View Full Version : Duck Down vs Goose Down
Cedar1974
03-26-2016, 09:50
I was looking at down jackets on one of those direct from china wholesale sites, and it seems they are all filled with Duck down, and most are white duck down. I was wondering if there was any difference warmth wise between Duck and Goose down. Mind you, these jackets are rather less expensive than most so I am not sure on the construction. But considering that a good number of them are under $100 US, it might be a good source for filling for a DIY project, like a Top quilt or in my case an Under quilt.
http://sectionhiker.com/fill-power-ratings-the-low-down-on-goose-down/
http://downmark.com/consumer_information/down_feather_quality.htm
Duck down is OK, but goose down is better. It takes less of the latter to do the trick. You're paying for the air between the feathers, oddly enough. The best feathers trap more air with less feather-mass.
DuneElliot
03-26-2016, 12:13
http://downmark.com/consumer_information/down_feather_quality.htm
This is some good information. I remember coming across this article when I was researching a new sleeping bag.
I was looking at down jackets on one of those direct from china wholesale sites, and it seems they are all filled with Duck down, and most are white duck down. I was wondering if there was any difference warmth wise between Duck and Goose down. Mind you, these jackets are rather less expensive than most so I am not sure on the construction. But considering that a good number of them are under $100 US, it might be a good source for filling for a DIY project, like a Top quilt or in my case an Under quilt.
Duck down CAN be excellent quality IF it comes from certain ducks like the European Eider that are mature. The clusters of down from mature Eiders is some of the best down one can get. What they use in the cheap duck down jackets and vests from China and possibly elsewhere is IMMATURE ducks where the duck down is a by product of the food industry. I've seen both immature white duck down and the highest quality Eider mature duck down and the quality is noticeable.
OK, your luck day. I have a used GoLite Ultra 20* Long 800 fp goose down quilt. Weighs about 20 ozs. Has almost 11 ounces of down Certainly usable as is but the down can be cannaibalized. $70. Make me an offer