Down insulation is one of the most effective natural materials for retaining warmth with minimal weight. But not all down is sourced in the same way, and many people want reassurance that their kit aligns with responsible practices. That’s where the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) matters.
This guide explains what RDS is, why it exists, how it works, and what it means for the gear you use.
Why down needed a standard
Down is a by-product of the food industry, but historically there was little transparency around how birds were treated. Concerns included live-plucking, force-feeding, and unclear supply chains where farms, processors, and manufacturers had no shared accountability.
The outdoor industry pushed for change, leading to the creation of the Responsible Down Standard, a global, voluntary certification that establishes strict animal-welfare requirements and requires full traceability from farm to finished product.
What the responsible down standard actually certifies
1. No live-plucking or force-feeding
RDS prohibits both practices outright. Audits verify this at the farm level.
2. Holistic bird welfare
Inspectors check:
- Access to clean food and water
- Adequate space and safe housing
- Proper handling and transport
- Minimised stress at every stage
3. Full supply-chain traceability
Every stage is audited: farm, hatchery, collector sites, slaughterhouse, processing, and manufacturing. Products receive an RDS scope certificate only if 100% of the down inside is certified.
4. Independent, third-party auditing
Certification is carried out by recognised bodies (e.g., Control Union). Audits are unannounced or semi-announced to prevent “clean-up” behaviour before visits.
5. Chain-of-custody documentation
Each batch of down travels with digital paper trails that track quantity, quality, and origin. This ensures that certified down cannot be mixed with non-certified material.
| RDS requirement | What it means | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| No live-plucking | Birds are never plucked while alive | Prevents pain and distress |
| No force-feeding | Prohibits practices used in foie gras production | Supports ethical feeding standards |
| Full traceability | Down is tracked through every stage | Ensures supply-chain accountability |
| Third-party audits | Independent annual and surprise checks | Confidence in the certification |
| Scope certification | 100% certified down in every product | No mixing with uncertified sources |
Why we use RDS-certified down
At Fjern, we make technical gear for people who spend real time outdoors. That demands materials that perform reliably and are sourced with care.
RDS certification fits our approach for three reasons:
1. Reliability in harsh conditions
Certified down focuses on quality as well as welfare. High fill-power down keeps weight low and warmth high. This is crucial when you’re covering distance, gaining altitude, or setting up camp in poor weather.
2. Transparent supply chains
RDS documentation provides clear traceability. We know exactly where our insulation comes from, which gives us confidence in the materials we use and gives you confidence in the gear you choose.
3. Independent verification
RDS is globally recognised and externally audited. We don’t ask you to take our word for responsible sourcing, the certification stands on its own.
How to tell if a product is RDS certified
Every Fjern down product is RDS certified. For other brands, look for the RDS logo on swing tags, packaging, or product descriptions.
