Is This The Best Down Jacket for Your Money?

[@andydickson5400]

Good review...The Decathlon jackets are a great value. Good for mid spring to mid fall backpacking.

[@gman963]

That must be an amazing mic. I can't hear the wind at all; sounds crystal clear

[@BackcountryExposure]

It’s the new DJI Mic Mini. I’m liking it.

[@jeevandewee]

I bought the MT500 couple of weeks ago for 99,- Euros and love it! Also happy with the cuf design, this way I can look at my Garmin watch without having to fish it out of my sleeve (I have it between the elastic and the glove-end)

[@mattbeckwith8575]

I literally was just looking at these this morning, and planning on buying one next week. Then I pull up youtube and this is the first video in my queue 🤣

[@jakecolvin3167]

They are watching Matt 😉

[@BackcountryExposure]

ha ha! Maybe it was meant to be.

[@mattbeckwith8575]

@@BackcountryExposure Of course I sent this, and then almost immediately get an email from OV that their Nova jackets are on a crazy sale. What is even going on!?!?

[@azclaimjumper]

@@mattbeckwith8575 Soooo, what is your "Buying" decision?

[@azclaimjumper]

I have the Forclaz MT100 that I wear in & around the bunker/my apt. I also wear it like a sweater when going outside that is covered by my Outdoor Vitals NovaPro down 800Fill power Jacket & Marmot lightweight Gore-Tex outer layer for wind/rain protection which keeps me comfy warm & dry on a cold windy winter day down to the mid 20ºF. For a COLD windy day in the 20ºF or lower, I slip into my Eddie Bauer WWII B9 Bomber Parka that has a musher style faux fur collar around my face on the hood. I bought it in pristine show room condition off eBay several months ago & paid the magnanimous price $96.xx This will keep me comfy cozy on the coldest, windiest day I'll experience most anywhere in America. Metal zippers, 2 lined hand warmer pockets, inner zippered pocket - best value for my money anywhere on the internet. My Parka is size "Small"; Medium or Large sizes are priced between $150 - $250. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada

[@WesRiley-e6v]

I have the MT100 and I LOVE it. In fact, I love it so much that I bought my wife and son one too. And they love theirs too. It's light, very warm and fits great. I'm thinking about buying a 2nd one in a 2nd color as I wear it all the time.

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

My single layer zip up windbreaker is vital for me getting the most warmth out of layering. Fleece, wool, down, tight base layers, synthetic shirts, whatever, this uber thin outer layer increases the "clo #" for what is underneath.

[@whereisthemessiah]

Nice video, I have the 100. I then couldn't decide at first between cumulus and 500 but ended up buying the 500

[@whereisthemessiah]

I went with the 500 because it seemed more durable for cheaper. I mainly wanted it for hiking and I'd be sad if I ripped the cumulus while camping.

[@GlacierPilotGst]

Love my MT100, and just got the OV NovaPro on sale for $175.

[@azclaimjumper]

I, too, have the OV NovaPro

[@theflyerpr40d]

Hi, they have the MT900 also much burlier and with side zipper to release heat. Not under the armpit like the NovaPro. I saw the MT900 after I purchased the NovaPro. Having pit zip is a great feature. Hopefully you test the MT900

[@LivinUTOutdoors]

Great review and comparison.

[@DeerUNIT42]

I sold my Ghost whisperer a few weeks ago couldn't stand how fragile it was with the 7D shell. Missed the $70 Christmas sale on the mt100, will be patiently waiting. Meanwhile I have a MH synthetic packable that's only 13 Oz and equally as warm as the Ghost whisperer was that's 20D and I've been more than happy with that so I don't know...

[@olivern4784]

I took the opportunity to buy the MT500 today. I actually picked it up in India. Decathlon prices outside the USA are significantly cheaper than the USA prices. PS It was on sale for 6,400 Indian Rupees ($74). The standard price of 10,000 Indian Rupees is equivalent to $116 USD.

[@jamescull6325]

Not sure if I understood your complaint, but the Canadian website mentions their testing included a long sleeve synthetic base layer and light fleece.

[@BackcountryExposure]

The point I was trying to make is that with the wind and the temps I was in it was a touch cold.

[@jamescull6325]

Understood. I think you may have said you would have been cold had it not been for your mid layer. I figured it only fair to point out that is exactly how they did their testing. In any case, keep up the good work. Your videos are highly informative and enjoyable.

[@PokerMuppet]

A very good and thorough review but I do disagree on a few points. I like the cuffs and have no issue hooking them forward with my gloved fingers and then they sit right on my wrist joint where they should be and the extended puff part sits nicely on the base of my hand while not getting in the way... Personal preference I guess but you do talk about it as if it's a flaw. Regarding the temps, Decathlon website says -10c (14F) is an active temp and static comfort at 0c (32F) which is similar to what it is in your video and they do suggest a base and midlayer so for me the temps are perfectly accurate. I have the MT500 without the hood and it is an amazing jacket. I've had a number of previous down jackets that were more than double the price and no where near as warm. Considering the amount of coverage Decathlon gets from multiple review videos (You mention it all the time yourself) it would be interesting to get a video covering some of their (Quechua, Forclaz) best value outdoor clothing from base layers, thermal leggings, walking trousers, midlayers, right the way through as they have more to offer than just these insulated jackets...

[@BackcountryExposure]

I definitely appreciate the added info and experience. I'd like to get some of their other clothing items as well. I did have a merino base layer I bought a while back, but after a wash it became a body forming layer. So it's not been used cause it doesn't fit. That was my bad, as Decathlon tends to run small across the board.

[@PokerMuppet]

@@BackcountryExposure I tried their Merino wool base layer top and found that it made me itch (not much but enough to annoy me) like many others on the cheaper end (£40) so I returned it. I recently bought Devold Merino base layers (tops and bottoms) on sale for about the same amount and found them to be excellent.

[@davidcooper8390]

Both are really cool looking jackets. I almost bought an MT500 over Christmas when the had a $100 sale on them. I had a NorthFace Thermoball jacket that had the same elastic hemming at the wrists and that was something that drove me nuts.

[@putrid_swamp_juice]

I bought a RAB 8000 jacket second hand for $300. It came with the tags attached. It’s ridiculously warm 😂

[@ChrisWilliams-j4n]

I have the MT100 in green as well, great jacket for the money and packs down pretty well. I would order it again but perhaps go up to an XXL (I wear L in almost all other "mainstream" brands).

[@211teitake]

You should review Uniqlo's Ultra Light Down Parka | 3D Cut which has the fill power of 750 at the cost of $60 on sale ($80 on regular price). They are not made for outdoor use; however, the price to performance ratio is incredible.

[@RideAlongside]

I have the mt100 and can't see myself getting anything else for the weight, warmth, compressibility, and price. I've been comfortable in it down to 10F, unless I am holding completely still for over an hour.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Right on! Warmth is going to be a little different for each person.

[@RideAlongside]

@ very true. I find if I keep my head, feet, and hands happy, the core doesn’t seem to need as much attention in the cold, but that’s just me

[@theGooodMasher]

Nice jacket! What gloves are you wearing in this video? I'm searching for a nicer pair!

[@BackcountryExposure]

@@theGooodMasher these specific gloves are discontinued, but the closest ones to them from the same brand are the Outdoor Designs Diablo Tec gloves.

[@HikingwithRouletteRun]

I love the MT100 I have, and for the money, I think it would be hard to beat.

[@Rydoge7]

I wonder if incoming tariffs will affect decathlon gear, I feel that they will still be able to hold up in slightly higher price bracket but I worry that they may not be able to keep expanding into the US market if current woes of impending tariffs are actually going to happen.

[@iamastig]

Oddly prices are cheaper in Canada for the same item than the American store. Given the exchange rates that's virtually unheard of so you might actually find it cheaper to order from the Canadian store than the American even with shipping.

[@jorisev]

Idk about the US market, but over here in Europe I've noticed that there are often really good discounts on down jackets from the top brands. Probably because the market is flooded with them. I'd definitely suggest keeping an eye on the webshops for a few weeks if you're considering buying a down jacket. The Decathlon ones are definitely a bang for your buck though.

[@dm9078]

I bought the MT 100 over the summer. When winter broke out here in Ohio, I started wearing it on my daily 2 mile walks. We’ve had temperatures into the single digits over the last week or two. And I’ve been incredibly comfortable on my walks. Would a chest pocket be nice Yes it would but when it comes to value for money, this jacket cannot be beat. The only real complaint I have is that they tend to run small I purchased a medium and I should’ve gone with a large.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah I didn't dig into the sizing and should have. Cause I normally wear a medium in most outerwear, but wear a large in all the Decathlon pieces.

[@azclaimjumper]

Good point. I bought a "small" & wish I'd bought a MEDIUM. You're right, sizes do run SMALL

[@neemancallender9092]

@@BackcountryExposure Decathlon jackets are all sized smaller I always buy a size bigger for the jackets

[@BrokenBackMountains]

I have it. Nice and warm and only 105 euros. I'd prefer two Napoleon pockets rather than the single chest pocket.

[@nabwong]

I almost got the MT500 but got 2 MT100 (L & XL) and layered them. lol.

[@where2then]

One difference you didn't mention that is a big selling point for me on any jacket is the 2 way zipper on the Mountlite jacket, IMO

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah I could have got into much more detail on the Mountlite. As a belay jacket the Mountlite is excellent for that reason too.

[@olivern4784]

How does the mt500 compare to the mt900 decathlon jacket?

[@BackcountryExposure]

@@olivern4784 the 900 is much warmer with more fill, loft and larger baffles.

[@wolfeadventures]

How would these compare to the EE Torrid Apex jacket in terms of warmth?

[@BackcountryExposure]

I’d argue the Torrid would be warmer in windy conditions. Having the full sheet insulation and minimal stitch lines aids in that big time.

[@JarradShaw]

How does the mt500 compare to the nova pro, Devin?

[@azclaimjumper]

Good Question. I, too, have the OV NovaPro

[@BackcountryExposure]

Honestly pretty similar. The issue I had with the nova pro was after washing it the down migrated and I had empty baffles in areas and it became difficult to shift the down around. So be careful when washing the nova pro.

[@JarradShaw]

That makes sense with their very cool no stitch through process. Thanks Devin.

[@azclaimjumper]

@@BackcountryExposure Thanks, BIG TIME, for the "heads up".

[@j78987]

If you want to be warmer in any down jacket, zip the hand pockets closed. Otherwise wind blows through them and chillls you.

[@tiny_the_200]

For me, I have to first look and see if these companies offer tall sizing. Nope, then they’re just a good value for everyone else. Wish more companies did tall sizing.

[@Rydoge7]

although not cheap, I have been absolutely loving my EE torrid pullover, just wish they were less "trashbag vibes" lol, they just look so ugly. but they are sooo nice

[@BackcountryExposure]

I had a Black Torrid and remember the first time I put it on, my wife was like, nah you can't wear that anywhere besides backpacking. ha ha ha!

[@Rydoge7]

@@BackcountryExposure I got a custom order and picked out robin egg blue and purple interior and somehow misclicked something and got orange exterior. I almost returned it cuz none of my stuff is orange. and i would stick our like a sore thumb. but then i realized no one would see me wearing this most of the time.

[@tmkangas19]

And such!

[@Almedius76]

I really love the mt100 for $70, but this is interesting for my colder winter white mountains kit. I'd love to see a breakdown of the best budget synthetics as well (I've been looking for one)

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks! Honestly, the MT100 synthetic jacket is a great option. I do have others, so I'll look at doing a similar video.

[@26parma]

I always feel that I'm the only one that prefers a non-hooded down jacket when I go backpacking.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Why is that?

[@PokerMuppet]

Not alone. I always go for a hoodless version and I'll wear a cap or beanie if required. I hate a hood when it's down and the way they pull on the collar.

[@azclaimjumper]

@@PokerMuppet Interesting.

[@26parma]

@ All reviews I read/see are usually for the hooded versions. And I never wear a hood while hiking or backpacking. When I wear my jacket, I've never really wished I had a hood. I'd wear a beanie if it's cold. And I'm normal, so I don't backpack or camp in the winter...haha.

[@jakeva9802]

$150 is crazy good value

[@iamastig]

Its actually even cheaper on the Canadian store

[@ms7fam433]

The MT500 continues to be out of stock in my size...disappointing!

[@nonicheindustries]

Decathlon has the worst customer service i have ever seen in any company including Chinese company's just a warning. I am not one to complain but I have emailed and called their customer service over 40 times with not a single reply. I have filled a formal complaint to the AG of utah about this company. This company is not worth doing bussines with.

[@alexkevhikes]

Hmm, I didn't have any problems when exchanging sizes. What were you trying to accomplish?

[@nonicheindustries]

@alexkevhikes i ha e sent o er 20 emails and called multiple times just to change my order from medium to large. With absolutely no response. My first email to customer service was not 5 minutes after the original order. They sent me the medium. Also, I couldn't get the same price on the large if I were to order it due to the fact there is no direct exchange and the extra q5% discount i received for being a first-time buyer. I have received the medium and sent it back, and it has been refunded, but there still has been no response to any of my plees to change sizes. There have only been automated responses.

[@77grintchkick]

You do a lot of commercials.