The Decathlon Forclaz Simond MT100 Hooded delivers exceptional value through its 800-fill-power RDS-certified down, which Outdoorgearlab found provides adequate warmth for mild conditions despite the jacket's low cost. However, the non-stretchy shell restricts mobility by pulling upward when reaching overhead, and sizing runs small with a slim fit that requires buyers to order up for comfort or layering. The oversized hood lacks adjustment cords, leaving gaps around the face in windy weather. This highly packable puffer fits budget-conscious hikers and climbers who prioritize weight savings over technical precision, while those needing a loose fit or superior wind protection should look elsewhere.
Full review
800-fill insulation delivers warmth at $119
The Decathlon Simond MT100 Hooded Puffer utilizes an 800-fill-power, RDS-certified duck down fill that reviewers consistently highlight as the primary reason for its exceptional value. The brand confirms the insulation consists of a blend of 10% grey duck feathers and 90% grey duck down, providing an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio that performs comparably to jackets costing two or three times more. This high fill power allows the jacket to serve effectively as a lightweight three-season insulation layer for camping or hiking rest stops without adding significant bulk.
Outdoorgearlab measured the men's medium version of the jacket at 10.3 ounces and awarded it an overall score of 68 out of 100, ranking it 14th among 23 tested down jackets. Despite not being the absolute warmest puffer in their lineup, they found that the insulation provides adequate warmth for mildly cold conditions, making it a versatile option for summer backpacking or as part of a winter layering system. The jacket uses sewn-through baffle construction to hold the insulation. While some heat can escape at the seams, the 800-fill power compensates for this by providing substantial thermal retention relative to its low cost.
Slim fit requires sizing up for layering
A recurring theme across professional and user reviews is that the Simond MT100 runs significantly small, necessitating that buyers order at least one size larger than their usual measurement. Outdoorgearlab explicitly warns shoppers to size up because the jacket features a slim fit that can be restrictive if purchased in true-to-size dimensions. Engearment echoed this sentiment, noting the jacket has a trim fit across the abdomen that feels snug even when sized up by a reviewer standing 6'3" and weighing 170 pounds.
The jacket's waistband tends to ride up when the wearer reaches overhead or makes hugging motions, further emphasizing the need for extra room in the torso and arms. For individuals with broader chests or those intending to wear a fleece mid-layer underneath, ordering two sizes larger may be prudent to ensure comfort without compromising the jacket's intended silhouette. The internal drop pocket is positioned well within this snug chest area, but the tightness across the shoulders can be felt during dynamic movements.
Non-adjustable hood leaves gaps in wind
The included hood on the Simond MT100 is a point of division among reviewers, primarily due to its oversized design and lack of adjustment mechanisms. This lack of adjustment allows cold air to penetrate around the neck and chin during windy conditions, prompting recommendations to wear a separate fleece or wool hat underneath for optimal warmth retention in winter scenarios.
Another YouTube reviewer who tested a size XL found the hood to be highly functional for blocking wind when zipped all the way up, praising its high raised portion that covers the face effectively. However, this same reviewer criticized the lack of drawcords or cinches to tighten the opening around the eyes and nose, which remains a static gap regardless of head movement. The consensus indicates the hood provides basic coverage but fails to offer the customizable seal found on more expensive technical shells.
Packability into hand pocket aids travel
One of the standout features of the Simond MT100 is its ability to compress entirely into one of its two zippered handwarmer pockets, a design choice that enhances its portability for travelers and ultralight backpackers. Outdoorgearlab highlighted this capability as a major strength, noting that the jacket easily stuffs away without requiring an external stuff sack, which helps keep the overall weight down. The pocket utilizes a double-sided zipper with a pull tab, allowing users to secure the packed bundle comfortably while wearing it or attaching it to a backpack.
This packability is further enhanced by the inclusion of a harness loop located near the zippered storage area. This specific feature allows climbers and alpinists to attach the bundled jacket directly to their climbing harness, making it highly accessible during rest stops without needing to dig into a backpack. The ability to quickly deploy the insulation for camp use or stow it away during high-output activities like hiking makes it a practical tool for multi-sport enthusiasts who prioritize minimal gear weight and maximum convenience.
Shell material limits mobility and softness
The outer shell of the Simond MT100 is constructed from 15-denier polyamide with a PFAS-free DWR finish, which provides basic water repellency but lacks the pliability found in premium puffers.
Mobility is another area where the shell construction shows its limitations. The lack of flexibility makes the jacket less ideal for high-output activities or technical climbing where a wide range of motion is required. While Engearment found arm mobility to be natural during casual wear, the consensus among active users is that the non-stretchy 15D polyamide restricts movement compared to articulated designs found in higher-tier outdoor apparel.
Draft gaskets and zipper garage seal warmth
Despite its budget positioning, the Simond MT100 includes thoughtful design elements that enhance thermal efficiency. The sleeves feature hidden elastic draft gaskets on the inside of the straight cuffs. These internal bands prevent cold air from entering through the wrists while maintaining a clean exterior appearance, a feature often omitted in cheaper jackets to save manufacturing costs.
A zipper garage at the top of the YKK main zipper protects the chin from direct contact with the metal slider and helps seal drafts around the neck. These small but functional details contribute to the jacket's overall ability to retain heat in temperatures ranging from 23°F to 41°F when layered appropriately, validating its positioning as a reliable three-season insulation layer.
Strengths
- +Insulated with high-quality 800-fill-power RDS-certified down that provides excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.
- +Extremely affordable price point significantly lower than comparable name-brand puffers.
- +Highly packable design allows the jacket to zip entirely into one of its hand pockets for easy storage.
- +Includes thoughtful budget-friendly features such as a harness loop and internal elastic draft gaskets at the cuffs.
Watch-outs
- −Sizing runs small with a slim, snug fit across the chest and waist, requiring buyers to size up.
- −Limited mobility due to a non-stretchy shell that pulls upward when reaching overhead or making hugging motions.
- −The hood is oversized and lacks adjustment cords, leaving gaps around the face in windy conditions.
How it compares
At 10.3 oz, the Decathlon Forclaz Simond MT100 Hooded is lighter than the 11.9 oz Arc'teryx Cerium Hooded Down Jacket and the 15.4 oz Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie, and it costs far less than either. Its 800-fill down is a step below the Arc'teryx's 850-fill. Its oversized hood has no adjustment cords, where the Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket has an adjustable hood with a wire brim.
Rating sources
Counts as 3.86/5 in our score — this publisher's 149 scores on the site average 3.69, so its scores are adjusted up to compare fairly with other publishers.
Counts as 4.30/5 in our score — this publisher's 60 scores on the site average 4.49, so its scores are adjusted down to compare fairly with other publishers.
“If you want a down hooded jacket that will keep you warm down to 23°F (when worn with a fleece mid-layer) and you don’t mind the jacket’s slightly oversized hood, the MT100 is a great buy at just $119.”
Our 4.1 score is the average of the 2 scored reviews above, each adjusted for how strictly its publisher scores; 4 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. More about methodology.
