Forclaz doudoune MT500

This Forclaz MT500 down jacket is one of the best-sellers in the Forclaz range. Priced at 100 euros, it offers a lot for the money.

Its filling is made with real down and not with a heavy synthetic fiber with more or less convincing thermal properties. It is filled with 90% down and 10% feathers. We would have preferred 100% feathers, but at this price…

You can feel the fluffiness and almost immediate warmth.

This Forclaz MT500 down jacket is very comfortable to wear; the fabric combined with the down provides great softness, a “cocoon” effect. The neck circumference is well crafted with fabric that eliminates friction. The central zipper slides very smoothly without getting stuck.

The neck is well protected with a collar that rises high. However, its volume is not significant; it is close to the skin, making it difficult to wear a thick fleece underneath. You need to manage the thickness of the lower layers (normally a base layer) well. Overall, the jacket runs small.

The hood is very good, both in terms of thermal protection and volume. It doesn’t obstruct peripheral vision.

We find the excellent waist tightening system that is found in the Forclaz range: the excess cord doesn’t hang outside the jacket.

The inside of the pockets is cozy. There’s a zippered chest pocket and a pouch for compressing the jacket. The total weight of the ensemble is 420 grams in size M with the pouch (12 grams). We’ve seen lighter for this type of product, but Forclaz has prioritized functionality and comfort (neck area, multiple pockets…).

This Forclaz MT500 down jacket is designed for trekking. It should logically not be exposed to aggressive environments, such as tears or snagging on rocks during mountaineering. For example, it is not equipped with Pertex fabric, which is more resistant to snags.

For 100 euros, the Forclaz MT500 down jacket does the job perfectly. The 800 fill-power down provides excellent insulation. The comfort is up to par for this jacket, which logically earns a Hot Deal award.

"For 100 euros, the Forclaz MT500 down jacket does the job perfectly. The 800 fill-power down provides excellent insulation. The comfort is up to par for this jacket, which logically earns a Hot Deal award."

Rating

• 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
• WARMTH
  8,5
• HOOD PROTECTION
  9
• WATERPROOFNESS
  2
• BREATHABILITY
  6,5
• ZIP QUALITY
  8
• DRYING SPEED
  6