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Down
Lightweight Warmth. Heavyweight Performance.
Our down jackets and vests are built for real New Zealand conditions - light, warm, and ready for anything. Filled with RDS-certified down and wrapped in durable, down proof fabrics, they trap heat without the bulk, keeping you moving freely from hillside to high street. Warmth and quality you can trust.
What Is Down?
Down is the fine, fluffy under-feather found beneath a duck's outer plumage - renowned for its natural insulating ability.
Each down cluster is like a tiny puffball of fibres that traps warm air in countless little pockets, forming a cosy barrier between you and the cold.
Soft and lofty, it traps warm air in tiny pockets to keep you toasty without the bulk. It's light, breathable, and built for comfort - ideal for cold days when you need warmth that moves with you.
The Responsible Down Standard
The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is an international certification that ensures down and feathers come from ducks treated humanely and not subjected to unnecessary harm. It prohibits live-plucking and force-feeding and applies strict animal welfare criteria across the birds' entire lifecycle - from hatchling to slaughter.
RDS certification covers the full supply chain, with independent third-party audits at every stage and only products with fully certified supply chains may carry the RDS logo. All Swanndri down products are RDS certified.
Water Repellent
All of our down jackets and vests are finished with a durable water-repellent (DWR) treatment, helping the outer fabric shed light moisture so you stay comfortable when the weather turns.
DWR adds an extra layer of reliability without adding bulk. It's a practical layer of protection built into every piece - designed to keep you warm, dry, and moving when conditions shift.
Down Garment Composition
1) Durable High Density Weave
(outer layer)
Swanndri down garments are created with a specially engineered outer fabric that prevents down and feather leakage, helping maintain insulation, warmth, and performance over time.
2) Downproof Lining
(inner layer)
3) 600 Fill Power
(middle layer)
What is fill power is a measure of the insulating efficiency of down. The higher the fill power, the more air the down traps - which translates to better insulation.
600 fill power offers an excellent balance of warmth, lightness, and packability. It's ideal for cold-weather gear where you want reliable warmth without bulk.
Why Baffle Construction Matters
Baffles are essential for maximising the performance of down insulation, keeping the fill evenly distributed and preventing cold spots. Narrow baffles offer greater flexibility and freedom of movement, making them ideal for active use or working outdoors. Wider baffles allow the down to loft more fully, delivering maximum warmth in colder conditions.
Baffles can be constructed in two main ways: stitched or bonded. Stitched baffles are lighter and more flexible, but the needle holes can create small areas where heat escapes.
Bonded baffles, on the other hand, eliminate stitch holes entirely, helping to retain warmth more effectively - though they may add a little bulk and structure to the garment.
Repairability. Built in.
Every Swanndri down jacket and vest is built to last, and that includes making repairs easy when life happens. Our Plume and Storm styles include the SWANN TECH REPAIR system with a built-in repair kit stored in the inner pocket, so you can sort small snags or punctures on the go and keep your jacket performing at its best. It's a simple, practical way to extend the life of your gear and it comes standard across our down range.
