| Source | Ducks (abundant) |
| Performance | Equal to goose at same fill power |
| Typical fill power | Up to ~700–800 |
| Cost | More affordable than goose |
Duck down is down sourced from ducks, a more abundant and affordable insulation that, at the same fill power, performs essentially the same as goose down. It’s very common in midrange and premium gear alike, typically available up to around 700–800 fill power, offering excellent warmth-for-weight at a lower cost than top-end goose down.
The value option
A type of down insulation that matches goose down at equal fill power — just cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
What is duck down?
Duck down is the fluffy under-plumage from ducks, used as an insulating fill in jackets and sleeping bags. Ducks are more numerous than geese, so duck down is more plentiful and affordable, and it delivers excellent warmth-for-weight, typically available up to around 700–800 fill power.
Is duck down worse than goose down?
No — at the same fill power, duck down insulates the same as goose down. The differences are that goose down is available in higher maximum fill powers and is sometimes considered to have a cleaner scent, but for a given fill power and fill weight, duck down performs equivalently for less money.
Should I buy duck or goose down gear?
For most people, high-quality duck down offers the best value, matching goose down's performance at a given fill power. Choose goose down only if you specifically want the very highest fill powers (850–900) for maximum warmth-for-weight in ultralight or expedition gear.
Sources
- Down quality — The Mountaineers
- Insulation guide — American Hiking Society