The North Face McMurdo Parka III

8.4
8.4 score
[Editors rating (7.9) + Users rating (7.0)] / 2 = (Gearweare.net) score (8.4)/10

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The North Face McMurdo Parka III Review Facts

When the forecast begins calling for cold weather, knowing the time has come to pull out the warmer clothing from the back of your closet may leave you a bit bewildered. Having a warm coat or parka to welcome in the frigid air is a must, especially for those who live in parts of the world where Arctic temperatures may be experienced. The problem many find with choosing a parka is selecting one that not only keeps you warm and toasty but doesn’t take a huge chunk out of your wallet like many on the market can. This is where the North Face McMurdo Parka III comes into play.

The North Face McMurdo Parka III offers wearers the perfect combination of total warmth and affordability that many people demand in their winter parka. With so many expensive parkas on the market, finding one that offers exactly what you need for the types of winter weather or excursions you may be facing is crucial. The McMurdo Parka is designed to keep you warm, no matter the temperatures you find yourself facing, but while doing so, you may realize you’re missing out on a few aspects many look for in a parka. In this review, we will discuss all the pros and cons of the North Face McMurdo Parka III to help you decide whether this budget loving parka is the one you are in need of.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Warmth
  • Affordability
  • Long hem at bottom
  • Nice features
Cons
  • Bulky
  • Hood isn’t very big

Warmth

The main attribute of the North Face McMurdo Parka III is the exceptional warmth it provides. With several, high dollar parkas being on the market, it’s easy to get lost when trying to decide on which one is best suited for you. If warmth is your main focus, then this parka is at the top of the list of choices. Many reviewers have concluded that jackets insulated with down are often the warmest available. This is how the McMurdo Parka offers the amount of warmth it does, it is insulated quite well with down. This jacket also has a long hem, which is great for keeping in warmth and fighting off the frigid cold that may threaten when out and about taking a small hike or enjoying a bit of down time in the snow. The McMurdo also offers a fur lined hood to help wearers keep their vulnerable heads toasty. Although the hood is quite small compared to other parkas on the market, it still gets the job done, while also offering the option of being removed if you find you aren’t in need of the extra covering.

Also read about best arcteryx jacket

Waterproof

When thinking about parkas intended for the uses the North Face McMurdo Parka III is designed for, being waterproof doesn’t seem like a big deal. Most who would purchase this jacket would need one of superior quality to stand up against the snow. Still, the McMurdo’s waterproof shell is sufficient when it comes to shedding water. Being used in prolonged exposure to constant rain may leave you feeling a bit damp. This is why purchasing this parka for use in the conditions it was intended for will leave you quite happy when enjoying the winter weather and the winter activities, such as snowboarding or snowshoeing, you may find yourself hoping to take part in.

Comfort

When seeking a winter parka that is exceptionally warm, you’ll find yourself having to deal with a loss of comfort. To make the McMurdo Parka III stand up to the frigid environments its intended for, North Face had no choice but to make this jacket a bit confining. Many will notice this when wearing this bulky jacket. The snug, warmth is best intended for someone seeking to be a bit immobile during their winter festivities. The long hem hangs complete to the upper thigh, again, offering a bit of confinement in an attempt to keep the cold at bay. For this reason, purchasing the McMurdo for its comfort value can be considered a mistake, unless you intend on lounging by a warm fire or relaxing in a snow-covered wonderland.

Style

Everyone wants to look good, even in the winter. The North Face McMurdo Parka III offers those who choose this jacket a good look while staying true to its intended purpose. Those choosing this parka won’t find themselves making the fashion statement of the century, but they will be pleased with how they look walking down the streets of a town or visiting local winter festivals or activities. Although this parka can’t be called overly stylish, it does offer a practicality and look that anyone would feel pleased with.

Weight

Although the McMurdo Parka III isn’t considered the heaviest winter jacket on the market, anyone who chooses to add this jacket to their closet needs to keep in mind that the extra insulation used to offer the incredible warmth provided will leave you feeling a bit of additional weight. This extra bulk is to be expected and for many, welcomed. Keeping warm in the winter comes at a price and those who live or travel to areas visiting by a harsh winter climate will be quite appreciative of what the McMurdo has to offer.

Durability

When choosing a winter jacket, one of the most important criteria to consider is durability. No one wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a parka that only last one to two winters seasons. If you are looking for a winter parka that can withstand the elements, keep you warm, and last for many years, then perhaps the North Face McMurdo Parka III is the one you’ve been looking for. The bulky shell and dense insulation do a great job of joining forces to provide this parka with the durability one would hope for when it comes to a great winter jacket.

Price

One of the best features of the North Face McMurdo Parka III is its price. Many reviewers consider this parka one of the top choices when it comes to warmth, but the price is what surprises everyone the most. Other parkas on the market offer this type of warmth with price tags of $1,000 or more, others ask for more than $500. The McMurdo Parka offers this type of warmth at a fraction of that cost, coming in at a little more than $300. This gives those on a budget the opportunity to enjoy the warmth they are seeking while not having to sacrifice to afford this addition to their wardrobe.

Use

Due to the comfort issues and restrictive nature of the North Face McMurdo Parka III, you’ll find this jacket doesn’t offer much in the way of use other than keeping you, toasty in frigid conditions. Those who are seeking a parka that will allow them easy movements and the ability to enjoy numerous activities in the winter will discover this jacket doesn’t go far in the way of offering that. If you plan on staying warm, even will sitting by an outdoor fire, camping in bitter conditions, or taking a long winter’s walk this jacket will offer you everything you need.

Features

When it comes to features, the North Face McMurdo Parka III isn’t lacking, but it also isn’t leading the pack. The zippers of this jacket combine with other features to offer extra warmth to those who wear it. The main zipper of the parka begins above the long hem, which allows for a bit of extra movement by not allowing it to be zipped completely to the bottom. This zipper can also be opened from the bottom, allowing for additional movement opportunities to those who feel slightly confined by this jacket.

This jacket also features a removable hood to allow wearers the choice of using the one provided or perhaps another type of hat. The McMurdo Parka III also allows you to detach the fur lining of the hood, giving you the opportunity to steer clear of it if the fur isn’t one of your particular choices in style.

The McMurdo Parka III features eight pockets to allow users enough space to store and gadgets they feel the need while out and about in the cold weather. One of the biggest features of these pockets is the fact that there are two sets of them that are hand warmer pockets. One set is located at the chest and is side entry pockets. These zippered pockets are lined with fleece and are outside the jacket’s initial insulation. These pockets are somewhat difficult to access due to their location higher up on the chest. The other set is located where you’d expect them to be and offer easy access.

Other notable features of the McMurdo Parka III are the Velcroed cuffs that can be easily tightened, the cinching long hem, and the integrated, fleece, facemask. All these features can be utilized to aid in keeping out the cold when you find yourself facing harsh temperatures.

Wind Protection

The McMurdo Parka III offers more than just protection against the snow and cold. This jacket comes completely treated to allow you a 100% windproof experience. When out and about in the snow, bitter winds can often be expected. This parka allows you the opportunity to fight that bitterness by using fabric that is going to protect you no matter the situation.

Value

To say the North Face McMurdo Parka III is a great value would be an understatement. This weather conscious jacket offers those in search of a wardrobe addition to keep them warm, even in the harshest of climates, exactly what they need at a price they can afford. Bringing together multiple features, durability, and warmth in one place, while still offering great pricing, is truly the mark of a true value. Considering this jacket can last for years to come, and your winter wardrobe will thank you for the addition.

Brand

The North Face is one of the most noticeable names when it comes to winter clothing and accessories. They have once again brought their expertise, style, and amazing workmanship together to bring those in need of a bargain the warmest jacket available for the price. By adding in their exceptional lifetime guarantee that completely protects their products against defects in materials and workmanship, they not only offer a great product they also stand behind it, ensuring consumers get exactly what they pay for.

Best Applications

It is easy to see that the best applications for the North Face McMurdo Parka III are arctic temperatures. This jacket isn’t intended to be worn or used in milder winter conditions. With the intense insulation and bulk of this parka, it is made to keep snow and cold at bay. Whether you are living in areas where the cold can be considered an issue or traveling to those areas you’ll find yourself staying comfortable and warm when snuggling up into this one of a kind jacket.

The Bottom Line

The North Face McMurdo Parka III is one of the most complete winter jackets available on the market. When compared to other, costlier, wardrobe additions, this jacket offers superior warmth that consumers may not expect. The intense insulation, features such as hand warming pockets, and style come together to keep you not only warm but looking your best when stepping out for a bit of winter fun. This jacket has the ability to stand its own with others on the market in all the important criteria people find themselves seeking when winter rolls around. By providing a durability needed in frigid weather, the money spent is easily put to good use considering you’ll find yourself able to avoid buying another winter jacket for years to come.

The bottom line when it comes to the North Face McMurdo Parka III is this a great jacket for the value. North Face has gone above and beyond to bring all the best aspects together in one protective outer shell that offers those seeking a budget-friendly addition to their winter wardrobe exactly what they need.