What´s The Difference Between Decathlon´s Quechua, Forclaz And Arpenaz Brands?

Quechua, Forclaz, and Arpenaz are 3 different brands produced by and sold solely by retail giant Decathlon.

All 3 brands focus on outdoor adventures but often customers don´t know the difference between each brand and what is the best choice for them.

In this article, we will look deeper into the 3 brands, explaining the differences between each one. Helping you to buy the best gear for your next adventure.

Let’s dive in…

Quechua – Decathlon´s Biggest Player

Quechua is Decathlon’s main outdoor brand, catering to a broad range of outdoor enthusiasts, from beginners to experienced adventurers.

The brand focuses on providing a diverse selection of products that cover various outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, trekking, and general outdoor exploration.

Quechua’s core philosophy is to balance performance, comfort, and affordability, making outdoor gear accessible to a wide range of individuals. Quechua products are designed to meet the needs of occasional or regular outdoor enthusiasts who seek reliable gear without breaking the bank.

Quechua offers a great range of products designed for different aspects of outdoor activities, including:

Backpacks

Quechua backpacks are designed to offer functionality and comfort while carrying gear during hikes, treks, or camping trips. They come in various sizes and designs, providing storage options, adjustable straps, and features like ventilation systems and water resistance.

Tents And Camping Equipment

Quechua offers a wide selection of tents suitable for different types of camping and outdoor adventures. These tents range from compact and lightweight options for backpacking to spacious family tents. They prioritize ease of setup, weather resistance, and durability, ensuring a comfortable and protected camping experience.

They also sell camping equipment such as:

Sleeping bags (mummy bags, rectangular bags, ultralight bags, etc.)
Camping furniture (camping chairs, tables, folding beds, etc.)
Camping accessories (camping stoves, cookware, coolers, water bottles, etc.)
Travel and camping accessories (pack covers, dry bags, camping pillows, etc.)

Sleeping Bags

Quechua sleeping bags are designed to provide warmth, comfort, and portability. They offer different temperature ratings to suit various climates and seasons, and they often incorporate features like insulation, hood designs, and compression sacks for easy packing.

Clothing

Quechua offers a range of outdoor clothing for men, women, and children. Their clothing line includes base layers, mid-layers, outerwear, and accessories like hats and gloves. The garments are designed to provide comfort, moisture-wicking properties, and protection from the elements.

Footwear

Quechua footwear encompasses hiking boots, walking shoes, and sandals suitable for different terrains and activities. The footwear is designed to provide comfort, support, and traction, allowing users to explore the outdoors with confidence

Quechua products undergo rigorous testing and quality control to ensure they meet the brand’s standards for performance, durability, and affordability. While they may not have the same level of advanced features or technical specifications as Forclaz, Decathlon’s premium brand, Quechua products still offer reliable performance and value for outdoor enthusiasts at different experience levels.

By focusing on accessibility and meeting the needs of a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, Quechua aims to inspire individuals to get outside, explore nature, and enjoy outdoor activities comfortably and affordably.

Forclaz – The Specalist´s Choice

Forclaz is Decathlon’s specialized brand that caters to experienced hikers, climbers, and trekkers who engage in challenging outdoor adventures.

The brand’s primary focus is on designing and manufacturing technical gear that can withstand extreme weather conditions and rugged terrains, ensuring optimal performance and durability in demanding environments.

Forclaz products are engineered with advanced features to meet the specific needs of mountaineers and high-altitude adventurers. Some of the key features you can expect from Forclaz gear include:

Weather Resistance: Forclaz products are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, wind, and low temperatures. They often incorporate waterproof or water-resistant materials, sealed seams, and high-quality insulation to keep users dry, warm, and protected in challenging environments.
Durability: Forclaz products are constructed with robust and durable materials to withstand rough handling, abrasion, and frequent use. This ensures that the gear can endure the rigors of mountaineering and high-altitude activities without compromising performance or integrity.
Technical Design: The design of Forclaz gear takes into account the specific needs of experienced outdoor enthusiasts. They feature ergonomic designs, adjustable components, and thoughtful details to enhance functionality, comfort, and ease of use. This includes features like reinforced straps, multiple attachment points, easy-access pockets, and adjustable ventilation systems.
Performance-enhancing Features: Forclaz products often incorporate specialized features that enhance performance in challenging conditions. This can include features like advanced traction systems in footwear, ergonomic harnesses in backpacks, specialized ventilation systems in jackets, and optimized insulation in sleeping bags to ensure optimal comfort and functionality.
Expert Input: Forclaz collaborates with professional athletes, mountaineers, and outdoor experts to develop and test their products. This input helps to ensure that the gear meets the specific demands of high-altitude activities and performs well in real-world scenarios.

The Forclaz Range

The Forclaz product range includes a variety of essential gear for mountaineering and high-altitude adventures. This includes backpacks with specialized harness systems, tents designed for extreme conditions, sleeping bags optimized for warmth and weight, jackets with advanced weatherproofing and insulation, and footwear engineered for traction and stability on rugged terrain.

By focusing on technical innovation, durability, and performance, Forclaz aims to provide experienced outdoor enthusiasts with reliable and high-quality gear that enhances their ability to tackle challenging expeditions and enjoy the thrill of mountaineering and high-altitude activities.

To know more about Forclaz and its different equipment levels click here

Arpenaz – Outdoors For Beginners

Arpenaz is Decathlon’s entry-level brand for outdoor activities and is a subcategory of Quechua.

It offers affordable gear primarily aimed at beginners, occasional hikers, and recreational campers. Arpenaz products are designed to provide basic functionality and comfort at budget-friendly prices.

While they may not have the same advanced features or technical specifications as the Forclaz or Quechua lines, they still offer decent quality for entry-level outdoor enthusiasts. The Arpenaz range includes products like tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, clothing, and basic footwear.

In Summary

Quechua: Versatile brand with reliable gear at a good value, suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities.
Forclaz: Premium brand with technical gear for experienced adventurers, designed for challenging outdoor conditions.
Arpenaz: Entry-level brand offering affordable gear for beginners and recreational campers, providing basic functionality and comfort.