When it comes to battling winter’s harshest conditions, two warm jackets from The North Face are: the Men’s McMurdo Parka and the Men’s Gotham III Parka.
Each jacket boasts unique features tailored to different needs, making them top contenders for anyone seeking warmth and style.
The McMurdo Parka, known for its impressive 600-fill recycled down insulation, is designed for extreme cold, offering unparalleled protection with its windproof and waterproof capabilities.
In contrast, the Gotham III Parka strikes a balance between functionality and urban style, featuring 550-fill goose-down insulation and a sleek design ideal for city life.
We make a detailed comparison of these two parkas, highlighting their strengths and helping you decide which one is the perfect fit for your winter adventures.
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1. The North Face Men’s McMurdo Parka
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The North Face Men’s McMurdo Parka is the longest men’s coat in the collection, designed to provide maximum warmth and protection. It is windproof, waterproof, breathable, and insulated with 600-fill recycled down, making it ideal for extreme weather conditions.
Main Features:
- Windproof, waterproof, and breathable
- 600-fill recycled waterfowl down insulation
- Adjustable hook-and-loop cuff tabs
- Attached, adjustable, three-piece hood with internal drawcord and removable faux-fur ruff
- Dual-entry patch hand pockets with hook-and-loop flap-closure top entry and secure-zip side entry
- Secure-zip, internal chest pocket
- Stormflap with hook-and-loop closure covering the two-way VISLON center front zip
- Two concealed, secure-zip alpine chest pockets
- Relaxed fit
- Logo on the left chest and back-right shoulder
Materials:
- Body Fabric: 70D x 160D 128 g/m² DryVent 2L – 100% recycled nylon woven with non-PFC durable water-repellent (Non-PFC DWR) finish
- Faux Fur: 930 g/m² 62% polyester, 38% acrylic
- Insulation: 600 fill 100% recycled waterfowl down
- Lining: 50D x 50D 78 g/m² 100% recycled polyester plain weave with Non-PFC DWR finish
Additional Information:
- Available in sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL
- Center back length: 31.75 inches
2. The North Face Men’s Gotham III Parka
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The North Face Men’s Gotham III Parka is a robust winter jacket designed for extreme cold weather conditions. It features a nylon outer shell and a polyester taffeta lining for comfort. The jacket is heavily insulated with 550-fill power goose-down to provide substantial warmth.
The hooded collar has an adjustable, faux fur-trimmed hood that protects your face from cold winds. The outer membrane is made of DryVent 2L, which is waterproof and windproof, ensuring the down insulation remains effective.
Main Features and Materials
- 550-fill power goose-down insulation for superior warmth
- DryVent 2L outer membrane: Waterproof and windproof
- Adjustable hood with removable faux fur trim
- Stormflap with snap closure covering the main zipper
- Four outer pockets and one on the left sleeve
- Inner pockets, including a media-compatible pocket
- Elasticized bottom hem and rib knit cuffs
- Shell: Nylon
- Lining: Polyester taffeta
- Faux fur: Acrylic/polyester/modacrylic
- Rib: Nylon/elastane
3. Comparison
Here are the main differences between these two products:
- Insulation:
- McMurdo: 600-fill recycled waterfowl down.
- Gotham III: 550-fill goose-down insulation.
- Fabric:
- McMurdo: Body fabric made with recycled nylon; lining made with recycled polyester.
- Gotham III: Shell made of nylon; lining made of polyester taffeta.
- Hood:
- McMurdo: Attached, adjustable, three-piece hood with an internal drawcord and removable faux-fur ruff.
- Gotham III: Hooded collar with snap-off removable faux fur trim.
- Pockets:
- McMurdo: Dual-entry patch hand pockets with a hook-and-loop flap-closure top entry and secure-zip side entry; two concealed, secure-zip alpine chest pockets; secure-zip internal chest pocket.
- Gotham III: Four outer pockets on the body, one on the left sleeve; internal secure-zip media compatible pocket.
- Stormflap:
- McMurdo: Stormflap with a hook-and-loop closure covers the two-way, VISLON center front zip.
- Gotham III: Stormflap with snap closure covers the VISLON center zip.
- Cuffs and Hem:
- McMurdo: Adjustable hook-and-loop cuff tabs.
- Gotham III: Inset rib knit cuffs; rib knit hem.
- Fit and Length:
- McMurdo: Relaxed fit; center back length of 31.75 inches.
- Gotham III: Minimalist design with elasticized bottom hem.
- Additional Features:
- McMurdo: Waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed DryVent 2L shell with a non-PFC DWR finish.
- Gotham III: Waterproof and windproof seam-sealed DryVent shell.
These differences highlight the unique features and design elements of each parka, catering to different preferences and needs.
4. Which is Better?
When deciding between the McMurdo Parka and Gotham III Parka, it’s essential to consider specific conditions and needs.
The McMurdo Parka is ideal for extremely cold and harsh weather conditions. It is warmer with a 600-fill recycled down insulation, making it suitable for those who need maximum warmth.
Its windproof and waterproof features, combined with a breathable DryVent 2L shell, ensure that you stay dry and comfortable in severe weather. The McMurdo Parka also has an adjustable hood with a removable faux-fur ruff, providing additional protection against wind and snow.
Its longer length offers more coverage, making it perfect for extended outdoor activities in winter.
On the other side, the Gotham III Parka is better suited for urban environments and moderate winter conditions. It features 550-fill power goose-down insulation, which is still quite warm but slightly less than the McMurdo. The Gotham III is waterproof and windproof with a DryVent 2L shell, ensuring you stay dry during wet weather.
Its minimalist design with multiple pockets, including a media-compatible internal pocket, makes it a practical choice for everyday use in the city. The adjustable hood and ribbed trim provide ample protection and a snug fit, while the elasticized bottom hem adds to its stylish and functional design.
Which is better: choose the McMurdo Parka for extreme cold and outdoor activities, as it offers superior warmth and coverage. Pick the Gotham III Parka for urban settings and moderate winter conditions, where style and practicality are equally important.