Embarking on a multi-day trek demands reliable shelter, particularly when the weather turns nasty. The Forclaz MT900 tent from Decathlon promises to be your trusty companion in the wilderness without breaking the bank. I've put this compact dome through its paces in various conditions to determine if it truly delivers on its promises of lightweight durability and weather resistance.
First impressions and design features
Unboxing and build quality
The Forclaz MT900 arrives in a surprisingly compact package, measuring just 41x12cm when packed down – a welcome sight for any trekker conscious about space. Weighing a mere 1,302g for the one-person version, it immediately positions itself as a lightweight contender in the budget trekking tent market. Upon initial inspection, the materials feel decent considering the £159.99 price point, though they don't quite match the premium feel of higher-end alternatives.
Key design elements and materials
This tent employs a 20-denier polyester flysheet with a respectable 2,000mm hydrostatic head rating, while the groundsheet offers enhanced protection with a 3,000mm rating. The inner tent utilizes 40-denier polyamide, striking a balance between weight and durability. One of the standout design features is the hub-connected pole system, which contributes significantly to the tent's structural integrity and wind resistance, rated to withstand winds up to an impressive 60km/hr (force 7). The dome design provides a generous peak height of 95cm – allowing most people to sit upright comfortably inside.
Setup and practicality
Assembly time and ease
The hub-connected pole system truly shines when it comes to pitching the Forclaz MT900. Even for someone with minimal camping experience, the tent can be erected in minutes without frustration. This intuitive design proves particularly valuable when setting up camp in deteriorating weather conditions or after a long day of trekking when energy levels are low. The poles fold down to 38cm, making them suitable for attaching to a bicycle frame if you're combining trekking with bikepacking adventures.
Storage and interior space
With internal dimensions of 210x60cm, the one-person version provides adequate length for taller individuals but feels somewhat narrow across the width. This compact design creates a somewhat cramped interior that might feel restrictive during extended periods of bad weather when you're confined inside. The MT900 UL 2 two-person version offers more breathing room at £219.99 and weighs 1.75kg, making it perhaps the better choice for solo trekkers who prioritize comfort or those planning to share accommodation occasionally. The high walls provide good headroom but can potentially catch more wind than lower profile designs.
Weather resistance and durability
Performance in Wind and Rain
Despite being marketed as a three-season tent, the Forclaz MT900 demonstrates impressive resilience in challenging conditions. The waterproofing performs admirably with the 2,000mm rated flysheet effectively repelling persistent rainfall. More importantly, the tent dries quickly once the sun reappears, reducing packed weight and preventing mildew issues on longer expeditions. During testing in Scotland, including the notoriously changeable weather of the Isle of Islay, the tent remained stable in significant winds, though it does become rather noisy when the gusts pick up. With proper additional equipment, this tent could potentially serve for winter camping despite its three-season designation.
Long-term wear and tear assessment
The overall build quality suggests reasonable durability for the price point, though some components do reveal the budget nature of this offering. The groundsheet, while adequately waterproof, feels somewhat thin and might benefit from additional protection on rougher terrain. The zippers and guy lines are functional but basic compared to premium alternatives. That said, Forclaz positions itself as Decathlon's eco-friendly trekking brand (launched in 2016), suggesting some consideration for longevity and sustainability in the design process.
Value for Money and Comparisons
Price point against similar models
At £159.99 for the one-person version, the Forclaz MT900 represents excellent value in the lightweight trekking tent market. When assessed across key metrics, it scores impressively in weatherproofing (4.4/5), features (4.0/5), weight (4.2/5), and particularly value (4.6/5), with only comfort/space (3.6/5) showing as a relative weakness. For those requiring more space, the two-person version at £219.99 or the three-person option at £280 (2,700g) maintain this strong value proposition while accommodating additional trekkers.
Forclaz mt900 vs ferrino lightent
When compared to similar lightweight trekking options like the Ferrino Lightent, the MT900 stands out primarily for its competitive pricing while offering comparable technical specifications. The Ferrino typically commands a higher price point with marginally better materials and slightly reduced weight, but the functional differences may not justify the additional cost for most recreational trekkers. The Forclaz offers nearly equivalent performance in key areas of waterproofing, wind resistance, and packability while leaving more money in your pocket for other essential gear.
Portability and transport considerations
When you're off trekking across the British countryside, the last thing you need is a tent that feels like you're lugging around a brick. The Decathlon Forclaz MT900 addresses this brilliantly, offering remarkable portability that makes it a worthy companion for your outdoor adventures.
Weight and Pack Size for Trekking
The Forclaz MT900 shines with its impressive lightweight design, tipping the scales at just 1,302g for the one-person model. This makes it a proper featherweight option for solo trekkers watching every gram. The two-person MT900 UL 2 version weighs in at 1.75kg – still remarkably light considering its capacity. For those looking to trek with minimal burden, these weights hit the sweet spot between durability and portability.
Pack size is equally impressive, with the one-person tent compressing down to a compact 41x12cm bundle. The two-person model maintains this advantage, packing into a bag under 40cm long. These dimensions make the MT900 range ideal for slipping into a rucksack without hogging precious space needed for other essential kit.
Carrying solutions and trail convenience
The Forclaz MT900's transport-friendly design extends beyond mere measurements. While not marketed specifically for bikepacking, the tent poles fold down to 38cm, making it perfectly suitable for strapping to a bike frame or handlebars – a brilliant touch for those mixing cycling with trekking adventures.
The hub-connected pole system not only enhances pitching speed but also eliminates the faff of sorting through multiple loose poles on the trail. This integrated approach means fewer pieces to misplace and simpler transport. The modest packed size also gives you flexibility in how you distribute weight throughout your pack, a crucial consideration for maintaining comfort during long treks.
At £159.99 for the one-person model and £219.99 for the two-person version, this Forclaz offering delivers remarkable portability and transport convenience at a price point that won't leave your wallet feeling significantly lighter than your pack.
Environmental adaptability and seasonal use
The Decathlon Forclaz MT900 tent stands out as a versatile option for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable shelter across different environments. This lightweight one-person tent, priced at £159.99, offers impressive specifications with its 1,302g weight and compact 41x12cm packed size. The tent's design balances portability with protection, making it suitable for various terrains and weather conditions throughout most of the year.
Terrain suitability and ground anchoring
When pitching the MT900 across diverse landscapes, its performance varies based on the ground type. The tent features a robust 3,000mm hydrostatic head groundsheet, providing solid protection from wet terrain. Its hub-connected pole system creates a stable structure that can withstand winds up to 60km/hr (force 7), making it suitable for exposed positions, though the high walls might catch strong gusts. The compact footprint (210x60cm internal dimensions) allows for placement on smaller flat areas, which expands your camping location options. The tent might require additional anchoring on loose surfaces like sand or snow, but performs admirably on standard grassy or firm ground. While not specifically designed for bikepacking, the poles fold down to 38cm, making them suitable for attaching to a bike frame for transport.
Three-season performance and temperature management
Despite being marketed as a three-season tent, the MT900 demonstrates remarkable adaptability. The 2,000mm hydrostatic head flysheet combined with the 3,000mm groundsheet provides solid protection against typical British rainfall. Made from 20-denier polyester flysheet and 40-denier polyamide inner, the materials balance weight with durability. The tent's 95cm peak height offers decent headroom for comfort during extended stays. Testing in challenging Scottish conditions, including the Isle of Islay, showed the tent excels at repelling water and dries quickly after rainfall. The tent might become noisy during high winds, yet maintains structural integrity. While marketed as a three-season shelter, some users report it could potentially handle mild winter conditions with appropriate gear. This adaptability makes the MT900 a versatile option for trekkers throughout spring, summer and autumn, with the possibility of extending use into milder winter periods. For those wanting more space, the two-person MT900 UL 2 version costs £219.99 and weighs 1.75kg, offering similar weather resistance with additional room.
