Columbia Landroamer II Parka vs The North Face McMurdo Parka

The McMurdo Parka is the warmer, better-equipped coat: 600-fill recycled down, a longer hip-length cut, a two-way zipper, a stormflap, and six pockets, and owners rate it higher. The Landroamer II is the lighter, simpler synthetic option that stays warm when wet and runs large, so size down. Buy the McMurdo for real winter cold and daily city wear; buy the Landroamer II if you want a waterproof synthetic parka and don't need maximum warmth.

• Choose the Columbia Landroamer II if you want a waterproof synthetic parka that keeps insulating when damp and you prefer a roomier fit.
• Choose the McMurdo Parka if you face hard winters and want maximum warmth, a longer cut, and more pockets.