What Is Hydrophobic Down—and Is It Worth It?

Hydrophobic down is traditional down insulation that’s treated with a water-repellent coating to reduce moisture absorption and help it maintain loft and warmth in damp conditions. While regular down is still an excellent insulator, it loses effectiveness when wet—something hydrophobic down is designed to handle better.

Watch the video below to see how hydrophobic down performs compared to untreated down, including moisture-resistance tests, drying time differences, and who benefits most from this type of insulation.

In the video, we also cover some of the common concerns surrounding hydrophobic down, including durability over time and environmental impact. We break down the difference between traditional PFC-based treatments and newer PFC-free hydrophobic down options that offer moisture resistance without harmful chemicals.

If you’re deciding whether hydrophobic down makes sense for your backpacking or camping setup, this video will help you make an informed choice.