A bright yellow Montane down jacket with a hood, illuminated dramatically against a dark background.

Hydrophobic down explained

Down jackets are prized for being warm, lightweight, and compressible.

But they have one big weakness: moisture. When down feathers get wet, they clump together and lose their insulating power. To solve this, some brands use hydrophobic down.

So, what is hydrophobic down – and is it worth choosing for your kit?

Hydrophobic down explained

Promo image for

Pros vs cons

Benefits of hydrophobic down

Limitations of hydrophobic down

tab image

How different insulation types compare

Standard down
unbeatable warmth-to-weight in dry, cold conditions, but poor in the wet.

Hydrophobic down
adds water resistance and versatility, good for mixed conditions.

Synthetic insulation
performs better when fully wet, but is heavier and less compressible.

Alternatives to traditional hydrophobic down

Montane's ExpeDRY

ExpeDRY is a permanent and chemical-free bonding of gold particles to the down cluster. This aids in the evaporation of water molecules, causing the down to dry faster and stay dry in high humidity and extreme conditions. ExpeDRY-treated down has been shown to outperform traditional hydrophobic-treated down in real-world simulations over extended use.


"ExpeDRY down provides clear performance benefits to keep the insulation chamber drier and at maximum lofting performance. It also has practical benefits, exceptional warmth and shorter drying times if you ever get caught in a storm.” - Liam Steinbeck, Materials Manager at Montane

Alternatives to traditional hydrophobic down

About the Kamen Hoodie

The Kamen Hoodie combines tough, lightweight PERTEX® fabric with ExpeDRY 800FP goose down for fast-drying, high-loft insulation. Its baffled design traps heat efficiently, while the harness-friendly fit and adjustable hood keep you moving freely. From belays to summit pushes, it delivers reliable warmth without bulk.

ExpeDRY

Montane Kamen Hoodie

A climber in a white Montane jacket and helmet secures a backpack, wearing gloves, with a headlamp on, against a snowy mountain backdrop at dusk.

FAQs

Is hydrophobic down the same as waterproof down?
No. It resists moisture but will still wet out in heavy rain. You’ll still need a shell jacket.

Does hydrophobic down last as long as regular down?
Yes, but the water-repellent treatment may wear off after many washes.

Is it worth paying extra?
If you’re often out in damp, unpredictable conditions, yes. For dry, cold alpine environments, untreated down works just as well.

What makes the most difference: down treatment of jacket construction?
To stay fully dry, construction will have the biggest impact. A water repellent shell will be better at keeping you dry than a DWR-coated down. Hydrophobic down also has a 'breaking point' where it gets too wet and saturated.

Final thoughts

Hydrophobic down gives you a useful edge in wet weather by helping your insulation stay light, lofty, and functional for longer. It isn’t a substitute for waterproof layers, but it’s a smart choice for hikers, climbers, and anyone who spends time in variable conditions.

Hydrophobic down products