not nearly warm enough for a skinny Illinoisan

By drew_m Ranked #179 - Men's Down Jackets January 19, 2009

I read the reviews and was stoked to get this coat. For many reviewers, all they needed was this coat, and they were super warm without layering.

I'm a pretty skinny guy, and I think I get cold more easily than most people.

I purchased this coat after trying the North Face Nova Triclimate down parka and realizing it wasn't warm enough once the temps fell much below 20F.

The McMurdo is much bulkier and not as fashionable, so as I prepared to go outside and test it, I was sure it would be warmer than my Triclimate. I quickly proved wrong.

I walked around the block on a night when the temperature was about 15F and it wasn't too windy. My arms were cold almost instantly. My torso was the last thing to get cold, but it didn't take more than a few minutes. By the end, my whole body was really cold.

Maybe this coat is warm enough for some people if they're using it for a rigorous activity. I just want something that will keep me super warm when I'm walking the dog or standing around pumping gas when the wind is howling.

My Nova Triclimate is actually a little warmer. And it's much better looking. The McMurdo is a huge coat (small was probably too big for my 5'11"-150 lb.-frame), but it didn't restrict movement too much or make me knock things over like George Costanza.

My search for the right coat continues, and the backcountry people have been very helpful.

View Details: The North Face McMurdo Down Parka - Men's

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