Why is Canadian Goose Down such a prized insulator?
Down is the light, fluffy undercoating that warms geese, ducks and other waterfowl. When they are of equal maturity, goose down is preferable to duck down. Geese are larger and so the down clusters are bigger and softer and provide greater insulation. What's more, most duck down is not mature and smaller because it is a byproduct of food industry ducklings. And since duck down has more natural oils than goose down, it can have a strong odor.
But the most important factor is the maturity of the down. Here's why:
The more mature the down, the greater number of air pockets there are for more efficient insulating. Down from immature birds is not only less warm, but also tends to collapse in a relatively short time due to its fragile fibers.
Compared to most synthetics, down gives you more warmth for the weight. So down products are much lighter, yet warmer. Over time synthetics can mat and clump together, leaving empty cold spots, while down will always plump up again. Down is also more comfortable that synthetics because it breathes and wicks away perspiration.
Of course another advantage of down is that it is eco-friendly. It comes to us as a natural product and after it's used it is biodegradable. Thanks again to Mother Nature.
