Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket Review: Warm, Stylish, and Affordable

ByJoseph Burtoni

I’ve been putting the $149 Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket to the test. Check out my full review for the pros, cons, and why this jacket has become my go-to for staying warm and stylish on cold-weather adventures.

Katie wearing the Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket (Black)

The Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket by Decathlon is a warm, stylish, and affordable option for outdoor enthusiasts who want reliable insulation without breaking the bank.

Crafted for hikers, backpackers, and adventure seekers, this jacket also transitions seamlessly into everyday wear, making it perfect for errands, commuting, or casual outings in chilly weather.

In this review of the Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket, I’ll dive into my experiences over the past few weeks – what makes this jacket stand out, areas where it could improve, and whether it’s the perfect addition to your winter wardrobe.

If you’re looking for a review of the Decathlon Forclaz Men’s MT100 Hooded Down Jacket, check out our review here.

Quick Summary: Is the Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket worth it?

Yes, the Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket is absolutely worth it for its warmth, style, affordability, and versatile performance. Buy it here!

Sponsored by Decathlon

Decathlon sent us the Forclaz Men’s MT100 and Women’s MT500 Jacket to be photographed and reviewed by us, they have no say in our judgment of the jackets.

What is Decathlon?

Decathlon is a globally recognized French sporting goods brand and the world’s largest retailer in the industry, with over 1,700 stores in more than 60 countries. Known for its innovative, high-quality, and affordable products, Decathlon offers gear for a wide range of sports and outdoor activities, including their popular Decathlon Forclaz jackets.

While still expanding its presence in the U.S., Decathlon has gained a reputation for making reliable and performance-driven outdoor gear, such as the Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket. By keeping research, development, production, and supply chain operations in-house, Decathlon ensures that products like their down jackets are both innovative and budget-friendly, making them accessible to everyone.

During our many trips to Europe, Decathlon became a trusted stop for gear. Whether it was a small backpack, new socks, or even a tennis ball to roll out our sore muscles, we always knew we could count on Decathlon for affordable, practical solutions. Their extensive range of outdoor gear, including the Decathlon Forclaz down jacket, quickly made them one of our favorite places to stock up while on the go.

Katie wearing the Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket (Black)

Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket Overview:

  • The Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket by Decathlon is crafted for cold-weather trekking, offering reliable warmth and lightweight comfort for both outdoor adventures and everyday wear.
  • Filled with Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified down and designed with 90% Grey Duck Down and 10% Grey Duck Feathers, this jacket provides excellent insulation in temperatures ranging from 14°F (-10°C) to 41°F (5°C).
  • Weighing just 14 ounces in size M, it’s compact, lightweight, and easily folds into its own pocket, making it ideal for packing and travel.
  • The outer fabric is treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) coating, giving you added protection against light rain and snow while trekking or exploring.
Katie wearing the Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket (Black) with the hood up

The Pros and Cons of the Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket:

Let’s dive into the standout features of the Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket and explore why it’s become a favorite for cold-weather adventures.

  • Great Fit: The cut of the jacket is well-designed, fitting comfortably around the hips for a flattering and functional look.
  • Cozy Details: The lined collar and inner pockets provide extra warmth and a cozy feel, making it perfect for chilly days.
  • Ample Storage: With five pockets—three with zippers (including two hand pockets and one internal zipped pocket) and two additional open inner pockets—this jacket offers plenty of secure and convenient storage options.
  • Packable Design: Compresses into a pouch for easy storage and portability, perfect for travel or on-the-go adventures.
  • Practical Hood: The hood provides an extra layer of warmth and protection against the elements, and it features a drawstring to snug it up, helping to keep you dry in damp or windy conditions.
  • Affordable Price: Excellent performance and features at a budget-friendly price point. Seriously, you’ll not be able to find a $149 Down Jacket from any of the main competitors (Patagonia, The North Face, REI Co-Op, etc)
  • Water-Repellent Protection: The water-repellent property of this jacket’s fabric allows water to run off its surface without absorbing it, preventing the fabric from swelling and keeping it lightweight and warm. The outer surface has been treated with a PFC-free durable water-repellent (DWR) coating, offering protection against light rain and snow. However, for prolonged exposure to wet conditions, pairing it with a waterproof shell (like the Quechua Women’s MH100) is recommended.
Inside Breast Pocket (Right)
Felt Inside Hood
Inside Waist Pocket (Left)
Inside Breast Pocket with Zipper (Left)

Of course, no product is perfect, so let’s take a look at a few areas where the Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket could improve.

  • Limited Color Options: Currently only available in black or white, which may not appeal to everyone’s taste.
  • Limited Water Resistance: While the jacket’s fabric is water-repellent, it isn’t fully waterproof and may require a shell for heavy rain. A solution is to pair the MT500 with one several waterproof options like the Quechua MH100 or MH500, which can be layered over the MT500 for added protection.
  • Sizing Run Small: This isn’t necessarily a con, but something to keep in mind when ordering is that Decathlon outwear tend to run small. I’m 5’7” (170 cm) and usually wear a Large/XL jacket. I ordered an XL, and it fits perfectly with room for a sweater underneath.

Beyond the limited color choices, it’s hard to find any significant downsides. This jacket has become my go-to for cold-weather adventures!

Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket
Cozy Fleece Lined Pockets
Katie wearing the Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket (Black) with the hood up

Washing Tips:

To maintain the jacket’s insulation and water-repellent properties, wash it sparingly.

  • Machine wash at 86°F (30°C) using a detergent designed for down (we really like Nikwax). Add 2-3 tennis balls to the wash cycle to prevent clumping.
  • Tumble dry with the tennis balls on low heat, repeating the cycle until the jacket is fully dry and fluffy.

Can you Restore The Water-Repellency?:

After washing, reapply a water-repellent spray (we really like Nikwax) to the outer fabric to enhance its hydrophobic coating and prolong its performance in wet conditions.

Repair Tips:

For small tears or punctures of the Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket, use repair patches available on Decathlon’s website. These easy-to-apply patches prevent further damage and keep the down securely in place.

Storage Guidelines:

Store the Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket on a hanger in a dry area to preserve its loft. Avoid leaving it compressed in its pouch for extended periods, as this can reduce its insulating ability over time.

Final Thoughts: Is the Forclaz MT500 Worth It?

The $149.00 Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket offers an impressive combination of warmth, style, and affordability, making it a standout choice for adventurers and everyday users alike.

Designed with cold-weather trekking in mind, this jacket excels in insulation, lightweight packability, and practical features like ample pockets and a snug hood with a drawstring. Its water-repellent fabric adds versatility, though pairing it with a waterproof shell makes it even more adaptable to wet conditions.

At a price significantly lower than comparable jackets from premium brands, the MT500 delivers exceptional value without sacrificing performance or durability. Whether you’re heading out for a chilly morning hike, exploring a new city, or simply running errands in the cold, this jacket offers the perfect balance of functionality, style, and budget-friendly appeal.

Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket – Drawstring Hood

Where To Buy?

The Decathlon Forclaz Women’s MT500 Hooded Down Jacket can be found online at Decathlon.com or in-store if you’re lucky enough to live near one.

Do you live near a Decathlon store? Check out the store finder here (USA). If you live outside the USA, here’s a webpage with the local websites for Decathlon across the world.

Katie with her arms out whilst wearing the MT500 Hooded Down Jacket
Katie with her arms above her head whilst wearing the MT500 Hooded Down Jacket

Decathlon Forclaz MT500 Alternatives

If you’re exploring other options in the Decathlon Forclaz lineup, here are some great alternatives to consider:

Whether you need more warmth or prefer a hoodless option, Decathlon’s Forclaz range has something to suit your needs and budget.

Want to keep reading? Our top blog posts!

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Joseph Burtoni is the Co-Owner of Katie And Joe On The Go, a blog that shares their love of unique destinations, travel experiences, US National Parks, Van Life, and more.

After 10+ years in the advertising industry as a Director of Social Media, bouncing around the globe working for some pretty cool companies like Mercedes-Benz, Ram Trucks, NIKON, and more; he realized he wanted more out of life.

So he made the leap into full-time travel with his partner Kathryn and are now educating others how to do the same thing.