Decathlon Quechua MH100 20L Daypack Evaluation

Backside Line

Decathlon thoughtfully designed their Quechua MH100 20L pack for entry-level day hikers to offer consolation and primary options whereas preserving the worth entry-level as properly. 

Whereas not notably suited to multi-sport adventures or adversarial climate situations, it’s properly well worth the value for fair-weather hikers who stick with easier day hikes. This pack contains a padded again and waist belt. It provides a number of zippered pockets, a inflexible inside body, and is appropriate with hydration bladders. 

We examined this on a protracted, sunny hike and located the padding too cumbersome and never ventilated sufficient for vigorous exercise. When lugging water high quality take a look at tools across the riverside, the inflexible body and adjustable straps made the awkward load a lot simpler and comfy to hold. To see how the Quechua MH100 compares to the remainder of our high picks, try the Greatest Mountain climbing Daypacks.

How We Examined

Examined on scorching, dusty hikes within the Boise Foothills and alongside the river, this pack carried various hundreds—from snacks and canine gear to water testing instruments. We famous its consolation, load capability, and water resistance throughout splashes, with fast drying instances proving helpful on frequent river walks.

Consolation

The Quechua MH100 20L supplies strong consolation because of a plastic body with a metallic shank that provides noticeable assist, even below heavier hundreds. Throughout testing on lengthy river walks and foothill hikes, the body prevented sharp or cumbersome objects from poking into the again, and the beneficiant padding added cushion throughout hours of wear and tear. Nevertheless, the identical padding traps warmth and provides restricted air flow, resulting in a sweaty again on scorching days.

The harness system suits decently however has design flaws that scale back total consolation. The adjustable shoulder straps made it straightforward to realize a comfortable match, however the sternum strap sits awkwardly low, particularly for testers with bigger chests. The hip belt, although supportive when the pack is full, felt unnecessarily cumbersome when carrying lighter hundreds. Total, whereas this pack performs properly when loaded, it lacks the refined match and air flow present in higher-end fashions.

Group

The MH100 20L contains a good format, albeit with a couple of limitations for customers of heavy gear. It contains a principal compartment with a small inside zip pocket close to the highest—superb for keys or a pockets. The standout function is the J-shaped zipper, which permits partial entry with out completely unloading the pack—one thing we discovered particularly useful throughout mid-hike gear modifications. A stretchy inside sleeve with a Velcro hanger can maintain a hydration bladder or operate as a stash pocket.

Exterior group is sensible however minimal. The entrance zippered pocket is useful for storing flat objects, corresponding to maps or snacks, whereas the 2 stretchy facet pockets maintain water bottles securely. A fleece-lined hip belt pocket suits a cellphone (with out a case) however is also used to retailer sun shades or different delicate objects. Bungee cords for trekking poles and some sewn loops enable for exterior attachments, however storage choices stay primary in comparison with extra technical packs. For informal day hikes, nonetheless, the format strikes a strong stability between simplicity and performance.

Consumer-Friendliness

Designed with freshmen in thoughts, this pack is intuitive and simple to make use of. As an entry-level mannequin in Decathlon’s Quechua MH (mountain climbing) lineup, the MH100 20L retains options easy and accessible. Throughout testing, we appreciated how simply we may alter the straps for an excellent match with none sophisticated mechanisms. The zipper, which curves across the high and facet, makes accessing objects on the backside of the primary compartment fast and painless—no have to dig.

The fleece-lined hip belt pocket is a pleasant contact for shielding a cellphone, however it’s too small to suit most telephones in a case. Regardless of appearances, the pocket can be not detachable, which might have added flexibility. On the plus facet, the facet water bottle pockets stood out—they’re stretchy and positioned completely for simple grab-and-stow on the transfer, even with out eradicating the pack. Total, the MH100 20L is easy and useful, particularly for newer hikers.

Weight and Compressibility

At 27 ounces, the MH100 20L is comparatively mild for a framed daypack. Nevertheless, its inflexible plastic again panel—whereas nice for assist—makes it inconceivable to fold or roll for journey or storage. Even with the detachable metallic shank, the pack retains its construction and bulk.

This pack features a single vertical strap on the entrance to tighten down the primary compartment, however lacks facet or backside compression straps. When partially loaded, the pack can really feel unfastened and hulking.

Sturdiness

Sturdy sufficient for mild use, however it reveals its price range roots. The MH100 20L is created from light-weight nylon and polyester supplies that face up to path mud and lightweight rain properly. The mesh facet pockets are impressively powerful and resisted snags even when transferring by means of thick brush. Strong bar-tack reinforcements at stress factors present confidence in load-bearing areas, corresponding to straps and attachment loops.

We observed a couple of unfastened threads, tough webbing ends, and a typically unfinished look in areas just like the entrance pocket zipper, which lacked a clear termination. The primary zipper additionally feels flimsy and may very well be a long-term concern with heavy use. Waterproofing is proscribed to the entrance panel, with facet panels providing no water resistance. Nonetheless, Decathlon’s strategy to repairability is a plus: they promote spare buckles and promote DIY fixes. Whereas not constructed for abuse, the MH100 is fairly sturdy for informal climbing and every day put on.

Must you purchase the Decathlon Quechua Daypack?

The MH100 20L pack is a wonderful alternative for newbie hikers, informal adventurers, and anybody in search of a simple, supportive daypack that may deal with mild to average hundreds. It’s finest suited to brief day hikes, canine walks, and on a regular basis use the place consolation, primary group, and ease of use matter greater than premium options. In the event you’re a gear-heavy hiker, want wonderful air flow, or desire a pack that stows small for journey, this isn’t the one for you.

For its price, the MH100 provides sturdy worth. It’s sturdy sufficient for normal use, contains a easy format, and contains simply sufficient considerate options to fulfill most day-hike wants. Whereas not refined or extremely technical, it performs properly for folk who desire a useful, no-fuss pack. For infrequent hikers or these constructing their gear package on a price range, it’s a strong funding.

What different day packs do you have to take into account for climbing?

Listed here are a few of the different Greatest Mountain climbing Daypacks to take a look at: 

REI Flash 22 Evaluation: For many who recognize the MH100’s simplicity however need higher compressibility and air flow, the REI Flash 22 is a superb possibility. It contains a detachable foam again panel that doubles as a sit pad, packs down smaller, and has extra attachment factors. It’s superb for hikers in search of a lighter, extra versatile pack for each trails and journey.

LL Bean Stowaway 20L Evaluation: The Stowaway 20L shares the MH100’s informal, day-hike-friendly design however provides the flexibility to pack into its personal pocket—nice for journey or tossing in a suitcase. It’s lighter and extra compact, with much less construction however extra pockets for group. In the event you just like the MH100 however need one thing extra moveable and storage-friendly, the Stowaway is price a glance.

Osprey Daylite Plus 20 Evaluation: Admire the MH100’s dimension and performance and don’t thoughts spending slightly extra for premium options? The Osprey Daylite Plus provides a extra refined match, higher air flow, and upgraded supplies. With further compartments and hydration compatibility, it’s superb for customers who hike repeatedly and desire a extra technical, snug pack.