The North Face McMurdo Parka vs Barbour Bedale Waxed Jacket

Buy the McMurdo if you face real winter cold, snow and long wet commutes; it is the warmer, fully waterproof coat. Buy the Bedale if you want one jacket for cool, damp days that looks right over a shirt or a sweater and improves with age. The McMurdo is a bulky synthetic-shell parka with 600-fill down and a hood; the Bedale is a lighter 6 oz waxed cotton field jacket with no hood and no insulation. Owners rate the McMurdo highly for warmth and pockets; Bedale owners praise build and timeless looks but warn about sizing and a stiff, dark finish when new.

• Choose the McMurdo if you need a hooded, waterproof, down-insulated coat for freezing, snowy winters and long walks.
• Choose the Bedale if you want a lighter waxed jacket for cool, rainy days that works casually and smartly and lasts for years.