We all know the UK weather can be totally unpredictable; July 2022 saw us in the middle of a 35-40 degrees heatwave and drought, and July 2023 was the wettest, chilliest July for years. Whether you’re going hiking in the fells or attending a festival, a reliable waterproof jacket is a must in the UK, and the Decathlon Quechua MH500 and Decathlon Quechua MH900 waterproof jackets prove you don’t need to pay a fortune for good quality weather protection.
How to choose a good waterproof jacket
Choosing the right waterproof jacket for your outdoor adventures can be a daunting task, especially with the massive variety on offer. Here are a few of the key features that we believe you should consider.
Purpose
The first thing you need to weigh up is the purpose of the jacket. Are you looking for a jacket for summer or winter adventures? Do you need it for festivals, hiking, camping, climbing, urban, cycling or a combination? Thinking about the purpose of the jacket will help you narrow down your options. The Quechua MH500 and Quechua MH900 are versatile jackets that are ideal for a number of situations from festivals, dog walking and urban use, right through to country rambles, hill walking and hiking in the fells.
Material and construction
The material and construction of a waterproof jacket are obviously crucial to its effectiveness. Look for jackets made with high-quality waterproof and breathable fabrics. These materials are designed to keep you dry while allowing heat/moisture to escape, keeping you comfortable during physical activity. We find that 3-layer jackets perform well, in terms of being waterproof, yet breathable.
Breathability and ventilation
Breathability and ventilation are important factors to consider when choosing a waterproof jacket, especially if you plan to be wearing the jacket when out on physically demanding adventures, such as hiking or backpacking. Look for jackets with pit zips or other ventilation options to allow for airflow and prevent overheating. Jackets such as the MH500 and MH900, with their breathable 3 layer system and ventilation pit zips, are ideal.
Durability and waterproofing
A good waterproof jacket should be durable to provide adequate protection from the elements. Look for jackets made with high-quality, durable materials that can withstand wear and tear.
A decent, adjustable hood is essential, ideally one with a peak to keep rain off your face and glasses.
Consider the level of waterproofing, which is usually measured in millimetres of water per square inch (mm/H2O). A higher rating means the jacket can withstand more water pressure before it starts to let moisture in. The two Decathlon jackets we are featuring in this article both measure 25,000mm which is ideal for the UK’s wet weather.
Some jackets may also have a durable water repellent (DWR) coating to help water bead off the surface of the jacket.
Finally, look for jackets with taped seams and waterproof zips to prevent water from seeping in through the stitching.
Comfort and fit
Comfort and fit are important factors when choosing a waterproof jacket. Look for jackets that fit well and allow for a full range of motion.
A slim fit jacket can be good, in terms of not flapping about everywhere and getting caught on things (especially if climbing, scrambling or getting over stiles, etc), but you may want to consider sizing up if you want to fit a layer or two underneath when it gets chilly.
You might also want to think about the weight of the jacket. A lightweight, packable jacket can be more convenient if you’re hiking up a mountain, whereas if the waterproof jacket is for dog walks, popping into town and festivals, then weight isn’t so important.
Some outdoor jackets, such as the Quechua MH500 and Quechua MH900, offer adjustable hoods, cuffs, and a waist drawcords to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Additional features
Finally, think about any additional features you might need, such as extra pockets.
Decathlon Quechua MH500 and Decathlon Quechua MH900 waterproof jackets
Let’s take a look at the main features of the Decathlon Quechua MH500 and Decathlon Quechua MH900 waterproof jackets:
Decathlon Quechua MH500
The Decathlon Quechua MH500 is a 3 layer waterproof jacket that offers superb value for money. It fits well and is waterproof, lightweight and breathable.
It’s a slim fit jacket with raglan sleeves and good stretch properties (thanks to its 13% elastane) giving plenty of freedom of movement during your hikes. The jacket also has a lovely soft feel.
A warm layer, such as a fleece or light padded jacket, can be worn underneath (depending on your build you might need to size up). Its inner membrane protects you from both the rain and wind in the mountains.
It has pit zips for breathability and comes with a drawcord at the jacket hem, adjustable sleeves and adjustable hood with peak. The Quechua MH500 has 2 zipped hand pockets, 1 zipped inside pocket, 1 inside pocket.
Decathlon Quechua MH500
Mens
Decathlon Quechua MH500
Womens
Quechua MH500 features
- Waterproof (25,000mm)
- 3 layer
- Slim fit
- Range of colours
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Freedom of movement
- Pit zips
- Hem drawcord
- Adjustable sleeves
- Adjustable hood
- 2 outer pockets
- 2 zipped outer hand pockets
- 2 inner pockets
- 1 zipped inner pocket
- 1 non-zipped inner pocket
CHECK PRICE Decathlon Quechua MH500 (mens)
CHECK PRICE Decathlon Quechua MH500 (womens)
Decathlon Quechua MH900
The Decathlon Quechua MH900 is the big sister/brother of the MH500. It is also a slim fit, 3 layer waterproof jacket that offers superb value for money and a few more features than the MH500. Again it is waterproof, lightweight, breathable and soft.
The main differences between the MH500 and MH900 are that the MH900 is a little more robust with the reinforcements to shoulders, cuffs and hips; has better breathability due to longer pit zips; has a more technical hood; has waterproof zips; and more pockets. However, the MH500 comes in a range of colours, whereas the MH900 has just the one colour. The MH500 is cheaper too.
The three layers protect you from both the rain and wind when you’re out hiking. The MH900 offers the same great freedom of movement as the MH500 thanks to its 13% elastane. It has extra long pit zips for breathability and comes with a drawcord at the jacket hem and adjustable sleeves. The hood is a better than the one on the MH500. It has a deep cut and a 3 point adjustment system that is adjustable in one movement thanks to just one drawcord and tightening part. The hood also has a visor for maximum face protection.
Decathlon Quechua MH900
Mens
Decathlon Quechua MH900
Womens
Quechua MH900 features
- Waterproof (including waterproof zips) (25,000mm)
- 3 layer
- Slim fit
- One colour: Carbon Grey / Black
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Freedom of movement
- Abrasion resistance
- Extra long pit zips
- Hem drawcord
- Adjustable sleeves
- 3D adjustable hood
- 4 outer pockets
- 2 zipped outer hand pockets
- 2 zipped outer chest pockets
- 3 inner pockets
- 1 zipped inner pocket
- 2 non-zipped inner pocket
CHECK PRICE Decathlon Quechua MH900 (mens)
CHECK PRICE Decathlon Quechua MH900 (womens)
Related: Heading into the hills? Check out our Choosing the best GPS for hiking, wild-camping or backpacking article for some great tips on staying safe. Also, don’t forget to take care of your knees! There are some great bargain walking poles in our Best budget trekking poles article.
Decathlon Quechua MH500 and Decathlon Quechua MH900 waterproof jackets – summary
The Decathlon Quechua MH500 and Decathlon Quechua MH900 waterproof jackets are really good value jackets. The quality of build, the fit and the functionality of these jackets is right up there with the best when you consider that these are classed as budget friendly. Which would we recommend? Well either really – depending on what you plan to use it for. If you want a jacket that is for festivals and country walks then the Quechua MH500 is ideal – especially if you like the different colours on offer. If you want a few more technical features and plan to do more hiking, possibly in the fells of the Lake District, Peak District and Snowdonia then the Quechua MH900 is probably the one we’d go for. It’s just got those extra touches that go a long way when you’re in the hills. Yes, the MH900 costs a bit more than the MH500, but it’s not a lot more and the added benefits are worth it in our opinion, especially if you’re into your hiking and backpacking.
