ActiveOutdoorsCampingDecathlon used me as a crash test dummy to prove how waterproof their tents areI went all the way to Passy in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, just to huddle in a tent getting sprayed with water… and it was totally worth itWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveOutdoorsCampingDecathlon used me as a crash test dummy to prove how waterproof their tents areI went all the way to Passy in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, just to huddle in a tent getting sprayed with water… and it was totally worth itWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
I went all the way to Passy in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, just to huddle in a tent getting sprayed with water… and it was totally worth it
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
When compiling outdoorgear guides at T3, we always try to include at least one more pocket-friendly product within the line-up of models featured. Because, let’s face it, not everyone can afford to drop £500 on a pair of boots or a waterproof jacket (especially at the moment), and not being loaded should never be a barrier to getting outside. Far from it. The countryside is free, and there’s plenty of perfectly decent and affordable kit out there, which is capable of keeping you warm and dry enough to enjoy it.
And, here at T3, we do genuinely test all products featured on the site before reviewing them, warts and all. That means we can slice through all the marketing gumpf to see for ourselves how products really perform in a wild setting, and surprisingly regularly the more affordable options box well above their price point.
Decathlon’s Mountain HQ in in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Decathlon’s Mountain HQ in in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Decathlon’s Mountain HQ in in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Without exception, equipment bearing these names will retail at a fraction of the price asked for similar garments or gear with more fashionable logos, such as Arc’teryx, Salewa, TNF or Patagonia. And yet, on test, we sometimes struggle to see much difference in the performance levels.
So, when I was offered the chance to actually go and see the company’s mountain headquarters – which, it transpires, really is in the French Alps – I leapt at it.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
A massive map of the alpine region greets you at the door of the Plassy Decathlon store(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
A massive map of the alpine region greets you at the door of the Plassy Decathlon store
A massive map of the alpine region greets you at the door of the Plassy Decathlon store
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Decathlon’s alpine base is incorporated into one the company’s superstores – but instead of being located in some soulless suburban retail park, as we’d expect here in the UK, it’s located in Plassy, on the banks of the River Arve, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Even without looking through one of the telescopes mounted on the terrace of the roof-top restaurant and bar (yes, really), the snow-capped summit of Mont Blanc is visible among the plethora of peaks that surround the company’s mountain headquarters. Suffice to say, it’s impressive – if this setting doesn’t inspire you to get outside and do something, then you’re a lost cause.
Design and testing of equipment is done in and around the Mountain HQ(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Design and testing of equipment is done in and around the Mountain HQ
Design and testing of equipment is done in and around the Mountain HQ
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Meeting the employees was the next revelation. Frankly, I was expecting the sort of service you get in a Sports Direct store. You know what I mean. But instead I found staff who were knowledgeable, engaged and genuinely enthusiastic about the outdoors. It helps that company policy is to give everyone a two-hour lunch, so they can get out and go for a run, ride, walk or ski in daylight hours during their break.
Keen to explore more, I was given a tour of the store and the wider building. Beneath and to the side of the enormous shop floor are the design spaces, open-plan offices and testing areas where everything from waterproof jackets and tents to backpacks, hiking boots, head torches, snowboards, climbing gear and cross-country skis are conceived, conceptualized, brought to life and then stress tested.
Head torches in development stage(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Head torches in development stage
Head torches in development stage
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Intrigued, I wanted to know more about the technical tests, and soon let myself in for more than I’d bargained for. A product specialist for Forclaz told me that, while the fabrics and materials used in Decathlon’s tents and technical apparel are subjected tohydrostatic head tests, such assessments can be misleading, since they don’t reflect the waterproof performance of the seams, zips and other parts of the build. So, Decathlon also put all their gear through a bespoke testing process, which more accurately assesses a shelter or garment’s protective properties.
Tents set up in the rain simulator(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Tents set up in the rain simulator
Tents set up in the rain simulator
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
A Forclaz MT900 backing tent after undergoing testing(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
A Forclaz MT900 backing tent after undergoing testing
A Forclaz MT900 backing tent after undergoing testing
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
View from the inside(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
View from the inside
View from the inside
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
The innovative Quechua 2-second pop-up tent in the testing area(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
The innovative Quechua 2-second pop-up tent in the testing area
The innovative Quechua 2-second pop-up tent in the testing area
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Today’s best Quechua 3-man 2-second pop-up tent deals$179ViewNo price informationCheck AmazonWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Quechua 3-man 2-second pop-up tent deals$179ViewNo price informationCheck AmazonWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Quechua 3-man 2-second pop-up tent deals
$179ViewNo price informationCheck Amazon
$179View
$179View
$179View
$179
$179
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price information
No price information
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
More testing to make sure instructions are understandable(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
More testing to make sure instructions are understandable
More testing to make sure instructions are understandable
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Impressively, it’s not just the tent itself that’s subjected to testing. In the basement of the building, I met another team who look after the packaging and paperwork. They took me to an area where my mission was to pitch a 2-person dome tent using the instructions that had been drawn up to accompany the product.
I was instructed to make notes if anything was unclear or confusing. This is a process all Quechua and Forclaz tents go through, too, in order to make sure people can easily use the products in the field.
Pitch perfect(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Pitch perfect
Pitch perfect
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Next I got to meet the individual brand managers and design gurus for each category, who explained the lengths they go to in order to reduce the environmental impact of the gear they make. This includes pioneering a whole range of backpacking and camping kit – including tents and sleeping bags – where no dye has been used whatsoever. (Watch this space for a UK-product test of these items.)
A big emphasis is placed on getting the most out of existing kit. Decathlon offer a repair and part-replacement service in their stores, so just because an item is relatively cheap, you shouldn’t simply bin it if its performance drops – take it in and get it rejuvenated. Somewhat surprisingly (given the low price of many products in the first place), they also offer (and honour) a two-year warrantee on almost everything, so if kit legitimately fails within that time frame, you can just get it replaced.
Quechua M500 3-layer waterproof Jacket(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
Quechua M500 3-layer waterproof Jacket
Quechua M500 3-layer waterproof Jacket
(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
So, the gear truly is designed and tested in the Alps. I’ve seen it happen, and joined in with the process. And the design teams are genuinely passionate about both improving the longevity of the equipment and making the manufacturing process as eco-friendly as possible. But what about the working conditions in the overseas factories?
At the risk of raising eyebrows, I had to ask – there are so many horror stories out there about sweatshops, especially associated with cheaper-priced products. I’m happy to report, there was no attempt to dodge my question. Two brand managers sought me out and spoke at length about how they have people permanently on site in all the manufacturing hubs – found in various locations, including China and Bangladesh – to ensure ethical production policies are in place. (For the record, I can’t verify this personally, having not visited the factories, but the issue was certainly taken seriously and addressed well, and it should also be noted that most, if not all, premium-priced outdoor brands such as Arc’teryx, TNF, Salewa and so on, also manufacture their gear in locations across Asia.)
Traeger’s new Woodridge pellet barbecues have got me excited for grilling seasonTraeger debuts three new wood pellet grills
Traeger debuts three new wood pellet grills
How to watch the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct and what to expectWe should get a deep dive and more details on the Switch 2 in April
We should get a deep dive and more details on the Switch 2 in April
Change my mind: the smaller, the better with portable power stationsPut your portable power station to work when you’re not using it
Put your portable power station to work when you’re not using it
This rugged adventure Garmin is mega cheap in Walmart’s Black Friday saleThe Instinct 2 is a top watch for outdoor and sport enthusiasts
The Instinct 2 is a top watch for outdoor and sport enthusiasts
YETI’s best-selling products are ridiculously cheap in Amazon’s Black Friday saleFancy yourself a tumbler, rambler or cooler? Amazon’s reduced them all
Fancy yourself a tumbler, rambler or cooler? Amazon’s reduced them all
AKASO Seemor 200 night vision goggles review: unparalleled clarity for nighttime adventuresAKASO’s new NVD unlocks the night with cutting-edge colour vision technology
AKASO’s new NVD unlocks the night with cutting-edge colour vision technology
8 must-have hiking gadgets for tackling cold and wet trailsWhether it be wet and rainy, or super chilly, these 8 gadgets can make your outdoor adventure even more enjoyable
Whether it be wet and rainy, or super chilly, these 8 gadgets can make your outdoor adventure even more enjoyable
Vango Classic Instant 300 review: a festival-goer’s dream tentSuper quick to pitch and pull down, this reasonably priced tent is spacious, tall and well-featured for festival use
Super quick to pitch and pull down, this reasonably priced tent is spacious, tall and well-featured for festival use
Is Columbia’s OutDry Extreme the best waterproof-breathable material that no one is using?ODX hasn’t revolutionised the outdoor apparel world in the way its creators expected it to – but that could be about to change…
ODX hasn’t revolutionised the outdoor apparel world in the way its creators expected it to – but that could be about to change…
Best YETI coolers 2025: ice cold excellenceKeep food and beverage frosty with our curated selection of top-rated YETI coolers for every occasion
Keep food and beverage frosty with our curated selection of top-rated YETI coolers for every occasion
