Included in this section are:
Frequently Asked Questions
Glossary
of Terms
Construction Methods
Fabric
Descriptions
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Down vs. Synthetic
- Is there a best style?
- How can I tell if a
comforter will be warm enough, but not too warm? Do you give
temperature ratings?
- How can the consumer
tell the quality of the yarn?
- Is higher thread count
better?
- Does higher thread
count mean that fabric is more downproof?
- How is fill power
measured?
- Are fill power numbers
a legal description?
- What is the difference
between duck down and goose down?
- Why are there somany
stitching styles for down comforters?
- Do I have to use a
cover with my down comforter?
- What is the best way
to properly wash my comforter or pillow?
- Speaking of cleaning,
how should a down comforter be cleaned?
- What if I am allergic
to down bedding and pillows?
Glossary of Terms:
- Baffles
- Cleanliness
- Down
- Fabric
- Feather Content
- Fill Power
-
S
ew
n-Through Construction
- Thread Count
Construction Methods:
- Baffles
- Cross-block Baffles
- Draft Tubes
- Stitching
- Collars
Fabric Descriptions:
Down
- Goose Down Insulation
- Overfill
- 800+ Fill
Fabrics
- 1.1 oz Ripstop Nylon
- 1.3 oz and 1.6 oz Taffeta
- New Epic by Nextec
- New eVent PTFE laminate
For
information on cleaning and caring for your Feathered Friends
Sleeping Bag,
Comforter or Bedding Item,
Please visit our Care and
Feeding
Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
Down vs. Synthetic
At first glance Synthetic
filled comforters and pillows appear to offer substantial savings
over down. The longevity of down, however, and the quality of
comfort far outweigh the benefits of synthetics. Down breathes far
more effectively than synthetics. It is up to four times as
thermally efficient as synthetics and up to ten times more
durable. Down is also far more earth friendly. Synthetic
insulation is a petroleum product.Although synthetics will not loft
well as long as down, they are not biodegradable and represent a
non-renewable resource. Down is fully renewable, biodegradable, and
a natural by-product of the poultry food industry. No animals are
destroyed solely for their down.
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Is there a best style?
There is a best style for
you, but that will not be the same style for everyone. Lightweight
comforters should be sewn in squares so the down cannot shift.
Comforters that are intended for use over a wide range of
temperatures should be sewn in a style that allows the down to be
shifted, yet keeps it in place over the course of several nights.
Our favorite for versatility is the Scandinavian style. For warmer
comforters, baffling between the layers lets the down expand and
eliminates sewn through seams. Baffled comforters do not have the
puffy look of sewn through construction. If you value the dramatic
look more than efficiency, we can make you a very warm sewn through
comforter.
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How can I tell if a comforter will be
warm
enough, but not too warm? Do you give temperature ratings?
There are no exact
formulas for temperature ratings, and no exact answers about the
right warmth comforter. Individuals are so variable that we have
customers who find our thinnest comforters plenty warm on cold days
with the windows open, and others who use our heaviest comforters in
the summer. You probably have a good idea if you sleep warm or cold,
and can adjust from our recommendations accordingly. Fortunately,
down is comfortable over a much wider range than other bedding.
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How can the consumer tell the quality of
the
yarn?
The best indication is
the origin of the cotton. Long fibered Egyptian Grown in the near
East has long been recognized as far superior in strength and
consistency. This long fibered strain is known as Pima cotton when
it is grown in the American southwest. German mills do the best job
of spinning and weaving into an even, soft, downproof fabric.
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Is higher thread count better?
Not necessarily. Higher
thread
count fabrics have smaller yarns, so they are generally lighter
and softer. On the other hand, smaller threads are weaker. Higher
thread count fabrics can be far less durable than lower thread count
fabrics. Some of the most durable downproof fabric made is a 227
count Egyptian cotton from Germany. The quality of the yarn is just
as important as thread count.
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Does higher thread count mean that
fabric is
more down proof?
Again, not necessarily. A
thread
count of at least 220 is necessary to make a downproof fabric
that is not excessively stiff and heavy. Using smaller yarns leaves
more space in the weave, and raising the thread count does not
always compensate fully. Even spacing is also important; otherwise
down can leak through the less densely packed area. Weaves that have
the same warp count as weft count are more stable than fabrics that
have a much higher count in one direction than the other. Cambric
weaves alternately pass the weft yarns one over the warp and one
under. Cambric is inherently more stable than twill and sateen
weaves which pass two over one or three over one. We have noted that
many of the damask look twills from the orient are quite leaky in
spite of a high thread count. That is not to say that twill and
sateen weaves cannot be downproof. The weaving pattern allows a
higher thread count, and if the yarns are tightly packed, twills and
sateen weaves make some of the finest downproof fabrics.
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How is fill power measured?
The standard method for
testing fill is to put one ounce of down in a standardized testing
cylinder and compress it with a standardized piston that fits
loosely inside the cylinder. The volume occupied by this partially
compressed down is the fill power measurement. To be tested properly
the down must be prepared according to a set procedure, and at a
defined range of temperature and humidity. A number of tests must be
made with down collected from several places in each batch, and the
measurements averaged. The most reliable tests are done by certified
testing labs. A processor or manufacturer's test cannot be
considered accurate without lab confirmation.
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Are fill power numbers a legal
description?
The fill power testing
standard has no legal standing. It is an informal agreement among
processors, manufacturers, and retailers. Because there is no
enforcement, it is wise to look for certification from an
independent testing lab. Beyond that, the reputation of the
Manufacturer is your only assurance that advertised fill powers are
accurate.
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What is the difference between duck down
and
goose down?
With a microscope you can
see tiny barbs on the smallest fibers of duck down, but not on goose
down. These barbs make duck down cling together. From this you might
conclude that duck down is superior, and in fact the most prized
down in the world, Eider down, clings together as if it were one
piece. In the commercial world, however, duck are almost never
mature by the time their down is collected. Most comes from
restaurant ducklings that never are over six weeks old. The down is
more like fuzz than mature down. The way mature duck down clings
together presents a problem for the down processors when they
separate the down from the feathers. For this reason it is usually
mixed with goose down. This is perfectly legal as long as the
percentage is small. Duck down also has more natural oils than goose
down, and unless it gets extra washing, it retains a strong odor. It
is possible to get properly washed and separated duck down exceeding
600 fill power. We have used some in the past. The supply is
limited, and it costs as much as equivalent fill power goose down.
The vast majority of duck down used is less carefully processed and
lower fill power than Mediocre goose down.
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Why are there so many stitching styles
for down
comforters?
The stitching arrangement
should match the amount of down fill. That accounts for having both
sewn through and baffled styles, and for the different size
chambers. Some people like to move the down around to adjust the
warmth, and some people like it to stay put. In additional to these
functional reasons, there are personal preferences in the appearance
of the comforter. Remember that the comforter will probably be
covered before you let aesthetic considerations override
practicality.
Most manufacturers will
not tell you the primary consideration from their point of view,
which is ease of fabrication. Manufacturers tend to like the open
styles that allow them to fill the quilt by blowing the down in all
at one time. These open styles were designed for comforters that are
thick and not much larger than the mattress. Because the down tends
to fall off the edge of the bed, the "framed" styles were invented.
Most of these comforters are somewhat underfilled, and shifting is a
constant problem.
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Do I have to use a cover with my down
comforter?
Your comforter will last
longer if you use a cover, and making the bed will be a snap, but
many people like the look of a down comforter without a cover. You
can take your choice; wear out the shell of the comforter or wear
out a removable cover. You can replace the cover, or we can remake
the comforter by putting the down into a new shell. You might think
twice about using a comforter without a cover if you have children
or pets that jump on the comforter. A limited amount of cleaning
will not hurt a down comforter, but excessive cleaning will.
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What is the best way to properly wash
my
comforter or pillow?
Cleaning can easily ruin
your investment by excessively stripping the down of its natural
oils. Feathered friends offer an expert washing service for your
Feathered Friends products.
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Speaking of cleaning, how should a
down
comforter be cleaned?
We recommend washing with
mild soap and warm water. We discourage dry cleaning. Dry cleaning
leaves down dry and brittle, usually leaves the down a dirty as
before; and worse, leaves a residue of cleaning fluid that takes
weeks to completely evaporate. You can wash a comforter at home with
special down soaps. Otherwise, find someone who will wash rather
than dry clean. You can send your comforter to Feathered Friends for
professional cleaning if you cannot find someone local.
Comforters that have
short intermittent stitching require special cleaning. These
comforters often go by the name of "Karo" style, although the name
"Karostep" is a German trademarked name referring to a precise
baffle size and spacing. Feathered Friends European style is one of
these types. Most inexpensive Karo style comforters have no baffles.
Down is heavy when wet, and in the Karo style can concentrate in one
area.
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What if I am allergic to down bedding
and
pillows?
Most people who believe
that they are allergic to feathers and down are actually
experiencing a reaction to dust, dirt, and other contaminants found
in down and feathers. Feathered friends down is among the cleanest
available. Each batch of down is tested for cleanliness by an
independent laboratory. Only the cleanest down is acceptable for use
in our products. If for any reason, however, you feel that our
product is not satisfactory, our warranty ensures that you can
return it for a full refund.
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Glossary
Baffles
Most people who believe
that they are allergic to feathers and down are actually
experiencing a reaction to dust, dirt, and other contaminants found
in down and feathers. Feathered friends down is among the cleanest
available. Each batch of down is tested for cleanliness by an
independent laboratory. Only the cleanest down is acceptable for use
in our products. If for any reason, however, you feel that our
product is not satisfactory, our warranty ensures that you can
return it for a full refund.
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Cleanliness
Cleanliness is an
important characteristic of high quality down. Clean down and
feathers have better loft, durability, and fewer irritants. Each
batch of Feathered Friends down is measured by an independent lab
for cleanliness or Turbidity. Turbidity is the measure of dust,
dirt, and solids found in a sample of down. Although the FTC does
not set regulations, the industry standard is about 200 on a scale
of 0 to 550. Our average Turbidity is 495. 0 being the worst and 550
being the best. This means that our down is 2 and a half times
cleaner than the average down comforter on the U.S. market.
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Down
Only nature could provide
this miracle of insulation. Each down cluster consists of thousands
of tiny filaments that expand and interlock to trap your body's
warmth. Down also "breathes", allowing moisture to pass freely away.
All down is not the same. The three major points to consider are the
feather content, fill power, and cleanliness.
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Fabric
100% cotton fabric is the
best choice for a down ticking or pillow. It must be a tightly
woven, high thread count, fabric, Feathered Friends uses a
domestically woven Pima cotton with a 260 thread count as
well as
long-staple Egyptian and Sudanese cottons spun and woven in Germany
with a 280 thread count. Higher count fabrics are
available, but with ultra high- count fabrics, durability is
sacrificed for the lighter weight. Most importantly, the long-fiber
cottons we use are evenly woven and exceptionally strong for their
weight.
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Feather Content
Geese have more feathers
than down, yet feathers don't fluff and expand as down plumes will.
Thus down is scarcer and more expensive than feathers, Feathers will
add weight to a quilt or pillow and their sharp quills can pole
through the outer fabric. Most people do not realize that "all down"
on the label can contain as much as 30% feathers! Even the most
economical Feathered Friends comforters contain less than half the
amount of feathers allowed by FTC regulations. Of course, for pure
down luxury, consider our 700+ fill, 750+ fill, or even our 800+ fill!
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Fill Power
This is most important
characteristic of down because it determines the quality amount of
loft of the down, and thus the insulating capability of the trapped
air. Fill power is the number of cubic inches one ounce of down will
fill under standardized laboratory conditions. Higher fill power
means more warmth for the weight. Thus, if two comforters weigh the
same but contain down with different fill powers, the comforter with
the higher fill power will be fluffier and warmer. The higher fill
power down is also more durable due to the greater maturity of the
down plume. Fill power is a measurement of the ability of down to
loft. Since higher lofting down traps more air, higher fill power
down is warmer for the same weight. Higher lofting down is also more
mature and carefully processed. This means much greater longevity.
Even though higher fill power down costs more, in the long run it is
a good buy.
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Sewn-Through Construction
The upper and lower
layers of a comforter are sewn together.
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Thread Count
The sum of the threads
running vertically (warp) and horizontally (weft) within one square
inch is the thread count. Sometimes when the two smaller threads
twisted together are used instead of one single thread, each are
counted in the total. This gives a number that is double the
effective thread count. The highest normal thread count is about
360, and with the yarns doubled could be called 720 count.
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Construction
Baffles
The baffling fabric used in all our bags is a one-way stretch tricot. This lightweight mesh fabric is extremely strong. Its texture grabs the down and helps control shifting. All baffle seams are tuck-stitched to protect the thread from abrasion and wicking moisture. Vertical, or nearly, vertical wall baffling controls down with a minimum of weight. This configuration is used on all of our sleeping bags. A slight slant is built into some of the baffles to make it easier to secure at the edges. Many companies do not bother to do this. When filled with down the chambers have essentially vertical walls.
Slanted baffle configurations, including trapezoidal baffles provide more surface area for down, however, we have concluded that they are not worth the extra weight. Merely placing baffles closer together is more efficient.
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Cross-block Baffles
A lengthwise cross-block
baffle runs opposite the zipper and is used to keep 60% of the down
permanently distributed on the top of the bag. It is used only in
the Expedition bags,
under the assumption that
while sleeping you will not be rolling over in these bags. Our other
bags are left with fully open channels, keeping your backside warm
when you roll over and allowing you to shift down to the top or
bottom according to your sleeping habits. This is contrary to an
increasingly popular industry practice of adding more cross-block
baffles. We find this usually hides underfilled chambers, and while
it would appear to offer more down control, it merely reduces
versatility.
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Draft Tubes
Our draft tubes and
SnaGuard stiffener are sewn flat against the zipper for an efficient
seal. The
Penguin,
Snow Goose and
Snowy Owl have double draft tubes. The
convex/concave draft tubes of the
Widgeon Series and Expedition
Series bags are the functional
equivalent of double draft tubes, but at less weight.
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Stitching
In a top quality garment
or sleeping bag you should expect nearly perfect stitching and
finishing. Thread should match fabric strength and stitches should
be sewn closely and tightly. The end of every seam should be
backtacked to hold the thread securely. We do all this even on the
seams that you do not see. Baffles and shell fabric are tuck
stitched and sewn on the inside. With fabrics, all raw edges should
be eliminated. Nylon will unravel if the edges are not stabilized.
Suprisingly, most manufacturers consider this to be too time
consuming. Every piece of fabric we use is either hot cut or
overlock-stitched on every edge--details you would not notice until
your seams came apart. We take extaordinary care in the sewing of
all our products. You will not find higher quality anywhere.
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Collar
Our lighter bags and full
zip bags do not have a down filled collar as a standard feature.
Adding a collar can push the temperature rating 5°F lower, sealing
the neck area efficiently even if you do not pull the hood closed.
Because a fluffy collar can be too warm in milder weather, we
recommend the removable collar for lighter bags.
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Down
Goose Down Insulation
Our goal is to make products of the highest quality possible. Higher fill power down saves you weight and has a longer life than lower quality, low fill power downs. Carefully sorted, processed and washed, it has minimum breakage and retains the naturally occuring oils which protect it from moisture. The harsh washing and mechanized sorting methods often used for down of lesser quality can damage the down and strip it of natural oils. Furthermore, most down is a by-product of geese raised for food; it comes from young, undeveloped birds. Only breeder birds kept alive from year to year provide mature, fully developed down. Down becomes stronger and loftier as geese mature, increasing its volume to weight ratio as the down clusters increase in size. This mature down constitutes only a tiny percentage of the down available, demanding a higher price and coming in limited quantities. Wholesalers sometimes use this "mixing stock" to raise the fill power of lower quality machine-sorted downs. All our bags and come standard with 850+ fill goose down which meet our stringent quality standards, tested by our supplier and by an independent certified lab for fill power, composition and purity.
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Overfill
Some people sleep cold, roll over a lot in their sleep, or just want to extend the temperature range of their sleeping bag. For these people, we offer the option of overfill. In general, two ounces of overfill lowers the rating of a bag by approximately 5°F or 2-3°C. We charge $8.00 per ounce for 800+ overfill.
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800+ Fill Standard in our garments and sleeping bags.
The special care taken in raising the geese, hand selecting the down, and expert processing results in exceptionally large, strong down clusters. These mature down clusters fill higher volumes and maintain loft better because of their superior strength and greater size. All our 850+ fill down is tested by the International Down and Feather Testing Laboratory, an independent lab in Salt Lake City, Utah according to strict standards. In order to be declared "850+ fill" each sample must be tested several times and posses a mean value that exceeds 800 fill power. We have always insisted on offering the best down we could find in the world. We are extremely pleased that we can now provide better down than any we have seen in years. This down has tested as high as 900 cubic inches per ounce!
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Fabrics
1.1 oz Ripstop Nylon
ripstop nylon made of high tenacity yarns
for greater tear strength, it is the lightest down-proof fabric
available today. Standard on the
Hummingbird, it is highly recommended on
the
Swallow,
Lark,
Snow Bunting and
Sandpiper for ultra light weight and
incredible loft. This fabric is not as abrasion resistant or durable
as 1.6oz taffeta.
1.3 oz and 1.6 oz Taffeta
The high thread count
taffetas we use are downproof by construction. That makes them much
softer than lower thread count nylons that must be highly
calendered. We use the 1.3 oz 30 denier fabric for the inside shell
of sleeping bags, and the 1.6 oz, 40 denier nylon for jacket shells.
The shell fabrics have
a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment that causes moisture
to bead up and roll off. Special high tenacity yarns are used
for the fabric, giving it superior tear strength .
Flite Nylon
Our Flite Nylon is our response to Quantum leaving the market. Light and water-resistant, choose this fabric when weight savings are your biggest consideration. Please note Flite is a specialized fabric that is not as durable as Epic or Event.
Epic by Nextec
Go to
Epic by Nextec
EPIC by Nextec takes a revolutionary approach to fabric protection. Instead of coating the finished fabric, the process encapsulates each individual fiber with a silicon treatment before. This results in fabric that is highly water repellent, highly breathable, and much stronger as well. We have chosen a 1.3 oz. Microfiber polyester to use as the base fabric. With the EPIC by Nextec encapsulation the total fabric weight is 1.9 oz./yd..
The fabric is amazingly
soft, and allows better lofting than other fabrics of the same
weight.
Because the fibers are completely encapsulated, the fabric absorbs only a tiny fraction of the water that an equivalent nylon shell would. The end result is a jacket or bag that dries very quickly.
eVent PTFE laminate
Go
to eVent Fabric
This two layer PTFE gives superior waterproof performance while achieving higher breathability than any other waterproof/breathable coated or laminated fabric.
All other waterproof/breathable fabrics are based on, or contain, polyurethane. Expanded polyurethane is inherently less breathable than expanded PTFE. The polyurethane also attracts water (hydrophilic), and so the film absorbs water vapor before it can pass through the membrane. The water must be re-evaporated before it can escape, and once the heat source that drives the evaporation is removed, your body heat in other words, the film retains moisture. The shell of a jacket or sleeping bag can hold one or two ounces of water and still appear to be dry.
eVent film stays
dry. Moisture escapes directly and immediately.
The pure PTFE of eVent
also resists the microscopic cracking that causes hybrid films to
lose waterproofness. Check out the eVent website for more
information.
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