If the La Fayette was a left hand jab for the competitors, the Shocking Blue is the right hand uppercut that will finish them off and send them to the canvas for a full count.

It's the result of a La Fayette taken further, incorporating an anatomical cut in every part. In many ways the Shocking Blue is a radical and completely new approach to designing sleeping bags. The design represents almost a year of research, endless calculations and the combined ideas, potential, energy, know-how and craftsmanship of everybody at Valandré.

See details:

• Shocking Blue - larger image
• Shocking Blue - hood

What makes it so different?

First of all, it's filled with 781 gm (27.5 oz) of 800 + cu in down, yet weighs in at a meager 1380 gm (48.6 oz). Though brand new, we know from field testers that the extreme rating lies between -25°C and -30°C (-13°F and -22°F).

Already a differential cut bag, the hood has been completely redesigned to incorporate a differential cut here as well. The "Marie Antoinette" collar of the La Fayette was further developed (yes, it is actually possible) to create a superior collar in the new Blue. Noticeably at the foot end of the bag the base compartments have been raised and angled to follow the natural flex of the foot when the body is in a sleeping position. We paid meticulous attention to the specific features of the human body while designing each chamber and, ultimately, created an unprecedented fit.

Read a review of Shocking Blue

Best use:

• Lightweight expedition
• Alpine climbing
• Randonee

Specifications:

• Fabric (outer/inner): Asahi KASEI Impact 66 Polyamid rip stop / Anti Static Impact 66 Polyester Rip Stop
• Down quality: Goose 95/5; 850 cuin +
• Down load: 768 g.
• Total weight: 1400 g.
• Length (inside): 170/185/200 cm.
• Circumference (shoulder/hip/foot): 166/144/106 cm.
• Extreme rating: - 25°C