Duck Down Vs. Goose Down: Everything You Need To Know

Confused by the different types of down insulation? You don’t have to be! Our detailed guide on goose and duck down will tell you everything you need to know about the natural insulation, as well as all the differences between them.

I will also tell you about down insulation in general and what exactly you should look for when you’re getting yourself a down jacket. I’ll go over fill power, down to feather ration, weight of insulation and wet weather performance.

Throughout this comparison I will point out the pros and cons of both goose and duck down, starting with their insulating properties all the way to the effect it might have on your wallet. Read on to learn more about goose and duck down and see what’s better for you!

About Down Insulation

Before I go into details about the different kinds of down, I would like to offer some general information about it first. You can get a more detailed guide on down insulation and its properties in a post I did earlier, if you are interested in learning more.

Down is more than just features. It is actually an undercoat sourced form the underbelly of waterfowl, and it’s commonly known as plumage. It consists of soft and light fluffy feathers that usually hide behind the tougher ones. These are the exact same feathers that are able to keep the birds warm – ever wonder how they seem to swim on freezing waters without even flinching? It’s exactly because of the plumage in your favorite jacket!