Decathlon kit - worth it?

[Folcwigga]

Decathlon gear is usually a lot cheaper than big name brand stuff, or stuff you can pick up in Blacks, Go Outdoors, etc. Is it of a similar quality though? For example looking through their site today i found a cheap bivi bag and hammock and am throwing this out there to people who may have more experience than me to see what they think.

Bivi bag:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/waterproof-bag-cover-id_5424869.html#anchor_ComponentProductAvis

Hammock:
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/hammock-camping-cao-id_8248826.html

 

[greensurfingbear]

I've been to the decathlon shop in Glasgow. U didn't need any kit but my missus picked up some alpine walking trousers. Insulated and shower proof and is well chuffed with them. In fact she spent two days wearing them last week at fort William walking and was impressed.


Orric

 

[Uilleachan]

First time I've seen that supplier, looks interesting.

Haven't been for a while now but I often called in to the climbing and caving shop in ingleton, yorkshire, in passing, specifically to find unbranded windproof flees type jackets. £25 to £35 often was enough to buy a very similar jacket costing 2 to 3 times that sporting a big brand name. Worked for me.

 

[garethw]

Hi there
Its a French chain.. their products are usually copies or their version of branded stuff, and pretty well spec'd out.I've had several of their technical clothing items, fleeces, jackets and I got a rucksack for my son.
Its all pretty cheap and cheerful quality wise, they don't use high end fabrics or but always has nice little touches to it. I wouldn't expect the bivvy bag to be (very) breathable... my hiking jacket really made me sweat ... I suppose its like anything else you get what you pay for and for the price Decathlon stuff is functional does the job, but doesn't last too well. They do do lots of good kit and if you accept it for what it is its pretty good.
Their pop up tents are brilliant.
Cheers
Gareth

 

[cave_dweller]

I didn't know they sold online - I've just noticed they have 100% Merino T-Shirts for under a tenner! The colours probably aren't going to suit many here, but if it ain't going to get seen, does it really matter? http://www.decathlon.co.uk/techwool-speed-t-shirt-id_8207865.html

 

[JohnC]

Got a fair bit of running kit from them and been very happy with it....

 

[fredster]

I didn't know they sold online - I've just noticed they have 100% Merino T-Shirts for under a tenner! http://www.decathlon.co.uk/techwool-speed-t-shirt-id_8207865.html

Cheers for that, just bought one! Cracking value.

 

[Folcwigga]

They have a tarp for £25 as well which looks ok.

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/tarp-hiking-shelter-dark-green-id_2363223.html

I'm a tight **** at heart, and saving money to boot, so i'm very leary of spending a lot of money on expensive gear.

 

[greensurfingbear]

I didn't know they sold online - I've just noticed they have 100% Merino T-Shirts for under a tenner! The colours probably aren't going to suit many here, but if it ain't going to get seen, does it really matter? http://www.decathlon.co.uk/techwool-speed-t-shirt-id_8207865.html

The merino tops aren't that great. I bought one for work but use my ice beaker ones more


Orric

 

[Trig]

I bought 2 walking poles from them, £15 each.

Not used them that many times, and i wouldnt say they've been abused either.
The wrist strap on one snapped, and the foam handgrip on the other came loose. Both easy enough fixed, but you do get what you pay for with some things i think.

 

[Jjessup]

I've bought many things from Decathlon, from socks, down gilets, sleeping bag, t shirts, and a couple of the pop up tents I use when on climbing trips (Which they were first to sell and still make the best ones.IMO). I also seem to remember reading a cycling magazine that rated their bikes in a test.

I've always been happy with their stuff, which seems to be good value, I have found some of the sizes come up small though so try before you buy.

 

[tenderfoot]

yes used quite a bit of their stuff over the years. they cover a variety of sports/activities -hence the decathlon title as in the event. as noted they are french i have used them in france and they are similar to here in terms of prices.
they are quite seasonal in the way the warehouse style stores are stocked and laid out. they do substantial discounts on kit especially at season ends (look for "promo") i have had up to 70 % off on occasion especialy on obscure (for the uk) items such as ski gear and snowshoes.
they stock some items that are good value all year round an example being black silk gloves in their running section which make ideal winter liners. i have used various clothing items and found them up to scratch also. the camping gear is fine just read the spec which is clearly displayed in store. the tarp i have and it is good value and quality. kids gear is good eg they do ski /outdoor trousers which can be lengthened as they grow to get an extra seasons use.
other highlights were a neoprene insulator for my hydration set a fraction of the price of the platypus item but compatible. i live in their socks, winter snow boots with removable liners are like a short welly and very practical and comfortable. they stock climbing gear, archery kit, fishing ,cycling ,shooting, riding , cycling diving , kyaking and other sports kit. whats not to like? they do a points scheme to accrue discounts .
there are usually a few french staff in each uk store which makes you feel like you are abroad and the stores feel very french in atmosphere. Reading this back i appear to be a bit of a fan- so my advice would be to allow a couple of hours to ferret around in store and find what suits you. dont restrict yourself to any particular section as items can crossover eg the running gloves and remember the stores are more seasonal in their stocking than many uk outdoor shops.

 

[garethw]

I think it boils down to the fact that if you want reasonably priced fairly techy gear, but are not too fussed about the ultimate quality or you won't be using it too intensely then the gear is fine. I have a fair bit in activities I'm not too serious about..
But the fishing gear, outside the odd brand the sell, is cheap and nasty and I'd never use it. I applaud them for offering technical spec gear at a budget price, and if its stuff that doesn't have to be top rage, then I'd go for it..
My sons 70l rucksack was fine for his needs, but I'd not want to load it with the 20kg of stuff I put in my Sting and hike on out.
cheers
Gareth

PS: If you are in France they have several stores under the 'Terres et Eaux' name, that sell mostly branded stuff in the Hunting, Shooting, Fishing & Riding domains... No camping stuff, but clothes for the above actitivies and a good range of boots.

 

[cave_dweller]

The merino tops aren't that great. I bought one for work but use my ice beaker ones more
Orric

I'd expect nothing different - the Icebreaker ones cost 4 - 5 times as much!

 

[oldtimer]

I buy from their Perpignan branch when I'm in France. I aree with most of the above comments. It is worth noting that they have reall bargains from time to time. I picked up a reall lightweight two person tent about five years ago and it has seen to bad weather off in comfort. I find the biggest problem is the fashion end stuff. They seem to stock what sells rather than what is best for the jog- just like Blacks.

 

[mylofitz]

Thanks for the heads up on the merino t-shirt. I own one of their tarps. Found it to be excellent. However the poles supplied are steel and heavy. Ditch the poles or find light weight replacements which is my intention

 

[ozzy1977]

As with most things you get what you pay for, but the odd gem does surface though.

 

[BillyBlade]

I use their t shirts for the gym. Also used their roll mats etc. Never had a problem. I far prefer them to go outdoors, whom are pretty expensive I think. That whole discount card nonsense winds me up as well, what, is it 1985 again? Gimmick of the 1st order all that.

 

[underground]

My view is divided on Decathlon. On the one hand they are a good one stop shop, competitively priced, and we all have to vote with our wallets undoubtedly, and especially for stuff for the kids or for stuff that I don't really need quality to last years, or don't want to spend a lot on, I use them. Stuff that is pretty basically functional too - free weights a good example, again, I use them. And non specialist stuff where the market is well stitched up by venture capitalists and conglomerates too...

where I'm less sure is the stuff where really, specialism is important. Climbing and caving gear is my main gripe but it extends to cycling too, and probably other stuff for those who know about it. The places where you really want advice over cost. This is where I hate them - like the Tesco effect on the high street, they'll basically drive the independent shops out of business. Want to try hanging in a harness before buying, need to know which bit of kit is good for your specific need based on experience, after sales advice and service, want a product that they don't sell? That's when you come unstuck. A good analogy is that my first job was in a specialist mountain shop, it was eventually closed due to soaring rents and an obvious commercial decision to attract the 'standard high street' into the city centre (the unit is a Subway now)... We had a lot of very loyal customers of c. 15 years, and we could sell them the stuff they really needed based on experience. We could sort out problems with kit outside warranty, and if you had a 20 year old ice axe that needed a new bolt or a spare discontinued pick, we probably had one or knew one that would work, we could probably lend you an out of print guidebook to a niche location too, or had climbed there and knew the local beta. Lots of towns had shops like this not too long ago, now they are pretty much all gone and even now, the remaining hardcore are going a bit corporate (Outside in Hathersage springs to mind).

I know it's the cost of progress, internet, rising costs, etc. but I still think its a lamentable shame

 

[Bowlander]

^^ +1 for that. Their recent advert for running shoes highlights a lack of knowledge - it makes out you need a different type of trainer for different distances rather than one for the type of runner you are.

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