Forclaz MT100 hiking poles
As basic as a hiking pole can get, asides from a stick you pick up, the Forclaz MT100 poles are a great first hiking pole to try out if you are on the fence with using poles. Here are all the features, and how they performed for me.
I love hiking poles, and everybody that is still debating, I always encourage to try some out. The next up or down hill part, will not seem so daunting anymore for your knees armed with some poles. And you can use them to literally pull and push yourself up a mountain.
Even with flat or easy terrain, they can help keep your pace, and make sure all the blood does not sink into your hands and make them swell up. All in all, hiking with poles is cooler, and you won’t find me without anymore.
Decathlon home brand and price
Forclaz is the “home” brand of Decathlon, and is a solid budget performer in many cases, oftentimes a bit heavier or more basic than pro grade gear. But you get a lot for your money.
For the price, which at the time of writing this review, is only €6,99 for 1 pole, its basically a no brainer for anybody looking to try out a hiking pole or poles for their next hike.
I even got lucky, and found 1 of these on the train tracks at the German Austrian border while on vacation in Garmisch. So after using the single pole for a bit, I decided to just get a second one for my Camino Ingles and Fisterra thru hikes in April of 2026. Since my Leki’s wore out and started collapsing during hikes.
Features
The features of the MT100’s are basic, and give you everything you need, and nothing more. If you are a tall dude or like to go higher than 120 cm for your hiking poles, then you will have to look elsewhere, with my 1.88 m, the poles are fine, and I have them set for 120 cm all the time. If you can, try them out in your local Decathlon, and ideally have them set so your elbow is resting at 90 degrees when standing the pole right next to you.
Weight
The weight is pretty light, and therefore great for longer journeys, or when trying to keep the backpack light. With just 408 gram for the set of poles, or 204 grams for one. (14.39 ounces)
Pack size
Collapsed down they measure in at 54 cm, and can extend out to a max of 120 cm as mentioned. They fit inside easily in my MacPac 65 liter backpack. And should still fit in ok to round about 45 liter backpacks I suspect.
Adjusting and locking system
Often seen on basic hiking poles like these, is the simple and therefore quite fast and easy to use system of locking pins that lock the pole into place at the desired size. You get 4 sizes to choose from and starts at 105 cm, and ends with 120cm.
Play around with it on different terrain and it should show itself what works best for you.
Although less flexible and less specific than the other locking or adjustestment systems you find on other poles, I actually prefer it in many situations. Less to go wrong with a simple system like this. And it means that it is also faster to deploy. Something I find myself doing a lot when doing hikes like the Camino de Santiago.
Where stowing and deploying the hiking sticks take place I think at least 5 times a day. When always hiking in the bush, or untouched nature like you have in other places in the world, this will be less of an issue.
Grip
The grip of these is basic, but comfortable, don’t expect any fancy handles for this price point. But they are comfortable. The wrist system is limited to a piece of rope, if you like having your wrist straps a bit more padded and comfortable then I suggest looking at a bit more expensive models of hiking poles.
For what it is its fine, I tend to not use the wrist strap system in any case, and find it more bothersome than helpful in a lot of cases. But this is also personal preference.
Conclusion
If you are on the fence about hiking poles, and want to try them out for cheap before deciding to spring on a nice set, than this is the hiking pole for you. Try them out, see if you like the rhythm and movement of hiking with poles, wear them out. Then invest in some nice ones.
Check them out at your local Decathlon in the hiking section, or order them online via the Decathlon website.
Happy hiking and Hike for Purpose!
Frank
I'm Frank, the main guy and owner of this website. Loves hiking, gear and bushcraft. And can get quite nerdy about them. In the woods several times a week preparing for my next hike. Always searching for another hill, which is quite difficult in the Netherlands. That's why I search around several countries. More about me on the about page.
