But it’s Sierra Designs’ DwrDown technology, which will debut in the form of sleeping bags in June/July and in apparel in October, that intrigues us most.

Sierra Designs is using feathers that they claim will stay dry seven times longer in the presence of moisture than traditional down. How? The company uses a proprietary process that applies a molecular-level polymer to individual down plumes during the down-finishing process. This hydrophobic coating wards off rain, snow, and spills, and, when it gets wet, helps feathers dry a third faster than normal down. The five sleeping bags featuring these water-resistant feathers will be available from 0 to 30 degrees in men’s and 20 and 30 degrees in women’s and will sell for between $199 and $299. Sierra Designs will also release two DwrDown jackets, including the Tov Belay Jacket ($259) and the Gnar Lite ($229).

We had an opportunity to do a quick science experiment before Outdoor Retailer: Sierra Designs sent us two jars, one with down and one with DwrDown. They asked us to pour water into the jars and watch what happened. Confirmed: the DwrDown definitely didn’t absorb water as quickly as the untreated down.

http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/gear-of-the-show/DwrDown.html