Cerium LT Experience?

I’m contemplating buying one but there are  quite a few reports of zipper failures and other negative experiences (too easily torn shell, significant down leakage). Hard to tell whether/ to what extent these are outliers. Anyone have experience they want to share, especially long- term use. Good or bad.

Thinking RAB microlight as alternative  

Thanks. 

I've had one for less than a year, the fit is great and it's super light and pretty warm, but the outer shell fabric is quite delicate. There are already 2 small holes in mine which I patched with seam grip, so I ended up buying another cheaper down jacket to use as a belay jacket. I still like the cerium as a lightweight option to use in the city and I did appreciate it the one time I took it on a backpacking trip. It definitely compromises durability being so lightweight, and the zipper is tiny which doesn't bother me, though I see how it could break easily.

I can't recall just how many years I've had mine, but it's one of my favorite insulated jackets. The fit is just right, close but not constricting. It has a cord for adjusting the hood, instead of the widely popular but less effective elastic hems. Much warmer than a MH Ghost Whisperer, albeit a couple of ounces heavier. I don't think it's lost a single feather. Yes, the tiny zipper is annoying, but everyone uses those now, anyway. It's almost impossible to zip up in the dark by touch only. In a properly planned socialist economy all the gear companies would be compelled to renounce undersized zippers.

One of my favorites - I think I've had mine 4-5 years and no problems. Probably worn it 50-100 days a year? The zipper has just now started acting up a bit, but hasn't been debilitating yet.

I’ve had mine for over 5 years, which included 3 summers of backpack guiding in the Sierras.  It certainly isn’t made for thrashing, but I’ve been impressed with how it has held up.  As someone else mentioned, I have a burlier/cheaper puffy for cragging and town use.  But anytime I’m going into the backcountry, this is what I bring.  I’ve tweaked and lubed the zipper a handful of times, and I’ve had to patch two rips.  There’s been one long term slow feather leak, but hasn’t been a big deal and could easily be sealed.  All down jackets with super light face fabrics are going to leak for a bit when they’re new.  My only complaint is that it doesn’t stuff into its own pocket (unless they’ve changed something).  The best feature besides the weight is the synthetic material at the cuffs.  Such a great idea.

Thanks for these reports. I have some other Arc clothes with the tiny zippers, and they have not been a problem. I do worry a bit, though, about yanking on a tiny zipper when layering up with gloves on at a belay stance while ice climbing for example. Not a place for delicate gear--for me at least. But, maybe that is not its intended use.

Thanks again. 

I just retired mine after about five years? It’s more of a backpacking hoody and doesn’t really have any good climbing specific features. It does pack small and is ultralight but you can get that in other jackets too. The zipper on mine finally failed (after five years of heavy use) and arxteryx  repaired it for free, albeit with an almost 3 month wait. The tiny zipper maybe helps trim some weight, but is a total PITA with cold fingers and a no go with gloves. I got a Rab jacket to replace my cerium while it was being repaired and will be sticking with that one. Better hood, belay pockets, belay zipper that’s bigger/easier to work and less snaggy, more wind resistant outer fabric, nicer cuffs, better internal chest pocket. 

Evan Gerry wrote:

 I got a Rab jacket to replace my cerium while it was being repaired and will be sticking with that one. Better hood, belay pockets, belay zipper that’s bigger/easier to work and less snaggy, more wind resistant outer fabric, nicer cuffs, better internal chest pocket. 

I got a Montbell Frost Smoke Parka to use as a sturdier cragging belay jacket and it has those same benefits that you mentioned about your Rab. The fit isn’t as athletic and it doesn’t pack down very small, but I definitely favor the thicker nylon shell when climbing in Joshua Tree where it gets windy and there’s lots of sharp and prickly stuff that would ruin the Cerium. Also the Frost Smoke’s boxier fit allows me to layer with larger sweaters and fleeces than I can with the Cerium.

The Cerium LT is my favorite down jacket. I also own the MH Ghost Whisperer but the cut is too boxy for me and the Cerium's trimmer fit is much better for me. I've never had it snag on branches or anything and I've rubbed against rock with it (things I wouldn't do with the Ghost Whisperer). But I did poke a hole in my dad's with an ice screw so be careful with sharp objects, but that should be a given.