Montane's ExpeDRY™ Down Technology Explained
Jan 29, 2026
What is ExpeDRY™ Technology?
ExpeDRY™ is a new chemical free alternative to WR treated hydrophobic down that performs better in real world situations, assists in consumer care and uses 70% fewer resources to produce.
How Does ExpeDRY™ Work?
ExpeDRY™ works through a permanent and chemical-free bonding of non-toxic gold particles to the down cluster, which actively attacks the humidity inside the insulation and keeps the entire chamber dry in extreme conditions.
The ExpeDRY gold particles create an electro-static shield that provides a small hydrophobic barrier and weakens the hydrogen bond that allows water to form.
By attacking the hydrogen bond of the water molecule, ExpeDRY helps keeps moisture from coalescing into droplets (as is the case with performance in use) and helps break that bond to help any water that may be present to dry faster (as is the case in home laundry).
This helps to create a drier insulating chamber in almost every real world applications. It also helps with moisture from within, such as sweat in high energy activities, which could ultimately lead to a more regulated warmth.
ExpeDRY™ Performance Tested Results
To understand the efficacy of the drying power of ExpeDRY, we subjected the same sample size of ExpeDRY, traditional hydrophobic chemically treated down and untreated to complete collapse. We then air dried the material in a relatively low humidity room at around 72 degrees °F. the Material was housed in loose mesh bags in order to remove textile influence. A sample was considered dry when it fell below +5% of the original weight.
In real world situations, insulation is almost never in direct contact with water. In order to determine efficacy in extreme environments where one might consider the use of hydrophobic treated down, we have simulated a real world scenario that subjects insulation to a period of humidity. This mimics that caused by extreme external weather. This is followed by a period of air drying. The down has been placed in a container that allows 90% humidity to enter through the middle. The containers have a pierced exterior to allow a certain amount of humidity to escape in a manner representative by a traditional down proof fabric. The canisters are marked with fill power volumes. Upon completion of the humidity cycle, the return to loft is visually measured over time.
Montane Down Range with ExpeDRY™
Explore our selection of Montane down insulated winter jackets, designed to keep you warm in cold weather conditions. Tailored for outdoor activities, our range of Montane down jackets combines lightweight versatility, durability, and warmth. These jackets are perfect for high-altitude adventures or chilly evenings at camp, featuring an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio. Below, we outline the differences within each down range and describe their ideal uses.
ExpeDRY™ works through a permanent and chemical-free bonding of non-toxic gold particles to the down cluster, which actively attacks the humidity inside the insulation and keeps the entire chamber dry in extreme conditions. The ExpeDRY gold particles create an electro-static shield that provides a small hydrophobic barrier and weakens the hydrogen bond that allows water to form. By attacking the hydrogen bond of the water molecule, ExpeDRY helps keeps moisture from coalescing into droplets (as is the case with performance in use) and helps break that bond to help any water that may be present to dry faster (as is the case in home laundry).