Guides and advices

Whether you’re going for a walk, a mountain hike, a fast hike or trekking over several days, the backpack is your ideal companion.

Need some hiking gaiters, but would like some help choosing the right size and model? Find out about the different uses for gaiters, the size and height you need and how to put them on.

You are going on a trek and you need a pair of boots! But you need more detailed information to be able to choose them.You are in the right place!

Climbing is a sport that brings you very close to nature. Find out how you can climb, while protecting the natural environment at the same time.

A short hike in Switzerland, or a trek lasting several days in Lapland? Discover some of the most beautiful spots on the old continent.

Climbing helmet offer protection from falling rocks, objects dropped by other climbers or stationary objects, such as the rock face in a fall.

The rope is the key element of the entire safety chain. This article will help you to choose your ropes.

The harness is an essential item of climbing equipment. It is the vital link between your body, the rope, the quickdraws, and finally the cliff.

Selecting appropriate climbing shoes is one of the most difficult choices of climbing equipment you can make. Discover the mains characteristics.

You can't remember how long your rope is? Discover the different techniques to answer this question!

You need ice axes ? Read this article to know how to choose them? There is two essential components: a pick and a shaft

Number of points, binding systems, anti-balling, read this article to know how to choose crampons

Not sure how to maintain your technical wear? Waterproof jackets, climbing trousers and down jackets require different treatment to your classic city wear. Here are the golden rules for ensuring they perform well for as long as possible. 

Strap-on or semi-auto? 10 or 12 points? There are different types of crampons...

D-shape or HMS, screwgate or auto-locking... there are many different types of climbing carabiner.

For your mountain adventures, you’ll need to carry your equipment with you. Ropes, cleats, helmet, harness, carabiners and quickdraws... It’s not always simple carrying all of your equipment. So, you need a bag but don’t know which to choose? Let us help you make the right choice.

A carabiner is a climber’s best friend. It is used to belay, to attach the rope, to tie-in, to abseil, etc.

You have to be well equipped to go hiking with your kid. Check out how to choose the best baby carrier for your activity.

Shake off the stereotypes about competition and throw yourself into a joyful, challenging world of sports.

Magaly Charluet (aka "the Koala") is a passionate climbing instructor. I had the opportunity to talk to her about her way of life: climbing. Find out more here about this activity that’s full of educational benefits and great for physical and mental development.

We're making the most of winter to try our hand at ten exciting sporting activities, from HYROX and fat biking to fitness boxing, pickleball and indoor climbing.

Your backpack gets lugged around everywhere with you – subjected to rain and dust, dumped on the grass, shoved into the bus, etc. So it's no wonder it could do with a bit of TLC. There are a few things to be aware of when washing your backpack. Read on to find out more...

Information and bookings for visiting the SIMOND site in Chamonix, Mont Blanc. Design centre for climbing and mountaineering equipment.

Off on a climbing expedition, going on routes or boulders, and looking for the right bag to carry everything you need? Find out how to choose your climbing bag!

Check out our tips for bivouacking in the great outdoors in winter, from choosing your equipment to deciding on the location.

Discover the secrets of the water bladder, a little-known accessory that is essential for all outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Need to get started or replace your rock climbing or mountaineering gear? We’re here to help you choose!

The stove, whether gas, gasoline, multi-fuel or even wood, is an essential piece of equipment for all outdoor activities.

Power, battery, beam width, waterproofing, functions: it is not always easy to choose the right headlamp. To find the best headlamp, the one that will perfectly suit your needs, follow our guide!

Do you want to buy a padded jacket to go trekking or hiking but don't know which one to choose? Check out our advice for choosing the right padded jacket!

Looking after your equipment properly means extending its lifespan: washing, drying, re-waterproofing, storing and repairing … we tell you everything you need to know!

The design of a backpack

Forclaz is the Decathlon's brand dedicated to multi-day itinerant hiking: the trekking.

Forclaz and Simond, a new shared history. Decathlon trekking equipment, now in Simond colours.

Our tips for before, after and during a trek!

Whatever your destination, you will find something here in our article to help you choose the tent and bivouac accessories to suit you.

Do you need to repair a hole in your rainwear? But you don't know how to go about it? Please find our answers to your questions in this advice post.

Can you hear the mountains calling to you to set off on your first trek? Here is our checklist of essential items!

A backpack is indispensable for trekking and hiking! Check out our tips to make your favourite walking companion last longer!

Once you've found the right fit, you want to enjoy your boots for as long as possible! Find out how to wash, lubricate, repair and store your hiking boots!

As a seasoned trekker, you indulged yourself by treating yourself to a nice feather down jacket. As a novice trekker, you’ve opted for feathers and down that will keep you warm while out hiking. Whether you’re one or the other, your goal is to keep your padded jacket as long as possible. Follow our advice to enjoy your jacket for many years to come!

Looking after your down sleeping bag is how you ensure it lasts long and retains its thermal comfort!

Wondering how to apply your mosquito repellent properly? If the sunscreen comes before or after? Check out our tips to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

You have sorted out your climbing kit and realised that the time has come to dispose of this rope that is damaged or too old to be used. Recycle it!

Have you bought new mountaineering crampons and don't know how to switch from semi-auto to auto and vice versa? We will explain everything!

Do you love your merino wool garment and want to keep it for as long as possible? Find out how to wash merino wool, store it properly and fix a snag!

The adjustment system on your poles is not visible? That’s because it is equipped with an extension system. Follow the advice of Romain, our engineer, to use it properly and tighten it if necessary.

Comfortable feet come from having properly laced shoes. Here's how you do it.

Food is a key point when preparing for a backpacking adventure. Freeze-dried meals are a popular choice for trekkers, offering a nutritious and easily transportable alternative.

With an Indian summer, you will feel the urge to make the most of the final days of good weather. So, follow us to discover all of our autumn bivouacking secrets.

Find out how to choose the height of hiking poles, adopted by many walking enthusiasts to improve comfort and performance

A delicious trekking recipe to carry in your backpack for a yummy bivouac experience!

You always have cold hands when trekking? Find out how to get the right gear!

An easy-to-prepare dehydrated recipe for food lovers going on a bivouac!

Taking a trip to Japan is a unique experience: the land of the rising sun is certainly a land of contrasts and extremes with many magnificent treks.

Do you dream of touring Italy on foot? Check out our selection of the best hiking or trekking destinations in Italy!

From Argentina to Peru, Colombia to Chile, and Brazil to the Equator, South America truly is an immense El Dorado for any fans of travelling and adventure. One thing is for sure: Exploring this incredibly diverse continent won't leave you disappointed.

Welcome to trekking paradise in Europe. Along the paths that lead to the Austrian peaks, you’ll discover beautiful rocky Alpine landscapes.

Want to explore Europe and its mountains with your family or friends? Here are our top 6 favourite trekking routes!

Reunion Island is the ultimate hiker's paradise. I dreamt of walking across the island from north to south, following the "GR R2", and I did it! Shall I tell you about it?

During your travels, you'll discover a land with millenia-old history, and with unrivalled natural and architectural heritage. You'll escape the crowds as you take the pathways of Pirin, Rila or Vitocha National Parks.

The second-largest island in the world, Greenland is almost entirely covered by a huge ice cap. Straddling the Arctic Circle, this wild and unspoilt country is a favourite for trekkers who love the far north. Go for a hike on a glacier. Sail at the foot of the icebergs. Discover Inuit culture. Pack your backpack now and let's go on a trip to Greenland together!

From Santiago de Compostela to the beaches of the Costa Brava, from the volcanoes of the Canary Islands to the mountains of Aragon, explore Spain thanks to 5 unforgettable trekking ideas.

The ideal playing field for trekkers, Albania is a land of contrasts, where the sea and the mountains constantly clash. Thanks to its wide open unspoiled spaces and very rich historical and cultural heritage, this little-known country will not fail to amaze you.

Hiking around the green isle is one of the best ways to let yourself get caught up in the breathtaking beauty of Connemara, get lost in the rolling hills of Kerry, or visit the bustling city of Dublin, the country's capital.

Prepare your trip by discovering our 5 suggestions for treks in Canada. Get on board now!

This is an unmissable destination for hikers around the world. To help you get ready for your trip, discover our 5 top ideas for trekking in Bolivia.

Blisters are a trekker's worst enemy.​ ​Follow us to find out how to avoid them!

Land of trekking par excellence, discover our selection of treks to experience in Argentina, between mountains, glaciers and pampas!

Despite being relatively unknown and unassuming, Guatemala is a fascinating country with an absolutely unique historical, architectural and natural heritage.

Your bivouac needs to be well-prepared before pitching your tent in the middle of nature! Choice of equipment, location, preliminary information, practical advice: this guide will allow you step-by-step to combine safety and pleasure for your future nights spent outdoors.

Advice for those who want to scale the heights: Jean-Louis shares his trekking experience with his Mont Pelat climb and amazing view over the Mercantour National Park! A route shared with the marmots, antelopes and a good group of friends.

Surrounded by the splendours of the Queyras Regional Natural Park, Olivier takes us on a simple and physically demanding itinerary! The aim? The ascent of the Grand Glaiza and its magnificent views of the surrounding mountain ranges!

Trekking differently is everyone’s business. It's everyone’s responsibility to adopt a more environmentally friendly approach to be able to keep on enjoying our planet’s natural spaces to the full. The aim of this guide is to share good practices around trekking.

Do you want to check that you are using the external lock on your pole correctly? Follow the advice of Romain, our engineer.

Protect yourself from any potential downpours while you’re out hiking. This guide helps you to choose the ideal rain poncho for your trips.

The criteria that apply to choosing the right size of backpack are very important, irrespective of how you use it. Find out how to choose the right size.

Are you looking for advice or ideas for your meals on a trek? We explain all you need to know.

Whether you’re sleeping under the stars, in a tent or mountain hut, your sleeping bag is one of the essential pieces of equipment for long hikes to take in your backpack. It’s important to choose a model suitable for the weather conditions you’re likely to face.

In the mountains, it is crucial to adjust and lace your shoes correctly, for your comfort and safety. To be well supported during the entire hike, uphill and downhill.

Are you hesitating about going on a trek because you’re due to have your period during the trip? The girls from team Forclaz, are on it and share with you their solutions for trekking even when you have your period!

Merino wool is soft, it prevents odours and it regulates your temperature, making it the ideal material for thermal clothing and underwear.

As a hiker or trekker, softshell is an important element of your equipment. So much so that its choice is going to be crucial. So just for you, here is the complete guide to choosing the right hiking softshell!

Follow our advice on how to prolong the lifespan of your tent and ensure long nights.

The adjustment system of your pole is not visible? That’s because it is equipped with an extension system. Follow the advice of Romain, our engineer, to use it well and possibly tighten it.

Does your hiking jacket seem to have lost some of its waterproofing ability over time? Don't panic! Here's how to return it to optimal performance for dry hiking!

The hiking water bottle you need for your finest excursions. We give you advice on how to maintain it to extend its lifespan.

Does your extender pole have the anti-shock feature? Follow the advice of Romain, our engineer, to find out how to activate or de-activate this system