Decathlon's Quechua MH500 40 Litre Backpack One Year Review

In this video I go through the features of the Quechua MH500 and give you my thoughts after using it as my main backpack for the past year for wild camping and backpacking. I hope that you find it helpful. Thank you for watching and I will see you in the next one,
Jason
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[@RamblingOn]

🍃If you would like to help me out, simply hit the Like button and share the video around. It makes such a huge difference to the channel, thank you for the support everyone. Chat to you soon. Cheers, Jason 🙌

[@samuele5931]

Can you do a follow up on how the materials are holding up?

[@halchkasangowicz6766]

Just bought one for my Son. He has received & is very, very happy! Thank you from Montreal, Canada.

[@RamblingOn]

Great to hear, all the best 🍀

Decathlon keeps surprising. Thanks for the video.

[@gerrymcveigh]

Jason, a cool review and it looks like a pretty good backpack with some good features. I liked the moveable sternum strap and the size of the pockets in the hip belt. It is a pretty decent price too as the cost of backpacks nowadays is eye watering. Decathlon are well worth checking out for walking and camping gear👍

[@RamblingOn]

I was up there the other day and bought a few bits, their gear is really good and for the money they are hard to beat 👍

[@MiriamKennedy]

Hi Jason - I must admit I’m not in the market for a new bag but I love the thoroughness of your review 🤓 Even though I’ve no interest in the product (i.e purchasing it), I kept watching as I found your thoroughness so engaging and impressive!! The bag certainly works for you, that much is clear and no doubt helpful to anyone considering buying it! 👍

[@RamblingOn]

Thanks very much Miriam 😀 I regularly watch review videos of gear that I have absolutely no interest in buying. I just like seeing what's out there 😄 a good few people ask me about this bag so I thought this video might help someone out 🤞

[@raymondvalentin7646]

Very informative, Jason! I just bought one and your review helped me understood and appreciate all the bag’s features. Thank you. I’m from the Philippines and will attend my first ever basic mountaineering course this weekend.

[@RamblingOn]

Best of luck with the new pack and the mountaineering course, I'd say that will be class 🙌

[@ivoliYT]

Looks like a nice bag.

[@patrickgarcia1083]

Your video was very educating, thank you mate!

[@Andrew.........]

Hi Jason. Good review of Decathlons rucksack, never really paid much attention to their rucksacks but am impressed after seeing the stretchy pockets for the water bottle. It's hard to find them on bags. Really good if you don't like water bladders. Take care

[@RamblingOn]

Decathlon do some really good stuff. I have the 20l version of this bag too. I can't fault them for the money. The stretchy hip belt pockets are also gigantic 😄

[@stevedamerell2783]

Superb review .. just bought one . Thankyou

[@maccaoutdoors2889]

Great review.I have the 30ltr that i bought for multi day overnight hikes.The thing i like about it is that everything designed about it is practical and works brilliant for my needs with more than enough room and pockets for Bill sykes.👍

[@RamblingOn]

They're great little bags for the money. Those side and hip belt pockets are gigantic. They seem to be the same size on each version because my 20l pack has identical pockets 👍

[@maccaoutdoors2889]

@@RamblingOn Agree about the side pockets and their easy accessable not like some brands where there halfway round your back and its really hard to access them.

[@groberti]

just bought the 30ltr one because they were out of the 40ltr.. hope it'll be enough for 3-4-5 days of traveling.. of course that depends on how efficenetly pack + if it is winter or summer I guess :D I was not able to find any comparable backpack at this price range from bigger names like The North Face, Columbia, Osprey etc.. only for much more money

[@colinhalpin2076]

Hi Jason, I actually got this bag based on your previous review. I've had it for a couple of months, using it to carry stuff for work and on my hikes. Did notice the shoulder strap loosen slightly but a quick tighten and you are good to go. Loads of features for a good price.

[@RamblingOn]

I'm happy to hear that I'm not the only one with the strap issue, once I realised it was happening it was easy to keep a check on. I did find those Forclaz trousers you asked about before. If you want to email me I'll send you on the links if you still want to check them out 👍

[@colinhalpin2076]

@@RamblingOn hi Jason trying to find your e-mail to send mine. What's the best way to do this?

[@RamblingOn]

@@colinhalpin2076 [e-mail] 👍

[@blooey5231]

Really liked the pre and post review. Really liked the stretchy pockets especially... Unfortunately in India, it's slightly on the pricier side.. so was sitting on the fence until i came across your review. Thanks. Subscribed!

[@RamblingOn]

The stretchy pockets are fantastic, the hip belt pockets in particular. Thank you for subscribing. I hope that your weekend is a good one 👍

[@leeprice674]

Hi Jason liked the video. I bought the decathlon bag when you originally recommended them. The one I bought was slightly different, but I had to return it due to it not being big enough or flexible enough for my sleeping gear. Lovely well made bag though mate and clearly still going strong for your needs too. Have a good weekend and look forward to seeing your camping trips out 👍😊

[@RamblingOn]

All of the Decathlon gear that I've gotten so far has been brilliant. I can't fault them for the quality. I've downsized my winter bag by 20litres 😄 which could have been a mistake but you'll see that one soon. Cheers Lee I hope your week is a good one 👍

[@leeprice674]

@@RamblingOn I could only drop 20 litres if I removed my food and drink 😂 Very good gear mate and nearly as good as my Dutch army kit 😂 Have a good one mate 👍

[@Optidorf]

I just bought the backpack and this review is very useful for pointing out all the features. Thanks a lot!

[@pinarppanrapir9489]

Those water bottle pockets are huuuge. I just don't get it why they made only one side pocket. It would've make more sense to have two to keep everything symmetric. Overall great bag for the price imo too.

[@RamblingOn]

I think it's because the placement for the trekking poles attachments and the zipper for that front pocket would have made it difficult to stitch the side pocket properly bit that's just my guess. I agree that it would have been nice to have that extra pocket, I do like symmetry 😀

[@JTT2505]

Great review. Good luck getting it by the Ryanair staff as hand luggage though. 😁

[@RamblingOn]

Good luck getting on the plane at the moment 😄 It's all gone a bit mad at Dublin Airport

[@KaloyanYankulov]

Great review. Bought the 40 l but unfortunately can’t put in my tent, mat and bedroll. Any idea how to attach the bedroll or mat at the bottom or the sides?

[@RamblingOn]

At the bottom you'll see four little loops. You can use those as anchor points to tie some cordage from. That's a pity that you can't fit them in. What mat are you using ?

[@KaloyanYankulov]

@@RamblingOn@RamblingOn Both my mat and tent are ancient; they are my father's from back in the day. I assume not made for trekking. I'll need to find some ropes to attach to the bottom or just use the side straps to tighten the mat or tent.

[@RamblingOn]

@KaloyanYankulov the bottom will be the most secure and it will be the easiest on your back because the weight will be down by your hips if you tighten up the hip belt. My first camp I used a gear bag that hand a single strap over the shoulder and an old schoolbag. I think my gear weighed over 20kg and it was horrendously difficult lugging the two bags but it got me out. You should be able to manage tying your mat underneath, pop it in a bin bag so it's protected from the rain too

[@TheMacbu]

Great review, thanks a lot! One question: is it possible to remove the backpanel (the plastic plate) completely, or do you need it? And the wireframe is a separate piece?

[@RamblingOn]

You can definitely remove the back panel completely. It's main purpose is to protect you from being poked by items inside the backpack so it is not entirely necessary. As far as I am aware you can't remove the wire frame, pretty sure it is stitched in

[@TheMacbu]

@@RamblingOn OK, i thank you! 👍

[@bradstrahm7278]

Looking to buy this bag as hand luggage for a month long trip in Indonesia/Thailand. Do you bring any packing cubes or anything to organize your camera gear?

[@RamblingOn]

I keep my cameras out and close to hand. I have a spider holster for my mirrorless and my action camera lives on my tripod while I hike. I've not travelled outside of the country with my cameras yet so I can't comment unfortunately

[@condamned18]

Hey, thanks for the great review! I am looking to buy one but they don't have it in the store closest to me so I can't try it, can you let me know what is your hight and how do you feel it fits your back? Thanks!

[@RamblingOn]

I am 187cm tall and the Large size fits me comfortably. Thanks for watching 🍀

[@NorwayHikesTrails]

Nice review Jason 👍

[@Horrorhiker]

Hello! I'm on the verge of getting this but my only concern is the load lifters. I've seen a review saying they can slip, and you sound a little unsure about them? Was wondering if you could elaborate on that a bit? Great overview though..I'm nearly sold!

[@RamblingOn]

They do slip. I've had this on a multi day hike and every 10-15km I had to just check my straps and get everything nice and snug. I love this backpack, but that is something that I have experienced

[@Horrorhiker]

@@RamblingOn Ah that's great, thanks very much for getting back to me so quickly! I'll keep my thinking cap on.

[@coreythomas8178]

Hi Jason, quick question do you have the S or L size bag. I am 5’5 and purchased the small size but the hip belt sits quite high and the bag generally feels not quite right. I’m wondering if you would recommend getting the Large or should I wear the small in first ?. Thanks.

[@RamblingOn]

The fit is limited because there is no way to adjust the height of the straps. I would say that if the Small size is uncomfortable then you would be better to try the Large instead. I'm 6ft2 ish 187cm and my bag is the Large size. It also sits a bit high on me but I haven't had any bother with it, I hope this helps you

[@coreythomas8178]

@@RamblingOn thanks for a quick reply. Awesome review 👍

[@lnby]

Great review, just picked one up but I had a very strange issue. The internal frame was just footing loose in the backpack (not attached to anything). I'm guessing that it goes against the back plate on the internal zipped pocket? Can I get the thing back in? No way! Any help would be much appreciated. If not its back to Decathlon I go.

[@RamblingOn]

Yeah it should be in that zipped pocket. If I were you I wouldn't mess about, return it for one that is put together properly. Who knows why it was lose? maybe it was faulty and shouldn't have been put out for sale at all

[@Larrypint]

Does it fit for taller guys? Iam 188cm. I don't want a backpack pushing weight on my kidneys.

[@RamblingOn]

I'm 187cm and I really like this pack. I find it comfortable, you'd be best to try it on before you buy to be sure it will be good for you

[@cha9294]

Hi Jason! Is it okay for cabin? I wouls like to use it as a hand carry bag when I travel vis plane

[@RamblingOn]

As far as I am aware, decathlon state that it is okay for cabin baggage. It's best to have a quick look at the decathlon site and double-check with your airline to be sure

[@izasas4234]

En mi experiencia en el Camino de Santiago con esta mochila diré que se me aflojaban constantemente las cintas de los hombros, por lo que la mochila se desequilibraba e inclinaba hacia un lado. Sufrí mucho con este asunto. Me dolió mucho la espalda, ya que contínuamente intentaba reequilibrarme para estar derecha. Por lo demás, creo que tiene muy buenos remates y está bien pensada en general. Veré qué hacer para que no se desajusten esas cintas... Sigo buscando la solución.

[@RamblingOn]

Tampoco he encontrado una solución a ese problema. Es una pena porque, por lo demás, es una muy buena mochila por su precio.

[@izasas4234]

Ojalá tomen nota y lo corrijan en los futuros modelos de mochila. Gracias por tu respuesta.

[@MartinFransson]

I was considering this bag instead of an Osprey Kestrel 48... have you tried one of those?

[@RamblingOn]

I haven't tried the kestrel but it looks like a very solid pack. I love them in black. I still stand by this review, I have upgraded to an Atom pack mo50 but I'm hoping to use the mh500 down in the woods when I can get back out camping 🤞

[@RamblingOn]

I don't think that you can go wrong with either pack to be fair. I'd lean toward the osprey. It could be used as a winter pack and it might sit a bit better on your hips

[@MartinFransson]

@@RamblingOn Thanks a lot for your reply! I already have a dedicated photo backpack (Mindshift Gear Backlight 36L) so this was more supposed to be for day hikes with the family when I need to carry a lot of stuff for the kids and also some of my photo gear. I think the Osprey will hold a bit more stuff. 40 liters seems a bit tight for this purpose 😄

[@RamblingOn]

@MartinFransson oh yeah, I'd say you'd be less stressed too just by having that bit of extra space to fit everything in. Saying that, 48 litres is a quite big day pack 😄 needs must 👍

[@zenondore8371]

Hello Jason. I have a quastion is there any mark on this backpack about size, if it is size S or L ? I want to buy this backpack secondhand online.

[@RamblingOn]

Hi, I have just checked and there is a tag with a barcode on the outside of the pack down near the left hip belt. At the bottom of the tag there is a letter and then a series of numbers. I would imagine that if the letter is S its a small and if it's L its the large version. Mine is a Large so I have the letter L and then the series of numbers. Other than that I can't find any other indication on what size the pack is. Maybe you could find measurements online for each size and ask the seller to measure it for you. I hope this helps you out 🤞

[@zenondore8371]

@@RamblingOn Thank you very much for lighting speed answer. I think this is what I was looking for. Cheers.

[@gaiusho4906]

Do you know if this 40 L Large frame is carry on compliant with budget airlines?

[@RamblingOn]

It says it is on the website, probably best to check with your airline for measurements

[@marianvanek5871]

Hey, do you think they would let me on plane (ryanair, wizzair) with the bag?

[@RamblingOn]

The information I have from their website states that it is safe for cabin baggage

[@baloghadam2005]

hey nice vid! are the waist straps removable?

[@RamblingOn]

No, the waist straps can not be removed

[@baloghadam2005]

@@RamblingOn thanks for the answear. What would you say, if you were to use it without the waist straps, tucking it behind or just letting them hang, would that be very uncomfortable? I am thinking about buying it, and i wanna use it as a daypack as well and waist straps on a everyday bag are kinda awkward.

[@RamblingOn]

@Ádám Balogh if there's not much weight in it then it should be grand to leave the straps unbuckled. If you have a lot of weight it in then having them buckled definitely makes a big difference to comfort

[@bobbymcdonald4365]

Hi Jason, thanks for both videos on this pack. Just question about the load lifters. Is it possible to add a stopper band of some kind to prevent the straps from loosening off. In essence, jamming the straps in place? Take care out there and thanks.

[@RamblingOn]

No worries Bobby. I actually had not thought of that but I don't see why you couldn't fashion something to jam it. Once you have it set how you want it you could maybe stick a stitch in the strap if you were happy to do that. It's not a big issue for me, just a little be of a nuisance on longer hikes. Thanks very much for watching both videos, have a great weekend

[@joelmorados]

Pls visit Thailand soon

[@annamariapawlik4315]

Quechua is good company