The FORCLAZ MT500 Trekking Trousers from Decathlon offer a compelling mix of rugged durability and price-point accessibility — ideal for anyone who wants reliable outdoor gear without blowing their budget. Designed for trekking, bikepacking, and scrambling, these trousers punch well above their £35 price tag and have earned their spot among serious 3-season staples.
Build and Materials
These trousers use a hybrid construction designed to withstand abrasion while maintaining mobility:
- High-durability fabric on seat, knees, and cuffs — perfect for brush, rock, and repeated saddle contact
- Stretch panels behind the knees and across the crotch — great for crouching, scrambling, and off-bike movement
- Water-repellent treatment — not waterproof, but handles light rain and damp foliage without soaking
- Quick-drying nylon blend — useful for stream crossings or variable weather
Reinforced ankle panels resist wear from pedal rub and crampon scuffs, showing foresight from mountain and expedition use cases. After bushwhacking through gorse and scrambling gritstone, the fabric showed no tears or pilling.
Fit and Features
These are classic trekking-cut trousers with thoughtful details:
- Regular fit with a mid-rise waist — sits comfortably under hip belts without sagging
- Integrated webbing belt — holds firm and avoids buckle bulk under packs
- Pre-shaped knees — improves articulation without restricting stride
- Adjustable ankle cuffs — press-stud system lets you cinch trousers around boots, gaiters, or seal against ticks
- Five pockets, including two zippered thigh pockets — excellent for maps, multitools, or snacks
- Waistband sizing runs slightly snug — trying before buying is advised
At 5’10” and 75kg, the EU 48 offered a well-balanced fit for test runs, scrambles, and camp chores.
Trail Performance
Durability
From sitting on wet rocks to bramble-lined footpaths, the MT500 handled everything without complaint. The reinforced zones truly improve lifespan — especially for bikepackers dealing with pedal rub or saddle friction.
Breathability
For midweight trousers, breathability is solid. Stretch panels help release heat buildup and prevent swampiness during climbs. They hold up well from 2°C to 20°C depending on base layers — making them ideal for spring through autumn.
Weather Resistance
While not waterproof, they shrug off drizzle and dry quickly. Layering over leggings or under shell trousers extends their seasonality into colder, wetter days.
Versatility and Use Cases
The MT500s shine in:
- Day hikes and multiday treks
- Bikepacking routes with mud and rain exposure
- Scrambling and light climbing
- Campsite use and layering-friendly travel
They’re not technical alpine trousers, but for UK hillwalking, European trails, and general 3-season missions, they’re hard to beat on value.
Sustainability Credentials
Decathlon has stepped up its eco game, and the MT500s benefit:
- Made with recycled materials
- PVC-free waterproofing
- Fair labour and material sourcing practices (Decathlon standard compliance)
These trousers deliver sustainable wins alongside performance — rare at this price point.
Comparison Table: MT500 vs Rivals
| Model | Material | Waterproof | Weight | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORCLAZ MT500 Trousers | Nylon blend + stretch | No | ~420g | Trekking, scrambling | £35 |
| Revolution Race GP Pants | Polyester blend | No | ~500g | Hiking + bushcraft | £85 |
| Fjällräven Vidda Pro Vent. | G-1000 poly/cotton | No | ~640g | Rugged trekking | £145 |
| Rab Ascendor Pants | Matrix™ softshell | DWR | ~470g | Alpine use | £110 |
The MT500s are significantly more affordable, while retaining enough performance to cover 80% of the use cases — especially for UK and European hillwalkers.
Pros
- Excellent durability for under £40
- Pre-shaped knees and stretch zones improve movement
- Quick-drying with basic weather resistance
- Integrated belt and ankle adjustments
- Ethically made using recycled materials
- Minimal bulk — great for layering or bike touring
Cons
- Waist sizing runs small — try in-store or check size chart carefully
- No zipped vents or convertible legs — may get warm in summer
- Not waterproof — requires shells for storm conditions
- Pockets are secure but not fully weather-sealed
Final Verdict
The FORCLAZ MT500 Trekking Trousers are a brilliant example of function-first design that delivers real-world performance at an honest price. Durable, comfortable, and streamlined, they’re ideal for hikers, bushcrafters, and bikepackers who value reliability over branding.
If you’re building a budget-conscious kit that still performs, the MT500s deserve your attention — especially for 3-season UK trekking, camp life, and layered travel. Not flashy, but built to last.
Rating: 9.1/10
Best For: Hillwalking, bikepacking, scrambling, cool-weather hiking
Avoid If: You need summer-weight ventilation or technical alpine waterproofing
