A Matter of Fabrics: Downlite®
Downlite® has been an industry leader in traceable, responsible and welfare-first feather and down supply since the early 1980s.
Down jackets are made with the plumage found underneath the outer feathers of ducks and geese. It’s a natural insulator and a by-product of the poultry industry, which means that no birds are raised for the down alone. This is a big part of why we source and process through Downlite®, who trace the fabric through its full journey from start to finish.
All the down used in our range is responsibly sourced by Downlite, but our performance down jackets - our Ashland and Northstar styles - go one step further and have RDS (Responsible Down Standard) certification, certified by Control Union. This means the down and feathers have been independently certified against animal welfare requirements, and tracked from farm to final product.
Why We Use It
Down jackets have a great weight-to-warmth ratio. As a base material, down retains heat remarkably well as it pockets warm air and distributes it around the body incredibly efficiently.
This means the jacket can stay super lightweight, as less stuffing is required to achieve the same warmth given by synthetic insulation. For the same reason, they’re a real space-saver in your pack, long-lasting and surprisingly breathable.
Shop Downlite® Down Jackets
Cloudmont Waterproof Down Parka
Cloudmont Waterproof Down Parka
Responsible Down Standard
RDS is a globally recognised and independent certification that independently certifies animal welfare practices at duck and goose farms in the down and feather supply chain.
You'll find RDS-certified down in our performance range of down jackets, so you can have peace of mind that staying warm out on the trail doesn't come with an ethical compromise.
What about other jackets in our range that use down, we hear you say? We'll always ensure any down we use is responsibly sourced, which is why we partner with industry-leader Downlite, who have full visibility and traceability over their down supply.