Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer VS Arc'teryx Cerium LT

In this video, I compare two of the best ultralight FULL-ZIP and HOODED down jackets out there: the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer and the Arc'teryx Cerium LT. Both jackets are great for backpacking and would be great buys but I break down their pros and cons and choose one that will be best for me during 3-season backpacking trips!
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[@BacktotheOutdoors]

Nice comparison. The synthetic insulation is placed in areas on the Cerium that are most likely to get wet, so I would have characterized it that way instead of saying “high wear” areas. The strategically placed synthetic insulation in the Cerium is far more useful than the hydrophobic down in the Ghost Whisperer, IMO.

[@JustinOutdoors]

You're right on the synthetic being used in high moisture areas. Definitely what I had in my video notes! Didn't catch that in editing either! I actually find hydrophobic down to be more useful for me for trips where I am in very humid environments. I've found non-hydrophobic down to lose loft in those environments. There are also drawbacks to hydrophobic down but I think the hydrophobic vs none is an entirely different video! haha

[@BacktotheOutdoors]

Justin Outdoors - I hear ya. I looked at the GW as well (among others) and it was tough to choose but I ultimately went with the Cerium. I’ve yet to make a final decision on treated down. From what I’ve read, it doesn’t loft as well, but performs better if it gets damp, as you noted. Western Mountaineering refuses to use treated down in their bags and jackets because they don’t feel the long term durability has been sufficiently tested. However, this might be less of an issue with a puffy because jackets get replaced more often than sleeping bags. I think both jackets are great, and don’t think you can go wrong with either one.

[@JustinOutdoors]

I'm still on the fence about treated down as well. haha. The approach I have been taking is that if it is a piece for winter, then I will lean towards non-treated (for, like you said, the apparent extra loft). If it's something for the summer, then I lean towards treated for the humidity attenuation. I agree that the cerium line is super solid as is the ghost whisperer for what they are. Interesting info on WM! I've been eyeing some WM bags for winter but will probably wait another year or two to pull the trigger.

[@Errcyco]

People sleep on Mountain Hardware.. half my wardrobe is MH and over ten years old and it all looks new still. Their fleece soft/hardshells are great too. Same with their grid fleece. And their tents are some of the best.. just a great company. More cost effective than Arc’Teryx too.

[@chrisrioux]

Arc'Teryx hoods are larger because they are designed for helmets. Rock climbing, ice climbing, etc. Other brands must be worn under helmets, which I'm sure forces you to buy a larger helmet for colder weather.

[@micaylaspencer9449]

Loled irl for the "wind, not ghosts whispering" comments. Also a very helpful and clear video. Subscribed. Thank you.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Thank YOU!

[@lukeinkson]

Thank's Justin, that was hands-down the best review I've seen comparing these two. Pulling the trigger on the Ghost Whisperer now 👍 cheers! We are exactly the same build too so that really helped choosing a size. Have found one on sale for $360 AUD ($240 USD) so I think it's a no brainer!

[@JustinOutdoors]

They come up for sale often, which is really nice and something that's a bit different than Arcteryx products. I always love when a reviewer is the same build as me, makes life so much easier! haha

Oldie but goodie. Thanks!

[@markriley6640]

One thing to add - for the UK anyway - Arc'teryx are rarely on sale and when they are you never get the same reductions.

[@JustinOutdoors]

That's the same in Canada (and it looks like the US too)! Arc'teryx maxes out at about 30% off, where MH will sometimes go down to 50% off.

[@LairdDavidson]

They're on sale right now in the UK. Just bought a Cerium LT hoodie from Trekkit

[@eliasblanca2915]

thank you for this, i was going to get a Patagonia but i thought i should do more research and didn’t even know about these brands, im trying to get into mountaineering and this realllly helped, thank you!

[@JustinOutdoors]

Patagonia makes some really good down jackets as well. I used to have the Patagonia Down Sweater and it was great. There are LOTS of different down jacket manufacturers out there!

[@Errcyco]

Get Patagonia Rain Gear. The Granite Crest is great, Triolet is better if you can spend a little more. Lifetime warranty on them so very cost effective.

[@bmd6343]

Hugely informative. As others have mentioned the GW is best for your body shape. I’ve lost quite a bit of weight and have had to down size and with my down vest was pretty much useless even with the cords pulled in. With the Arcteryx you’re in between sizes. If you were about 7-10kg heavier it’d fit like a glove and vice versa, the M would fit. Keep up the great work!

[@JSelf]

Good review. I own both of these jackets and sided more with the Arcteryx. I feel they pay more attention to the little details than a lot of competitor brands, although I love my ghost whisperer...felt the Cerium notably warmer and comfortably use it 3 seasons, would only use my GW 2 seasons... over in Scotland. I do a lot of long distance trails and didn’t find the extra 3oz of weight particularly noteworthy. Prefer the slightly extra features on the Cerium but all in all I think we’re splitting hairs regarding these high end down jackets. My advice to anyone would be more to go with what You prefer aesthetically and fit, if it sits good and you like the look you’ll probs over look any minor weight or feature issues!

[@JustinOutdoors]

Great advice Joel! They are both great jackets and for most people it will come down to the price or fit/look for which one they grab. I'm still surprised I didn't notice a significant warmth difference, but I'm chalking that up to the Cerium being a looser fit (even though I went with the smallest size I could fit into).

[@SewGood]

Great details on these jackets... love that ArcTeryx bottom hem-line... they always nail that. 😎🔥 Thanks for the vid! Have fun in the C-Eh-Nadian Rock-Eh-S!!!! 🏒🏒🏒

[@JustinOutdoors]

I really should have done a close up of the back hemline for the thumbnail! Money shot.

[@millerkyler7890]

i guess I am kind of off topic but does anyone know of a good website to watch new movies online?

[@Michael19841]

You’ve chosen an oversized Arc’teryx Cerium. It’s way too big for you which is causing it to lose heat. A medium would have been a fairer comparison so the whole review is flawed. One jacket is the correct size and the other is clearly oversized. You’ll find the Cerium in a medium size would have been significantly warmer. They’re not meant to be worn in medium to heavy rain which is why a Gore Tex shell would be useful. That’s why they’re a trim fit to enable an outer waterproof layer to be worn when required. I’d personally recommend the Arc’teryx Cerium. You’ll find Arc’teryx have a great range of jackets which combine flawlessly with each other if sized correctly and chosen for the expected weather conditions.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Thanks for your comment! The Cerium size large was the smallest jacket that fit me. I couldn't get the zipper to do up on the size medium, which is clearly a sign that the jacket is too small.

[@longnetter]

Great review but I think the LT looks a better fit 👍

[@JustinOutdoors]

It was slightly too loose. It is definitely a better option if I was layering up more.

[@Allproflooringspecialists]

I think you needed a large ghost whisperer. But great great video!!

[@winterheadphones]

I'm deciding between the GW2/Cerium LT/Micro-Puff. As someone with shorter arms I REALLY appreciate the cuffs of the Cerium. It also fits way better (less boxy). Another thing I don't like about the GW2 and the Micro-puff Is that the hoods don't allow anything close to full rotation of the head. The Cerium doesn't have that issue but almost has the opposite problem - so much material that it's tough to get it tight enough (plus it looks a little silly). It's a tough decision though. MY last hiking jacket was an MEC synthetic and it was so nice not having to worry about moisture at all. I did get REALLY cold one night and wished I had a down jacket though. Thank I'm going with the Cerium.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Check out the Decathlon Trek 100! It's 1/4 the price and almost as warm as the Cerium LT! I have a couple of reviews on it :)

[@GearWave]

You should compare the Ghost Whisperer against the Arc Teryx Cerium SL, their ore comparable. BOTH are super lightweight and maximize their warmth to weight ratios the best. The Cerium is a heavier jacket built for much colder temps. I've worn my Cerium down to the teens with the right thermal midlayers...

[@JustinOutdoors]

I was on the fence about comparing the SL or the LT to the Ghost Whisperer. The GW kind of fits right in between them. I'm not completely sold on the usability of the SL with only 50g of fill.

[@6ig6pAT]

Great video! Very informative and enjoyable to watch. Subscribed :) P.S. I highly recommend filming in the shadow instead of harsh midday light.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Thanks for the tip! Definitely a lot of areas for me to improve. Glad you enjoyed the video though!

[@horologyproject]

How has the cerium held up to rips. The 10d makes me nervous.

[@thdjjfsfh]

I don't know Justin, I use a lot of lightweight down jackets over the year and I must say that the Cerium LT is way warmer than the Ghost Whisper. Sure they are of different ages but my 2015 Cerium LT will take me down to well below freezing during the day. I find that the Ghost Whisperer 2 will take me down to a few degrees above freezing.

[@JustinOutdoors]

I think part of the issue for me is that the Cerium LT just wasn't a good fit on me and as a result wasn't thermally efficient. The L was a bit too big and I couldn't even do up the zipper on the M.

[@mehmetbaykurd6998]

Hello my friend, does the coat keep you warm and is it useful at minus temperatures? Mountun hardwear

[@BackcountryForward]

Great review! Planning on buying my first Arc’teryx product within the next week! Trying to decide between the Cerium SL or LT or the Atom LT as a good mid-layer.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Tough call! I've tried all of them and they are all great, especially when 40% off. I'd consider the Proton LT over the Atom LT. Arc-teryx described the Proton as a new and improved Atom with better technology. The guy I talked to said the Atom has such great name recognition and pedigree that they didn't want to discontinue or change it. I haven't tried the proton personally, so take that with a grain of salt.

[@BackcountryForward]

Justin Outdoors maybe I’ll have to head back and try on the proton.

[@BackcountryForward]

Justin Outdoors and who says I got 40% off 😉

[@Datsyzerberg]

@@JustinOutdoors proton is definitely thicker, bulkier. I went to REI to compare them all, including the Atom SL. Atom LT was perfect for someone who layers. Had it down in the 40s with just a t shirt standing and started to get a chill on my shoulders. I'll be money in the 20s with just a fleece. It's more like an insulated wind shirt.

[@mgl_outdoors8836]

Nice vid just subscribed !! You talked me into the ghost whisperer !🤙🏼

[@JustinOutdoors]

Thanks man! The ghost whisperer is pretty sweet!

[@mdzuhair92]

Hey, the cerium lt at what temp do you recommend to get? Like above what temp do you think its too warm? TIA 😊

[@JustinOutdoors]

I only use a down puffy when not moving. For me, the Cerium LT would be too warm if the temperature was above 8-10 C and I only had a merino wool t-shirt on.

[@geebee3974]

@@JustinOutdoors hey Justin, how about between -5c to 5c? This for me is the shoulder season where I live. Im not heavy on layering, I literally wear T shirts 365 days unless in deep winter months.

[@RandomCaliforniaAdventure]

The ghost whisperer is offered in two version. The ultralight version which everyone knows and the whisperer 2 which is the more hefty warmer version for those that are environmental conscious. I have both version but the ultralight version has been my go to for 90% of the time. The biggest advantage of the ultralight is that it can be compacted down and I mean next to nothing. Most outdoors people know layering is important and so I always have a thin long sleeve or fleece with my ultralight and a solid shell jacket and it basically my go to set-up for most of my adventures year round. If an individual is obviously experience then they are usually into shaving weights and the ghost whisperer wins by default. The best thing of ghost whisperer is that they can always usually be found on sale and often times costing less than half the price resulting getting myself 2 ultralight ghost or 1 cerium and the ghost wins every single time. Art'eryx is famous for their shell...anything else that they offer is basically similar in performance but often times cost upwards to 2-3 times their competitor with little to no sale.

[@JustinOutdoors]

The ghost whisperer is a great jacket and the UL seems pretty sweet. I might have to pick one up some day.

[@RandomCaliforniaAdventure]

@@JustinOutdoors Definitely try to wait for their sale which happens 2 times a year or unless you live in the bay area and received a their invitation letter to their retail store. The ghost is about $140 if you can get the invitation letter. I just got mine today through my company 😁

[@luisLP5752]

I was at rei today trying on jackets and I have to say that the arcteryx is pretty light, I bought the outdoor research transcendent and I thought it was light but the arcteryx is even lighter AND warmer. Personally I wouldn’t give up the comfort of 4 season over a few oz

[@JustinOutdoors]

Definitely important to try gear out at the store if you're able!

[@chriss729]

Great review. You deserve way more subscribers, so I'mma smash it.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Thanks! I appreciate it Chris!

[@HovingtonInstruments]

Was looking into getting a Cerium Lt a while back and after reading online reviews about the jacket loosing it’s feathers I decided to wait before pulling the trigger. I did try a large in the store and find it extremely fitting. Did you had any issues with yours loosing it’s down VS the whisperer?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Every down product I have ever had has had a few feathers pop out every now and again. I've never come across something that pours out feathers. I think some of the reviews out there that talk about a lot of feather loss are a bit exaggerated. No problems for me with the Cerium LT or GW with regards to feather loss!

[@Clambelly]

Mountain Hardwear has the coolest LOGO ... that's the one I would get

[@thomasellingsen1755]

I have both. I've come to much the same conclusions as you. They both look striking in their own way, but I already had a rip in my Cerium which I had to fix. The GW stands a bit out more being so lightweight and shiny.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Interesting that the Cerium is a higher denier but just doesn't feel as durable. And based on your experience - isn't.

[@thomasellingsen1755]

@@JustinOutdoors The GW feels a bit more slippier which might account for it. I guess if nothing gets the hold of the material it won't manage to rip it either. :D dunno

[@UhuruFrontier]

You need the larger size on the MH.

[@jaycle71]

You mentioned that the GW is great for 3 season use, so what ultralight down jacket do you use for winter?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I've been using the Decathlon Trek 100 down jacket this winter. It's not much warmer than the GW, but I just layer up under it. I haven't pulled the trigger on a true winter down like the Cerium SV yet.

[@texantrainer81]

Arcteryx all the way but mountain hardware has good products too !

[@JustinOutdoors]

I'm not quite slim enough to make Arc'teryx work for me unfortunately. They do make solid products though.

[@texantrainer81]

I own the Atom hoody and its been a good piece too me. I also have a shell jacket by arcteryx and it hasn't disappointed me yet !

[@amonsmith3096]

@@JustinOutdoors Is the hydrophobic down worth it in mountain hardware compared to other down jackets?

[@nathansharp3193]

Just a 'heads up': your link in the description goes to the Ghost Whisperer Down Shorts.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Thanks for the heads up! Looks like REI is sold out of GW jackets. I updated it to a site with stock (and a big sale right now) haha

[@nathansharp3193]

Justin Outdoors : I just ordered the REI 650 Down Jacket. I found a used one in my size and color for $45.83 including tax and shipping!! It's not the lightest, but I'm not afraid to take it camping either. Even at $100 the REI 650 Down Jacket is a steal. I also got some $150 Pearl Izumi mountain bike shoes at Garage Sale pricing of $19.83 recently! They honestly seemed like someone put the cleats on them, tried them once, didn't like clipless pedals, and returned them. They were BRAND NEW other than it was obvious someone had installed cleats on them. Sometimes REI is better than the thrift store!

[@MattyOutdoors]

Love my MH ghost whisperer! I completely lucked out, and scored a new condition hooded version on a buy and sell page for 50 bucks. Guy got it as a gift, and it sat in his closet for a few months, was too small for him. I'm also one of those ultra slim people, so the more slim fit of the ghost whisperer is perfect for me. Was a nice replacement for my anorak from montbell.

[@JustinOutdoors]

That's an awesome deal! In a medium, the GW is snug on me but I think that helps with some of the warmth retention. The thing is a furnace.

[@mariorock76]

Hi. Good review! I already own an Atom Lt but am looking for warmer insulation to wear below my Beta SV in more static periods. I hesitate between the Cerium LT and the Atom AR. Do you think the Cerium LT is as hot as the Atom AR despite its much lighter weight?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Are to say as I haven't used the Atom AR and comparing synthetic and down insulation can be difficult. Sorry!

[@ZZ_90]

Great review man. I am in the market on getting a Ghost Whisperer. I am needing a little guidance before dropping the money though. I am about the same size as you (5’9 and weight 185). Would you stick with the medium or would you have gone up to the large if you knew what you know now? Thanks man!!! Keep up the great work!!!

[@JustinOutdoors]

Thanks Zack! I had tried on a couple larges, including when at 190 lbs and it is quite a bit bigger. While the medium is snug with a few layers underneath, it is a good fit for me with only 1-2 layers. I don't think the large would be as good at keeping in warmth since there would be a lot of extra airspace between me and the jacket. In short- I'd stick with the medium!

[@sungk3962]

Thank you for the review, but wouldn't it be better to compare ghost whisper with cerium sl instead? I would have thought cerium lt to be a lot warmer than ghost whisper, though.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Based on down weights, the GW falls in between the SL and LT. I decided to try it against the LT because the SL would likely be too cold for me.

[@EChunter]

Ever try a thorium?

[@JustinOutdoors]

nope :)

[@tc1uscg65]

I love(d) my Dynotherm Down Jacket except for one MAJOR issue. The front zipper. It's too weak to handle normal use IMO. Not sure what you call it but if you do not ensure both bottom parts of the zipper are secured, as you zip it up, it unzips and the it's happened so often, some of the zipper teeth are out of shape, which now causes the jacket to come apart up and down the zipper area. I figured it's normal wear and tear so it wouldn't be covered under the warranty and for a jacket that doesn't get lots of use, the zipper just isn't heavy duty enough. I have jackets from OR, Sierra , blackhawk and even a couple of Eddie Bauer jackets in the same price and type range. Wife says I have a jacket for every 5deg temp change LOL. NONE of them suffer this same problem. That's why it's kind of soured me on buying a replacement or another Mountain Hardwear product.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Ya, a crappy zipper can really ruin an otherwise great jacket. I would have tried to warranty it! I have a couple of MH jackets and the zippers have worked great.

[@dndlnx]

How does the Cerium SL compare to GW?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Cerium SL is much more comparable to the GW based on paper specs. I haven't tried out the SL; but if it is similar to the LT, then it will be slightly less warm and durable compared to the GW. That's pure speculation, the truth may be different.

[@lucianonaldi7157]

Hi Justin! Could you recommend a good and cheap windbreaker jacket?

[@JustinOutdoors]

The Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 rain jackets would work as a wind breaker, is super light, and also waterproof!

[@lucianonaldi7157]

@@JustinOutdoors Hi Justin! What size do you wear? I think we use the same size.

[@gummybear41283]

the Ghost Whisperer looks a lot cooler and that's what really matters in the end

[@JustinOutdoors]

When you're right, you're right! Haha. It definitely has the coolest name. That's for sure.

[@gummybear41283]

@@JustinOutdoors not just the name, it's the material, the fit, the sleekness

[@oferpo]

Great video Sir! i got a chance to grab a ghost whisperer version 1, is there a significant improvement in version 2? thanks

[@JustinOutdoors]

I think the big difference is that version 2 uses recycled materials and is slightly heavier.

[@9mmkahr]

2 is slightly over stuffed and slightly thicker shell from what I read. I had the 1st one for 2 years. Its a great jacket and is so damn light. Perfect for backpackinh. I wore it with my rain jacket and a heavy weight Smartwool base, and was fine at camp in the 20s. It has developed some holes, so I just bought a cerium lt new on eBay for 200 bucks. Seems to be a bit warmer which is what I need.

[@Hermes.3.]

Great video. But I disagree. I’ve tried both jackets in high altitude in the Peruvian Andes and the MWGW was just a bit warmer than a Mountain Hardwear micro chill fleece100, which is ridiculous considering it costs 7 times as much. I could see though why many folks would choose this jacket, for the sake of shaving off some weight. If you stick with this option you end up sacrificing WARMTH. To me the Arc Cerium Lt is a solid choice. It strikes the perfect balance of features, weight , FIT and it is actually WARM. My fav after trying several different models from the best brands.

[@JustinOutdoors]

I agree that you have to use different tool for different purposes. My experience is that the GW has a much better warmth to weight ratio than any fleece I own, by a fair margin.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Howdy Justin!! This is Justin from It's good in the woods ! Subscribed !!

[@JustinOutdoors]

Thanks Justin! From: Justin. haha

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

LOL

[@orhancabarov]

Hi. Can you review the Arc'teryx Proton lt?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Hopefully some day! It is a bit out of my price ranger at the moment!

[@orhancabarov]

@@JustinOutdoors Thank you.

[@orhancabarov]

Which best ? My english is bad :(

[@JustinOutdoors]

For me, the Ghost Whisperer. But it does depend on your needs.

[@orhancabarov]

@@JustinOutdoors Thank you.

[@jcoats5529]

You're not a medium

[@user-rc6rk7yw1h]

your height and weight?

[@JustinOutdoors]

5 ft 10 and 185lbs

[@8xlaxx]

You should've sized up in the MHW GW jacket. Definitely too small in M on you. IMO, your a L or XL. Just sayin'.

[@JustinOutdoors]

I'm pretty happy with the size medium. I had tried the size large and it was super baggy .

[@jcmoye1]

Arc is cooler looking hand s down 😂

[@rrreee4673]

Justin Outdoors be dummy thicc

[@justinitsthatguyme010]

Hey Justin. I'm Justin.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Hi Justin :)

[@Matt-to1bi]

Bora jacket

[@JustinOutdoors]

Borah stopped making their down jackets unfortunately :(

[@travisqattila9933]

Thank you for the video, i think the entire Arc'teryx line is designed for City use and not for the back country. I have the mountain hardwear Bishop Pass sleeping bag and it is a work of art. I do not have the ghost whisp jacket but i am sure it is worth every penny.

[@RangerAmateur]

t h i c c b o y Thanks for the review tho! Thinking about the Cerium and already have a MH GHW

[@JustinOutdoors]

No problem!

[@nubetoob9292]

It can sometimes be a biiiiiit(ch)

[@ethankirby1721]

Anyone that has the Ghost Whisperer notices that the jacket sheds feathers quite a bit. I’ll just be sitting down and notice a feather floating off in the breeze

[@JustinOutdoors]

I actually have never come across that problem. They do advertise it as having 10% feathers, so you will lose those feathers overtime.

[@bluejeans8001]

Not a fair comparison in fit/feel since one was medium vs large. Degrade your credibility as a reviewer.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Different companies have different fits. I was unable to even do up the zipper on the arcteryx medium. The GW medium and arcteryx large are as close in sizing as you can get.

[@JohnSmith-gm3qm]

You need a L your are not tricking anyone you are not that skinny

[@JustinOutdoors]

I tried the L and it was way too baggy!

[@vanlife807]

👍