Winter is coming, and it’s time to prepare your wardrobe. In this article, we review the venerated Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody alongside five of its most outstanding alternatives. Discover how well each of these softshells fare across three key metrics: build, performance, and price. On the menu today, we’ve got the:
- Alternative 1: Mammut – Eigerjoch Advanced IN Hooded Jacket
- Alternative 2: Rab – Microlight Alpine Jacket
- Alternative 3: Mountain Hardwear – Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody
- Alternative 4: Norrøna – Falketind Down 750 Hood
- Alternative 5: Peak Performance – Helium Hood Jacket
Although all of these can be used as a three-season puffy, their streamlined design and minimal weight make them exceptionally good midlayers for the freezing months ahead. Scroll down to the Wrap Up to see how each of them compares.
Arc'teryx Cerium LT Hoody Overview
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Arc’teryx products are known for their clever naming scheme. The combination of a product family name and a product modifier serve to describe a piece of gear’s intended use.
In the case of the Cerium LT, Cerium is the product family name and LT is the product modifier. The Cerium family is described as, “Streamlined, minimalist and lightweight technical down insulation. High warmth to weight ratio.” Meanwhile, the LT modifier is short for “lightweight” and is defined as, “High-performance, minimalist design that is durable for its weight.”
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The face fabric is a thin—yet reasonably rugged—10D nylon backed with mini-ripstop. Inside, an impressively fluffy 800 fill-power down traps a lot of heat at the expense of very few additional ounces. Besides down, you also get strategically placed patches of synthetic insulation. This practice, known as Down Composite Mapping, fills areas prone to moisture with hydrophobic Coreloft insulation, like the shoulders, collar, hood, cuffs, and underarms.
The emphasis on minimalism is the key characteristic of the Cerium LT. This ultralight softshell boasts a streamlined fit and is exceptionally lightweight at just 10.7 oz (305g). It’s a great winter midlayer as it insulates well without feeling restrictive beneath your heavy-duty parka.
Both the men’s and women’s Arc’teryx Cerium LT retail for $449.99.
Alternative 1 - MAMMUT
Build
The Eigerjoch Advanced IN Hooded Jacket is Mammut's answer to the ultralight puffy. It contains a hybrid blend of down and synthetic insulation. In areas prone to dampness, PrimaLoft Gold Active insulation offers effective resistance to wetness. This includes areas like the forearms and wrists, shoulders, and centre of your back. The remainder of the puff jacket contains a very lofty 850 fill-power down.
The face fabric is a durable Pertex Quantum shell with Diamond Fuse. The diamond-shaped filaments used in this type of yarn are renowned for providing incredible strength without adding extra weight.
Other features include:
- Two-way front zipper
- Elastic cuffs and drawstring hem
- Cinchable hood
- Packs into its own pocket
Performance
With the Eigerjoch, Mammut set out to create a jacket that balances warmth and moisture-wicking capabilities. The Eigerjoch admirably achieves its aim with the help of an innovative mix of technologies and textiles.
Moreover, thanks to its face fabric, the Eigerjoch is surprisingly rugged for its 14 ounces (396.9 grams). No doubt, this puff jacket makes an excellent midlayer. But its natural abrasion-resistance also translates well if you choose to take it climbing or hiking.
Price
Both the men’s and women’s Mammut Eigerjoch Advanced In Hooded Jacket retail for $518.99.
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alternative 2 - RAB
Build
As we’ve come to expect with Rab, their focus on sustainability is in full swing here: the Microlight Alpine is constructed almost entirely with recycled materials. We’ve got a 100% recycled polyamide outer, 100% recycled polyamide lining, and recycled 700 fill-power down insulation. The face fabric is a sleek and durable Pertex Quantum ripstop nylon.
Though not waterproof, the Microlight does stand up to light showers and perspiration. The Pertex outer is finished with a DWR coating, while the down is treated with a Nikwax hydrophobic finish.
Other features include:
- Adjustable hood with stiffened peak
- Zippered hand pockets and zippered chest pocket
- Elastic cuffs and drawcord adjustable hem
- Stuff sack included
Performance
If you’re looking for an ethically made, multi-purpose down puff jacket, the Microlight Alpine fits the bill. As a midlayer, the mix of zoned micro and nano baffles help reduce weight and bulkiness. As an outer shell, the harness-compatible pockets make it an excellent crag companion. And, with a weight of just 15.4 oz (436.5g), the Microlight certainly lives up to its name.
Price
Both the men’s and women’s hooded Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket retail for $349.99.
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alternative 3 - MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR
Build
Considered as one the finest ultralight puffies on the market, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody is the epitome of weight-savings. Seriously—at 8.5oz (240.9g), you literally feel like you’re wearing air.
The 100% recycled ripstop shell features a DWR coating, while the insulation is a respectable 800 fill-power down. The down is ethically sourced and RDS-certified, comprising 90% goose down and 10% goose feathers.
Other features include:
- Two zippered hand pockets
- Drawcord adjustable hem
- Elastic cuffs and hood
- Packs into its own pocket
Performance
Popular among ultralight thru-hikers, the Ghost Whisperer 2 is a lightweight and warm trail companion. But for cold winter outings in both the backwoods and the city, it doubles as a dependable midlayer.
For a more detailed discussion of this impressive puffy, check out our full review of the Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody.
Price
Both the men’s and women’s Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody retail for $424.99.
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alternative 4 - Norrøna
Build
Norrøna is a Norwegian company founded in 1929. Now approaching the ripe age of 100, they’re easily one of the oldest outdoor apparel brands still kicking. That’s no small feat; in an industry where textiles and technologies are constantly evolving, Norrøna has managed to remain at the cutting-edge without becoming irrelevant or complacent.
The Falketind Down750 Hood is Norrøna’s answer to the ultralight midlayer. Featuring a durable synthetic face fabric and stuffed with 750 fill-power down, this ultralight, all-purpose shell weighs just under 13 oz (368g) and packs down small.
Norrøna is a brand committed to reducing their carbon footprint. As a result, the Falketind Down750 Hood is made with over 50% recycled, Oeko-Tex certified, bluesign-approved fabrics. That’s an impressive mouthful.
Other features include:
- Two hand-warming pockets and a zippered chest pocket
- Durable, reinforced elbows and shoulders
- Soft-brushed chin protection
- Drawstring-adjustable hem and elastic cuffs/hood
Performance
Simply put, this puff jacket is as versatile as they come. By design, it’s intended as an outer for big wall climbing, mountaineering, trekking, ski touring, ice climbing, and more. Between its sleek design, lightweight construction, and lofty down insulation, it makes the perfect February midlayer.
To see how Norrøna stacks up against Arc'teryx, check out our Battle of the Brands: Norrøna V.S. Arc’teryx.
Price
The men’s Norrøna Falketind Down750 Hood retails for $399.99.
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alternative 5 - PEAK PERFORMANCE
Build
A brand icon, the Peak Performance Helium Hood Jacket is unmistakable. It’s unique Helium quilt pattern gives it a fresh style among the many lookalikes on the market. The face fabric is wind- and water-repellent, while the insulation is a solid 700 fill-power (90% duck down, 10% feather). As an ethical side-note, the down inside the Helium Hood Jacket is traceable through the Track My Down program.
Other features include:
- Zippered hand pockets
- Soft chin guard
- Elastic binding at hem and cuffed
- Two-way adjustable hood
Performance
The second Scandinavian entry on our list, Peak Performance hails from Sweden (home of IKEA and pop music). Since 1986, they’ve been designing high-quality, durable, and fashionable outerwear.
The lightweight and packable Helium Hood Jacket exemplifies this tradition. It resists the elements, looks great, and can be comfortably worn as either an outer shell or midlayer. Weightwise, you’re looking at a mind-bendingly low 11.2 oz (317.5g).
Price
Both the men’s and women’s Helium Hood jacket retail for $324.99.
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Wrap Up
Now that we’ve reviewed each of these ultralight midlayers on their own, let’s see how they compare across three quantifiable metrics: warmth, weight, and price.
| Arc’teryx: | Mammut: | Rab: | Mountain Hardwear: | Norrøna: | Peak Performance: | |
| Cerium LT | Eigerjoch Advanced IN | Microlight Alpine | Ghost Whisperer/2 | Falketind Down750 | Helium | |
| WARMTH | 800 fill-power | 850 fill-power | 700 fill-power | 800 fill-power | 750 fill-power | 700 fill-power |
| WEIGHT | 10.7 oz | 14 oz | 15.4 oz | 8.5 oz | 13 oz | 11.2 oz |
| PRICE | $449.99 | $518.99 | $349.99 | $424.99. | $399.99 | $324.99 |
Warmth
- Mammut’s Eigerjoch Advanced IN Hooded Jacket is the warmest at 850 fill-power.
- Tied for second-place with 800 fill-power, it’s the Cerium LT and Ghost Whisperer/2.
- In third, we’ve got the Falketind Down750 Hood with 750 fill-power.
- Finally, tied for fourth, we’ve got the Microlight Alpine Jacket and Helium Hood Jacket at 700 fill-power.
Weight
- Weighing in at a mere 8.5 oz, the Mountain Hardwear’s Ghost Whisperer/2 Jacket is more than two ounces lighter than the second lightest softshell.
- The Arc’teryx Cerium LT takes second-place with 10.7 oz.
- In third, we’ve got the Helium Hood Jacket at 11.2 oz.
- In fourth, it’s Norrøna’s Falketind Down750 Hood at 13 oz.
- Sitting in fifth is the Mammut Eigerjoch Advanced IN Hooded Jacket with 14 oz.
- Rab’s Microlight Alpine Jacket brings up the rear at 15.4 oz.
Price
- If you’re looking for the best deal on a versatile midlayer this winter, the Peak Performance Helium Hood Jacket offers the best value at $324.99.
- For $20 more, the Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket takes second at a price-point of $349.99.
- In third place, we’ve got the Norrøna Falketind Down750 Hood at $399.99.
- Coming in fourth place with a retail price of $424.99 is the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Hoody.
- At $449.99, the Arc’teryx Cerium LT is the second most expensive puff jacket on our list.
- The Mammut Eigerjoch Advanced IN Hooded Jacket is the most expensive midlayer with a price tag of $518.99.
With winter upon us, it’s time to get yourself an ultralight midlayer. While each of the jackets confers its own unique set of pros and cons, all six of them represent best-in-class quality and performance. So whichever jacket you choose to rock this season, you won’t regret it. And, come spring, you can shed your parka and wear your mid layer as a toasty outer layer.
Looking for a hardshell to complement your new mid layer? Check out the best alternatives to the Arc’teryx Zeta SL.
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