Gear Review
The North Face McMurdo Down Parka - Men's
not nearly warm enough for a skinny Illinoisan
By drew_m
Ranked #214 - 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
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- [Shell] 100% nylon HyVent
- Insulation:
- 550-Fill down
- Hood:
- Yes, removable, with removable fur trim
- Pockets:
- 2 Handwarmer, 2 chest, hidden left chest zip, internal security and media, 2 internal water bottle, 2 secret
- Waterproof:
- Yes
- Core Venting:
- No
- Weight:
- 3lb 12oz (1713g)
- Recommended Use:
- Casual , arctic tours
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- Lifetime
Change me.
1 Comments Last Reply: November 28, 2009 By: JEFFREY JAY LEVIN
Hi Drew, My name is Jeff Levin. I too am about your weight and height. After much searching, I have come upon A GREAT PARKA! I would recommend it to you! IT IS THE MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR SUBZERO SL PARKA!! WHEN YOU PUT IT ON, YOU INSTANTLY FEEL WARM AND THE INSULATION IS NOT LOST IN TEMPERATURES DOWN TO MINUS 25! THIS PARKA IS ALSO LIGHT AND COMFORTABLE! I TOO FEEL THE COLD, BUT AM WARM AND TOASTY IN THE MT. HARDWEAR SUBZERO SL PARKA. I NOW OWN THREE OF THEM. I SUGGEST YOU BUY AT LEAT ONE. I PROMISE YOU YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED. IT IS AN AWESOME PARKA!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No