How I use it
Both the pants and shorts version of the Forclaz MT500 are my goto for:

  • Hiking: Comfortable and light enough to be unnoticed even on long hikes and approaches.
  • Travel days: The many pockets with zippers come in handy moving through airports etc.
  • Climbing: The material is stretchy and works for alpine and sport climbing. Maybe not for hard leg over the head type bouldering or routes though.

The material used protects against wind and covers quite a range of temperatures. I have worn them during activities ranging from 0 to 25 degrees celsius.

Climbing all around Calpe / Spain.

Construction and Quality
What is noteworthy are the five pockets (two side, one back and two leg pockets) and the button plus belt closure system on the stretchy waist.

Of course the quality of the sewing and materials used is not on par with high end gear from brands like Patagonia or North Face, but these pants are very robust even being dragged through thorny brush or being battered against rocks.

After three years of heavy use my first set has one broken zipper on a pocket and one line of stitching has come undone. The material on the legs starts to get a bit fuzzy but there are no holes or tears.

There is a shorts version of these pants too.

Left to right: Beach side boulders, Sport climbing, Being in awe of Monte Perdido

Price (and is it worth it)
'I am perfectly willing to spend money on pieces of clothing or gear that provide a specific function and last forever. However when it comes to pants that will have to take a beating in all that things that I do I cannot bring myself to pay more than is necessary.

The Forclaz MT500 pants cost 35 Euro at Decathlon and are definitely worth the money.

The one downside is that Decathlon does produce its wares like any other cheap fashion company: Under at least suspicious conditions in countries with very low labor standards.