Hi John,

I'm not really sure about the price. The first time I heard about the jacket was the summer of 2005. Estimated price was then $300. Now, I haven't got a clue howfar the design has changed since then (nor why it takes them so long to release the jacket) so how relevant that price still is I don't know. Last time I mailed Valandré they could tell me when the jacket would be available but I got the feeling somewhere in 2007. That hasn't happened but I hope it should be anytime soon.

How did you get the 500 gram figure?

The specs I have for a size L are 375 g total weight with a down fill of 160 g.  Even if your figure is for a size XL, a difference of 125 g seems a lot to me.

I phoned them. The 500g was a very 'approximate' figure from the woman I spoke with for a Size XL Split-S prototype. The prototype used Pertex (presumably Quantum) rather than the Asahi Kasei of their newer models.

It turns out that they do sell 'seconds' and 'samples' direct from the factory so I may call in to see what they have. I say 'call in' but it would have to be whilst heading for something else as it's a two hour drive from home.

She told me that they hadn't defined the price of the commercial release product yet. But it will almost certainly be more than 200 Euros. In 2005, $300 was a lot more than it is now - at least if you are outside the USA. Perhaps that's one reason that they haven't been rushing to release it...

She also said that they had a sleeping bag called a Rando 350 (I think it was a lower-tech predecessor to the Mirage?) Ever heard of that?

Nope, I haven't heard about the Rando 350. Did they say anything about when the Split-S should be available?

The best guess was Spring '08... just when we all need a nice warm down jacket then!

Oh... and I think the Rando 350 is a lower spec version of the Mirage - no zip, about 700g, 350g fill. I'm not sure if the down is of the same quality either. 

I had a lengthy chat with an Au Vieux Campeur salesperson today and he was having his doubts about Valandre's down sourcing policy (were they now using imported European down?). It all starts to become folklore at some point... the Valandre kit certainly feels top quality. I was a bit shocked how short the cut of the Kiruna is, however.

Anyway, he tells me that the only French manufacturer that he is certain is still using local down is

http://www.triplezero.fr

Now they look very interesting too... I think they are only sold online or at their factory... further investigation to be done!

John 

Lil John,

the triple zero site is quite funny! Very French... They have listed their products by typical usage & altitude rather than giving them temperature ratings. The FAQ has something like this:

Pour quelle utilisation et température conseillez vous le BARBAT 1100 ?
Le BARBAT 1100 est le sac expé extrême, plus ce n'est pas utile.
C'est le sac pour les températures extrêmes.

Which roughly translates to :

What is the recommended temperature for use of the Barbat 1100?

The Barbat 1100 is the bag for extreme expeditions... saying anything more than that is a waste of time! It's the bag for extreme temperatures.

On the one hand, it makes some sense as no temperature guide is really very relevant... but on the other hand it makes it hard to compare with other brands. This suits French manufacturers very well - it seems Triple Zero is a bit like a Grand Cru Appelation for a wine... the categorisation was made 130 years ago but the price of the wine is determined from this reputation!

To help you choose, this page shows typical usage for products:

http://www.triplezero.fr/util.php?u=1

If you want a translation, let me know.

John