Decathlon MT100

The Decathlon MT100 has a full frame with large aluminum stays, load lifters, and a padded hipbelt. The stays and load lifters transfer weight from the shoulders to the hips effectively, so most of the load sits on the hips, which is more comfortable than carrying weight on the shoulders. The shoulder straps are J-shaped and, while S-shaped shoulder straps are my preference for comfort, use a thick comfortable foam.

The foam in the shoulder straps and hipbelt is thick and has a good stiffness, so it does not fold or compress under a heavy load. Softer foam can feel comfortable when the pack is light; but after hours of hiking with a full load, the softness starts to show and stiffer foam is better. The hipbelt has a single connection point on each side and a forward pull strap.

Decathlon advertises the MT100 as comfortable with up to 20.4 kg (45 lb) of weight but I think that is conservative. Most people could carry more than 20.4 kg (45 lb) comfortably in the MT100, but at some point the body becomes the limit before the pack does. The MT100 is a very comfortable pack for heavy loads.

The Decathlon MT100 has one of the best adjustable torso systems I have used. Many packs need to be adjusted, put on, checked, taken off, and adjusted again. With the MT100, you put the pack on, pull the red tabs on each side, and the torso adjusts to fit while you wear it. Decathlon states that the MT100 can accommodate torso lengths ranging from 41 to 53 cm (16.1 to 20.9 in) and a hipbelt range of 75 to 132 cm (29.5 to 52 in).

Decathlon also designed the MT100 so the load lifters still work with the adjustable torso length set to the maximum size. On some adjustable packs, the shoulder straps end up above or even with the load lifters, which reduces the effectiveness of the load lifters and puts more weight on the shoulders.

An adjustable torso is one of the most important things for a well-fitting pack and a well-fitting pack is one of the most important things for carrying a lot of weight. The MT100 comes in one size that fits a wide range of people and is easy to adjust, which is especially good for anyone new to backpacking.

Decathlon sells the MT100 in 50 L and 70 L capacities. I have tested the 70 L but I recommend the 50 L, which is enough for trips of up to a week. A larger pack tends to get filled up, which means carrying more weight.

The MT100 has a lid on top and a cinch closure for the top access into the main compartment. A zipper along the front opens for an additional way to access the main compartment but I never use it. I would rather the zipper was not there because it is a possible failure point and I would prefer if the pack had a front pocket. A top loader is easy enough to pack. A bottom zipper opens the bottom of the pack, which is useful in an emergency if a sleeping bag stored at the bottom is needed quickly.

There is one angled water bottle pocket on the right side of the pack. I can easily reach back, grab a water bottle, and put it back into the pocket. I prefer two water bottle pockets to minimize the number of times I need to stop to filter water. Above the water bottle pocket is an open side pocket that is a good size for small items like a water filter.

The left side of the pack has a zippered side pocket that fits larger items like a camp chair. There are side compression straps, straps above the water bottle pocket for carrying gear on the outside, and trekking pole loops. There is a water bladder sleeve in the main compartment and hose port.

There is only one hipbelt pocket, on the right side. I prefer symmetry, with water bottle pockets and hipbelt pockets on both sides. The hipbelt pocket is a good size, fits a large phone, and is easy to use with one hand. Overall, the MT100 has decent access to items but it is limited, especially for water.

The Decathlon MT100 is made entirely of 600-denier polyester, which is a very durable fabric. The fabric is very resistant to abrasion, cuts, and nicks. I do not think the MT100 will get worn out quickly. The front zipper is the one part I see as a possible failure point, though I have not had any problems with it. Decathlon covers its trekking backpacks with a 10-year warranty, so any manufacturing defect, like a hipbelt coming off, is covered. The MT100 has over 2,200 reviews across the 50 L and 70 L on Decathlon’s site with less than 10 reviews reporting durability issues. Three had the fabric tear in the first few uses, two broke the main zipper, one had the pulls come off the front pocket zipper, and two had the rain cover rip. Several others say the front zipper feels fragile and opens on its own when the pack is stuffed full, which is the same reason I see it as the one possible failure point.

The Decathlon MT100 is designed to be simple and easy to use. The adjustable torso system is the standout feature and the rest of the pack is intuitive, like a water bottle pocket that is clearly a water bottle pocket.

Nothing on the MT100 is removable or modular, but the MT100 does come with a rain cover stored in the lid.

The Decathlon MT100 weighs 1.64 kg (3.6 lb) on my scale in the 70 L size. Decathlon lists the 70 L at 1.9 kg (4.2 lb) and the 50 L at 1.6 kg (3.5 lb). The 600-denier polyester fabric, large aluminum stays, and thick foam make up most of that weight. There are lighter packs that cost about the same but do not have the weight carrying ability or ease of use.

The Decathlon MT100 excels at fit, comfort with heavy loads, and durability. The MT100 is very approachable and anyone, including new backpackers, can pick it up and go on a trip without spending a lot of time familiarizing themselves with the pack. Lighter packs that cost about the same can be more finicky to fit and less intuitive to use.

The MT100 is a great pack for a new backpacker or anyone who goes on one or two trips a year and is not too concerned about weight. The MT100 is also a good pack for kids or to lend to friends since it is affordable and durable enough that nobody will wreck it.