Decathlon's ULTRALIGHT Backpack - Forclaz MT 900 UL Backpack Review!

[@BackpackingUK]

Buy from Decathlon here: tidd.ly/3N1KUsq Ultralight backpacking gear tends to be extremely expensive with minimal features and at the lower end of the comfort scale. However, I think this backpack combines value for money, features and comfort very well. I should note my ideal 10kg weight loading for multiday trips excludes water.

[@michaelbratten2403]

Hey Andy, I've been using this backpack for about a year now and absolutely love it! As you mentioned also, I think it has such a great feature to weight to price ratio. And the back suspension/webbing is a game-changer for me. I don't think I'll ever use a backpack without it! With that being said, I'm looking for something that can comfortably carry more weight (16-23kg). I'm curious to know if there are any other backpacks you can think of?

[@bruellaffenbaumd7159]

This pack is my ultralight winter pack and I absolutely love it! I used it last on a four day snowshoe hike and it carried up to 20 kilos fairly comfortably. I absolutely love the huge and easily accessible side pockets.

[@BackpackingUK]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@catheriam1945]

Thank you for this review from a 79 year old grandmother preparing for a 4th Camino de Santiago. I live in Portugal and I want to obtain a good proportion of my gear from Decathlon, trying out various bits and bobs to get it just right before I head out in April. I have had iffy luck from Osprey (3 $$$ backpacks over the years and often wanting to rip them off my back in the middle of the trail and stomp on them) when in USA & Spain. I will need a sleeping bag and although a 45+10 is admitedly overlarge for the Camino, Forclaz does not appear to be make a 35L or 40L model with the comfort of that back panel praised by you and other reviewers. Mental note: Do not overpack! (Repeat!)

[@paoxeroxe]

Thanks guy, I am from Thailand and your video is so helpful for me to my decision. There are not quite much review video for this bag.

[@Ionut76Albu]

I tryed the backpack on 3 day hike with 1100 m ascent and 38 km. Max load was 12,9 kg (including food an 3 l of watter) and I finished with 10,1 kg. On ascent and flat was great. On descent was a nightmare ( 2nd day). The frame keept on digging on my butt on every step. Last day was a flat and light descent and it was ok. I returned the product.

[@mikecoward3949]

Great review Andy. I used this bag on the 16th Nov with a semi winter load out and you are 100% correct more than 10kg. It is a great pack for summer lightweight wild camps but for the winter. I would recommend using an OSPREY Mike

[@andykeast8920]

I bought the Atmos 65 after your review so won’t buy this but Decathlon continue to provide superb quality hiking and backpacking equipment and clothing and I continue to gear up through them. Awesome low cost quality alternatives to some of the more expensive brands.

[@davidlourenco8478]

I recently bought it and can usually carry around 12kg if i´m wearing something like a t-shirt or up to 15kg if i´m wearing a jacket or something that acts as a cushion, so it works very well since i carry more weight in the winter and less during the summer. Thanks for the video!

[@BM-ms3gr]

Excellent review, tx for sharing! As a former marsof operator I've tried and tested all kinds of gear of different brands, including now Decathlon and my conclusion is that there is a good reason for them to be one of the biggest outdoor retailers; I do love many (= not all!) of the gear and clothing they produce.

[@stevew585]

Hi Andy great review, Thanks. I brought this one last year, Forclaz Men's Trekking 50+10 L MT500 Air, awesome bit of kit, I paid 90 Quid for it, love it. Its very similar to the one in your video.

[@愛穿百褶裙]

There is a feeling of back and back, the belt and shoulder straps are a little pinched pain design is a bit unreasonable, but more than 700 RMB is very fragrant

[@mattentwistle70]

Very similar to my Osprey Stratos, though I like those large side pockets. Looks like good value.

[@markpeppiatt5995]

Great review, Andy! I'd like to see you review the Forclaz MT500 pack. I have that model and highly rate it. For some reason there are not many reviews online.

[@BackpackingUK]

I’ll take a look 👀

[@laurencecook7652]

Hi Andy, interesting info about this pack. How would you say it compares too the osprey exos?

[@BackpackingUK]

They are very similar in size and weight. The Exos is more comfortable but the MT900 UL has better features.

[@eduluft]

Amigo, deixe a mochila cheia para demonstra lá, assim fica difícil ter noção

[@cuprajake1]

really looking forward to trying this backpack out ;)

[@TheAsgaard83]

Glad to see you reviewing brands like this. I stopped buying their stuff myself but I understand that a lot of people will turn to stores like Decathlon for their first gear. Used to have their soft shell - I worke it only for daily commute but surprisingly good value. It's not a shame to buy cheaper brands.

[@kct9967]

I have the 90ltr. And I love it, and I"ll never buy a 'top loader' again!

[@mikecoward3949]

Hi Andy, Any chance you can review the Forclaz easyfit 70l backpack.

[@9abe9]

Hi Andy, thanks a lot for the review! How is the pack holding up? If you don't mind, what is your hip size? I've read reviews on Decathlon saying the hip belts are too big. Did you notice it? Thanks a lot!

[@BackpackingUK]

I’m only a 30” waist and it was ok for me.

[@Pasequale100]

I can t decide between the MT900 and the Kakwa 55 🙈 which one would you prefer without taking in consideration the weight difference? or what are your thoughts between these two packs?

[@BackpackingUK]

It depends how much you rate suspended mesh packs? Personally, for me, I prefer them. Others don’t care, they want the weight saving and a pack that sits close to their back.

[@Pasequale100]

@@BackpackingUK thanks a lot!!

[@Andy-nu1dw]

As always, great video. Have you heard of the Kilosgear sleeping pad? If so, is it worth the money? Could you maybe do a video review on it.

[@BackpackingUK]

I’ve heard of it but I haven’t used one yet.

[@chrisjwoodall]

Looks like serious competition for the osprey talon 44 and 55 to me

[@BackpackingUK]

... and the Exos too!

[@bubovelky]

What about a creaking of the harnesses (balance straps) with heavy load?

[@BackpackingUK]

I haven't tried it with a heavy load as such, I don't think that's what it's really designed for.

[@Lyeti1989]

Hi Andy! What do You think wich is the better backpack Osprey Exos 58 or this MT900 UL? Unfortunatly in Hungary i dont't had any confirmation in this theme. Thanks Your answer!

[@BackpackingUK]

The MT900 has better features but the Exos is more comfy.

[@pidulla]

Hi, without the top lid is it suitable as a carry on luggage on the plane? Tnx

[@BackpackingUK]

I think it should be ok 👍

[@rekaicampbell]

Do you think the woman's one is Still suitable for guys?

[@ItsMrMac]

Great video, been looking at a new backpack from decathlon. Have u used any other of their backpacks?

[@BackpackingUK]

Just this one. To be honest, I usually use Osprey Packs. However, I’m really Impressed with this, it’s really lightweight, has a good level of comfort and some great features.

[@omaryaccob2975]

i can say the mesh is quite comfy.

[@neemancallender9092]

12 kg is not enough as a carry weight for any extended trip

[@djijomurdjevic]

I'm also wondering how :D Especially if you have to bring water.

[@BackpackingUK]

This packs in aimed at the ultralight market. To them, 12kg is like carrying a tonne! I should also say my 10kg is excluding water.

[@9abe9]

​@djijomurdjevic there is the option of using filters. That is, of course, if there is acess to water. I wonder if this backpack could withstand weights around 16kg, which would be much more suitable for carrying water

[@shabeel0]

12kg is more than enough for 1 week. Including food, tent, sleeping bag und pad. You have to use a water filter and drink the water from lakes of course. In summer I wear about 10kg or even less. In the Austrian mountains I wear about 12kg.

[@dayoltay]

12 kg is extremely normal for ultralight thru-hikers (2100 mile hikes)

[@MountainManJohnFilms]

Pretty good bag to be honest. Features to match the Osprey I'd say....just don't like the colour much 😂😂😂

[@BackpackingUK]

I wasn't 100% sure at first but it's grown on me this year and now I really like it!

[@tomspice73]

far from Lafuma quality and comfort

[@ryanharper9574]

Do not buy any Decathlon items! Ordered a down jacket, it never arrived and even though I paid for the extra ""shipping insurance", they won't reimburse me or ship me a new one. Stay away from this company, especially if you plan to order through the mail. Take my warning.

[@0x45Swims]

Dispute with credit card.

[@CptBEARDless]

I have had no issues with my decathalon gear.

[@eljavix]

You've has a bad experience. Its not my case.

[@stewartgregson8479]

That’s not an ultralight pack, yes it’s relatively lightweight but not ultralight and I can’t imagine any of the ultralight fraternity wanting this pack.

[@BackpackingUK]

Agreed, but for the audience they are targeting it is.

[@stewartgregson8479]

No sorry, it’s got nothing to do with the audience. ultralight has a specific criteria, ie a base weight of 4.5 kilo’s. This is lightweight not ultralight. Using the wrong terminology just confuses people.

[@BackpackingUK]

I often hear this and it always makes me chuckle! It's only specific criteria to a minority group of backpackers, mainly those in the US who do the PCT, AT, etc. I bet 99% of backpackers outside the US 1) don't know, 2) don't really care and 3) see it as an indication of it's comparative weight. I think Decathlon's naming of this backpack shows this too.

[@stewartgregson8479]

So what is the definition of ultralight? Without a recognised definition (and 4.5 kilos is the only one I know of) companies can market things ultralight when they obviously aren’t. I’ve read articles suggesting a uk ultralight weight would be around 5.5 kilos and 6.5 kilos for winter due to the nature of our climate. By the way I’m not an ultralight hiker, my base weight is anything between 6.5 and 7.5 kilos depending on conditions and nature of the hike I am doing. There is so much misunderstanding around ultralight, one being it has to be expensive. You can chuckle all you like but I feel your review has just added to the confusion and lack of understanding.

[@BackpackingUK]

There's no need to get aggy. Most people outside the US would use their own judgement. 'Ultralight' is not a term limited to backpacking. Same as 'Heavy' and 'Lightweight'. There's no requirement for a definition. Sorry if this annoys you but it's true.

[@Leeslost]

Decathlon really seam to be upping there game , I love there clothing because they actually think of the bigger person unlike some bigger branded companies Great reviews as per usual Andy 🤙🏕️

[@BackpackingUK]

They clearly put a lot of effort into this. To be fair, I rate all their MT900 gear.