What You’re Wearing, Part 3: Down

What You’re Wearing, Part 3: Down

Author: BLISTER September 6, 2019 Duration: 1:12:32

Misconceptions about down are everywhere — fill power, proper care, and animal welfare are all often wildly misunderstood. So today, in part 3 of our “What You’re Wearing” miniseries, we talk to Matthew Betcher of Allied Feather & Down, a company that works with and supplies down for some of the biggest names in the outdoor industry. (There’s a good chance your down jacket is stuffed with Allied down.) 

Matthew and I discuss down’s fascinating entrance into the outdoor industry; the physical characteristics that make down such a high-performance fiber; the myths about “fill power” caused by marketing strategies; why and how you should DEFINITELY wash your down apparel; animal welfare & the Responsible Down Standard; and much more. 

Have a garment containing Allied down? Check out trackmydown.com to learn about where it came from.

TOPICS & TIMES:

  • Klaus Obermeyer ‘inventing’ the down jacket (2:40)
  • What does a “fill-power” rating actually mean? (8:03)
  • Duck Down vs. Goose Down (24:15)
  • How Down is different than feathers (30:21)
  • Tips for washing your down!! (36:55)
  • Animal Welfare (49:40)
  • The Responsible Down Standard (56:27)
  • Down-proof fabrics (59:20)
  • Trackmydown.com (1:06:04)
  • The future of down (1:07:10)

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For anyone who has ever stood in a shop debating the merits of a new jacket or stared at a trail map while thinking about their skis, GEAR:30 is that conversation. This BLISTER podcast goes far beyond basic specs and marketing claims, offering a nuanced, often technical look at the equipment that defines our time outside. The discussion is driven by the people who live with these products: our own reviewers who are putting gear through its paces in real conditions, the designers who obsess over materials and intent, and the athletes whose livelihoods depend on performance. We also check in with the seasoned folks from our network of recommended shops, who see what works and what doesn’t after a season of hard use. Episodes dig into specific items, broader trends in innovation, and the sometimes-surprising realities of long-term testing. It’s a deep, authentic resource for anyone who appreciates the intersection of sports, design, and technology, and who believes the right tool can transform an experience. Tune in for honest, detailed talk that treats outdoor gear with the seriousness and curiosity it deserves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 391

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