valandre bags?

Try using google rather than this site’s search function… it works better. BPL has done a review of the Valandre mirage.

I have 2 bags

a valandré mirage for 3 seasons
a triple zero Astazou 800 ( 800g of 800+ down ) for winter

for the mirage i choosed the shorter zip version, when its too hot for the bag i just get my head and if necessary my torso out of the bag, and i go into the bag if i gets colder during the night.
but some people prefer the weight penalty like BPL reviewer to be able to regulate temperature more easily with a longer zip.
i have slept in it warmly a tad under 0°C with odlo light ( cubic) boxer and T shirt.
but that wont say much as its very dependent of the user, it isnt warm enough for my wife at 0°C.
as the review says the cut is large for the torso , so you can layer some clothes, but tighter for the legs.

I have a Shocking Blue and have bags from FF, ID, WM and used to have an original Grand Junction Marmot Mtn. So, my opinion is not an "academic" one, it is based on many years of use of highend bags that I own.

The Valandre SB is probably the "best" sleeping bag I have ever used or seen and I would buy another in a heartbeat.

"The Valandre SB is probably the "best" sleeping bag I have ever used or seen and I would buy another in a heartbeat."

Dewey, thats a pretty bold statement. Do you have a pic you can post for us drooling mouths?

from what I saw of Valandre in the 10 minutes I poured over the bag, I can say it is a WM quality at least. Not so many choices as FF or WM but man, if you know exactly what you want the Valandre can provide.. I was impressed. Now, If only they made quilts and had a dealer in AZ!
You guys are going to pique my curiosity once again Ill have to check out their bags soon. There goes another $400…sheesh

nm

An opinion based on years of intense use of various bags that one OWNS, is not, IMO, …bold…, it is what I have experienced.

I have used divers bags since spring 1964 and often for 165+ nights per year all over BC, much of northern  Alberta plus a little in the NWT.Simply put, there is NOTHING else that I have seen or used that is equal to the Valandre Shocking Blue; the only bag I can think of that might be is the Xero range of custom bags from PHD…and I have not seen or used one, so, cannot comment.

Overall, I rate my bags as follows, for quality of build/design and function under frequent use:

Valandre Shocking Blue 

Integral Designs custom XPDII, Himalayan OF

Western Mountaineering.

Feathered Friends

The last two are so close that there is really little between them and the same is true of the Valandre/ID, it is largely a matter of design AND of MY particular uses/comfort level relative to carry weight.

ANY of these are SUPERB bags and well worth buying, I would never say a negative word about any of them. However, my VSB weighs THREE POUNDS in LONG and is comfy to below zero, nothing else I know of equals that and the large torso volumn really suits we old pharts who ain't as slim as we were 30 years ago! 

Valandre has a " Bloody Mary" coming out in that same fabulous design and this will weigh about 2.25 lbs. and be warm to 5*F, that is about "perfect" for BC uses and I may well buy one to get the warmest bag at that light weight available.

My WM Alpenlite is a tad snugger than I prefer and good to about 15+F, but, it weighs 1lb.15 oz., so, with the extra volume  and tiny bit of extra weight, I would have a bag that will work in almost any temp. that I now go out in.

I do not know of a Valandre dealer in AZ, however, I buy mine from http://www.bearriveroutfitters.com in Utah and this is "vigilguy", among the finest men I know and I now buy much of my most costly gear exclusively from him, so, that may assist you.

If, I were looking for a quilt, tho', I would phone Nunatak, a couple of fanatic Canuck sheephunters I know have these and rave about their quality and they sure seem to be good folks to deal with….most of the highend gear makers really are, IME.

They look ok. Pretty heavy though. PHD make bags that are a lot lighter for the same temp rating. If weight isn’t important, then they look like good bags. I prefer to carry as little as possible. I thought that was the ethos of this site? :)

Mmmmmm….

I am not coming up with the same figures, so I am having a hard time accepting that the PHD bags are "a lot lighter" than Valandre bags.

The PHD XERO 800 bag that is rated to -11 F weighs 57.8 oz, while the Valandre Shocking Blue is rated to -13 F (I have personally used it down to -21F) and it weighs 48.6 oz, nearly 10 oz lighter.

Maybe I'm missing something here, so please correct me if I goofed.

BTW, that was not a Shocking Blue in the photos with the Nallo, it was a Mirage, which kinda makes it even more impressive… I tested the Mirage once down to 12 F, outside, without a shelter, and it weighs 1 lb 8 oz.

Disclosure- I am affiliated with Valandre, as well a fanatical user. I own 4 models and am soon buying #5. :D

Mike, can you be more specific as to the model(s) of PHD bag(s) that you own and how they are LIGHTER than Valandre's SB, Mirage and LaFayette models?

I did some pretty extensive research into PHD bags last Dec./Jan. as I was interested in perhaps purchasing a Xero 1000 and I found that PHD tends to be heavier than Valandre, so, maybe I am missing something here?

I will say that the Xero series, with the wpb shell AND hood and foot section liner, plus that neat gusset that protects you in case of a zipper blowout, strike me as probably the best available rigs for serious, remote winter use, as in much of wilderness Canada, or, high alpine expeditions.

So, again, it's "horses for courses" and what one will buy/use is determined by what/where one uses it. I STILL would like to get a PHD-900 fill Xero bag, but, am not sure if I would use it enough to justify spending about a grand on it. Please post any further info./opinions on PHD that you have as I think many here would be interested.

Charles,

I am looking for lightweight 5'6" bag rated to 5º. The Versalite with an overfill is top on the list based on my own experience and it's weight. This is for my wife who is now indicating that she wants to get back into backpacking. Can you suggest a comparable Valandre to consider? Thanks. John

http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/index.php?cPath=93_94

Have to agree with Mike.

The real lightweight PHD bags are the Minim series but the Hispar bags are a more similar design of winter bag to the Valandre, with double draft tube, collars etc and the 900 fill power down (which is a higher spec than the US standard).

Examples are a 2 lb bag they rate as -15c (i.e. 5f )and 3 lb bag rated to – 46c ( i.e. – 50f ) They have a great reputation here including for conservatively rating their bags, like WM.

Not a user myself as own WM Megalite and Marmot Helium bags, but if I was in the market for a new one would most definitely check a Hispar, though would get it made up a little wider as I'm a cold side sleeper, like to spread out a bit and to have room to drape a down jacket inside when the needle plunges.

The Shocking Blue has a comfort rating of -18C/0F weighing 1380g. PHD has either the Minim 800 with a comfort rating of -24C/-11F weighing 1180g, or the Hispar 500 with a comfort rating of -15C/-5F weighing 890g.

The Mirage has a comfort rating of 0C/32F weighing 680g. PHD has the Minim 400 with a comfort rating of -5C/23F weighing 670g.

The Lafayette has a comfort rating of -10C/14F weighing 1024g. PHD has the Hispar 400 with a comfort rating of -9C/16F weighing 770g.

Like i said, the weights of the Valandre bags are nothing to get excited about.

The problem with the two PHD models mentioned above is that they DO NOT come with a full zipper at the weights quoted. Also, they are not a full 65" girth as my VSB is and may well be too confining for many people.

The Hispar and Minim also have a much simpler and less effective collar and their baffling systems are far simpler than the VSB and this DOES make a major difference in serious cold weather camping, ESPECIALLY on longterm trips.

The only PHD bag that I can find specs for that would equal the VSB is the Xero 800 and that, while heavier, DOES offer certain advantages over the VSB for SOME uses and the reverse is also true.

It is immaterial to me what bag(s) a guy buys/uses, but, I seriously doubt that a "better" all-around mountain bag is currently made than the VSB and I can honestly say from use that I have never seen/used anything equal. From the reputation of PHD, I would not hesitate to buy one of their bags, either.

We can debate this "ad infinitum", but, to answer the original post, you will not find a superior bag to Valandre at present, IMHO.

Wellllll…..Do you think that she wants/needs an all-season bag? Would she like a full zip? (I went with a WM sequoia semi-rectangular for my wife because she HAS to stick her feet out…they get hot). Does she get claustrophobic? If so, the Shocking Blue or the Lafayette collars would drive her crazy. If not, it will seal the body heat in.

You may want to hang on for the Bloody Mary. It is a 5 degree bag and has the interchangeable collars. And a full zip. And it's a cranberry color, which she would probably like!

We own 4 WM bags in our family and they too are wonderful bags. That Versalite would be sweet.

In answer to your question, I'd get her a Shocking Blue if you can't wait for the Bloody Mary. Yes, it's a little overkill, but gals tend to sleep cold. It has a full zip too. I just sold one to a girl that is headed for Mt Kiliminjaro…she is 5'6", and she was thrilled with the Shocking Blue size small and its fit.

DISCLOSURE – I am a Valandre Retailer and an Obsessive User

I will make one further point I think relevant here and it is simply that my very favourable opinion of the Valandre bags is limited to the Shocking Blue and will probably include the new Bloody Mary, as well. Their other bags are, no doubt, excellent, however, the unique and highly functional design features I am so impressed by in the BM, are not featured in their bags for colder conditions, which are pretty "middle of the road" and not quite up to certain competitors offerings in those temp. ranges.

A Bloody Mary is as close to perfect for BC conditions as you can ever hope for and my "long" version at 3 lbs., will beat ANY other bag I have tried. The design is SO comfortable and roomy that it just blows me away and I am more inclined to use this bag, year-round, than any other I have or have had over the 40+ years I have owned bags.

BUT, for really bitter cold, my 4.5 lb. Integral Himalayan OF will be my choice and it is one hell of a bag, as well. Given an oppoprtunity to once again live in the BC interior/north and do the amount of deep winter, longer trips I used to, I would buy the PHD Xero 1000 and have the Diamere colour scheme used, as Peter H. told me he would and that, IMHO, is probably the best choice for solo trips in major cold due to the gusseted zipper and legendary quality of PHD products.

Has ANYONE here ever seen a PHD Xero, or other bag and also a Valandre SB? If so, I would really appreciate an honest appraisal of comparitive quality. Like most people, I have to buy my own gear and spending the $$$$ for one of these without seeing it first is rather initimidating, as they do not come "cheap". Comments, anyone?

"Has ANYONE here ever seen a PHD Xero, or other bag and also a Valandre SB? If so, I would really appreciate an honest appraisal of comparitive quality. Like most people, I have to buy my own gear and spending the $$$$ for one of these without seeing it first is rather initimidating, as they do not come "cheap". Comments, anyone?"

Yes, planning to make these kind of substantial purchases of products we haven't seen can be challenging. In the past when faced with similar decisions I've ensured return agreements were understood, bought both to make the comparison and returned the one I didn't want. (or both if neither 'hit the spot')

I've never had any problems with this within the UK. Between US and UK with import tax, VAT etc it could be more complex.

Bags are a pretty personal thing and it's important to find something that suits your sleeping style. Took me ages to find a few that worked for me.

ps – If you know exactly what you want you could use PHD's 'design your own bag' service – http://www.phdesigns.co.uk/dyosleepingbag/

Though returns in this instance would not apply!

Disclaimer – I am not employed by nor have any affiliation to PHD – I don't even own one of their bags! Got a couple of their down vest – jackets etc though and the 900 fill power stuff is sweet! ;-)

The "problem" with a return of a bag to PHD, is that I live "in the colonies, old boy" and this is Canada, BC to be precise. Peter H. informed me that carriage to Canada is L35 and that would be doubled if I returned a bag that I found unsatisfactory….seventy pounds sterling is a LOT of filthy lucre to spend to check out a given item of gear and this is why I hope some here may have checked out both PHD and Valandre.

I will spend top dollar to get the best gear I can, but, I am not about to throw money around like that!

Buying any sleeping bag online is a leap of faith. I find it the most difficult bit of outdoor kit to get right. After all, i will be probably be spending a lot of time in it here in Scotland. 17 or 18 hours of winter darkness is a l o n g time.
For years i've used Rab and Mountain Equipment bags and been reasonably happy. I'm a side/stomach restless sleeper, and find all bags restrictive. I like to sleep with my head resting on my arms.
I've slept in a borrowed PHD Minim 400 and found it very warm, but even more restrictive than my Rab bag.
I made the switch to a Nunatak Arc Specialist quilt this year, and could not be happier. I wish i had done it years ago. I'll try to see how low i can take it wearing down clothing. Any purchases in future will be either a warmer quilt, or a centre-zip bag that i can sleep on my stomach with, like a quilt. Bags with armholes are interesting as well.

I am pretty much that same type of sleeper and after I turned 50, I found that the tighter cut bags I always had used with satisfaction simply were too restrictive and interfered with a good night's sleep. So, after considerable experimentation in the past decade, I have come to this Valandre Shocking Blue as the best option for 85% of my uses and have never had a more comfortable bag.

It is considerably colder here in BC during Jan.-Feb. than in Scotland, although both areas are miserably damp. For your uses and preference for center zips, I expect that the Valandre LaFayette bag would do very nicely and I considered one of these, but, went with the SB and am glad I did, as I have had center zips, but, prefer side ones.

Several very serious mountain sheep/goat hunters and climbers I have communicated with here in BC/Yukon have Nunatak quilts and are very happy with them, this seems a great option if you like quilts. So, given these, Valandre, PHD, WM and Integral Designs, a VERY fine maker, we are lucky to have many options to choose from.

The Lafayette at 1024g is too heavy for my liking.:)
I'll probably go for a Nunatak Arc Alpinist with 3oz overfill at 652g.
Like you say, lots of great choices out there.:)

Yes, apologies, well aware that glorious BC is in Canada.
As you guys have said, lots of choices for great sleep systems. I also can't use a restrictive bag and would consider the quilt option, which poses me with the same kind of issues about getting 'hands on' as there are no quilts available, that I'm aware of, in the UK market.

Give me a shout the next time you're in Scotland, and i'll let you borrow my Specialist for the night.:)

As it's getting colder, you may need extra clothing.

Hey Mike,

That's a great and very kind offer. As a southerner I don't get up to Scotland that often, but I'll let you know when I'm next up your way.

Thanks ;-)

Mike, I see your point vis-a-vis weight, BUT, do you not find the 61" girth of that Nunatak model very restrictive? I am aware that they will custom size a bag, God bless 'em, as few makers will now, but, this would increase the total weight.

That said, I like that center zip design better than any other I have seen, but, the Valandre is of superb quality and VERY roomy in girth. Just curious here, both makers are top notch.