HikingForclazDown Jacket

Forclaz MH100 down jacket review: a jacket that punches well above its price tag

A rare gem: lightweight, warm, packable and under £60. Not built for alpine assaults or torrential rainstorms, but for most UK adventures, an absolute belter of a budget layer.

✓  Best BuyForclaz MH100 Weight330 gFill power800-fill duckPrice£59.99 The good✓  Lightweight at 330 g
✓  Very warm for the price
✓  Stuffs into its own stuff sack
✓  Amazing value for money
✓  Great athletic fit
✓  Glove-friendly zips
✓  RDS-certified duck down
The not-so-good✗  Heavier and less packable than pricier rivals
✗  Not waterproof
✗  Not suited to deep-winter solo use

At a glance

Overview

Forclaz is Decathlon’s in-house trekking and backpacking brand. Based in the French Alps and tested on some of Europe’s most iconic long-distance trails, Forclaz is all about creating kit that is affordable, functional and built for the realities of life outdoors. We have reviewed several Decathlon and Forclaz products before and they are often standout examples of great value outdoor kit — offering a lot for a little.

The MH100 hooded down jacket is no different. Designed as a dependable insulated layer for use around camp or during chilly ascents, it weighs just 330 grams and packs down to a compact size. It is filled with 800-fill-power RDS-certified duck down, has a slim, athletic cut and features a well-fitting hood and two zippered hip pockets. It is made to be chucked in your pack and pulled on when the temperature drops — whether you are hiking the Brecon Beacons, wild camping in the Highlands or taking your first backpacking trip. At £59.99, it is an easy choice for anyone looking for no-fuss warmth.

Price-wise, the MH100 sits firmly in the entry-level category, but performance-wise, it holds its own against jackets that cost two, even three times as much. Take the Patagonia Nano Puff, for instance — a jacket that offers comparable pack size and general warmth, but uses synthetic insulation and costs £220. Or the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer, which shaves off 100 g but will set you back closer to £300. Even Forclaz’s own MT900 — a bulkier, warmer sibling — costs over double the price and, due to the pack size and weight, loses points in regards to versatility and everyday wearability. All things considered, the MH100 might just be the best value down jacket we have tested for reliable, no-nonsense warmth on UK adventures.

How we tested

We have had the Forclaz MH100 in our kit bag for several years now, and it has been through its paces. It has joined us on hikes and wild camps in Bannau Brycheiniog, Eryri, Dartmoor, the Lakes and the Cairngorms. We have worn it skiing, bikepacking, wild camping and wandering — in everything from mild evenings to blizzards with temperatures dipping below -13°C. We have stuffed it into packs, slept in it, and even singed it slightly over a campfire. Safe to say: we know this jacket inside out, and we know what it is good for.

Features and performance

Insulation and warmth

At a glance, the MH100 looks like a pretty standard lightweight down jacket. But it is the little things that set it apart — especially at this price. The MH100 uses 800-fill-power duck down, which is lofty, compressible and warm. It is not overloaded with down, but there is enough to take the edge off cold evenings and biting winds, particularly when layered over a fleece or under a waterproof shell.

Speaking of shells, this is not one. While the outer fabric has a water-repellent finish and will keep out a short drizzle, it is no match for sustained rain — nor is it meant to be. In typical British fashion, if the weather turns, this should be going under a waterproof. That said, the fabric feels tougher than many ultralight down jackets we have tested. Despite heavy use, ours has not torn — the only damage being a small singe on the wrist hem, courtesy of a campfire. A bit of duct tape fixed that in no time.

Packability, fit and details

The jacket packs down impressively well. It stuffs into its own internal pocket and ends up about the size of a wine bottle. We have also just crammed it into a rucksack or jammed it into panniers — either way, it always springs back into shape. While the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer packs smaller, it also costs around five times the price. The MH100, for most people, is more than compact enough.

The hood is also a highlight. It is snug without being restrictive, and does an excellent job of sealing in warmth. It is not helmet-compatible, but that is not the point. This jacket is not made for alpine routes — it is made to keep you warm while doing everyday outdoorsy things in the UK. Another thing we particularly appreciate are the zips, which are glove-friendly — a surprisingly nice touch at this price. Extended toggles make it easy to open pockets or adjust the main zip without peeling off your gloves in icy wind. The two zippered hip pockets are deep, warm and functional — great for warming hands or stashing essentials.

We really rate the fit of this jacket too. It is more athletic than most budget down jackets, which tend to hang off you like duvets. It is slim enough to trap heat effectively, without riding up or restricting movement. We have hiked, cooked and clambered around campsites in it and it always felt comfortable.

“At 330 g, it is light enough not to think twice about. And because it is cheap, you do not have to treat it with kid gloves — which somehow makes it more liberating to use.”

How it performed in the UK

Time and again, this jacket has performed above expectations. Whether pulling it on after summiting a cold peak, zipping it up for chilly mornings by the tent, or wrapping up around camp after sunset, the MH100 always adds a big dose of warmth without bulk or weight.

It has become a jacket we just throw in the bag by default. At 330 g, it is light enough not to think twice about. And because it is cheap, you do not have to treat it with kid gloves — which somehow makes it more liberating to use. If it gets wet, it dries. If it gets scuffed, it survives. And if it ever truly bites the dust, it will not ruin your day.

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Our verdictUnder £60 and in a league of its own. The best value down jacket for UK adventures.There are plenty of more technical down jackets on the market. There are lighter ones, warmer ones, and ones that can shrug off rain better. But for under £60, the Forclaz MH100 hooded down jacket is in a league of its own. It is lightweight, warm and packable — but more importantly, it is affordable without feeling cheap.It is not a specialist piece of kit. You are not going to wear it on alpine climbs or FTK hikes. But for most people, on most UK adventures, it is more than enough. Whether you are an experienced hiker looking for a packable warm layer, or a new camper after your first bit of winter kit, the MH100 is a very easy recommendation.

FAQs

How warm is the Forclaz MH100 down jacket?Very warm for the weight and price. It is not expedition-grade, but it will keep you toasty on spring, autumn and most winter days in the UK. We have worn it in conditions down to -13°C (layered up) and it has always delivered reliable warmth for its size.

What activities is the Forclaz MH100 down jacket suitable for?Hiking, backpacking, bikepacking, camping and general outdoors use. Not designed for climbing or technical mountain use, but for everyday UK adventures it is perfect. Light, warm and compact enough to carry on every trip — and punchy enough to keep you comfortable.

How waterproof is the Forclaz MH100 down jacket?Not very. The outer fabric is water-repellent and will keep out a short shower, but this is not a waterproof jacket. If the rain starts falling properly, you will need to throw a shell over the top. This is a jacket for staying warm, not staying dry.

Is the Forclaz MH100 down jacket worth the money?Absolutely. At £59.99, this jacket delivers outstanding value. Warm, packable, comfortable and durable — everything you want from a down jacket, at a fraction of the usual cost. We have used it for years and it has held up brilliantly. For budget-conscious adventurers, it is one of the best buys out there.

How durable is the Forclaz MH100 down jacket?Surprisingly durable. Despite regular use over several years, ours has never ripped or lost loft. The outer fabric is tougher than expected for a lightweight down jacket, and aside from a minor burn from a campfire, it has proven itself time and again on real UK adventures.