I got the Decathlon jacket maybe two years ago when the price was £30something, in winter I wear it on daily dog walks except in serious rain, on most days I get so warm I have to open it up to stop sweating. I have been very impressed from day one and couldn’t recommend it highly enough. On hikes and camping if not worn it easily squashes down to fit in its own zip pocket pouch.
Honestly I dont see why you would want these to be waterproof or windproof. For real outdoor stuff, you would want to use a layering system, where these jackets would be a midlayer. The outer layer should take care of the environment, and the only purpose of the midlayer is to provide insulation, and transport sweat. Waterproofing always comes at the cost of decreasing breath-ability (yes, even for goretex) and thus lowering the ability to transport sweat.
Wind proofing which means being shielded to a certain level from wind is very important so as to not get cold when sweating due to evaporation and airflow. In regard to water resistance that is important if you get hit by some rain before you get a chance to get shelter or wear a shell. While layering is important so is the stand alone performance of the clothing nothing worse than a soaked down with bone cutting wind.
That's a very 1990s and earlier view. In the modern world we get to choose whether we want to rely on layering for this, or have more flexibility in each layer. I love that my big down jacket is windproof. Why would I throw on an extra layer when it's not wet? Cold + wind is very common. And it's also a tiny amount water resistant. Just enough to not worry if there's a bit of damp in the air, or a little bit of snow melt.
@@scotbotvideos When it comes to insulation, weight and airflow natural is better. Rab has wax treated feathers meaning it does not absorb water and helps to evaporate it.
Honestly for most people the Decathlon jacket is superb. Being said Rab’s lifetime jacket guarantee is priceless. I’ve had two jackets replaced by Rabafter years of wear.
As a 4 season fell runner, wild camper and fast-packer I always appreciate those little extra design touches you get from brands like Rab, the fitted cut, better quality zips and extra arm length etc. but those prices are RRP and most top end kit can be found massively discounted at different times of year if you now where to look. Also worth noting you have to be very careful wearing down jackets as moisture can kill their thermal properties, whereas the Rab Mythos line of down products are designed to be less effected by moisture, that's a large part of the price difference too.
@@ruzziasht349 🤣 Some of us are just more adventurous than others, adventurous enough to push products to their limits, and it's at the limits you see the differences in quality, most people watching this will be choosing their next dog walking jacket, some of us actually get out there in all weathers and test the upper limits, the fact you called me a fanboy tells me you prefer the couch to a wintery mountainside! 🤣
@@markjones127 I'm convinced that your product pushing adventurous adventures when compared to those of Rebecca Stephens MBE, will make your activities look like a stroll in the park with Fido. I know who's opinion I'll be following, and no need to reply, as I'm sure your words will be equally as tedious.
I am an endurance runner on trails in all weathers, I wear Decathlon stuff, Sundried, Higherstate and the like…..all budget gear, all adequate. Joss Naylor didn’t use all this overpriced stuff, I wore a bin bag as a kid in the mountains of Wales where I grew up. Don’t overspend.
I think for me personally is to look for lightly used/pre loved items rather than buying new. Usually cheaper, get a 'better quality' item and knowing you're helping out in a tiny little way has its benefits too 😊
These results don’t surprise me. Over many years I have bought some expensive and some cheap outdoor equipment. I’m not a climber but have hiked/scrambled up hundreds of tops over several decades. The main difference I have found with expensive clothing is usually such things as fit, length, zip quality, pockets and hood adjustment. You can pay a lot for ‘technical’ features which you don’t always need. I am a fan of down clothing but my choice for very cold winter walking has for a long time been my Buffalo Windshirt. The 3 layer system has become a bit of a mantra. Personally I adopt what’s appropriate for the conditions on the day and my waterproof has often spent more time in my rucksack than on my back.
These type of jackets are best worn when you are stood around eating after a walk. A thin base layer of merino wool and a wind stopper are better for walking. Better to start off cool.
Agree. And when it's really wet outside, my Down Puffy stays at home .. being replaced with multi-layers of thin Lambswool and/or Fleece. During the strenuous stuff, some of the layers packed away in Zip-Loc Bags inside a 35 litre Garbage Bag inside the Pack.
Decathlon have a great onsite repair service... it's responsibly sourced down, pricing is competitive, the mt100 is perfect when blasting on the bike at 2c which will typically feel like -10. Perfect insulator, its not bulky so it doesnt add much volume when layering up, good adjustment around the hips, not restrictive and due to the price you dont have to be precious about it.
This is the most interesting test. My friend bought the Decathlon jacket last week - in a sale for £25!! Bargain! Brand new but it is the men's M which fits her perfectly but has longer arms and appears to sit slightly longer on her bottom. I wonder if that would be the final touch to a perfect fit for Rebecca too. Always worth trying both men's and women's fits. Decathlon always seem to come up small and we do sometimes opt for the men's fitting purely for a feature like length - as long as the rest of the fit feels good of course. Thanks for showing this test.
I have the Decathlon in navy blue, it’s a brilliant jacket and so warm. The fact it’s only £59 and competes against jackets that are double and triple the price is awesome. There’s a reason why so many hiking RUclipsrs rate it so highly.
I also have the Decathlon jacket and one important thing they failed to note in the 'accurate laboratory test' was that Rebecca Stephens pockets were open. From my experience this makes a great difference to the warmth of the jacket.
@Art-is-craft that's why you buy the cheap one... t'uther one is over priced ...and like I said you won't cry as much if you got it caught on a tree etc... the Rab are for people who walk around city centres
Seems like your only complaints on the Decathlon being it's a bit more restrictive and a bit shorter in the arms and torso could be solved by buying the next size up. They're probably just not like for like sizing.
I’ve Decathlons work trousers, which were a great price, and are all round a winner. I’ve tested them in torrential rain, mud and all sorts, they still look and behave like new. They are so comfortable, evermore so than any recreational or sports trouser, but I needed larger size to fit my height, and just use a belt to help them fit round the waist! 😊
@@Art-is-craft You're right. I'm sure Decathlon, the largest sporting goods retailer in the world, don't know how to make clothing for athletic performance. It couldn't possibly be that the jackets run small Vs Rab. I apologise.
@@chazphot Rab specialise in only that type of wear. Their line up of clothing is small and considered the best of the best in their category. If you buy clothing from Rab you can be absolutely guaranteed that it will its job. General North Face clothing will not be able to compete with Rab either. In terms of clothing for the out doors Rab is technical wear.
Yep, just buy next size up! Decathlon makes Rab look very expensive for virtually the same. But some people buy expensive brands just to pose! “All the gear, no idea”
In any weather, nothing is worse than a short jacket. Add the extra dimensions to the budget jacket, put the price up £15 to cover the extra materials and you have a clear winner.
So they're testing out the Rab Mythic which is a super light weight premium jacket, designed to pack down very small for minimalist backpackers, hence why the price tag is £230. You can pickup one of the alpine microlights for around £150 which is still pricey but I would say its a better counterpart to the Decathlon jackets for testing. Both jackets are very good and are RDS certified.
They are comparing MT100 to Mythic because both have approx. the same weight and amount of down in them (around 80 grams). MT100 is supposed to be ultralight and packable as well. Rab Microlight has 145 grams of down in it so it would be a pointless comparison, it has more down it will be much warmer.
There are clear reasons that the Rab is going to be more expensive than the Decathlon which seem to have been missed off the video, though I agree that the Decathlon is amazing value for money and a better option for many people. - The Rab uses goose down as opposed to duck down which is more durable and expensive than duck down. - The Rab is 900 fillpower as opposed to 800 fillpower for the Decathlon jacket. High fillpower, especially beyond 800/850 becomes exponentially more expensive. - I'd query the outer shell in terms of the water repllency and breathability of the Decathlon's compared to the Pertex Quantum of the Rab. - Finally, the level of use of recycled materials for the Rab (53%) vs. 0% for the Decathlon as far as I can tell. Ultimately, I think the fit of the two jackets is probably the biggest decider in warmth in this video. But, assuming a good fit, there is no way that an equivalent fill weight jacket using higher fillpower down won't improve the warmth of it and I would query the longevity of duck down over goose down.
I have one of the Forclaz jackets, it's brilliant value, l take a waterproof jacket out with me just in case. Like every Forclaz jacket, shirt or fleece l buy from Decathlon l buy large whereas with other manufacturers l'm a medium.
Is your belly cold because you hadn't your t-shirt tucked into your jeans? I've both Rab and Decathlon down jackets - 2-season ones. The Decathlon I wear for bikepacking, outside-DIY, gardening and anytime it might get damaged whereas the Rab is used the rest of the time. For overall performance the Rab is warmer, more windproof and more resistant to rain etc - in fact we're currently away in the Highlands and just worn it (4 seasons weather of sun, rain, sleet & snow). Nothing wrong with the Decathlon, happily recommend one, but the Rab is just that bit nicer to wear & own.
How is the down harvested? I was told some time ago that alot of cheap down jackets are filled with "live plucked" down. If true this seems unacceptable to me. Otherwise, how do these compare to (recycled) synthetic at the same price?
Can’t speak for Decathlon, but Rab is attempting to use recycled down in most of their newer products. This comes from end of life consumer products, including duvets, old jackets etc. The only issue is that this causes is that the maximum fill power they can achieve is 700 (this equates to the length of the down fibres, and therefore their insulating capability). A higher fill power down is more insulating, at the same weight of the equivalent lower fill power down. Some of Rab’s higher end (more technical/lower weight) jackets require a higher fill power down. As this cannot be gained from recycled materials, Rab uses new down. All of this new down adheres to the R.D.S (Responsible Down Standard), which means only ethical sourcing, and certainly no live plucking. If the cheaper jacket also uses R.D.S down it must be ethically sourced, and this would be clearly stated on the product page. Synthetic jackets tend to be a bit cheaper. You won’t find anywhere near as many high-end fully synthetic jackets. They do come with some advantages, such as being able to retain up to 90% of their insulating ability when wet. The downside is that they are heavier (at a comparable level of insulation) and do not compress as much. For the average person using the jacket for walking a dog or nipping into town, a synthetic jacket, such as the Rab Cirrus Alpine, is more than adequate. For a more technical or serious user, a down jacket is advantageous.
I've enjoyed getting outdoors - hiking, scrambling & Wild Camping for almost 28 years. I started off with basic gear - not gucci, eye-wateringly expensive stuff. This video serves to highlight facts. Some may not like it - but the law of diminishing returns reigns supreme...... The Rab jacket here is unjustifiably expensive in comparison to Decathlon. It's the same with the majority of outdoor 'premium' brands. Sheer snobbery. People are entitled to disagree. At almost 3 decades of experience with various levels of gear, I'm absolutely confident in what I say.
in the lab test, the graphs were different: the curve for the reasonable price rose but for the premium one it was stable at last. This is from a lack of breathability. You can achieve such a performance with cheaper materials at the expense of breathability.
Outdoor activities in this country, Arran sweater under a Barbour " Northumberland " nothing gets through it, pockets big enough to lose your dinner in. Just stand it in the corner to dry out.😂
I've had a Rab Alpha Direct jacket for a good few years now. Cannot fault it for both moving moisture and keeping me at a steady temperature when pushing hard. It fits perfectly under a hardshell also. The quality really lasts, many winters and still going strong. Decathlon is great for getting more people suitably equipped for harsh mountain conditions, and at a very attractive price, especially in the world we live in today. The great outdoors is for everyone to enjoy.
@@davidmarshall6409 😂 I was on about Decathlon gear there. But funny you should mention that, I must have seen about twenty men in their forties with Rab down jackets, jeans & casual boots walking about Fort William one winter.
Yeaahhhh, already knew that and always ALWAYS stand by my decathlon Trek. Don't forget: when camping rips and holes can occur from bushwacking and fIre embers. A 200,- to 400,-e down jacket that doesn't outperform the Trek is really a complete waste... Would've preferred a more controlled experiment though, such as temp measuring after placing a constent heat source other than a body (which functions different moment to moment)
Many thanks for this, I did think there would be a noticeable difference in performance. Definitely best with the decathlon jacket as on a long hike they tend to really get messed up, dirty, maybe spark off the fire. So if you can save money without losing performance it's a no brainier
Decathlon has awesome stuff for the price. But I always wonder about the more important stuff: How are the people that made the jacket treated? And even more importantly, how about the ducks/geese?
Great review. That said, the extra length for arms and back, better fit and zip, those can make a difference when you are out there in alpine activities. Overall it looks like products for different activities.
I wish I had watched this before I bought my Rab jacket. I have the MicroLight Alpine jacket and wear it all the time. It also has an external angled, zipped chest pocket for your phone - which I find invaluable.
I had the original Rab microlite and lived in it, fantastic jacket. Replaced with the recycled down version, which is a disappointment, still leaking two + years after purchase and doesn’t loft as well. I contacted Rab, they said it was normal, despite claiming on their website it should subside within a few months. If you can find a jacket in the sale, probably worth a purchase, but at full retail, definitely not imo. Recycled down is ethically sound but at a compromise in quality. Unfortunately not in price. The lifetime warranty is great, in theory, but doesn’t cover unreasonable leakage. The cheaper jackets no doubt have similar problems, but Rab @ £200 + ..?
I'd love to invest in Rab etc, but most of my outdoor time is spent with my dogs, so I'm always mindful of stuff getting muddy if they get excited. I have the Decathlon jacket, and It's really quite good. Packs up really small, so I can throw it in a rucksack just in case, and it's nice and warm. I have a thin waterproof jacket to layer over the top if needed. I'm not that tall so it's length is fine on me, although I'm wideish, so I can feel it across my shoulders. I suspect though the Rab wouldn't fit me much better.
unfortunately i tore my grey coloured decathlon while i fell down from my road bike after being hit by a rashly driven car. Fortunately i was wearing a decathlon helmet and that saved me. now i was left with my other mt100 in dark blue.i got another one yesterday in maroon but with out the hood. they are good for hiking and even office. but i have noticed they tend to lose warmth after a yr or so of use and also i dont think they are really effective when resting on higher altitudes in wet weather or sub zero
Just look for RDS (Responsible Down Standard) certification. This guarantees that the down was sourced in an ethical way. Rab is also attempting to use recycled down in the majority of their newer products.
I bought a rab gillet went on a 15 mile hike and the inside of the gillet had worn through to the feather down scuffing on my shorts!! I took it back and got a cheap one ! What's going on??
I have no skin in the game, I'm just a Uk UL hiker, but if you're not looking to save the last few fractional ounces, you cannot beat Decathlon for a lot of clothing. Look elsewhere for everything else UL, but clothing wise they are my goto. I have this Jacket and the heavier version. They are my goto's.
Exactly. Posing around town wear your Rab, Arcterex and North Face. On top of a mountain or in the forest, Decathlon every time. Much happier ripping a €60 jacket than a €200 jacket.
Knowing the origin of the feathers and knowing that they come from animals that have been humanely treated is vitally important to Forclaz. That's why we work with RDS-certified suppliers who adhere to standards of humane livestock farming and do not do engage in live-plucking (or similar practices). Today we are proud to declare that all our feather products are RDS-certified. This includes all our down jackets and our feather sleeping bags.
It definitely used to play a part. I guess the industry has cleaned up a little or 1 factory is lying about source. Either way the rab jacket is likely using nicer materials. If you think that’s worth £200 well that’s up to you.
You compared the wrong Decathlon jacket should have compared the Simmond one also built for climbing and it’s pretty dam good better shape and pocket and zip system to the Forclazz version.
For the purpose of this video, since rock climbing was going to be part of the tests, they should've used decathalons mountaineering down jacket for a better comparison between the two
The decathlon jacket for anything other than freezing temperatures. Also worth mentioning is that down jackets are not designed to be worn when you`re on the go (something the two numbskulls should`ve mentioned) as moisture affects their capabilities. Used for gentle strolls or lounging around camp and they are great though.
I agree with others who ask where and how anything, including these these jackets, are made. Should the unit of analysis include fair-trade considerations like employment practices, hourly wage and conditions of workplace? Not to be a party pooper, but shouldn’t calculating “value for money” include the production as well as the consumption of any given product?
The answer is always Rab, after over 30 years rock, in the summer, and ice, in the winter, climbing, it’s always been my mantra. My oldest jacket is 20 years old and still going strong.
Great video I have used both brands on session as an instructor both were great😊 decathlon also have another brand simond witch I use now the price is around 1/2 the price of rad
I only buy Decathlon for walking trousers. They're well priced, really comfy, warm, dry VERY quickly and are ridiculously hard wearing. Same for their waterproof jackets; pound for pound they can't be beat when comparing to other well known brands at twice the price. I have RAB jackets, but they're overrated and slightly overpriced.
I am actually looking to buy a couple of pairs of walking trousers. There is no Decathlon near me, but yesterday I was in Leeds and popped into their store. There are several trouser options, but as I was pushed for time I couldn't investigate further. Luckily I am returning to leeds in 2 weeks, so will take a proper look then. Which trousers do you recommend pleaee .. I am not interested in the zip-off type. many thanks !
I always stick with the more expensive fully waterproof clothing for outdoor activities…being out in pouring rain with a dubious jacket etc is so annoying
If you’re relying on a down jacket for waterproofness you have no business being outdoors. They are never more than repellent (briefly) and down doesn’t insulate when wet. It also takes an age to dry.
Almost definitely. I have to size up one to two sizes with decathlon. A medium in North Face etc. is somewhere between a large and an extra large in decathlon.
It used to be worth buying RAB products, but they no longer invest in decent zips. This used to be a noticeable difference that they were making an effort as a brand.
Not sure where you get that idea, they still use YKK Zips, with special quality zips on their running specific clothes and the climbing specific clothes. Unless you can actually state what older zips are and how they compare to specific modern zips, then your comment isn't really accurate.
I have a jacket from RESULT called the holkham down feel jacket,very light and warm even in minus 5c with a t shirt under it, 28 quid for a great winter jacket
this test is quite strange. They are comparing jackets which in my opinion have different purposes. Rab is a technical jacket mainly for outdoor use but also for everyday use. Decathlon jacket in my opinion is only for everyday use or for the city. I have experience with both and I confirm that both provide a lot of warmth, but the Rab definitely breathes better. Moreover, the outer material in the Rab jacket is more durable and has ripstop system. Moreover, the quality of fill is also different what we can see in the Decatholn jacket where after a year of use, the filling from the sleeves flowed to the bottom of the sleeves, in the Rab jacket there is no such effect. Summarizing - for every day use I would take jacket from Dechatlon (price reason) for montaneering, hiking, traveling etc I would take Rab
Lived on n Norway for a while 10 years and having a loose to big jacket , you might as well wear a fashion item . The jackets should be tighter to the body to keep in the warmth as a protective barrier , oh did I say I’m also fully artic warfare trained 😊👍👍
A lot of these "high end " outdoor clothing are made in china,turkey or Vietnam.Not sure of this one but definitely saw that last weekend with a few expensive brands. Hardly worth it.
Will stick with my Helikon-Tex Wolfhound jacket. Doesn't matter if it gets water because its insulation retains some warmth even when wet, unlike down-based puffies.
Rab do have waxed feathers that do not soak up water and are designed to help water evaporate. With its outer materials having good water resistance rarely do you get soaked unless the weather is extreme.
The rab was too big for John in the first test. I’ve owned both brands and for build quality and performance the rab has always been far superior especially last winter in Tromso high in the artic circle. 👌🏽
Decathaolon, had one a few years, packs down to nothing, combine with a French Army military surplus Gortex Jacket and you are set for any British weather winter or summer for less than £100, dont need Gucci gear.
Why does this ‘test’ not include any discussion about the materials, chemical use, where the down was sourced or where the products were made? RABs lifetime guarantee, Fair Wear membership, recycled PFC free materials and high quality suppliers put their jacket miles above the cheap Decathlon for anyone shopping with an ounce of awareness about where their clothes come from. Ridiculous irresponsible video.
I'm 6'4" and all of Rab's stuff doesn't fit right on me. I tried one of their XL down jackets and it was too short with it barely covering my waist. I then I tried an XXL of the same jacket and it was the same length but just wider. So it looks to me like Rab are targetting short and fat people, which coincidentally are the people I see the most wearing their stuff.
It Just goes to show the big brands are ripping customers off it wouldn't surprise me if the two jackeys came out of the same factory .the human race is so fickle i use a decathlon rucksack for hiking four to five times a year its has a ten year guarantee and only cost me sixty pounds and its a fantastic product,and you see all these fanboys with their certain branded gear spending ex amount ie a fortune to do exactly the same activities as me .
I don’t see the comparison being balanced especially when the point was made by the woman that the cheaper was smaller and snugger fit, so the climbing aspect was bound to reveal that everything on the cheaper, needed to be slightly bigger, All told I think a poor representation of a comparison. How about taking an average of people of different ages and fitness then couple that with realistic goals, the climbing, farce as those that are doing that as a living hobby are mostly the ones that create the high prices for little gain and the cheaper companies, haven’t cottoned on that with just that little more input, can achieve an equal or better product that sells more and gets a better result, instead of just giving the brand a 4 times greater return with similar materials.
Waterproof jackets need to be knee length, not waist. Water runs down the jacket and wets your trousers through. Nothing worse than that.why do yo-yo think that paratroopers wear smocks that reach down to the knees, so that water is diverted away from your bottom half. I suppose that that wouldn’t be fashionable though with these designer brands.
Jon is probably part of the reason why the gadget show wasn't appealing to younger people. You should have kept the gadget show and replaced everyone with younger presenters.
![Quando Rondo - Grow Up [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8zFnCg3BO4Q/mqdefault.jpg)
I got the Decathlon jacket maybe two years ago when the price was £30something, in winter I wear it on daily dog walks except in serious rain, on most days I get so warm I have to open it up to stop sweating. I have been very impressed from day one and couldn’t recommend it highly enough. On hikes and camping if not worn it easily squashes down to fit in its own zip pocket pouch.
Honestly I dont see why you would want these to be waterproof or windproof. For real outdoor stuff, you would want to use a layering system, where these jackets would be a midlayer. The outer layer should take care of the environment, and the only purpose of the midlayer is to provide insulation, and transport sweat. Waterproofing always comes at the cost of decreasing breath-ability (yes, even for goretex) and thus lowering the ability to transport sweat.
Agreed! And for those who don't understand, @KitCreep has a video explaining this PCU system. It's a good watch.
Wind proofing which means being shielded to a certain level from wind is very important so as to not get cold when sweating due to evaporation and airflow. In regard to water resistance that is important if you get hit by some rain before you get a chance to get shelter or wear a shell. While layering is important so is the stand alone performance of the clothing nothing worse than a soaked down with bone cutting wind.
@@Art-is-craft That's why synthetic is better. Will still work (albeit to a degree) even when wet.
That's a very 1990s and earlier view. In the modern world we get to choose whether we want to rely on layering for this, or have more flexibility in each layer.
I love that my big down jacket is windproof. Why would I throw on an extra layer when it's not wet? Cold + wind is very common.
And it's also a tiny amount water resistant. Just enough to not worry if there's a bit of damp in the air, or a little bit of snow melt.
@@scotbotvideos
When it comes to insulation, weight and airflow natural is better. Rab has wax treated feathers meaning it does not absorb water and helps to evaporate it.
Honestly for most people the Decathlon jacket is superb.
Being said Rab’s lifetime jacket guarantee is priceless. I’ve had two jackets replaced by Rabafter years of wear.
Replaced for free?
I got a refund for a faulty Rab. It was debatable as to whether it was their fault. Got a refund. Ellis Brigham were so understanding
As a 4 season fell runner, wild camper and fast-packer I always appreciate those little extra design touches you get from brands like Rab, the fitted cut, better quality zips and extra arm length etc. but those prices are RRP and most top end kit can be found massively discounted at different times of year if you now where to look. Also worth noting you have to be very careful wearing down jackets as moisture can kill their thermal properties, whereas the Rab Mythos line of down products are designed to be less effected by moisture, that's a large part of the price difference too.
Ok fan boy - we see you've been fully brainwashed by marketing.
@@ruzziasht349 🤣 Some of us are just more adventurous than others, adventurous enough to push products to their limits, and it's at the limits you see the differences in quality, most people watching this will be choosing their next dog walking jacket, some of us actually get out there in all weathers and test the upper limits, the fact you called me a fanboy tells me you prefer the couch to a wintery mountainside! 🤣
@@markjones127 I'm convinced that your product pushing adventurous adventures when compared to those of Rebecca Stephens MBE, will make your activities look like a stroll in the park with Fido. I know who's opinion I'll be following, and no need to reply, as I'm sure your words will be equally as tedious.
I am an endurance runner on trails in all weathers, I wear Decathlon stuff, Sundried, Higherstate and the like…..all budget gear, all adequate. Joss Naylor didn’t use all this overpriced stuff, I wore a bin bag as a kid in the mountains of Wales where I grew up. Don’t overspend.
@@ruzziasht349 I just know what I'm talking about, you're simply another internet troll, bug difference.
I think for me personally is to look for lightly used/pre loved items rather than buying new. Usually cheaper, get a 'better quality' item and knowing you're helping out in a tiny little way has its benefits too 😊
These results don’t surprise me. Over many years I have bought some expensive and some cheap outdoor equipment. I’m not a climber but have hiked/scrambled up hundreds of tops over several decades. The main difference I have found with expensive clothing is usually such things as fit, length, zip quality, pockets and hood adjustment. You can pay a lot for ‘technical’ features which you don’t always need. I am a fan of down clothing but my choice for very cold winter walking has for a long time been my Buffalo Windshirt. The 3 layer system has become a bit of a mantra. Personally I adopt what’s appropriate for the conditions on the day and my waterproof has often spent more time in my rucksack than on my back.
These type of jackets are best worn when you are stood around eating after a walk. A thin base layer of merino wool and a wind stopper are better for walking. Better to start off cool.
Agree. And when it's really wet outside, my Down Puffy stays at home .. being replaced with multi-layers of thin Lambswool and/or Fleece. During the strenuous stuff, some of the layers packed away in Zip-Loc Bags inside a 35 litre Garbage Bag inside the Pack.
What would you add if it's raining?
@@pspr33a waterproof wind stopper.
Decathlon have a great onsite repair service... it's responsibly sourced down, pricing is competitive, the mt100 is perfect when blasting on the bike at 2c which will typically feel like -10. Perfect insulator, its not bulky so it doesnt add much volume when layering up, good adjustment around the hips, not restrictive and due to the price you dont have to be precious about it.
This is the most interesting test. My friend bought the Decathlon jacket last week - in a sale for £25!! Bargain! Brand new but it is the men's M which fits her perfectly but has longer arms and appears to sit slightly longer on her bottom.
I wonder if that would be the final touch to a perfect fit for Rebecca too. Always worth trying both men's and women's fits. Decathlon always seem to come up small and we do sometimes opt for the men's fitting purely for a feature like length - as long as the rest of the fit feels good of course.
Thanks for showing this test.
I have the Decathlon in navy blue, it’s a brilliant jacket and so warm. The fact it’s only £59 and competes against jackets that are double and triple the price is awesome. There’s a reason why so many hiking RUclipsrs rate it so highly.
I also have the Decathlon jacket and one important thing they failed to note in the 'accurate laboratory test' was that Rebecca Stephens pockets were open. From my experience this makes a great difference to the warmth of the jacket.
If you're hiking, buy the decathlon one . Wearing the rab, you be crying if you get it caught on a thorn 😮
If you are in the thorns you need a completely different type of jacket.
@Art-is-craft simplify for you... anything on the trail, that might cause a hole in your jacket
@@iainmc9226
There is always something out there to snag on but if it is a rough place a completely different type of jack.
@Art-is-craft that's why you buy the cheap one... t'uther one is over priced ...and like I said you won't cry as much if you got it caught on a tree etc... the Rab are for people who walk around city centres
@@iainmc9226
You will go through a lot of cheap ones so a jacket that can take thorns would be better suited.
My Rab down jacket has lasted 18 years. Buy once cry once.
Bro that thing can't look or smell good treat yourself 😂
I have a first generation decathlon jacket 9 years old now ,i just use it for hiking as its getting a few rips now ,bought a new one for everydzy use.
@@caffeineisking8132
They do not smell. I used one regularly and it never smells.
Seems like your only complaints on the Decathlon being it's a bit more restrictive and a bit shorter in the arms and torso could be solved by buying the next size up. They're probably just not like for like sizing.
No. Rab are built for athletic performance and allow great movement so a larger size is not required.
I’ve Decathlons work trousers, which were a great price, and are all round a winner. I’ve tested them in torrential rain, mud and all sorts, they still look and behave like new. They are so comfortable, evermore so than any recreational or sports trouser, but I needed larger size to fit my height, and just use a belt to help them fit round the waist! 😊
@@Art-is-craft You're right. I'm sure Decathlon, the largest sporting goods retailer in the world, don't know how to make clothing for athletic performance. It couldn't possibly be that the jackets run small Vs Rab. I apologise.
@@chazphot
Rab specialise in only that type of wear. Their line up of clothing is small and considered the best of the best in their category. If you buy clothing from Rab you can be absolutely guaranteed that it will its job. General North Face clothing will not be able to compete with Rab either. In terms of clothing for the out doors Rab is technical wear.
Yep, just buy next size up! Decathlon makes Rab look very expensive for virtually the same. But some people buy expensive brands just to pose! “All the gear, no idea”
In any weather, nothing is worse than a short jacket.
Add the extra dimensions to the budget jacket, put the price up £15 to cover the extra materials and you have a clear winner.
or just buy a size or two bigger than normal
"In any weather, nothing is worse than a short jacket." How about not having a jacket? 😁
Would have been good to also compare the materials, where they are made etc. as well. Should be something to consider also, at least it is for me.
So they're testing out the Rab Mythic which is a super light weight premium jacket, designed to pack down very small for minimalist backpackers, hence why the price tag is £230. You can pickup one of the alpine microlights for around £150 which is still pricey but I would say its a better counterpart to the Decathlon jackets for testing. Both jackets are very good and are RDS certified.
They are comparing MT100 to Mythic because both have approx. the same weight and amount of down in them (around 80 grams). MT100 is supposed to be ultralight and packable as well. Rab Microlight has 145 grams of down in it so it would be a pointless comparison, it has more down it will be much warmer.
There are clear reasons that the Rab is going to be more expensive than the Decathlon which seem to have been missed off the video, though I agree that the Decathlon is amazing value for money and a better option for many people.
- The Rab uses goose down as opposed to duck down which is more durable and expensive than duck down.
- The Rab is 900 fillpower as opposed to 800 fillpower for the Decathlon jacket. High fillpower, especially beyond 800/850 becomes exponentially more expensive.
- I'd query the outer shell in terms of the water repllency and breathability of the Decathlon's compared to the Pertex Quantum of the Rab.
- Finally, the level of use of recycled materials for the Rab (53%) vs. 0% for the Decathlon as far as I can tell.
Ultimately, I think the fit of the two jackets is probably the biggest decider in warmth in this video. But, assuming a good fit, there is no way that an equivalent fill weight jacket using higher fillpower down won't improve the warmth of it and I would query the longevity of duck down over goose down.
Decathlon MT100 claims to be 42% recycled polyester. Decathlon website has a lot of information on environmental impact of their products.
I have one of the Forclaz jackets, it's brilliant value, l take a waterproof jacket out with me just in case. Like every Forclaz jacket, shirt or fleece l buy from Decathlon l buy large whereas with other manufacturers l'm a medium.
Is your belly cold because you hadn't your t-shirt tucked into your jeans?
I've both Rab and Decathlon down jackets - 2-season ones. The Decathlon I wear for bikepacking, outside-DIY, gardening and anytime it might get damaged whereas the Rab is used the rest of the time.
For overall performance the Rab is warmer, more windproof and more resistant to rain etc - in fact we're currently away in the Highlands and just worn it (4 seasons weather of sun, rain, sleet & snow).
Nothing wrong with the Decathlon, happily recommend one, but the Rab is just that bit nicer to wear & own.
How is the down harvested? I was told some time ago that alot of cheap down jackets are filled with "live plucked" down. If true this seems unacceptable to me. Otherwise, how do these compare to (recycled) synthetic at the same price?
Can’t speak for Decathlon, but Rab is attempting to use recycled down in most of their newer products. This comes from end of life consumer products, including duvets, old jackets etc. The only issue is that this causes is that the maximum fill power they can achieve is 700 (this equates to the length of the down fibres, and therefore their insulating capability). A higher fill power down is more insulating, at the same weight of the equivalent lower fill power down.
Some of Rab’s higher end (more technical/lower weight) jackets require a higher fill power down. As this cannot be gained from recycled materials, Rab uses new down. All of this new down adheres to the R.D.S (Responsible Down Standard), which means only ethical sourcing, and certainly no live plucking.
If the cheaper jacket also uses R.D.S down it must be ethically sourced, and this would be clearly stated on the product page.
Synthetic jackets tend to be a bit cheaper. You won’t find anywhere near as many high-end fully synthetic jackets. They do come with some advantages, such as being able to retain up to 90% of their insulating ability when wet. The downside is that they are heavier (at a comparable level of insulation) and do not compress as much. For the average person using the jacket for walking a dog or nipping into town, a synthetic jacket, such as the Rab Cirrus Alpine, is more than adequate. For a more technical or serious user, a down jacket is advantageous.
Should note that Rab does state the down has a nikwax treatment for I would guess sweat / condensation protection long term
I've enjoyed getting outdoors - hiking, scrambling & Wild Camping for almost 28 years. I started off with basic gear - not gucci, eye-wateringly expensive stuff. This video serves to highlight facts. Some may not like it - but the law of diminishing returns reigns supreme...... The Rab jacket here is unjustifiably expensive in comparison to Decathlon. It's the same with the majority of outdoor 'premium' brands. Sheer snobbery. People are entitled to disagree. At almost 3 decades of experience with various levels of gear, I'm absolutely confident in what I say.
Hmm, no more Fjallraven or Hilleberg for you now then Chris 😋
in the lab test, the graphs were different: the curve for the reasonable price rose but for the premium one it was stable at last. This is from a lack of breathability. You can achieve such a performance with cheaper materials at the expense of breathability.
Outdoor activities in this country, Arran sweater under a Barbour " Northumberland " nothing gets through it, pockets big enough to lose your dinner in. Just stand it in the corner to dry out.😂
That is good for casual walks. Rab is built for athletic walks.
@@Art-is-craft You don't think a day on the moors and hills are athletic?
@@Lucan44.40
They can be but it depends on how people perform.
@@Art-is-craft absolutely 💯 ✋️
I've had a Rab Alpha Direct jacket for a good few years now. Cannot fault it for both moving moisture and keeping me at a steady temperature when pushing hard. It fits perfectly under a hardshell also. The quality really lasts, many winters and still going strong.
Decathlon is great for getting more people suitably equipped for harsh mountain conditions, and at a very attractive price, especially in the world we live in today. The great outdoors is for everyone to enjoy.
‘Harsh mountain conditions’ 😂 95% of the people buying Rab jackets use them for nothing more demanding than a walk around the park.
@@davidmarshall6409 😂 I was on about Decathlon gear there. But funny you should mention that, I must have seen about twenty men in their forties with Rab down jackets, jeans & casual boots walking about Fort William one winter.
@@davidmarshall6409 Not sure if you have any evidence for that, but assuming it’s correct, so what?
Yeaahhhh, already knew that and always ALWAYS stand by my decathlon Trek. Don't forget: when camping rips and holes can occur from bushwacking and fIre embers. A 200,- to 400,-e down jacket that doesn't outperform the Trek is really a complete waste... Would've preferred a more controlled experiment though, such as temp measuring after placing a constent heat source other than a body (which functions different moment to moment)
Many thanks for this, I did think there would be a noticeable difference in performance. Definitely best with the decathlon jacket as on a long hike they tend to really get messed up, dirty, maybe spark off the fire. So if you can save money without losing performance it's a no brainier
Decathlon has awesome stuff for the price. But I always wonder about the more important stuff: How are the people that made the jacket treated? And even more importantly, how about the ducks/geese?
Great review. That said, the extra length for arms and back, better fit and zip, those can make a difference when you are out there in alpine activities. Overall it looks like products for different activities.
They both said the Decathlon was 'a bit more snug and a bit shorter' seems like they just needed to buy the next size up....
I would bet about 1%of users would use in Alpine conditions… and they wouldn’t use them in isolation if they did.
@@richgl31 I do 'cause I live in Switzerland :p
@@buschtaxi75driver55 Always one😉.
@@richgl31 🤣
I wish I had watched this before I bought my Rab jacket. I have the MicroLight Alpine jacket and wear it all the time. It also has an external angled, zipped chest pocket for your phone - which I find invaluable.
I had the original Rab microlite and lived in it, fantastic jacket. Replaced with the recycled down version, which is a disappointment, still leaking two + years after purchase and doesn’t loft as well. I contacted Rab, they said it was normal, despite claiming on their website it should subside within a few months. If you can find a jacket in the sale, probably worth a purchase, but at full retail, definitely not imo. Recycled down is ethically sound but at a compromise in quality. Unfortunately not in price. The lifetime warranty is great, in theory, but doesn’t cover unreasonable leakage. The cheaper jackets no doubt have similar problems, but Rab @ £200 + ..?
I have a RAB summit jacket. The older version that is not waterproof. For waterproofing I use a GIL sailing jacket. Is this a suitable setup?
I'd love to invest in Rab etc, but most of my outdoor time is spent with my dogs, so I'm always mindful of stuff getting muddy if they get excited. I have the Decathlon jacket, and It's really quite good. Packs up really small, so I can throw it in a rucksack just in case, and it's nice and warm. I have a thin waterproof jacket to layer over the top if needed. I'm not that tall so it's length is fine on me, although I'm wideish, so I can feel it across my shoulders. I suspect though the Rab wouldn't fit me much better.
unfortunately i tore my grey coloured decathlon while i fell down from my road bike after being hit by a rashly driven car. Fortunately i was wearing a decathlon helmet and that saved me. now i was left with my other mt100 in dark blue.i got another one yesterday in maroon but with out the hood. they are good for hiking and even office. but i have noticed they tend to lose warmth after a yr or so of use and also i dont think they are really effective when resting on higher altitudes in wet weather or sub zero
I have the decathlon jacket and I am very happy that I saved so much money.
Compare the harvesting method of the down feathers please.
Just look for RDS (Responsible Down Standard) certification. This guarantees that the down was sourced in an ethical way. Rab is also attempting to use recycled down in the majority of their newer products.
I bought a rab gillet went on a 15 mile hike and the inside of the gillet had worn through to the feather down scuffing on my shorts!! I took it back and got a cheap one ! What's going on??
Decathlon always comes up a little smaller, so I'd understand why they seem more snug compared to the Rab.
I have no skin in the game, I'm just a Uk UL hiker, but if you're not looking to save the last few fractional ounces, you cannot beat Decathlon for a lot of clothing. Look elsewhere for everything else UL, but clothing wise they are my goto. I have this Jacket and the heavier version. They are my goto's.
Exactly. Posing around town wear your Rab, Arcterex and North Face. On top of a mountain or in the forest, Decathlon every time. Much happier ripping a €60 jacket than a €200 jacket.
@@DreynoMy outer shell is Alpkit. That's the layer you spend your money on ;-) If it's good enough for mountain rescue, it'll do for me.
In the video they do say the Decathlon jacket is 275g but its actually 374g in medium on the website??
Would’ve liked to have seen a discussion on if the cheaper jacket uses ethical down or not. That would play a big part in the price.
The Decathlon jacket is RDS-certified down, Rab just like your money more.
Knowing the origin of the feathers and knowing that they come from animals that have been humanely treated is vitally important to Forclaz. That's why we work with RDS-certified suppliers who adhere to standards of humane livestock farming and do not do engage in live-plucking (or similar practices).
Today we are proud to declare that all our feather products are RDS-certified. This includes all our down jackets and our feather sleeping bags.
Seeing as they are both ethically sourced, it apparently plays no part in the price.
It definitely used to play a part. I guess the industry has cleaned up a little or 1 factory is lying about source. Either way the rab jacket is likely using nicer materials. If you think that’s worth £200 well that’s up to you.
I wanted a cheap downy jacket to go under my motorbike jacket, Rukka wanted £150, Decathlon £15, best £15 I've spent.
Importantly - what are good options for 100% synthetic based Jackets that are also ethically resourced and made? Thank you
You compared the wrong Decathlon jacket should have compared the Simmond one also built for climbing and it’s pretty dam good better shape and pocket and zip system to the Forclazz version.
For the purpose of this video, since rock climbing was going to be part of the tests, they should've used decathalons mountaineering down jacket for a better comparison between the two
great video, the forclaz is definitely a good buy. though the mt500 is better value for money
Bonjour so which one is the best ?
The decathlon jacket for anything other than freezing temperatures. Also worth mentioning is that down jackets are not designed to be worn when you`re on the go (something the two numbskulls should`ve mentioned) as moisture affects their capabilities. Used for gentle strolls or lounging around camp and they are great though.
Ok merci 👍
I agree with others who ask where and how anything, including these these jackets, are made. Should the unit of analysis include fair-trade considerations like employment practices, hourly wage and conditions of workplace? Not to be a party pooper, but shouldn’t calculating “value for money” include the production as well as the consumption of any given product?
The answer is always Rab, after over 30 years rock, in the summer, and ice, in the winter, climbing, it’s always been my mantra. My oldest jacket is 20 years old and still going strong.
Great video I have used both brands on session as an instructor both were great😊 decathlon also have another brand simond witch I use now the price is around 1/2 the price of rad
I only buy Decathlon for walking trousers. They're well priced, really comfy, warm, dry VERY quickly and are ridiculously hard wearing. Same for their waterproof jackets; pound for pound they can't be beat when comparing to other well known brands at twice the price. I have RAB jackets, but they're overrated and slightly overpriced.
I am actually looking to buy a couple of pairs of walking trousers. There is no Decathlon near me, but yesterday I was in Leeds and popped into their store. There are several trouser options, but as I was pushed for time I couldn't investigate further. Luckily I am returning to leeds in 2 weeks, so will take a proper look then.
Which trousers do you recommend pleaee .. I am not interested in the zip-off type.
many thanks !
I always stick with the more expensive fully waterproof clothing for outdoor activities…being out in pouring rain with a dubious jacket etc is so annoying
If you’re relying on a down jacket for waterproofness you have no business being outdoors. They are never more than repellent (briefly) and down doesn’t insulate when wet. It also takes an age to dry.
I love these reviews from Uncle fester
you both said the decathlon was snug - does that not mean you have the incorrect size?
Almost definitely. I have to size up one to two sizes with decathlon. A medium in North Face etc. is somewhere between a large and an extra large in decathlon.
It used to be worth buying RAB products, but they no longer invest in decent zips. This used to be a noticeable difference that they were making an effort as a brand.
Not sure where you get that idea, they still use YKK Zips, with special quality zips on their running specific clothes and the climbing specific clothes.
Unless you can actually state what older zips are and how they compare to specific modern zips, then your comment isn't really accurate.
I have a jacket from RESULT called the holkham down feel jacket,very light and warm even in minus 5c with a t shirt under it, 28 quid for a great winter jacket
In my experience, you'd notice maybe the zips were different quality. If you can't notice the difference, stop spending the money...
this test is quite strange. They are comparing jackets which in my opinion have different purposes. Rab is a technical jacket mainly for outdoor use but also for everyday use. Decathlon jacket in my opinion is only for everyday use or for the city.
I have experience with both and I confirm that both provide a lot of warmth, but the Rab definitely breathes better. Moreover, the outer material in the Rab jacket is more durable and has ripstop system. Moreover, the quality of fill is also different what we can see in the Decatholn jacket where after a year of use, the filling from the sleeves flowed to the bottom of the sleeves, in the Rab jacket there is no such effect.
Summarizing - for every day use I would take jacket from Dechatlon (price reason) for montaneering, hiking, traveling etc I would take Rab
Lived on n Norway for a while 10 years and having a loose to big jacket , you might as well wear a fashion item . The jackets should be tighter to the body to keep in the warmth as a protective barrier , oh did I say I’m also fully artic warfare trained 😊👍👍
The only time you would wear down cragging is belaying and going to the pub after. Down is for insulation not for wet weather.
A lot of these "high end " outdoor clothing are made in china,turkey or Vietnam.Not sure of this one but definitely saw that last weekend with a few expensive brands. Hardly worth it.
Will stick with my Helikon-Tex Wolfhound jacket. Doesn't matter if it gets water because its insulation retains some warmth even when wet, unlike down-based puffies.
Rab do have waxed feathers that do not soak up water and are designed to help water evaporate. With its outer materials having good water resistance rarely do you get soaked unless the weather is extreme.
Rab also make synthetic insulated jackets. In the UK these are often a better choice, depending on use and prevailing weather conditions
The rab was too big for John in the first test. I’ve owned both brands and for build quality and performance the rab has always been far superior especially last winter in Tromso high in the artic circle. 👌🏽
Really liked this comparison. Pity John , did not climb the wall 😂i really like decathlon.
Where's Daley Thompson?
Decathlon sells good affordable gear. My Basel CH Branch .. friendly service with an excellent no hassles exchange / warranty culture.
I have RAB microlight down jacket and it’s very good 👍
Decathaolon, had one a few years, packs down to nothing, combine with a French Army military surplus Gortex Jacket and you are set for any British weather winter or summer for less than £100, dont need Gucci gear.
Why does this ‘test’ not include any discussion about the materials, chemical use, where the down was sourced or where the products were made? RABs lifetime guarantee, Fair Wear membership, recycled PFC free materials and high quality suppliers put their jacket miles above the cheap Decathlon for anyone shopping with an ounce of awareness about where their clothes come from. Ridiculous irresponsible video.
Be intrested to see whete both are made as it could be the same place but a different name
You now need a long term test. Subject the jackets to years of abuse. And see how they are after 2. 3 and 5 years.
You've written Decathlon wrong in the title!
One is manufactured in the uk the other in Tunisia,no prizes for which one is the cheap product 😂
I'm 6'4" and all of Rab's stuff doesn't fit right on me. I tried one of their XL down jackets and it was too short with it barely covering my waist. I then I tried an XXL of the same jacket and it was the same length but just wider. So it looks to me like Rab are targetting short and fat people, which coincidentally are the people I see the most wearing their stuff.
Or maybe designed to work in conjunction with a climbing harness, as it is technical clothing designed with mtn use in mind
It Just goes to show the big brands are ripping customers off it wouldn't surprise me if the two jackeys came out of the same factory .the human race is so fickle i use a decathlon rucksack for hiking four to five times a year its has a ten year guarantee and only cost me sixty pounds and its a fantastic product,and you see all these fanboys with their certain branded gear spending ex amount ie a fortune to do exactly the same activities as me .
Rab is better quality than North Face.
Title says DecathAlon instead of Decathlon. Thx for the vid
Decathlon
*instead
Sorry, it was 2 am, in the dark :)@@DS-xg9kf
Your tummy compressed the down so it lost its thermal insulation
Oh no, don’t let the secret out decathlon will put their prices up :(
Massive price difference, negligible quality difference. Rab are well and truly called out.
Not exactly. One is designed and manufactured for the mass market whilst the other isn't.
had rab clothing it's crap had all the top name stuff and they all failed
The only jacket to never let me down is trespass
Rebecca is ❤
Buy a mountain equipment jacket far superior to either of the above products
I don’t see the comparison being balanced especially when the point was made by the woman that the cheaper was smaller and snugger fit, so the climbing aspect was bound to reveal that everything on the cheaper, needed to be slightly bigger, All told I think a poor representation of a comparison.
How about taking an average of people of different ages and fitness then couple that with realistic goals, the climbing, farce as those that are doing that as a living hobby are mostly the ones that create the high prices for little gain and the cheaper companies, haven’t cottoned on that with just that little more input, can achieve an equal or better product that sells more and gets a better result, instead of just giving the brand a 4 times greater return with similar materials.
Oh dear, oh dear.
No such thing as keeping dry
Rab brand clothing become well overpriced in last 2-3 years
After all that, people will still buy the RAB if they can afford it.
Waterproof jackets need to be knee length, not waist. Water runs down the jacket and wets your trousers through. Nothing worse than that.why do yo-yo think that paratroopers wear smocks that reach down to the knees, so that water is diverted away from your bottom half. I suppose that that wouldn’t be fashionable though with these designer brands.
Those jackets are disgusting, and i despise anyone who wears one.
Aesthetically disgusting or are you one of them vegans that likes painting things orange?
RAB……..Ripped off And Broke😂
3:14 tummy? Gee Whizz what is this, kindergarten TV? what happened to the word stomach, is that too complicated for today's general public?
Jon is probably part of the reason why the gadget show wasn't appealing to younger people. You should have kept the gadget show and replaced everyone with younger presenters.
Then they would lose the older viewers.
.....who often have more money to spare on leisure.@@flyerphil7708
Young people do not present as mature and most people cannot take them as seriously.
Ageist nonsense. Not so very wise a guy really.
@@flyerphil7708well now they've lost all the viewers, the show is cancelled.
who climbs in a puffy jacket with no shell? They should have had some legitimate outdoor enthusiasts test the jackets instead of these desk jockeys.