Gear Review
The North Face McMurdo Down Parka - Men's
Great for the city, but wont save your life in the back country.
By Minotaar
Ranked #1214 - Men's Down Jackets
October 4, 2009
This is a very warm jacket that has been marketed to be professional grade, but designed for regular people doing regular things in very cold weather. It is not professional grade, but if you are a regular person, this is more than enough unless you plan on doing something actually life threatening. Remember, a jacket is only one part of the gear that you need for extreme cold, and if you are not fully equipped, dont blame the jacket.
Plusses: Strong durable high denier shell material seems to do well against abrasion, and is extremely waterproof. In the rain, however, the synthetic ruff looks like a wet cat. Plenty of pockets are a plus, and the shoulders are quite flexible and do not impede motion. Dual draw strings ensures that drafts from the bottom are mitigated.
Minuses: Down Baffling is inadequate, keeping this from being a truly great jacket. Insufficient baffling, notably around the shoulders and armpits, causes down to shift, producing cold spots. It's still warm, but the same amount of down could go so much further with intelligent baffling. No internal cuffs, no core venting, low quality zipper pulls, hood too deep, headphone cable management is inadequate, primary zipper is insufficiently durable. Chin guard on the top of the zipper is not plush enough, storm flap on the zipper is not warm enough, using snaps instead of velcro on the storm flap was a bad idea for thermal reasons. Replacement fur ruffs should be sold online, with options of real coyote instead of synthetic. Draw string cuffs and glove clips would have been nice, as well as D-rings for attachments.
View Details: The North Face McMurdo Down Parka - Men's
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- [membrane/laminate] HyVent 2L; [shell] nylon oxford
- Insulation:
- 550-fill goose down
- Fabric Waterproof Rating:
- 25 PSI
- Fabric Breathability Rating:
- 625 g/mē
- Hood:
- yes, removable, , removable faux fur trim
- Fit:
- loose
- Center Back Length:
- 35 in
- Length:
- thigh
- Pockets:
- (external) 2 alpine, 2 front handwarmer, 2 front cargo, 1 sleeve, (internal) 1 media, 1 water bottle, 1 glove
- Weight:
- 60.4 oz
- Recommended Use:
- streetwear
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime
Change me.
2 Comments Last Reply: November 16, 2009 By: ewpeterson1672385
Susan, I grew up in Canada and spent a lot of time ski-dooing (Yankees call it sledding or snow-machining) accross Albert and Saskatchewan and know what you mean by wanting a good jacket. Unfortunately the styling of this TNF jacket makes it look like it would suit your purpose, when really it isn't designed for that type of use. It is made for people who want to give the appearance that they are prepared for that type of activity. If price isn't really a concern, I suggest you look at one of the Canada Goose, down jackets as seen here: http://www.backcountry.com/outdoorgear/C
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
So, I am confused.Trying ot buy a parka for my son ofr Christams- he lives in Northern Manitoba and wants it for ski-doing,Very, very cold there- not the tyepo where you zoom a rouind a few wooded trails but hours across ice and snow. I really want a good jacket.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes