Murdock 850 Down Jacket

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Fit:

Runs small

Size Bought

Large

Height

5` 10"

Weight

185 lbs

I really thought it was a great jacket for what I needed, but it was just a bit too tight in a large so I am going to send it back. I kept looking for an XL, but one never showed up. I really got a lot for what I paid on sale.

Barry G.

COULD BE BETTER

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

Small

Height

5` 9"

Weight

130 lbs

As past reviewers stated, the zippers although YYK zippers, they zip very poorly, not smooth at all and this is for all the zippers in this coat. I ran some bees wax on all the zippers and seemed to have temporarily solved the smoothness but why should I have to. The side pockets are very small and could be made much deeper to better secure pocket items, ie keys.

Aaron J K.

Looks Great!

Familiarity:

I returned this product before using it

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

large

Height

5` 7"

Weight

178 lbs

Loved the look of this jacket. Tried it on an steppe into the back yard to see if it would keep me warm. 3 degrees F an the wind blew right through the jacket. Not warm enough to keep me warm

Leroy H.

GREAT jacket, poor zippers

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

S

Height

5` 9"

Weight

150 lbs

A pretty good, well thought out jacket. The cut is tailored and very ergonomic. The tailored fit makes it still pretty packable, all things considered. The pockets are well placed and deep. The DWR seems pretty effective as I took this on a hike with mixed snow and rain. It didn’t even through after 45 minutes. I used this on a bouldering trip when the temps dropped below 30. I felt no restrictions at all but did have some concerns about the fabric holding up. Probably wouldn’t want to use this extensively while *actually* climbing or while skiing through through trees or any activity that would expose it to serious abrasion. The jacket is very warm. I got this jacket to replace my Rab Microlight Alpine jacket. I’ve been very happy with it as a replacement. I’ve used this in single digits with a wool base layer and felt pretty good. Overall, I’d love to give this a jacket 5 stars, but there is one major flaw. The zippers can be a PAIN! I’ve wrestled with the main zipper for minutes at a time before each use. This is reaaaally annoying when it’s below 30, you’re outside, and just trying to get warm. The hand zippers aren’t much better. One got stuck and required my friend to hold the fabric while I pulled for a few minutes. This shouldn’t be an issue for a jacket in this price range. Pros: Awesome, tailored fit. The extra length adds a little warmth and looks great Well thought out pockets Very warm and very breathable Good colors GREAT weather resistance Still pretty packable even with all of the insulation, pockets, etc. Cons: THE ZIPPERS. Although my issues have subsided after a few weeks, you shouldn’t need to pop a finger pulley just trying to open your hand warmer pocket. This would be a five star jacket but the zippers are a big enough pain that I’d give it 3.5/5 if I could. Definitely worth picking up on sale!

hayden

It's too warm

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

5` 11"

Weight

165 lbs

And that is a good thing.

Nick S

Awesome winter coat

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Large

Height

5` 9"

Weight

190 lbs

This is a great jacket for cold nights and mornings. I use it early in the morning in sometimes single degree weather with a thin base layer underneath and I feel really warm. The side venting is a nice feature as well, it helps when you're moving around a lot of when the temps start to go up a little in the sun. It's nice for using in the city or the trail as well because it's super breathable but stays warm. I also feel like I can move a lot more freely in this jacket than most other down jackets as well, it's not a stretch fabric but the design does make it much easier to move in than other down materials. The only time I've had any issues with the warmth is in the high winds it does get a little chilly with the breatheability but that would be fixed with using a shell over top like Gore-Tex or any other great wind shell. The jacket it'self runs true to size, I use a size large and use either a thin merino base layer or a thin hoodie underneath and it works great. I would definitely recommend this for daily use in most conditions except for harsh harsh conditions in the negative temperatures or high wind/snow without using some kind of extra shell over top to keep the super crazy weather out. Aside from that this is definitely one of my favorite jackets as it is much warmer than any of the synthetic insulated jackets I've ever used.

Marc Lund

First Impression - Solid Jacket

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

5` 10"

Weight

170 lbs

Purchased this jacket because I looking for something warmer than my Patagonia Down Sweater, this jacket is definitely that. First day with the jacket I wore it snowboarding in Central Oregon, temps were in the high 20’s with 30mph gusts of wind so pretty cold conditions. I had a Backcountry thermal layer, Patagonia R1 and this jacket on and kept very warm. This jacket is thoughtfully constructed and has all of the bells a whistles you wouldn’t normally get with other more minimalist brands. It’s definitely wind proof and on the longer side so it provides good coverage. The vents were a nice feature for dumping extra heat at the end of a run. I wouldn’t wear this on a powder day because of the lack of powder skirt but it was great for a cold windy day. As far as sizing goes I am a medium in Patagonia and a Medium in this jacket fit well.

Ryan Reiger

Winter Daily Driver

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Large

Height

6` 0"

Weight

195 lbs

Once the depths of winter hit I like to have one big warm puffy I know I can throw on and be comfortable no matter what. This jacket is awesome for that. It's not the absolute biggest or warmest, but it is super warm and gets me around Utah comfortably in just about any winter temps. The most interesting feature is definitely the vents... it has some very well hidden little zippers along both sides that open ti up to let the love handles breathe when you start to over heat. Nice addition. The hand pockets also have a nice fuzzy fleecy lining... you can call me a wuss, but I really love having that little extra comfort and I think you will too.

Vinny Mauro

Picky About My Puffies

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

medium (but the small feels fitted)

Height

5` 5"

Weight

150 lbs

I got this jacket as a mid layer or outer layer jacket for when its so cold out I feel I just cant even, so i can throw this on and feel like im still cozy in bed. It's very lofty but retains a light weight feel. I took one star off because the zippers are a very minimalist design, which is good because it keeps the down jacket light, makes the jacket more packable and prevents the zipper teeth from damaging the outer nylon fabric but i just really like chunky zips. The goal with this jacket seems to be maximum loft and warmth while only supplying what an outdoorsy person really needs which is a helmet compatible hood, vents to dump the heat, hand warming pockets, wrist gators, and a single pocket to pack the jacket into. The colors on the site look just like the jacket in person. The fit is spot on for an American brand and most of all it feels comfortable. Overall this jacket does a great job of offering something new and different from other jackets on the market without being so different that it seems wacky or impractical.

Nicholas Dey

Warm Jacket

This is my warmest jacket that i own. It's really comfortable and is great for super cold days.

Joe Guttenplan

Toasty Warm!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

5` 6"

Weight

175 lbs

I love this jacket, it's super warm and toasty; kept me plenty warm in desert camping trips with temps down to the mid teens. It looks great too, fairly form fitting and slim feeling, but not restrictive at all. The thumbhole gaiter things are really nicely down too. It's not very compressible, but I wouldn't take this backpacking or skiing/mountaineering anyway, more of just a camp jacket.

Robert Lindsen

Super Warm and versatile

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

small

Height

5` 5"

Weight

125 lbs

I bought the men's murdock for myself because I preferred the men's colors and like a less fitted look than most women's jackets. I've used the jacket both as an every day winter jacket for colder winter days, for winter camping, and for a couple extremely cold ski tours in Canada. It performed really well in all activities. As an every day winter jacket, the jacket has a more stylish look than most puffy's and it comes down longer in the back to keep your backside warmer. As a piece for winter camping and the coldest of days touring, it kept me super warm and allowed room to layer underneath. The big hood was helpful to be able to wear multiple jackets with. I also really appreciated the mesh zip vents when I used it skiing.

Sophie Shinsky

All of the bells and whistles!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Height

6` 1"

Weight

185 lbs

This jacket is extremely warm without being overly bulky. This jacket is well designed and comfortable! Extremely happy with it!

Doug Conway

Keeps you warm

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

The jacket its perfect to keep you warm all day and fits great

Julio Rojas

Warm, great fit

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

6` 1"

Weight

180 lbs

I love the Backcountry Murdock 850 Down Jacket. I'm pretty picky about jackets, and this one hits on all the right features. * With 850 down, it's very warm * It feels relaxed to wear, but somehow looks quite slim fit * The Mustard Gold color pairs well with all my blue and grey jeans * The hood is huge * The sleeves are long * The back extends quite long, * It has side vents for skiing * More durable exterior than most jackets It's become my daily winter jacket in Park City, that I also wear for cold days skiing. My one complaint is that it doesn't pack down quite as much as I'd like to stuff in pack for ski touring -- no problem for quick tours, but on big days I have to start making tradeoffs to ensure everything fits. I'm 6'1" 180 and Medium fits great

Will S.

Warm, Durable

Fit:

Runs large

Height

5` 10"

Weight

155 lbs

I was tired of constantly being cold all winter long and decided to buy a heavy coat to help. The 850-fill down makes this coat extremely warm without being overly bulky. I got the red color, which is your nice looking navy-alternative. I've used this coat nearly every day this winter and it's been extremely durable.

Jack Fullmer

Murdock and Marmort-guides comparison:

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

6` 2"

Weight

180 lbs

First off, I strongly urge backcountry to submit their products to third party reviewers, I would have liked to see a youtube walkthrough or side-by-side comparison. Since I could not find it, I bought this jacket and the marmot guides hooded down jacket. I will provide the comparison that I was looking for Both jackets are awesome. I've used the marmot jacket for years but needed a replacement. They are very similar with a few notable differences • Look and Feel: The Murdock claims to have a fitted design. This is what attracted me the most. In the end the look is almost the same. The feel does not feel more fitted than the marmot competition, however, the Murdock's design of how they separate their down segments creates a more stylized and fitted look. I feel it's slightly more fashionable. For this category, Murdock wins Utility: Murdock has a few extra features over Marmot that are pretty cool. It has hand attachments that come out of the sleeve and loop over the thumb, very cool touch. It also has the side breathers (with mesh so it's not direct to skin) which are really useful in semi-cold/variable temperatures. Those 2 aspects are great. It also has some weird material in the lapel, it's a slightly stronger material that seems to be there to keep the shape. It does work in that regard but it feels a bit weird, makes a different noise when rubbing up against it, and I have the feeling it will degrade over time as it's compressed. However the inner-lining of the lapel is fleece, which makes for a great feel when the jacket is zipped up to the nose. Marmot doesn't have any of these features so for this category, Murdock wins Compression: This is a big one for me as a full time traveler. I need a jacket that can be stuffed anywhere and I can bring with me with or without a enclosing bag. The marmot and Murdock both have an inner stuff sack but have implemented it in very different ways. The marmot stuff sack is my favorite feature, it compresses the jacket to its max and has a loop for a carabiner. It can be attached to a bag, a belt, or just about anything. The Murdock on the other hand has an inner lining with a mesh, it is not meant to compress the jacket. With mesh on one side and the jacket material on the other, it makes the perfect shape of a pillow, and it's quite comfortable. A very useful feature if you're camping or going off road. For this category I would rate them as a tie: both incredibly useful for different purposes Recap on compression: Marmot compression: Best for on the go, in the city, on the trails, always have the jacket tethered to something. Doesn't make the best pillow though. Murdock compression: Best for camping, traveling with a bag, you will need a bag to hold it, but it doubles as a comfy pillow Warmth: This is hard to tell. They are _very_ similar. Murdock claims to have 850 down which should be warmer than 700. But I don't know enough about down to really compare. I will say that the Marmot is definitely fluffier. A side by side comparison of compressing a section of each will show a visible difference. But I'm not sure how this compares to warmth. This category I'll give them a tie but take my opinion here with a grain of salt ZIpper: Only since some people have complained, Both jackets use 5VS YKK Vislon zippers. They seem pretty solid to me. The murdock has a colored finish which matches the jacket color, this makes it feel less metalic than the unfinished YKK Vislon zipper on the Marmot. They are a tie in this section Conclusion: Murdock is an awesome jacket, it has a great look with cool color options. It is jam packed with extra features that make it a good jacket for any condition. In the end I stuck with the marmot, only because I need a jacket I can clip to a harness or a belt, versus a jacket that functions as a pillow, but it was a hard choice. I like the look of Murdock better P.S. To Backcountry: Please get actual gear reviewers to do this ^^^

Quest Henkart

Zippers hold a great jacket back

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Size Bought

Medium

Height

5` 9"

Weight

175 lbs

Fit: I like the fit. It is not restrictive nor overly baggy. With a base and a mid-layer it still provided good range of motion. Function: This is a great mid-layer that can function as an outer layer in many circumstances. But it’s not a down parka, which I like. In single digits over a dress shirt and light sweater I could feel the cold starting to seep in after a few blocks of city walking. At the same time it can be very warm. Below-zero resort skiing with a base layer and sweater, I was starting to think about dumping heat after two easy runs. I didn’t want a jacket that I couldn’t wear around without overheating. This fits the bill. Pockets are great as well. Nicely thought out lining in the hand pockets. Roomy chest pocket. With right mid or outer layer it will pack plenty of heat. The hood is sublime. I was pleasantly surprised with how much warmer it made the jacket. I really couldn’t be happier with the jacket and would easily give it 5 stars, except . . . the zippers are terrible. The main and pocket zippers regularly stick. I don’t know what zippers cost or what margins BC was looking for or needed on this jacket, but the decisions they made on the zippers were big mistakes. This jacket would be perfect with them. It’s probably not enough for me to return the jacket because I don’t think I’d find anything else that does the other things this jacket does as well as it does, but the fact that I’m even considering returning a jacket that is otherwise so good is evidence enough of the issues with these zippers.

Daniel M.

Hard to ask for more

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

Runs large

Size Bought

Small

Height

5` 9"

Weight

160 lbs

Super toasty, smart designed, and fashionable. I typically wear medium jackets but the small actually fit me better! +fleece pockets and hood paneling +water resistant so far +vent zippers on the sides -The zippers are pretty sticky I got one for my cousin who's 6ft something and has a hard time finding jackets that are a slim fit and have long enough arms. I recommended he get this one in large and it fits him perfectly.

Ben Wilson

Good Coat

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Fit:

True to size

Height

6` 1"

Weight

190 lbs

I am a taller person 6'2"" so I really appreciate the length of this coat. It is warm and I can wear it either skiing or for casual use. For the price it would be hard to beat this coat compared to others from a value perspective.

Josh G

If pairing with the Backcountry x Flylow Grizzly Gulch Jacket, do you recommend ordering both jackets the same size, or the shell one size larger?

Adam F.

What company actually makes this jacket? I know it's branded a Backcountry jacket but I'm wondering who is actually behind this jacket (it's quite well made). Thanks!

Oren

This may be a strange question, but does this coat leave loose down all over ones clothes under the jacket? I've had this problem a lot with down puffy coats and am just wondering if it's a problem with the higher quality ones. Thanks!

Adam Ison

Regarding the wrist gaters, are they adjustable somehow? There would be times that a standard cuff that only goes around the wrist, not hand with thumb separated in the thumb hole, would be good. Is that possible or is the only way to put ones hand thru the sleeve is to use the gater with the thumb thru the thumb hole? That is optionally use the gater or not. Thanks in advance!

Chuck C.

How water resistant is this jacket? Can it be worn in heavy snow without a shell without getting soaked?

Benjamin C.

What is the fill weight (weight of the down)? Thanks

Cheng Fang

What is the reported weight of this jacket?

Jesse L.