Goose and duck down are both excellent insulating fills, and at the same fill power they perform essentially the same. Goose down's reputation comes from being available in the very highest fill powers, while duck down is more abundant and affordable. For most gear, fill power and fill weight matter more than the bird.
| Aspect | Goose Down | Duck Down |
|---|---|---|
| Performance (equal fill power) | Same | Same |
| Max fill power | Highest (850–900+) | Typically up to ~700–800 |
| Availability | Less abundant | More abundant |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Ultralight / expedition top-end | Best everyday value |
Choose goose down if…
- You want the very highest fill powers
- Maximum warmth-for-weight is the goal
- You're buying ultralight/expedition gear
Choose duck down if…
- You want the best value
- You're happy with up to ~700–800 fill
- Everyday warmth matters more than the top end
Verdict
Frequently asked questions
Is goose down better than duck down?
At the same fill power, no — they insulate essentially the same. Goose down's edge is that it's available in the highest fill powers (850–900) and sometimes has a cleaner scent. For a given fill power and fill weight, duck down performs identically for less money.
Why is goose down more expensive?
Geese are larger but less numerous and slower to raise than ducks, so goose down — especially high-fill-power goose down — is rarer and costlier to source. Duck down is a byproduct of a much larger food industry, making it more abundant and affordable.
Which should I buy?
For most people, high-quality duck down at a good fill power offers the best value and matches goose down's performance. Opt for goose down only if you want the absolute highest fill powers for the lightest, most packable warmth in premium ultralight or expedition gear.
Related: Goose Down · Duck Down · Down insulation · Fill power · Hydrophobic down