What's comparable to the Arc'teryx Cerium LT

Their sizing is spot on. I'm 150 lbs and 5'9" and a medium fits well (in store) but I cannot get myself to spend that much money on one. Any other options you suggest?

Jackets from Rab. They tend to be cheaper/on sale more often. I think the Microlight is similar warmth but heavier.

I got my new medium Cerium LT on Ebay for $200.  Great jacket and worth it IMO.  

http://en.montbell.jp/products/goods/disp.php?product_id=2301237
$162 shipped from Japan at today's exchange rate. 3/4 of an ounce less down than the Cerium LT but also 2 ounces less total weight. Ordering from Japan takes about 2 weeks to get here.

Or if you want something twice as warm as the Cerium that's two ounces heavier, you can get a Mirage for $220 shipped
http://en.montbell.jp/products/goods/disp.php?product_id=2301365

not much. The way that Arc'teryx uses synthetic insulation in the areas prone to moisture (shoulders, pits and wrists) is unique as far as I know. 

and, the zippers actually last, unlike RAB

bearded sam wrote: and, the zippers actually last, unlike RAB

I've heard Arc'teryx zippers are rather on the flimsy side but I've never owned one so this is hearsay :-/

How durable is the Cerium? My climbing gear/clothing usually takes some wear and tear

Mitchell Wayne wrote: How durable is the Cerium? My climbing gear/clothing usually takes some wear and tear

The nylon shell is definitely super lightweight.  However (though not recommended), my partner wore his Cerium LT on the upper half of the Incredible Hulk with only a few small holes on the sleeves.  

Mitchell Wayne wrote: Their sizing is spot on. I'm 150 lbs and 5'9" and a medium fits well (in store) but I cannot get myself to spend that much money on one. Any other options you suggest?

If you are fine with the shorter torso and arm length and lack of waist drawcord of the pre-Fall 2017 Cerium LT versions, then there are some good deals over at bergsskishop.

They have Black and Nautic Grey in all colors on sale!

https://www.bergsskishop.com/cerium-lt-hoody-mens-p50914c2681.html

Usually you can find them on sale for 20-30% off.  For an alternative budget jacket, I think that the Eddie Bauer First Ascent line is probably the best bang for the buck out there.  

Mitchell Wayne wrote:

I've heard Arc'teryx zippers are rather on the flimsy side but I've never owned one so this is hearsay :-/

having worked in a shop for years, we were sending RAB jackets back for zipper issues multiple times a week. I don't think I ever sent an Arc'teryx jacket back for a zipper issue. Also, Arc'teryx was almost 50% of our clothing buy while RAB was closer to 15%. 

Never had zipper issues, but I put a hole in my cerium pretty quickly. Also the shell was not very water resistant, and the lack of dri-down made it limited. I live in a much drier state now, so I would reconsider owning one. I think a dual zipper would be better for my purposes (climbing/belaying jacket).

Gabe B. wrote: Never had zipper issues, but I put a hole in my cerium pretty quickly. Also the shell was not very water resistant, and the lack of dri-down made it limited. I live in a much drier state now, so I would reconsider owning one. I think a dual zipper would be better for my purposes (climbing/belaying jacket).

What do you use that has dri-down or some type of waterproofing? I'm hoping for one with a more burley outer material too. Maybe I should bite the price bullet and just go Feathered Friends?

Mitchell Wayne wrote:

What do you use that has dri-down or some type of waterproofing? I'm hoping for one with a more burley outer material too. Maybe I should bite the price bullet and just go Feathered Friends?

Pretty much of all of Mountain Hardwear and Patagonia’s selections offer some sort of “dry down”. Shells vary by weight. (EDIT: Patagonia does not treat their down!)

I don’t think Feathered Friends treats their down. Also there is not much of a price different between their jackets and other similar big brand competitive products. Their shells are a bit burlier than most ultralights, but not much different than the Cerium LT. 

For water resistant warmth and burlier materials, a synthetic insulator could be a better bet. 

it sounds like a Cerium may not be what you want. Also remember that light and durable are usually mutually exclusive (unless you want to pay a lot). Seems like the new micro puff is light and handles moisture. alpinist.com/doc/web18s/ms-…

My  MH ghost whisperer has been pretty nice and so far no wear and tear. Still a light shell but does handle moisture much better. Not quite as warm, and the fit is a bit off for my body type. The Rab jackets are mostly all water resistant down. Im sure Montbell or mountain equipment jackets would work as well. If price is a big issue, I would gather up 3 favorites and buy the cheapest one that pops up on steap and cheap.  

Chris C. wrote:

Pretty much of all of Mountain Hardwear and Patagonia’s selections offer some sort of “dry down”. 

Unfortunately, Patagonia doesn't apply any of their down with hydrophobic treatments; same with Feathered Friends. 

Rab, Mountain Hardwear, Jottnar, Mountain Equipment, Big Agnes & Montane use Hydrophobic treatments, just to name a few.

I'd give the Jottnar Fenrir Hooded Jacket a look.  850 fill power, DownTek treated goose down with 120 g/m2 synthetic in high-moisture areas.  Same applications as the Cerium, but probably the same price-point.  

bearded sam wrote: not much. The way that Arc'teryx uses synthetic insulation in the areas prone to moisture (shoulders, pits and wrists) is unique as far as I know. 

Is it just me or does this mean that you pay lots of money for a down jacket you get to replace when the synthetic fill packs out? 

AlpineIce wrote:

Unfortunately, Patagonia doesn't apply any of their down with hydrophobic treatments; same with Feathered Friends. 

Rab, Mountain Hardwear, Jottnar, Mountain Equipment, Big Agnes & Montane use Hydrophobic treatments, just to name a few.

I'd give the Jottnar Fenrir Hooded Jacket a look.  850 fill power, DownTek treated goose down with 120 g/m2 synthetic in high-moisture areas.  Same applications as the Cerium, but probably the same price-point.  

Thanks for pointing that out, I don’t know why I thought that! Edited. 

Beean wrote:

Is it just me or does this mean that you pay lots of money for a down jacket you get to replace when the synthetic fill packs out? 

Its in only a few spots, like the sleeve cuffs, shoulders(compressed by pack straps anyway), mouth area of the jacket. I never had problems when I had a cerium.