Forclaz MT500 Air Sleeping Pad Review

Overview

The Forclaz MT500 Air is Decathlon’s entry-level inflatable trekking pad. It is a 2-inch-thick, mouth-inflated mattress that sells for roughly the price of a night in a hostel. It suits summer backpackers and first-time buyers who want a real air pad without paying premium-brand prices. The trade-off is warmth: at R-1.5, this pad is built for mild nights and little else.

Key Specs

Spec	Value
Weight	600 g (21.2 oz) including carry bag
Mattress-only weight	585 g (20.6 oz)
Dimensions	195 × 60 × 5 cm (77 × 24 × 2 in)
Packed size	2.4 L
R-value	1.5 (ASTM F3340-18)
Temperature rating	Above 8°C / 46°F
Fabric	57% TPU, 43% polyester
Inflation	Mouth, two-way valve with non-return function
Price	Around $50 / €50 / £45

Performance

Comfort. This is where the MT500 Air earns its good reviews. At 2 inches, it is thick enough that owners report not feeling the ground, and the bi-valve system lets sleepers press the “In” valve to dump a little air and soften the surface. Customer reviews on Decathlon’s site run to about 4.5 stars across more than 1,500 ratings. The most common praise is that it packs small and sleeps better than its price suggests. Silicone anti-slip dots on the top surface keep a slick sleeping bag from creeping off during the night. One reviewer wanted the same grip on the underside, since the pad can skate a little against a tent floor.

Insulation. The R-1.5 rating is certified to the ASTM F3340-18 standard, so it is directly comparable to Therm-a-Rest and Sea to Summit numbers. On that scale, it is a warm-weather pad. Decathlon itself rates it for temperatures above 8°C (46°F). A Reddit owner reports sleeping on the pad down to freezing, but adds that it “wasn’t really that nice.” Hikers expecting shoulder-season nights should plan on a foam pad underneath (a cut-down Z-fold is a popular pairing among Decathlon owners) or choose a warmer pad. Decathlon sells an insulated version in the same family at a higher price and weight.

Weight and packability. At 600 g, this longer, wider size sits well above the pads that ultralight regulars favor, and the cost shows up in the pack. Forum users note that the shorter Large version, listed at 510 g, is not in the same league as a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite on weight or warmth. The roughly $50 price is the point: for a fraction of the cost, the MT500 Air delivers most of the comfort. The 2.4 L packed volume is about the size of a large water bottle and disappears into most packs. The 24-inch width gives side sleepers more room than the 20-inch tapered pads in the ultralight category.

Inflation and handling. Owners describe it as quick to inflate by mouth, helped by the non-return valve that stops air from escaping between breaths. Deflation is similarly painless, and reviewers who compared it to other air mattresses called setup and takedown quick. Owners rarely report punctures or leaks in positive reviews, though the thin TPU-laminated polyester is not a fabric for brambles or rocky bivy sites. One buyer who picked up a discounted Forclaz inflatable from the same range found the fabric thinner than expected and doubted its longevity, a reasonable concern at this price.

Noise. Owners rarely mention crinkling, a common complaint with budget air pads.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very low price for a full-length, 2-inch air pad
• Adjustable firmness via the bi-valve system
• Silicone grip dots on top hold a sleeping bag in place
• Packs to 2.4 L
• Wider than most ultralight pads, which suits side sleepers
• Certified ASTM R-value, so the number can be trusted

Cons

• R-1.5 limits it to summer and mild-weather use
• At 600 g, it weighs more than premium pads, which run lighter
• No grip on the underside, so it can slide on a tent floor
• Thin fabric calls for careful site selection
• Mouth inflation only; no pump sack included

Who Should Buy This

The MT500 Air is for summer hikers, bikepackers, hostel-and-hut travelers, and anyone upgrading from a foam pad who wants comfort at minimal cost. It also suits as a backup or guest pad. It is a poor choice for thru-hikers who will see cold nights, for gram-counters chasing a sub-400 g sleep system, and for anyone camping near freezing without a second pad underneath.

Verdict

The MT500 Air does the one thing it is built for: it gives summer campers a comfortable, packable bed for about $50. The low R-value and mid-pack weight keep it out of the thru-hiking conversation, but for warm-weather trips it is among the best values in sleeping pads.