Delivering affordable, high-performance gear is tough. But by harnessing vertical integration, Decathlon cuts out the middleman and makes gear for less than its competitors. And that’s quite apparent when you look at the brand’s prices.
Still relatively new to the United States, the French-based brand makes a variety of outdoor apparel and gear (and sports-specific products) with an eye on sustainable materials and production.
The brand’s low prices may raise an eyebrow, but check out the Forclaz MT100 Hooded Puffer Jacket as an example of the brand’s performance apparel. Its packability, warmth, and, yes, price tag make it one of the brand’s bestsellers.
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Decathlon MT100 Puffer Jacket Overview
- 800-fill power (RDS-certified) down insulation
- Weighs 10 oz.
- Water-repellant
- Packs into its own internal pocket
The fill power of 800 cubic inches reflects the quality of the down. However, don’t confuse that with fill weight — the MT100 is more of a three-season puffy for temps down to 23 degrees.
This jacket packs into its own zippered chest pocket and has two zippered hand pockets, too. The outer fabric is 100% polyamide with a 15-degree resistance to abrasion. It’s also treated to help keep water from getting in.
The Forclaz MT100 comes in hooded and non-hooded versions. Of note, the brand recommends that customers order one size up.
Who It’s For?
Last year, the price point for this jacket earned it a spot on our list of Best Down Jackets. It crams 800-fill (cubic inches) into a jacket that weighs roughly 10 ounces.
That said, the Forclaz MT100 is a lightweight down jacket designed for backpacking in cool weather and everyday use. It’s designed to keep you warm between 23 and 41 degrees.
Puffy jackets are midlayers after all, so tucking this 800-fill jacket behind a more weatherproof layer can keep you warmer. For colder conditions, Decathlon makes heavier Forclaz jackets like the MT500 and MT900.
Whether you own more than one puffy depends on where you live and play. If you pay a premium for a specialized jacket, like a ski jacket, it makes financial sense to save that one for the slopes and consider the Forclaz for more everyday use.
About Decathlon
Decathlon designs its wares in-house and oversees the production, distribution, and sale of its products.
Such vertical integration also means it can regulate its quality and sustainability more easily. Throughout its products, both outdoors and sports-oriented, you’ll find items made with responsibly sourced materials, less waste, and more eco-friendly production practices.
By overseeing its products from start to finish, Decathlon reduces some of the typical production costs over its competitors. Hence, you’ll find Decathlon products priced lower than items made from the same materials elsewhere.
If the Forclaz MT100 caught your eye, check out more gear and apparel from the brand.
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This post was sponsored by Decathlon. See more of its accessibly priced apparel and gear online.
