Whether as a customer searching for bedding online or as a buyer for a retail store, you may have asked the question “What is Hutterite Down?”. Every Down product is manufactured using different types of duck and goose Down. One Down comforter may be filled with European Down while another brand may only use Canadian Down clusters.
In this article, we are going to look at one of the most popular Canadian Down duvet fillings – Hutterite Goose Down. We will look at its origins and how this Down type compares to that of others across the world.
Canadian Hutterite Down is known for its exceptional quality and loft, making it one of the warmest and softest Down available. The cold climate also means the birds produce more Down to protect them from the elements. Because the geese are raised in small quantities in the colonies it is also rare.
How Does Hutterite Goose Down Compare to Other Alternatives?
The most common alternatives to Canadian Down duvets or comforters are those using either European Down or Chinese Down. While the true test when comparing Down products from different locations really depends on the loft, let’s have a look at each of the alternatives below.
A bedding product that is manufactured using European Down will generally come from countries such as Hungary, Poland, France or Germany. European goose Down, in particular, is often a blend of Down clusters from a number of different Down producing countries across the continent; mostly from Poland and Hungary.
In the past, European Down duvets and comforters were considered to be a higher quality than Canadian versions. However, that opinion is changing. While it will still provide high levels of comfort and warmth, Hutterite Down wins out.
Why is this? As Hutterite livestock are raised in colder conditions, their clusters are larger and fluffier. This means that a lower fill power level is required. Whereas European duvet alternatives require a higher fill power and weight to compensate.
Chinese Down is often considered as being the poorest in quality, especially when compared to that of Hungarian or Hutterite Down. Some Down bedding products that are coming in from Asian markets have been causing controversy with a number of products proving to be counterfeit. According to Downmark fraud alerts, a number of Chinese Down products were misrepresented and tested as fake.
If you are looking to invest in quality Down bedding products, it is highly recommended to only ever purchase from reputable manufacturers.
What is Hutterite Goose Down?
First, let’s look at the origins of Hutterite Down. The Hutterites are a community of people who live in colonies across Northwestern America, many of which are located in the prairies in Alberta. Similar to the Amish or the Mennonite communities, the Hutterites raise livestock such as cattle, turkey, geese and ducks as their main source of food.
A byproduct of their farming methods is that of Down material. The Down feathers and clusters that are harvested from Hutterite-raised geese and ducks are renowned for being luxuriously soft, having great fill stability and being of high quality.
The Hutterite communities raise their geese and ducks for food. Their livestock is therefore allowed to roam freely, grow to full maturity, and not get overfed. Hutterite Goose Down clusters come from mature birds which ensures that the clusters are large, dense and strong.
Down vs. feather. The differences are explained here…
FAQ
What is the best type of down?
What is the highest quality goose down?
What is Hutterite White goose down?
Which country produces the best goose down?
What is Canadian Hutterite down?
Canadian Hutterite Down is known for its exceptional quality and loft, making it one of the warmest and softest Down available. The cold climate also means the birds produce more Down to protect them from the elements. Because the geese are raised in small quantities in the colonies it is also rare.
What is the difference between Hutterite goose down and white down?
The only difference is the species of the fill! The Hutterite Goose Down Duvet is filled with goose down and the Hutterite White Down Duvet is filled with duck down. Both of these duvets are made in Canada with 700 loft Hutterite down and 400 thread count cotton, and they are covered by the same warranty period.
Why are Hutterite feathers so popular?
The Down feathers and clusters that are harvested from Hutterite-raised geese and ducks are renowned for being luxuriously soft, having great fill stability and being of high quality. The Hutterite communities raise their geese and ducks for food. Their livestock is therefore allowed to roam freely, grow to full maturity, and not get overfed.
Why is Hutterite down a good insulator?
The Down is highly desirable for its insulating properties, its durability and its softness. Hutterite Down comes from a very specific part of the world. It is produced by Hutterites, a communal religious group who live on the prairies in Western Canada, mainly in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.