Choosing the right filling for winter clothing, sleeping bags or bedding is crucial for comfort.
Many outdoor or sleeping products use two types of down: duck down and goose down.
Each has its own specific characteristics and different uses.
Deciding which down to choose depends on many factors, including price, thermal properties and durability. Down is one of the most valued insulation materials, but there are many differences between duck down and goose down that are worth knowing before making a final decision. Key findings:

• Goose down is generally considered to be more insulating efficient than duck down.
• Duck down is usually cheaper, but can be less durable and less efficient than goose down.
• Products filled with goose down have better thermal properties, but they are also more expensive.
• Duck down can emit a more intense odor than goose down, which can affect comfort.
• Both types of down are lightweight, resilient and wick away moisture well, but goose down has higher Fill Power values.
• The use of down depends on individual preferences, conditions of use and budget.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction to the properties of down
2. Comparison of duck down and goose down
   • What is duck down?
   • What is goose down?
3. Characteristics of both types of down
   • Thermal insulation
   • Durability and resilience
   • Fill Power – coefficient of elasticity
   • Moisture resistance
   • Fragrance
4. Price and availability of down
5. Environmental impact and ethics of down production
6. What products are filled with down?
   • Winter clothing
   • Sleeping bags
   • Bedding and pillows
7. Frequently asked questions

1. introduction to the properties of down

Down is a natural insulating material that is extracted from the lower layers of the plumage of birds such as ducks and geese.
Unlike feathers, which serve a structural function, down serves as an insulating layer to protect birds from the cold.
It is soft, lightweight and has a unique structure that allows it to retain large amounts of air.
It is this property that makes down so effective in thermal insulation.
Down collects air in its spaces, which limits its movement.
As a result, products filled with down have excellent thermal properties, making them an ideal choice for cold days or nights.
Many people are faced with the choice between duck down and goose down, so it is worth understanding the differences between the two.

2. comparison of duck down and goose down

What is duck down?

Duck down is a popular filling used in many insulation products, such as jackets, sleeping bags and pillows.
It is cheaper to produce than goose down, which translates into lower product prices.
Duck down has slightly less elasticity than goose down, which means it can be less efficient at insulating heat.
Its structure is similar to goose down, but due to the smaller size of the feathers and down, it does not collect as much air.
Duck down is also more readily available, as ducks are raised in larger quantities for the food industry.
Its biggest advantage, therefore, is its price, but those with higher thermal insulation requirements may notice differences in the quality and performance of this material compared to goose down.

What is goose down?

Goose down is considered the best natural insulation material.
Due to the larger size of the feathers and down compared to ducks, goose down has a better ability to retain air.
This makes it more thermally efficient and better insulates against the cold.
Products filled with goose down are often chosen by people who are looking for superior quality and thermal comfort, especially in extreme weather conditions.
Goose down is more expensive than duck down because goose breeding is less common and their down is more highly valued on the market.
In addition, goose down is more durable and resilient, which means that products filled with it can last longer, retaining their insulating properties.

3. characteristics of both types of down

Thermal insulation

One of the most important characteristics of down is its ability to provide thermal insulation.
In this regard, goose down is far superior to duck down.
Larger goose feathers allow for better air collection, which leads to higher insulating performance.
Products filled with goose down can provide thermal comfort even at very low temperatures, while duck down may not be efficient enough in extremely cold conditions.

Durability and resilience

The durability of down depends mainly on its springiness, as well as the quality of its processing.
Goose down is more resilient than duckdown, which means that it can return to its original shape after compression, better maintaining thermal insulation.
Due to their higher springiness, products filled with goose down tend to retain their insulating properties longer, making them more durable. Duck down, although less springy, is also durable enough for standard use.
However, in the long term, it can lose its properties more quickly, which means that products filled with duck down may require more frequent replacement or renewal of the filling.

Fill Power – coefficient of elasticity

One of the most important indicators of down quality is the Fill Power Factor.
This is a measure that determines how many cubic inches one ounce of down occupies after maximum compression.
The higher the Fill Power value, the better the thermal insulation and resilience of the down. Goose down typically has higher Fill Power values than duck down.
The best products filled with goose down can reach Fill Power values of 700-900, which means they are extremely efficient and lightweight.
Duck down tends to have lower values, ranging from 400 to 600, meaning it can be less thermally efficient for the same weight.

Moisture resistance

Moisture is one of the main enemies of down.
When down soaks up water, it loses its insulating properties because the air that accumulates in the spaces between the fibers is displaced by water.
Both types of down – duck and goose – have similar properties in terms of their response to moisture, but modern technologies allow down to be impregnated, which increases its resistance to water.
Impregnated goose down retains better resilience and insulating performance in wet conditions, making it more suitable for harsh weather conditions.
Duck down can also be impregnated, but its lower resilience means it loses a bit more insulation when wet.

Fragrance

One of the problems users of products filled with duck down may encounter is a more intense odor, especially in humid conditions.
Duck down tends to emit a distinctive, unpleasant odor that can be bothersome, especially in products used close to the body, such as jackets and pillows.
Goose down is generally less prone to giving off unpleasant odors, making it preferable in premium products where user comfort is paramount.

4. price and availability of down

The cost of products filled with down varies widely depending on the type of down, its quality and the brand.
Duck down is more widely available and less expensive, making it more commonly used in cheaper products, such as winter jackets available at popular clothing chains.
It is a good choice for those looking for warmer clothes for winter, but without having to invest a lot of money.
Goose down, on the other hand, is much more expensive.
Its higher price is due to its lower availability and better thermal properties and springiness.
Products filled with goose down are aimed at more demanding users who value the highest quality and comfort, especially in extreme weather conditions.
The price can be several times higher than for products filled with duck down, but for this difference the user receives much better performance and durability.

5. environmental impact and ethics of down production

Fluff harvesting is controversial due to the ethical aspects of bird farming and the way the material is obtained.
In the past, brutal methods such as plucking birds alive were often used, causing outrage from the public and animal rights organizations.
Fortunately, in recent years a number of certifications and ethical standards have been introduced to protect animals and promote responsible down production.
Certifications such as the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) ensure that down comes from responsible farms where birds are not harmed.
Many manufacturers of down-filled clothing and bedding are committed to using only down from certified sources, giving consumers confidence that their choices are ethical.

6. what products are filled with down?

Winter clothing

Down is widely used in the production of winter clothing, such as jackets, coats and gloves.
These products are valued for their excellent insulating properties, which make it possible to achieve a high level of thermal comfort even when the garment is lightweight.
Down jackets are popular both for everyday use and among mountaineers, travelers and athletes who need reliable protection from the cold.
Goose down is more commonly used in premium products designed to provide maximum thermal insulation in the harshest conditions.
Duck down is used in cheaper jackets that are warm enough for standard winter conditions, but may not perform well in extreme cold.

Sleeping bags

Sleeping bags filled with down are an excellent choice for people who are planning expeditions to cold regions.
Down allows you to maintain adequate body temperature at night, which is crucial during long expeditions in polar or mountainous conditions.
Goose down is preferred in sleeping bags designed for extreme conditions, while duck down is sufficient for less demanding camping trips.

Bedding and pillows

Down is also used as a filling for bedding, including quilts and pillows.
These products are highly valued for their softness, lightness and breathability.
Down comforters keep the user warm while not overheating, which is important for sleep comfort.
Goose down is a more luxurious choice, offering greater comfort and durability, while duck down is a more economical option.

Frequently asked questions

Is goose down always better than duck down? Goose down generally has better thermal properties and is more durable, but duck down may be sufficient for those looking for cheaper products for moderate winter conditions.
Can down cause allergies? Although down itself is not a strong allergen, it can trap dust mites that can cause allergic reactions.
It’s a good idea to choose anti-allergen products or to air and clean them regularly. How to take care of products filled with down? Down products require regular airing and proper care.
It is best to use special detergents for washing down and dry them in the dryer with balls that prevent down from clumping. Is goose down more environmentally friendly than duck down? In terms of ecology, the differences between goose and duck down are minor.
More important is the ethics of production, which is why you should look for products with Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification.