Forclaz MT500 Hiking Pole Review

Overview

The Forclaz MT500 is Decathlon’s mainstream three-section telescopic trekking pole, built from 7075-T6 and 6061-T6 aluminium and sold one pole at a time. It is aimed at regular hikers and mountain trekkers who want a pole that adjusts quickly and survives rough use without a boutique price tag. The trade-off is weight and packability: at 240 g per pole and 56 cm collapsed, it is a sturdy workhorse rather than an ultralight tool.

Key Specs

Spec	Details
Weight	240 g per pole
Sections	3 telescopic
Adjustable length	105–130 cm
Collapsed length	56 cm
Material	Aluminium 7075-T6 / 6061-T6
Tube diameters	18 / 16 / 14 mm
Adjustment system	External lock and automatic push-pin
Grip	Dense foam, long 3D shape, with knob
Strap	Soft wrist strap
Tip	Tungsten
Basket	Summer basket included

Performance

Adjustment. The MT500 pairs an external lock with an automatic push-pin, a combination meant to make length changes fast and positive. Decathlon pitches it as quick and precise, and the design is simple enough to run with gloves on. The push-pin gives a definite click at the set length, which helps when shortening a pole for a climb or lengthening it for a descent mid-stride. The 105–130 cm range covers most adults, though taller hikers will find 130 cm short for a full-stride descent.

Grip. The dense foam handle has a long, 3D-shaped profile, so the hand can slide down the shaft on ascents without a separate extended grip. Reviewers at Active-Traveller liked the ergonomic shape but found the dense foam less pleasant once hands get sweaty. Foam of this type tends to be warm and slightly tacky in humid conditions, and it lacks the moisture-wicking feel of cork. Gloves help.

Strap. The soft wrist strap is removable. Indiahikes, reviewing the Forclaz 500 pole line, advised taking it off on descents so the pole doesn’t catch underfoot, and also found it less comfortable than the pole’s price might suggest. For hikers who rely on the strap for load transfer on long days, that is a small but real compromise.

Durability and build. The tube stack runs 18, 16 and 14 mm, and the 7075-T6 aluminium is the stronger of the two alloys used. Aluminium tends to bend before it snaps, which is a quiet virtue on a rocky approach and a point in its favor against budget carbon. The tungsten tip bites on rock and hardpan. A summer basket is supplied, and Decathlon sells compatible accessories separately.

Weight and packing. At 240 g, each pole is a noticeable load by the standards of the ultralight crowd. Carbon fiber poles and folding Z-style models from other makers run meaningfully lighter and shorter when packed. At 56 cm collapsed and about 5 cm wide, the MT500 will strap to the side of most backpacks and slide into a larger pack’s side pocket, but it won’t vanish inside a small daypack. Decathlon’s own five-part folding MT500 variant exists for hikers who need a smaller stowed size.

Value. Price is the main argument. Active-Traveller put a pair at a shade under £32 and singled out the single-pole sales model: if one breaks, only one needs replacing. Tales of Adventure scored the pole four stars out of five for both cost and performance, calling it a fantastic price for what it offers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very low price, sold individually so a damaged pole is a cheap fix
• 7075-T6 aluminium tubes in a 18/16/14 mm stack feel solid on rough ground
• External lock plus push-pin gives quick, positive length changes
• Long foam grip allows hand repositioning on climbs and traverses
• Tungsten tip and included summer basket

Cons

• 240 g per pole is heavy next to carbon and folding designs
• Dense foam grip gets uncomfortable with sweaty hands
• Wrist strap is basic
• 130 cm maximum is limiting for tall hikers
• 56 cm collapsed length is long for small packs
• No anti-shock mechanism

Who Should Buy This

The MT500 suits first-time pole users, weekend and mountain hikers, and anyone who wants a dependable pair for the price of a restaurant dinner. It also works as a loaner or spare for a group trip. Thru-hikers counting every gram, runners who stow poles on a vest, and tall hikers who need 135 cm or more should look at carbon or folding options instead. Hikers who want shock absorption should look at Decathlon’s separate anti-shock Forclaz model.

Verdict

The Forclaz MT500 does the basics well: it adjusts fast, feels solid, and costs little. It gives up weight and grip comfort to get there, so ultralight backpackers should skip it. Everyone else who walks with poles a few times a month will get good value from it.