What is the difference between down and feathers?

Contrary to popular belief, down is not made from fowl feathers, but rather from duck plumage. It is the soft, fluffy, and lofty stuff under the feathers. Down is found beneath this protective covering – usually on the belly of a bird - and is light and fluffy.  It provides the insulation birds need to keep themselves warm.  Instead of quills, a cluster of down has a round center called a plumule. Soft, fluffy, and airy, it has thousands of tiny fibers that radiate from its core. Considered as nature’s insulator, it is effective in trapping air and body heat, while still being breathable. Hence, it wicks unwanted moisture away from your body.

However, this go-to sleeping bag also faces a string of issues. One of which is regarding animal cruelty. Hyke & Byke, however, is committed to improving animal welfare in the duck down and feather supply chain. The fill used in our bags is 90/10 premium quality duck down that is responsible sourced by being a byproduct of the meat and egg industry. We work hard to ensure that our down does not come from animals that have been subject to any unnecessary harm, such as force-feeding or live-plucking. We are also supporters of fair trade including ethical standards for those that produce our sleeping bags. We work with 3rd party sourcing agents to insure that the manufactures we choose to complete our bags pay their employees industry standard wages and provide positive working environments.