Decathlon

Decathlon has grown from a single store in Lille, France, in 1976 to become the world’s most widespread sports and outdoor retailer — a global giant operating thousands of stores across more than 60 countries. Despite their size, Decathlon has remained focused on making outdoor adventure more accessible to more people, offering a vast range of affordable, well-designed gear for activities ranging from hiking and camping to cycling, climbing, running and beyond.

A huge part of Decathlon’s success lies in their unique structure. Rather than relying solely on big third-party brands, Decathlon operates a stable of in-house labels — such as Quechua, Forclaz, Simond and Triban — allowing them to design, test and sell their own gear at highly competitive prices. Their massive scale also enables an extensive product testing programme, with thousands of real-world users trialling gear before it ever hits the shelves. This feedback loop shows in the practicality of much of their kit, which often hits an impressive balance between price, functionality and durability.

In recent years, Decathlon has made major strides in sustainability too. They’ve launched products specifically designed to be easier to repair, introduced ranges made with reduced environmental impact, and removed unnecessary dyes from gear like the Forclaz MT900 trekking pole tent. Their commitment to longer warranties — often far exceeding industry norms — is another clear sign of a company looking to do better by both its users and the planet.

In our experience, Decathlon gear is rarely the most premium or specialised, but for the price, it’s hard to beat. Whether you’re just starting your outdoor journey or you’re an experienced adventurer looking for reliable, affordable backup kit, there’s usually something in their vast lineup that will fit the bill.

If you’re searching for the best Decathlon gear for British adventures, our Decathlon gear reviews cover everything from tents and sleeping bags to fleeces, waterproofs and rucksacks — all properly tested across real-world UK conditions.