Decathlon Forclaz MT100 Hooded Puffer - Women's Review

The Decathlon Forclaz MT100 is a budget-friendly, ultralight down jacket designed for outdoor enthusiasts who need lightweight warmth without any frills. The outer shell is a 15-denier polyamide, the insulation is an 800-fill-power down, and the jacket easily packs into a pocket.. What sets Forclaz apart from its competitors is its incredibly reasonable price point. So how does it perform compared to higher-end alternatives? I put it to the test to find out.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

The Forclaz MT100 uses 800-fill-power RDS-certified down. It offers average warmth compared to other jackets in our lineup, but its warmth-to-weight ratio is impressive. The warmer jackets I tested are not only more expensive, but many of them weigh more than the Forclaz.

Decathlon rates the Forclaz for temperatures between 23 °F and 41 °F. Based on my experience, it's warm enough for mild to moderately cold conditions, but for extreme cold, layering is necessary. Whether you're in the mountains or around town, you'll want to add a mid-layer underneath (and maybe even a shell over top) once temperatures drop below 32 °F. I frequently took this jacket on backcountry ski trips and was comfortable with it layered over just a base layer on chilly morning starts and under a shell during breezy summit transitions.

The hood is made of stretch-knit material, which comfortably fits around your face and helps seal in heat. Depending on your preference, it's large enough to fit over a helmet yet thin enough to fit underneath. The Forclaz integrates the same stretch-knit material into the cuffs, and there is a bungee cord at the waist to help further prevent heat loss.

Comfort

The Forclaz is a comfy companion, and I was honestly surprised by just how often I reached for this jacket over other options with premium labels. The lining is soft and smooth, without having that slippery feel common to the lining of so many other down jackets.

The Forclaz features two external, zippered hand pockets, which are positioned high for easier access if you're wearing a hip belt or climbing harness. Holding true to its minimalist design, it lacks additional pockets.

One of the drawbacks our testers commented on is the sizing—it follows European sizing standards, which are typically smaller than US sizes. The cut is slightly snug, particularly around the chest and arms, which may not suit those who prefer a looser fit. If you plan on layering underneath, which our testers often did with this jacket, then I suggest sizing up.

Portability

Thanks to its minimalist design, the Forclaz is exceptionally lightweight for an insulated jacket—I weighed it at just over 11 ounces (size large). The impressive warmth-to-weight ratio rivals much more expensive competitors I tested.

The Forclaz is highly compressible, easily packing into a large stuff pocket with a two-way zipper. The stuff pocket also features a small clip at the base of the zipper that you can use to attach the capsule to a climbing harness or backpack. This clip loop also came in very handy for stuffing the jacket since I could hold onto it while zipping the capsule shut. Although this clip loop is common to many of the jackets I tested, other jackets position it on the opposite side of the zipper, rendering it useless as a handle.

I timed how fast I could pack up each jacket, and the Forclaz was both one of the fastest to pack and one of the most compact. As a result, it was one of my favorites to take on backcountry ski trips, as I could easily stash it in my pack when I wasn't wearing it. The packability also makes it particularly appealing for travelers and backpackers who prioritize space-saving gear.

Weather Resistance

While the Forclaz features a water-repellent finish, it is not fully waterproof. During field testing, light drizzles of rain or snow beaded off the outer shell, but any prolonged exposure to heavy rain will require you to don an additional shell jacket.

During lab tests, I poured one-half liter of water on the shoulder patch and rubbed it in for 30 seconds to simulate your backpack rubbing as you walk. The water didn't absorb into the 15-denier shell material, and only the stitching between the baffles took in water.

The wind resistance of the Forclaz is decent. I didn't notice any weaknesses in the main body of the jacket during field testing, but during lab tests, I noticed that the hood is slightly permeable to a consistent wind.

Breathability

The Forclaz offers adequate breathability, performing slightly above average relative to the other jackets I tested.

Like all down jackets, the main zipper allows for quick venting, and the oversized hand pockets provide additional airflow to your core when unzipped.

Should You Buy the Decathlon Forclaz MT100 Hooded Puffer?

The Forclaz MT100 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious adventurers seeking a lightweight, packable down jacket. It is surprisingly warm for its weight, and its comfortable design makes it a great companion for cool-weather hikes, travel, and daily wear. With a price point that's a fraction of similar jackets from premium brands, the Forclaz delivers performance without compromising on quality. However, if you need a down jacket with maximum weather protection, a roomier fit, or more technical features, you may want to explore some of the higher-end options we tested.

What Other Women's Down Jackets Should You Consider?

For those looking for the cheapest down jacket, check out the Wantdo Packable Down Hoody or the Lock and Love Ultra-Light Packable. Although neither are as warm or portable as the Forclaz MT100, these jackets are an exceptional deal. The REI Co-Op 650 is another high-value jacket–it's often available on sale, and when it is, that's a deal that's hard to beat. If you plan to spend more on a premium, truly-ultralight down jacket, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer is our top pick.