoned that if I wore a heavy sweater underneath (very likely since I’d be wearing the Cerium in the coldest weather), it would become extremely tight and I would have difficulty zipping it closed. After trying on a size medium, it didn’t feel constrictive. So, I ended up sizing up.

 

Because of the “fitted” cut, the size differences are subtle and barely noticeable. However, I would advise trying both sizes on before making a decision.

 

If you plan on wearing multiple layers underneath, consider going up a size like I did. If you plan on wearing just one layer like a long sleeved t-shirt or baselayer underneath, wearing your regular size should be okay.

 

How does it “look” (or in my opinion, not) fitted?

 

If you are familiar with the discontinued Arc’teryx Nuri Coat from eight or nine years ago, it was more closely fitted with an obvious waistline, had a lighter fill (750 down fill), tighter baffling, and an overall more urban vibe.

 

To me, that trimmer cut on the Nuri definitely looked fitted. In contrast, the current Arc’teryx Cerium Mid Coat has wider baffling, warmer insulation (850 down fill) and an overall boxier look.

 

From my perspective, I equate “fitted” with “tailored” where the item accentuates your body shape. The Arc’teryx Cerium Mid Coat appears like it has a more relaxed fit when I’m wearing it (although if you look closely, it looks slightly taken in at my upper torso).

 

Boxy looks are trendy now, so perhaps others who embrace the style will not be as sensitive to the the way it looks as I am.

Features

Designed with articulated patterning for mobility and comfort, the Arc’teryx Cerium Mid Coat also has thigh length side slits.

 

The latter was a thoughtful design addition because it didn’t impact mobility. While shoveling snow, I could bend my legs or take long strides with ease.

 

The 850-European white goose down fill provided exceptional warmth and was surprisingly light. For something that appeared so bulky, it certainly wasn’t heavy!

 

I was pleasantly surprised how much warmth the coat provided when I was only wearing a t-shirt underneath.

 

Also, if you tend to sweat, feel confident that the coat’s strategically placed synthetic insulation helps prevent moisture build up.

 

In addition to being lightweight, the Arc’teryx Cerium Mid Coat is packable.

 

Its integrated stuff sack provides compact transport so that you can bring it along when you travel. It is a relief to know I can bring a super warm coat along without having to sacrifice space in my suitcase.

 

Other features include an insulated hood, two-way front zipper, two spacious zippered hand pockets, and an internal dump pocket.

 

During our most recent snowstorm, the adjustable hood provided adequate coverage and kept my ears warm and my head dry.

 

I do wish the internal dump pocket had a zipper so I can keep things like my wallet that I keep close at hand even more secure.

 

Discrete embroidered logos are placed along the chest and hood.

 

Eco-friendly

The Arc’teryx Cerium Mid Coat is eco-friendly.

 

The wind-resistant outer fabric features a FC0 DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish that is PFAs-free and meets bluesign criteria.

 

The recycled 15D Arato™ outer is light and durable. Also, the lightweight downproof 20D plant-based Arato™ liner reduces petroleum use.

Overall Thoughts

The Arc’teryx Cerium Mid Coat offers exceptional warmth and coverage in the worst winter and early spring snow blizzard conditions.

 

I like it purely for its functionality and am secure in the knowledge that Arc’teryx produces high quality gear infused with technical innovations.

 

In Denver, Gorpcore is still a thing and I have noticed that this coat is one of the more popular items this season, replacing Canada Goose as the technical luxury streetwear of choice.

 

I do admit that the Arc’teryx Cerium Mid Coat is somewhat versatile and is nice to travel with because it is packable and I can wear it over a dress. It’s kind of like my Little Black Dress of coats- I can wear it when visiting in the city or at home in the mountains.

 

Available in seven sizes (XXS to XXL), the Arc’teryx Cerium Mid Coat is ideal for occasions where you know you’ll be outside in harsh conditions for long periods of time.

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbabies, Sansa and Benjen.

 

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing.

Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers. She and her fiancé, Paul, live in Summit County with their dogs, Benjen and Sansa.

Kate earned a BA in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving two terms on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.

The Dr. of Stoke has been part of the Engearment team since 2016.