Valandre - Bloody Mary - Down sleeping bag

I was deciding between Valandre, Western Mountaineering or PHD. All 3 are well known brands but in the end I decided to go for the Valandre, because the others couldn't compete on what you get for the price. The best decision I made!

I have been using it 2 for years now on wild camping trips, car camping and long distance trails. It's been used in warm summer conditions and freezing temperatures down to -8C. It kept me nice and warm on those cold nights with just wearing merino base layers and merino socks, it's so comfortable and soft. It comes with an additional piece that goes around the neck to keep the body heat trapped in so the heat built up inside the bag doesnt escape from the gaps around your neck - this is such an awesome feature and really works. Yes, granted it takes time to build up that heat inside the bag, but once you have built up that warmth, trust me you dont want it to escape! (just dont fart it in it!). The zip works great and very rarely gets stuck and sufficient amount of room around the foot box. The weight of the bag is incredible for what you get for the price and also the packsize is not big and bulky. The DWR coating on it is really good as once I accidentally spilled some water on the sleeping bag and it just beaded straight off - no issues. On another night, I slept outside the tent on the ground (on my Exped sleeping mat) because I wanted to look at the stars as it was a clear night. In the morning, the dew was all over the sleeping bag. Again, no issues, it didn't go through the coating - just wiped it off, checked it all that it was dry and packed it away. In the 2 years I have used it, I have never had any lose feathers come out from it (my previous Mountain Equipment one used to shred a lot). The biggest thing is, how quick the bag lofts up!

I had never heard of Valandre until I read about some french mountaineering expedition team going to Mount Everest (usually it's all the americans!). Then a lot of climbers in that community had mentioned how good the brand is, including their downsuits and jackets. I know those guys are extremely picky with their gear, because for them its life or death, so if its good enough for them, its good enough for me! Highly recommend this bag as it is just so good value for money in every aspect.

Honestly, just buy it if your considering it.