Decathlon Forclaz 50+10 Hiking Backpack Review 2026

💰 Best Value — Top-Rated Budget Trekking Pack Under ¥500

The Decathlon Forclaz 50+10 is a juggernaut in the Chinese budget hiking backpack market. On JD.com, it has accumulated over 12,000+ reviews with a 93% positive rating. At just ¥399, this expandable pack challenges backpacks costing 2-3 times more. Users consistently praise the comfortable suspension system and versatile organization, though the weight and lack of a hydration port are common complaints.

Introduction

A good multi-day hiking backpack needs to balance weight, comfort, organization, and durability — and do it affordably. Decathlon’s Forclaz 50+10 aims to deliver all four with a adjustable torso system, expandable lid storage, and a robust frame. It’s designed for weekend to week-long treks where you need 50-60 liters of capacity.

We loaded up the Forclaz for a 4-day hike through the Tiger Leaping Gorge area, carrying roughly 15kg of gear. We also tested it on day hikes with lighter loads to evaluate the compression system and fit.

Specifications

Spec	Detail
Capacity	50L + 10L (expandable top + side pockets)
Weight	1.65 kg
Suspension	Adjustable torso (38-55cm) with aluminum frame
Back Panel	Mesh foam with airflow channel
Hip Belt	Padded, adjustable, with zippered pockets
Material	210D Nylon + 420D HD Nylon (base)
Access	Top loading + side zipper
Hydration	Internal sleeve (no port hole)
Rain Cover	Included
Price (JD)	¥399 (~$55 USD)

Competitors: Osprey Levity 45 (¥1,699), Gregory Zulu 55 (¥1,499), Naturehike 50L (¥329)

Design and Build

The Forclaz 50+10 uses a traditional top-loading design with a drawstring closure and a floating lid with two zippered pockets. The “+10” comes from the expandable collar that can be extended for extra capacity. A full-length side zipper provides access to the main compartment without digging through the top — essential for reaching items packed at the bottom.

The suspension system is the standout feature. The aluminum frame transfers weight effectively to the padded hip belt. The torso length is adjustable across a generous range (38-55cm) using a simple Velcro panel — no tools required. The mesh back panel sits away from your spine, promoting airflow.

Performance

Load Carrying: With 15kg loaded, the pack carries well. The hip belt (thickly padded with integrated foam) transfers roughly 70-80% of weight to the hips. The shoulder straps are S-curved and don’t dig into the neck. The load lifter straps at the top of the shoulder straps are functional but could be more effective.

Organization: The lid pocket is roomy enough for a rain jacket, snacks, and a map. The hip belt pockets fit a phone and energy bars. The side mesh pockets stretch to hold 1L water bottles but aren’t secure enough for trail running. The internal sleeve lacks a dedicated hydration port — you’ll need to route the tube through the top closure.

Durability: The 210D body fabric is adequate for trail use but we recommend using the included rain cover in wet conditions. The 420D base panel held up well when we set the pack down on rocky ground. After 4 days of use, no stitching failures or abrasion damage.

What Chinese Users Say

“Bought this for a 5-day self-guided trek in Tibet. Carried 12-15kg comfortably. The adjustable torso made a huge difference in fit. The side zipper access is brilliant — I could grab my rain jacket without unpacking everything. Only downside: no hydration port, so I had to improvise.”

— @trekker_yang, JD.com Verified Purchase ★★★★★

“Third Forclaz 50+10 in my family. We each have one. For ¥399, the build quality is frankly amazing. My 2019 model is still going strong after countless trips. The mesh back panel does help with sweat, but no backpack can keep your back completely dry on hot days.”

— @loyal_customer_liu, JD.com Verified Purchase ★★★★★

“Good pack for the price but it’s heavy at 1.65kg. My friend’s Osprey Exos is 1.1kg and carries better. But it costs 4x more. The lack of a hydration port is annoying — I had to cut a small hole in the mesh to route my CamelBak tube.”

— 小红薯用户@徒步装备深度测评, Xiaohongshu Note

“Used this for day hikes and overnighters. The compression straps work well to reduce bulk when not fully loaded. The hip belt pockets are a bit small — my iPhone 15 Pro Max barely fits. Overall very satisfied for the price.”

— @day_hiker_wang, JD.com Verified Purchase ★★★★

Purchase Recommendations

Who should buy: Budget-conscious multi-day trekkers, beginners building their first gear kit, and weekend warriors who need a capable 50L pack without spending Osprey money.

Who should skip: Ultralight backpackers (1.65kg is heavy), hikers who need a hydration port, or anyone needing frequent access to the main compartment without top-loading.

Recommendation tiers:

• Best Value: Decathlon Forclaz 50+10 — ¥399
• Ultralight Option: Osprey Levity 45 — ¥1,699
• Budget Pick: Naturehike 50L — ¥329, lighter but less feature-rich

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Excellent load transfer to hip belt
• Adjustable torso for proper fit
• Side zipper provides mid-pack access
• Included rain cover
• Great value for the price

Cons:

• Heavy at 1.65kg empty
• No hydration port
• Hip belt pockets are small
• Side mesh pockets not secure for running

FAQ

1. What’s the maximum recommended load weight? Decathlon recommends up to 15kg. The suspension system handles this well. Exceeding 18kg is not recommended — the hip belt padding becomes insufficient.

2. Is the torso adjustment easy to use? Yes — it uses a simple Velcro panel system. Peel back the back panel Velcro, slide the frame to your torso length, and press to reattach. Takes about 1 minute.

3. Can I use it for airplane carry-on? No — at 60-65cm height (fully packed), it exceeds most airline carry-on limits. Check dimensions for your specific airline.

4. Does it come with a rain cover? Yes — a bright orange rain cover is included and stored in a small pocket at the base of the pack.

5. How does it compare to the older Forclaz 50? The 50+10 adds the expandable collar, improved hip belt pockets, and a lighter frame. It’s a significant upgrade over the previous generation.

Verdict

The Decathlon Forclaz 50+10 proves that serious multi-day hiking doesn’t require a serious budget. The suspension system is genuinely comfortable under load, the expandable capacity adds versatility, and the build quality inspires confidence. The missing hydration port and 1.65kg weight are real drawbacks, but at ¥399, the value proposition is undeniable.

Score: 4.3/5 ⭐