what is responsible down?
RDS-certified
The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) ensures that down and feathers come from animals that have not been subjected to unnecessary harm. The RDS was developed and revised over three years, with the input of animal welfare groups, industry experts, brands and retailers. The standard recognizes and rewards the best practices in animal welfare. It is an independent, voluntary, global standard, which means that companies can choose to certify their products to the RDS, even if there is no legislation requiring them to do so. We at Mountain Hardwear value transparency so that you can make the most informed buying decisions possible and feel confident in your products.
partners with Allied Feather & Down
Our sourcing partners at Allied Feather & Down ensure the most responsibly-sourced and -processed down insulation available. With quality control being paramount, their down is considered the highest-caliber. A byproduct of the food industry, they work with global suppliers who meet stringent requirements and test for content, species, fill power, cleanliness, and more to ensure the down is free of chemicals and irritants. Allied’s down consistently measures above the standard of hypoallergenic down, making it the cleanest and most allergen-free down available, but the best way to achieve the warmest, lightest, most durable down is to clean it properly. All down undergoes Allied’s proprietary washing process which involves multiple washes in biodegradable, environmentally-friendly detergent and recycled water. From the washer, the down is thoroughly dried, cooled, and de-dusted. It then passes through a metal detector and is shipped in bags and containers that prevent foreign elements like dirt and oil from compromising the quality. This thoroughness and objectivity ensures that all down used in our products not only meets but exceeds industry requirements.
track your down
Allied Feather & Down recognizes the importance of knowing where your down comes from. To learn more about what’s inside your Mountain Hardwear jacket after purchase, use your smartphone to scan the QR code on your hangtag, and you'll be directed to information about its origins.