Fill power (or loftiness) refers to the volume in cubic inches that 1 ounce of down will displace. The higher the fill power, the less down is needed to achieve a given thermal profile. All other things being equal (fabric, construction method, and fill amount), a jacket made with high fill power down (1000) is lighter and more compressible than an equally warm one made with lower quality down (650).

In sewn-through construction, stitch lines go from the exterior of the garment directly to the lining material to join the two layers, creating small pockets for down insulation. This simple method provides an economical way to keep down in place, while leaving the garment as light as possible.

At Montbell, we source down from both the European and Chinese markets to satisfy a variety of characteristics (supply/availability, low cost, consistent quality, humane practices, etc.) and maintain our lofty standards. Every season we seek to balance the superior quality for which we are known and the lowest possible raw materials cost. We change down sourcing companies frequently to insure that our customers have access to superior products at the lowest price possible. In the course of these efforts, Montbell never purchases down from operations that practice “live-plucking” methods. We only utilize down plumes and feathers collected as a by-product of water fowl raised to meet the demands of the food industry.

We will continue to look for sources of down that maximize value to our customers and allow Montbell products to perform at the highest level.