Decathlon Quechua Forclaz 900 trekking trouser review

By Bharat Singh Bhadwal 10 April 2015

Decathlon’s Quechua Forclaz 900 are a pair of lightweight trekking trousers for men. At Rs. 3,999 they may seem expensive, but these trousers will last a casual hiker over five years. Their durability makes them exceptional value for money. Forclaz 900 resist wind, snow and rain fairly well. They do not feature convertible legs or vents and this makes them unsuitable for temperatures above 30 degrees C. Although not waterproof, they dry off quickly, which is a bonus for monsoon trekkers.

Introduction
Product Features
Missing features
Specifications
Field conditions
Fit
Features
Weather resistance
Durability
Conclusion
- Pros
- Cons

Introduction

Clothing is an often overlooked piece of gear for a novice backpacker. After spending hours researching the perfect backpack, shoes and tent; clothing often relegated to the last day’s quick ferret through the closet. Yet, trekking clothes are more than just a style statement. Every piece of clothing is your mobile shelter and the first line of defence against inclement weather and rough terrain.

Read our article on [clothing essentials]({% post_url 2015-09-17-Clothes-For-A-Himalayan-Trek %}) .

Product Features

Stretch fabric that contains 6% elastane.
Semi-elasticated waistband.
Belt loops. Synthetic belt with a plastic buckle.
“Equarea” fabric wicks perspiration and is quick drying.
Ripstop fabric for abrasion resistance.
Reinforced knees and bottom.
Machine washable and no ironing required.
Leg cuffs with two snaps. A tight and a loose setting.
Four zippered pockets.

Missing features

Cargo or deep pockets
Convertible legs
Vents

Specifications

Manufacturer – Decathlon (Quechua)
Model – Quechua Forclaz 900
Colour – Grey / Black
Weight – 390 grams
Size – 40 / M
Manufactured – 2015
Purchase – April 2015, Decathlon store, Zirakpur (Punjab)
Price – Rs. 3,999

Field conditions

Used for more than a year and for around fifty treks all over the Indian Himalayas. From Lower Himalayas to Dhauladhars, Pir Panjal and Kishtwar Himalayas. Elevation between 1800 to 4800 metres and across terrain ranging from mud to rock and snow. Worn in temperatures as low as -17 C and as high as 38 C.

Fit

Quechua Forclaz 900 are available in one colour: light grey with black panels. These trousers can double as casual lowers or work pants. We have worn them around town and on motorcycle tours and they do not feel out of place. As a reference a size 40/M fits an average male with a 31 waist.

The trouser waist is partially elasticised which allows a little leeway in waist sizes. The waist features a robust belt loop. A synthetic belt with a plastic buckle is provided to keep things snug. Yet, the belt is the first thing I away because because it digs in uncomfortably when I cinch a backpack’s hip belt over it.

The trousers are comfortable around the crotch and thighs. The cut is athletic and unlike baggy cargo pants, they do not flap in the wind. The fabric is easy on the skin and it will not scratch or rub you raw while wearing them. For most Indian males the length of the trousers is a little longer, especially if you hike in sandals.

Features

Forclaz 900 has four zippered pockets: two slash pockets in the front, a hip pocket and a rear pocket. I consider zippered pockets to be more important as trekking gear does not slip out inadvertently. All four pockets on these trousers are seam-taped and use YKK zippers. The seam sealing does not allow water to get in and the zipper does not snag on trouser fabric. This is an excellent design touch.

A rear pocket on trekking trousers seldom serves a useful purpose. It just gets in the way because on treks you need to frequently stretch, bend down or sit. It can be a potential hazard if you try to glissade with something valuable or hard in the rear pocket. I prefer a side pocket with a flap top for those oversized, frequently used items, instead of a rear pocket

The fabric for the trousers is 6% elastane and it has a slight horizontal stretch with hardly any vertical stretch. Although the trousers are not stretchy enough to go bouldering or to climb rocks with, yet they don’t constrict movement either.

My trekking trouser fit test (at the store) includes a set of squats and walking lunges. A correct fit should allow freedom of movement without chafing the crotch, thighs or hips.

The lower legs have a cuff and two snaps (a loose position and a tighter position) that allow the pant to be cinched around any hiking or mountaineering boot. However, there is a great deal of fabric around the trouser bottoms leading to an almost bell bottom effect. We can see the need for such a large amount of fabric because these pants must be compatible with heavier and stiffer high altitude boots, but it is a nuisance when walking barefoot around camp sites. Walking barefoot, the snap falls right under the heel and the trousers have to be hitched up every once in a while to keep the snap away from the heel. In winters, these cuffs trap snow when hiking.

Weather resistance

These trousers are laudable for their ability to wick sweat and dry quickly. Through warm summers, humid monsoons and cold winters and I was never hampered by accumulated sweat. I am so confident in their quick drying ability that this was the only pair of trousers I carried for my two week winter trekking expedition. I would wash these trousers (without soap) in a mountain stream and they would be good to wear in an hour. On most of my monsoon treks I carried a poncho and this meant that the trousers had to face a fair bit of rain. Note - these trousers are not waterproof and heavy rain will seep in. Yet, these trousers do not absorb water or become heavy. The athletic cut ensures that a waterproof shell easily fits over them. In winters, they block wind and have done well in shedding snow. These trousers and not insulated and are unsuited for extreme cold temperatures, unless combined with a inner layer. However, a long underwear fits comfortably underneath.

Durability

The trouser fabric is a ripstop polyamide and this is reinforced at the knees and at the bottom. After an year of trekking, the only wear these trousers have to show is a broken metal snap button on the lower left leg (still works though) and a few small snips.

The seams have all held well and even glissading over snow has left no visible scars or tears across the reinforced bottom. The stitching is good as new and all zippers and snap buttons work well. This makes these trousers extremely durable in my book.

However, after an year of use the fabric has lost its water shedding ability and it doesn’t repel water just as easily. Similarly the trouser fabric starting to hold stains now.

Leg cuff snap broken, probably as a result of slipping below the heel when walking barefoot.

Conclusion

Quechua Forclaz 900 / Bionassay Pant 500 are an extremely durable pair of trekking trousers. Comfortable between 0 and 35 degrees C, these trousers make an excellent companion for mountain trekking. The biggest flaw with these trousers is the leg cuff design which catches snow in winters and is a nuisance when walking barefoot. Other than the leg cuff there is little to complain. The trousers are hydrophobic and do a good job at resisting wind, and snow. Although these trousers are not waterproof they do not absorb water and are quick to dry off. Some people may be put off by the price but these trousers are less than half the weight of a regular pair of denims and will last twice as long.