VAUDE uses down in sleeping bags and clothing - lightweight, highly functional outdoor products with perfect thermal insulation. We only use white or gray duck down and white goose down.
Down is a marvel of nature. It forms a natural insulation layer for waterfowl such as geese or ducks. The colder the climate, the "fluffier" and warmer the down of the birds that live there. Technically this is called loft and it's measured in "cubic inches" (Cuin).
To ensure that birds can fly despite their thick thermal insulation, down is also light as a feather. No other material achieves such comparably high thermal insulation at such a low weight.
Down is a natural product, a "renewable resource" that is biodegradable. At the same time, it is also a waste product of the food industry. This makes it ecologically very efficient in addition to having outstanding technical qualities.
However, like any "industry" the procurement of down also has its dark side. The welfare and feeding of geese and ducks hasn't always met the values that correspond to our understanding of animal welfare.
VAUDE has a clear commitment: We use only down from slaughtered animals that were neither live-plucked nor bred for "Foie Gras".
VAUDE is certified by the Responsible Down Standard. Starting with the Summer Collection 2016, VAUDE uses exclusively down that has been certified in accordance with the RDS.
Our supplier of down clothing is also a bluesign® system partner and the down used is "bluesign® approved".
All Products with RDS certified down will be given the RDS label.
