Forclaz MH100 down jacket review: A jacket that punches well above its price tag
The Forclaz MH100 hooded down jacket is a rare gem: lightweight, warm, packable and under £60. It’s not built for alpine assaults or torrential rainstorms, but for most UK adventures, it’s an absolute belter of a budget layer.
Forclaz MH100 hooded down jacket
Ideal for: Wildcamping, backpacking, lightweight warmth
Not suitable for: As a standalone warm layer on deep-winter wildcamping trips, fastpacking
The Forclaz MH100 is Decathlon’s entry-level hooded down jacket, built with affordability, functionality and simplicity in mind. Weighing just 330g in a size large, packing down to the size of a wine bottle and filled with lofty 800-fill RDS-certified duck down, this jacket is warm, compact and easy to carry. At £59.99, it’s one of the best value down jackets on the market — ideal for budget-conscious hikers, backpackers and campers looking for reliable warmth without unnecessary bulk or cost. It’s not waterproof and it’s not made for technical mountain routes, but it is spot-on for general outdoor use in the UK.
The Good
Lightweight
Warm
Stuffs into its own stuff sack
Amazing value for money
Great fit
The Bad
Heavier and not as packable as some competing (albeit pricier) lines
The Forclaz MH100 down jacket review
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 gear that’s affordable, functional and built for the realities of life outdoors. We’ve reviewed several Decathlon and Forclaz products before, and they’re 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’s 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’s made to be chucked in your pack and pulled on when the temperature drops — whether you’re hiking the Brecon Beacons, wild camping in the Highlands or taking your first backpacking trip. At £59.99, it’s 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 100g 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’ve tested for reliable, no-nonsense warmth on UK adventures.
Our experience using the Forclaz MH100 down jacket
We’ve had the Forclaz MH100 in our kit bag for several years now, and it’s been through its paces. It’s joined us on hikes and wild camps in Bannau Brycheiniog, Eryri, Dartmoor, the Lakes, and the Cairngorms. We’ve worn it skiing, bikepacking, wild camping and wandering — in everything from mild evenings to blizzards with temperatures dipping below -13°C. We’ve 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’s good for.
Features and performance
At a glance, the MH100 looks like a pretty standard lightweight down jacket. But it’s the little things that set it apart — especially at this price. First up, the insulation. The MH100 uses 800-fill-power duck down, which is lofty, compressible and warm. It’s not overloaded with down, but there’s 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 isn’t one. While the outer fabric has a water-repellent finish and will keep out a short drizzle, it’s 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’ve tested. Despite heavy use, ours hasn’t 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.
Packablity
The jacket packs down impressively well. It stuffs into its own internal pocket and ends up about the size of a wine bottle. We’ve 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’s snug without being restrictive, and does an excellent job of sealing in warmth. It’s not helmet-compatible, but that’s not the point. This jacket isn’t made for alpine routes — it’s 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’s more athletic than most budget down jackets, which tend to hang off you like duvets. It’s slim enough to trap heat effectively, without riding up or restricting movement. We’ve hiked, cooked, and clambered around campsites in it and it always felt comfortable.
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’s become a jacket we just throw in the bag by default. At 330g, it’s light enough not to think twice about. And because it’s cheap, you don’t 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 won’t ruin your day.
Forclaz MH100 hooded down jacket FAQs
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Very warm for the weight and price. It’s not expedition-grade, but it’ll keep you toasty on spring, autumn and most winter days in the UK. We’ve worn it in conditions down to -13°C (layered up), and it’s always delivered reliable warmth for its size.
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This jacket is ideal for hiking, backpacking, bikepacking, camping and general outdoors use. It’s not designed for climbing or technical mountain use, but for everyday UK adventures, it’s perfect. It’s light, warm and compact enough to carry on every trip — and punchy enough to keep you comfortable.
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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’ll need to throw a shell over the top. This is a jacket for staying warm, not staying dry.
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Absolutely. At £59.99, this jacket delivers outstanding value. It’s warm, packable, comfortable and durable — everything you want from a down jacket, at a fraction of the usual cost. We’ve used it for years and it’s held up brilliantly. For budget-conscious adventurers, it’s one of the best buys out there.
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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’s proven itself time and again on real UK adventures.
Conclusion
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’s lightweight, warm, and packable — but more importantly, it’s affordable without feeling cheap.
It’s not a specialist piece of kit. You’re not going to wear it on alpine climbs or FTK hikes. But for most people, on most UK adventures, it’s more than enough. Whether you’re 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.
